Page 21 of Revisions

“Yes, Jess. Candace, you need someone outside this loop to talk to. Cassidy is part of the administration now. You need someone who isn’t in your political life—someone outside this?—”

“Mouse house?” I ask lightly. I hear Jameson cough. “Mm. I know you feel trapped sometimes.”

“So do you.”

“Fair,” I agree.

“Don’t second guess your instincts,” Jameson says. “You’ve wanted to bring Grant back for a while. You need his help. And he wants to help.”

Jameson is right. My hesitation isn’t because I fear resistance from those closest to me. I worry about Grant. I’m aware that people in my administration think Grant left his role as an adviser because of the pressure exerted on me. He left because I didn’t want his position or relationship with me to strain hisrelationship with his parents further. I could silence opposition to his presence when I was in a room. Tamping down the skepticism and negativity he experienced outside my office proved difficult.

“Candace?”

“I know you’re right.”

“And I know you want to protect him. You want to protect all of us. We’ve been through this. We all need to feel we can protectyou. If it makes you feel better, Shell is back. She may have initially questioned Grant’s motives; she loves him. There are different dynamics around you now.”

“Thank you.”

“Mm. If you’re still on the fence when we hand up, look in the top righthand drawer of your desk,” Jameson says.

“Did you leave me something?”

“Just open the drawer when we hang up if you’re still wrestling with this.”

“Maybe I will.”

“I’ll see you soon,” Jameson promises.

“I miss you.”

“I miss you, too. I’ll have Coop call you tomorrow. I love you.”

“I love you, Jameson.”

I hate ending our call. I look at the drawer of my desk and slide it open slowly. I’m surprised to see an envelope addressed to me. I’m curious If Jameson left me scripture to study or if she’s warning me to expect a remodel of the White House.

You thought I left you another fortune cookie.

I did.

If you want your fortune told, look in your briefcase.

I chuckle.

I know you have a million things on your plate and a billion more on your mind. It hasn’t been easy the past few months. You always amaze me. You can handle anything that comes your way. I believe that. Don’t let anyone make you second guess your instincts. You never make a decision without considering everyone’s perspective and all the facts you have before you. But in the end, you’ve been successful because you understand people. Your gut tells you how they are likely to respond to your decisions. I see it with the kids. I even see it in Bible Study.

Lunatic.

I felt the tension from you last night. Trust you, Candace.

I love you more than anything.

Jameson.

I close my eyes and slip the note back into the envelope. Jameson says I amaze her. Laughable. She surprises me daily—in the best of ways. That began when I opened the door to find her standing on the porch. I can only imagine my expression.

It’s interesting; people often ask Jameson what she thought and felt when she met me. I’m always touched by her heartfelt recounting of that day. People seldom ask me what I thought when Jameson landed on my doorstep. I confess I assumed JD Reid was a man. I shouldn’t have. That assumption was made because JD was Steve Russo’s best friend. The moment Jameson smiled, I lost my heart. I’m sure most people would think that’s a romantic retelling. I assure you it isn’t.

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