“I’m doing what I was told and staying in my lane,” Harry said.
“We need to talk about the bachelor party,” Derek said to Nick. “I’m picturing a weekend in Vegas.”
“I’m picturing the headlines about the president partying in Vegas,” Nick said with a grimace.
“Good point,” Derek said.
“How about a boys’ weekend at Camp David?”
“I’d be down with that,” Harry said.
“Works for me,” Derek added.
“Let’s get it on the calendar.”
They chatted for another few minutes before the guys got up to leave.
“Thank you for this,” Nick said as he stood to hug them both. “I needed it more than you know.”
“We had a feeling,” Harry said. “We’re always close by if you need us.”
“I take tremendous comfort in that.”
When Harry opened the door, Sam was there, hand raised to knock.
“Jeez, I almost punched you in the face, Doc,” she said as Harry laughed and kissed her cheek.
“No more crazy headlines, please,” Derek said as he gave her a quick hug.
Nick was so happy to see her. It was silly, really, how excited he still got any time she walked into the room, especially looking as she did now in a burgundy dress that clung to all her curves and her hair falling in soft waves.
“How’s our guy doing?”
“He’s had better days,” Harry said, “but he’s hanging in there.”
“I’m in the room,” Nick reminded them.
“Mind your business,” Sam said.
His friends laughed as they said their goodbyes.
Sam came in and closed the door behind her, heading straight for him.
Nick kissed her and hugged her tightly. “You look gorgeous.”
“Just something I tossed together with the help of several talented people.”
“They do good work, but they have a beautiful canvas to work with.”
“You’re positively poetic this afternoon, Mr. President.”
“Inspired by my muse. I appreciate you being here. I know you had to rush.”
“It’s all good. No worries.”
They stood there, wrapped up in each other for several minutes before the phone on the desk buzzed with a call.
He kissed the top of her head and said, “Hold that thought.”
