Trouble in the White House Read online

  “I . . . I think you may be on to something with that bath. Care to join me?” he said.

  I hesitated to answer, but before I knew it, Frank swooped me up in his strong arms and carried me to the sitting room that was just outside the bathroom. At my request, earlier, he had brought me a bottle of red wine and also a bottle of vodka. I hadn’t touched either yet, but the moment seemed appropriate.

  “Let me get that for you,” Frank said, and then he began filling our glasses with wine.

  “Please do. And let me get the tub ready for you.”

  I sauntered off to the bathroom to fill the tub with water. While inside the bathroom, I reached for a fluffy white towel and covered myself with it. When I returned to the sitting room, Frank extended a flute glass to me.

  “Thank you,” I said. “No time for toasting, but please do enjoy your bath.”

  “I thought you were going to join me?”

  “Not really, and no offense, but I just don’t like the griminess from someone else’s body in the same tub as me. I would make an exception, but the more I think about it . . .”

  Frank lifted my hand, kissed the back of it. “No need to explain. Enjoy your bath, and I’ll take one when I get to my room. Sleep well. I’ll see you at the gala.”

  I thanked Frank again, then watched as he put on his clothes and quietly exited my room. My bath awaited me. I was in heaven as I sank deep inside the tub. I couldn’t help but to think about Raynetta’s reaction when she saw Ina and discovered who she was. I appreciated Ina for agreeing to come, but there wasn’t a chance in hell I would have accepted her telling me no.

  * * *

  Later that evening, the East Room and the State Dining Room on the State Floor were packed wall to wall with people. Maine lobster, roasted lamb, broccoli au gratin, and so much more were available at the buffet tables, and people were certainly indulging themselves. Music thumped loudly in the background. After seeing so many happy couples together, I couldn’t help but to smile and enjoy my surroundings. I halted my steps after being snatched by a gay white man whose partner stood next to him.

  “You look stunning tonight,” he said. “Oh my God, what are you wearing? Is that Valentino? I can spot one of those dresses ten miles away. Not everyone can do off-white vintage with a tail like you, baby doll. And when I say tail, I’m referring to the train on your dress, not your backside.”

  I had a good sense of humor, so I laughed right along with them. I was flattered as well. “You would be correct, and I totally agree that not too many women can pull this off. I was skeptical about the train, but I went with it because it’s not one of those trains that flow all over the place.”

  “I agree. It’s perfect, and your figure is . . .” He paused to bite his knuckles playfully. “It’s to die for. You and the first lady are true fashion queens. I’m so eager to see what she’s wearing tonight.”

  On that note, I thanked the young man and his partner for the compliments, then walked away. I was sure Raynetta had gone out of her way to look nice as well, and I was counting on Ina to show up looking out of this world. About an hour ago, she had called to let me know the limo driver had just picked her up from the hotel and she was on her way. Meanwhile, I continued to mingle. I even whispered a few words to Frank, letting him know what a great time I’d had.

  When the announcement was made that the president and the first lady would soon join us, many exited the room and stood by the Grand Staircase to greet them. Minutes later, Stephen and Raynetta appeared at the top of the stairs, looking as happy as ever. Gasps could be heard, in addition to many whispers. As usual, my son was on point. Black tuxedo fit his cut frame perfectly. Haircut was razor sharp. Leather shoes had one hell of a shine. And his shaved, smooth face had my stamp of approval on it. As for Raynetta, Lord knows I didn’t want to hate, so I didn’t. Her sheer rainbow dress flowed like a Cinderella gown and had everyone gazing at it in awe. She had taken a big risk with those colors, but from what I could see, it was a winner. A dip in the front showed a hint of her cleavage. Her long hair was parted down the middle and fell several inches past her shoulders. The competition would be steep for Ina tonight, but I was banking on the love Stephen had once had for her showing up and causing a little damage.

  “Good evening,” Stephen said, standing on the staircase, with his arm locked with Raynetta’s. “Thank you all for being here, and let’s all have a wonderful time tonight. My wife and her staff prepared an amazing evening for all of you. We just want to say thanks for your patience, and for having so much faith in my administration. We are committed to making even more changes that will help to better your futures, in addition to the futures of your lovely families. So enjoy, and feel free to stop and briefly chat with me when we assemble the greeting line in the East Room.”

  The guests cheered and applauded Stephen and Raynetta as they proceeded down the red carpeted stairs to make their way to the East Room. I was eager to greet them, so I bullied my way through the crowd until I was face-to-face with my son.

  “Hello, sweetheart,” I said, air-kissing his cheeks. “I knew you were looking for me this morning, but I was rather busy. Did you need something?”

  “I did, but it’s not important right now. Enjoy yourself tonight, but not too much, if you know what I mean.”

  “I do, and just so you know, I haven’t had a drink in almost three weeks. Being here has relaxed me. Thank you again for agreeing to let me stay here.”

  From the corner of my eye, I saw the irritated look on Raynetta’s face. She quickly spoke up.

  “Honey,” she said to Stephen, “I think I see someone over there I know. I’ll catch up with you in a few.” Not waiting for him to respond, she walked off.

  Stephen grabbed my hand, lightly squeezed it, and spoke in a whisper. “What I wanted to tell you earlier was to be nice tonight. Don’t stir up any trouble with her, Mama, and if you don’t have anything nice to say—I’m saying this nicely—keep your mouth shut.”

  “There is no way to put it nicely, because in other words, you’re telling me to shut the fuck up. I intend to keep my distance from Raynetta, but do me a favor and tell her not to move around so much in that dress. Her titties are bound to pop out of it, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want any man to see what you’ve been sucking on during the night. More importantly, what has your mind so twisted lately that you feel compelled to tell your own mother what she shall and shall not do?”

  Stephen released my hand; then he gave me a look that felt like a punch. “You heard what I said, Mama. Enjoy yourself, or return to your bedroom, where there appears to be much more action going on.”

  My mouth dropped open as he walked away. Nothing in this house was a secret. I assumed his comment was about me and Frank. I didn’t bother to ask him. Instead, I did what I was ordered to do and enjoyed myself. I also kept my distance from Raynetta, and when Ina showed up, I wanted to throw my hands in the air and shout hallelujah. The money-green off-the-shoulder dress she wore was fabulous. It was tailored to fit her perfect waistline and voluptuous hips. Her diamond-studded silk shoes and silver accessories made her look like a million bucks. I had handpicked everything she wore, but I had no idea she would look like a perfect ten.

  Her hazel eyes grew wide when she saw me, and a smile followed thereafter. I wasn’t sure if Stephen had seen her yet or not, but as crowded as the State Floor was, I predicted that he hadn’t.

  “Girl,” I said, stepping back to take a closer look at her. “Black is sho’nuff beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is. And look at you too, Miss Lady. You did an awesome job picking this out for me. It’s been a long time since I got all dressed up like this.”

  “Well, you did good. And thank you again for deciding to come. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “I’m here, but I am so nervous. Butterflies are all in my stomach. I keep telling myself to just breathe,” she said.

  “Breathe, mingle, and have some fun
. Everybody in here is so nice, and you are going to meet so many good people. Just stay away from the people with those media badges on. If they start asking questions, just tell them to go fuck themselves.”

  We laughed, then proceeded to the State Dining Room, where there was seating and a buffet line. Before we even got there, we had to stop and have our pictures taken. Many questioned who Ina was, and all I said was that she was a close friend of the family. Stephen’s adviser, Andrew, nodded when I told him, and then he shook Ina’s hand.

  “Glad you could make it,” he said with suspicion in his eyes. “And any friend of the president’s mother is a friend of mine.”

  “Thank you,” Ina said, presenting much class. Given the way she looked, no one would ever predict how filthy her house was. I cleared my mind, putting that bit of information on the back burner for tonight.

  “If you don’t mind me asking,” Andrew said, refusing to let us walk away, “what do you do—”

  I quickly intervened. “She’s already been cleared by the Secret Service, and don’t you think this is the wrong time to query someone about their occupation? I don’t know if you’re trying to hit on her or not, but isn’t your boring wife around here somewhere tonight? If so, please go find her before she leaves with one of these women in here tonight.”

  Andrew was used to my behavior. Ina was too, but she appeared stunned by my words.

  “Teresa,” she whispered after Andrew had walked away, “you need to calm down. I’m already nervous, and stuff like that doesn’t help me one bit.”

  “Well, lighten up, because here comes the bride. Her dress may knock you over. I’m just warning you.”

  Raynetta pranced our way. She glanced at me, then quickly turned her attention to Ina. Raynetta extended her hand and waited for Ina to reciprocate. She did.

  “I take it that your name is Ina. I saw it on the guest list, but I hadn’t a clue who you were. My mother-in-law knows so many people, I can barely keep up with all her friends.”

  “She does have a lot of them. Anyway, yes, I am Ina Chatman. I’ve heard nothing but great things about you, the president’s wife. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “No, the pleasure is mine. Have a great time tonight, and be sure to try the shrimp rolls. They are out of this world,” Raynetta said.

  “I will, and thanks for the recommendation.”

  Raynetta smiled at Ina, then shifted her eyes toward me. Her smile vanished, she winced, and then she walked away. I wasn’t sure if she knew who Ina was or not.

  Ina and I moseyed over to the buffet tables, where there was an array of food. Almost immediately, I noticed that the greeting line had started to assemble. I wanted to see Stephen’s reaction when he saw Ina. I suggested that we wait a few more minutes to eat, and Ina didn’t seem to have a problem with my suggestion.

  “I’m too tense to eat anything right now, especially after seeing Raynetta. She’s gorgeous and very polite,” she said.

  “Don’t allow your eyes to deceive you. She is fake as ever. And please don’t turn your back on her, because she will jab you with a knife. Trust me, I know. Unfortunately, my son is too pussy whipped to see her for what she is.”

  “Maybe so, but do you think she knows about me and Stephen? I mean, he probably told her about me before, don’t you think?”

  “I doubt it. He’s always been very private. It wouldn’t be like him to share his past feelings for another woman with Raynetta. She’s the jealous type, and she would feel threatened by what the two of you shared in the past. Not to mention Joshua.”

  We stood in the long line, chatting some more while waiting to greet Stephen. The closer we got, the more Ina fidgeted. She was starting to work my nerves.

  “By the way, Joshua told me to tell you hello,” she said. “He’s at a friend’s house, and he is very much looking forward to that trip to Paris. I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days, and the truth is, I honestly do not know if I can hold on to this secret much longer. But telling Joshua and Stephen the truth isn’t going to be easy. I’m having so many regrets. When you have some free time on your hands, I would love for you to give me some advice on how you think I should handle this whole thing.”

  “I will, but first, let’s get through the night. It’s been a long time since you’ve seen Stephen, and I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees you.”

  The line stalled because everybody kept rambling on and on, taking pictures, and sharing their own. Raynetta had joined the line too, and with five people in front of us, I noticed her peeking at us from the corner of her eye.

  “You’re doing an incredible job, Mr. President,” one man said to Stephen. “But you need more people like us in your administration. When you revamp your administration in a few years, don’t forget about us, okay?”

  “I won’t,” Stephen said, gripping the man’s shoulder. “And be sure to give me your résumé before you leave.”

  They laughed, took a photo together, and it was on to the next person. Stephen was so focused on the person in front of him that he didn’t even notice us coming. That was until I stepped in front of him, and right next to me, Ina stood in front of Raynetta.

  “So, we meet again,” Raynetta said to Ina.

  “Yes. I haven’t tried the shrimp rolls yet, but I promise you that I will.”

  “Please do.”

  Raynetta shifted her eyes to the next person in line, while Stephen stood looking at Ina as if cement had been poured over him. He didn’t blink, didn’t breathe. I saw him take a hard swallow, and then he released a breath into the air, as if his life had just been saved.

  “Ina,” he said with furrowed brows. “Ina Chatman?”

  “Yes, that would be me,” she said.

  With narrowed eyes, I stood to the side, watching every single move.

  Stephen appeared stunned. “I can’t believe it’s you. What are you doing here?”

  Ina was silent, unsure of what to say. I quickly intervened.

  “I invited her to come. I saw her while I was on vacation. Asked her if she would come, and she said yes.”

  By now, Raynetta had tuned in. The line wasn’t even moving. Like me, she watched Stephen’s every move. He didn’t bother to look my way as I spoke. His eyes were still on Ina.

  I would have paid a fortune to know exactly what he was thinking.

  “I’m pleased that my mother invited you.” He finally extended his hand, but I hoped Ina rejected it. It was a relief when she did, because it was very important for him to feel her more up close and personal.

  “You can keep that handshake,” she said, opening her arms. “May I have a hug?”

  Without hesitation, Stephen opened his arms. They hugged tightly. I could see Raynetta peering past them to evil eye me.

  “We’d better go get some food,” I said to Ina. “Let that man go, and catch up with him later.”

  Ina didn’t want to let go. She held on for as long as she could, and was definitely lured in even more by the smell of Stephen’s masculine cologne, which breezed through the air.

  “I won’t continue to hold up the line,” she said to him. “But I just wanted to say how proud I am of you. Never, ever in my wildest dream did I think you would be here, but then again, I always knew you would position yourself to have an impact on the world. Good seeing you, Stephen. Take care.”

  “Likewise,” he said with a nod. Then his eyes shifted to the next people in line, two newlyweds, who were just as giddy to be in his presence.

  Ina walked off, nervously holding her stomach. I followed behind her, but instead of returning to the buffet tables, she busted into the restroom.

  “I . . . I can’t believe I did that,” she said, gasping, as if she was having a panic attack. “Teresa, why . . . why did you make me come here? I have to get out of here now, please.”

  I touched her back as she stood in front of the mirror and almost lost it. “Calm down. It’s not that serious, is it? Stephe
n is still the same—”

  “No, no, no, he isn’t. He’s not the same. He’s so much more mature, so well put together, and, and . . . oh my God, Teresa. Why did you make me do this?”

  I wanted to slap her face and yell at her to get it together. “Do what? What did I do?”

  “You made me face him. For so many years, I told myself to forget about him. When I walked away, I just knew it was the right thing to do. He hadn’t a clue what had happened to me, and I know I hurt him by not responding to him. This is so messed up. He’s married now, and I . . . I need to get the hell out of here.”

  “That would be very wise to do,” Raynetta said as she came through the door. “At first, I didn’t know who you were, but it’s pretty obvious now, since my mother-in-law invited you to come here. All she’s looking for is someone who can cause harm to my marriage. If that’s the plan, you two can forget it. Don’t waste your time, because Stephen is a man who is focused on his future, not his past.”

  A toilet flushed, and as our heads snapped to the side, a reporter came out of one of the stalls with a grin on her face.

  “If you ladies would excuse me,” she said, waving her hands in front of her. “All I want to do is wash my hands. I’ll be out of the way, so you ladies can continue the discussion.”

  We remained silent as she washed her hands. After she finished, she rushed out of the restroom. Probably couldn’t wait to share what she’d heard. As a precaution, I checked the other stalls. When I opened the door to the last one, another reporter was squatting on top of the toilet seat, a camera in her hand. She looked shocked to see me.

  “I was, uh, just—”

  “Just leaving. Get your nosy, tacky ass out of here, and don’t bother to wash your hands. Don’t you know when to stay out of grown folks’ business?”

  Without saying a word, she rushed out of the restroom as well. I stood by the door so no one else would come in.

  “Stephen may or may not have interest in the past,” I said, continuing the conversation. “We’ll let him decide. But just so you know, Raynetta, I didn’t invite Ina here to cause any trouble. We have been friends for a long time. Mainly because she has something, or someone, I should say, who is very close and dear to me. I’ll tell you all about him later, but for now, please go back out there and entertain your guests. After all, I don’t want that slick mouth of yours to get you in trouble. Ina may clean up well, but from what I know, women from the Midwest, particularly St. Louis, they don’t hesitate to beat ass when necessary.”