“Bette’s going to hate to tell her that its over “

“Bette knows what I think

– which is that its CJ’s job and I am happy to have CJ formally ask for my resignation if that makes things easier in appearance “

“Bette and I have been talking about that – I don’t know which way Bette is going to go on that – I think she is waiting for your report back from Carmen “

“Lucy and I are going to brunch over there at the weekend. I would like Lucy’s take on Shane because she doesn’t know her as well so her perception will be a useful one “

We reach the side door to the White House and Alice gives Ella a kiss “I will see you soon my little pumpkin “ she stands up “You have one beautiful daughter Madam First Lady “

“We do

– thanks for the chat Al “

Alice nods “Neither of us can

undo what was said in the past but you and have two very special people in common – Lucy and Bette – we owe it to them to be friends “

“””

I take Ella inside and after thinking about it over lunch I call James and ask him if the First Lady can have the next 30 minutes that the President has free. Paul takes Ella for the afternoon and I go and do some work in my office until James calls me to say that a meeting has finished early and Bette is now free until 4pm when she has a briefing in the Sit Room.

“Afternoon “ I say walking into the Oval Office

Bette looks up from her coffee and notes

“Hey there

– is everything okay ?”

“I need to talk to you “

“Have you declared war on anyone while I wasn’t looking ? pressed any red buttons that perhaps you shouldn’t have ?”

“Not as far as I am aware

– how has your day been – you sound fairly chipper which is not like you by this time in the day “

“I am fine

– today has been interesting “

“I don’t think boring is realty part of your job description “