Martine burst out laughing. “Oh, Lizzie, I wish you could have seen the expressions on all their faces when I listed your demands. I thought the lot of them would choke to death. Nine to five! Every weekend off. Pro bono. I realize one hundred sixty-eight thousand dollars is a lot of money, and yet it isn’t much to live on here in the District, what with rent, travel back to one’s home state, taxes, everyday expenses, and maintaining two residences. It’s hard to raise a family and keep up two residences, all for the sake of doing one’s duty. When I told them you weren’t interested in adding the White House to your résumé, because yours was impressive enough without it, several of them had to be resuscitated. It’s safe to say your fame has preceded you. Actually, Lizzie, you’re a legend in your own time, and I, for one, am honored to be called your friend. How does your new husband feel about your taking on the job?”

Lizzie leaned forward. “You know what, Marti? My husband is that rare breed of man who only wants to see me happy. If all it takes is his approval, he’s all for it. We take turns traveling on the weekends. You need to give him a huge slice of credit for helping get you to where you’re sitting right now.” Lizzie looked around and lowered her voice. “Is this place bugged? Are you recording me?”

“Lizzie!”

Martine’s outrage was so total, Lizzie relaxed. “What I was going to say was, my husband numbers among his friends some of the most powerful, some of the most respected, some of the richest people in the world, and those he doesn’t know personally, he has access to via those same friends in his Rolodex. You should see his Rolodex, Marti. I think it’s safe to say your own cannot compare.”

“What are you trying to tell me, Lizzie?” There was an edge to Martine’s voice that did not go unnoticed by Lizzie.

“Nothing, Marti. I was simply commenting on your question about my husband.”

“Point taken.”

There was a knock at the door, and a white-coated waiter indicated that lunch was ready in the little breakfast nook, as requested by the president.

“Our lunch is ready. It’s one of the perks here. I hope you enjoy it,” Martine said as she rose and led Lizzie down the hall. When they reached their destination, she nodded to the waiter to show that he could leave. “I know you don’t like to eat heavily at lunch, and most days I don’t have time for lunch. We’re having sesame-crusted salmon, grilled asparagus, and a garden salad.”