"You are either going to have to admit to yourself that you have a crush on her or you'll have to start lying better "

I turn to see one of my closest political allies and biggest friend - Peggy Peabody - also known as the Vice President.

"Hello Peggy - how was Germany ?"

"German - she is spell binding isn't she ?"

I know who we are both talking about  - in truth other than Kit there is only one person I can discuss this with - my VP. I look at the stunningly sexy blonde

"Yes - yes she is stunning"

" I have no idea why my dope of a daughter finished with her. I was livid when I found out  - tell me how you feel Bette ?"

Peggy and Kit are the only people - apart from my father who call me by my first name  -- I smile at her.

"She's lovely Peggy - but you know that I cannot think like this - this is a crush  -- it cannot be like this - she's my press secretary "

"Bette - she is genuinely one of the few women in this city who is your equal - you know that - I suspect that Senator Helena couldn't deal with having a girlfriend who is smarter than her. I love my daughter  but  she's ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer - no one could ever say that about Tina Kennard "

"How well did they get on ?"

"Helena thought it would be cool to date a CNN producer - but when she worked out that Tina was about 30 IQ points smarter than her she changed her tune. I have to say that Tina deserves better than my self obsessed daughter " her tone changes ' you really like her don't you Madam President ? "

I note the change in what she calls me - I look across at her.

"Peggy - I cannot stop thinking about Tina Kennard"

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