Intruder

"Before I explain this part, you have to know, I really was done with your father. I stopped seeing him altogether and I kept my distance - - except when there were money issues, or health issues with Sofia. Then, I had to reach out to him."

"And?"

"He always paid for everything she needed, graciously. I think he feels horrible about Sofia and wants to do everything he can for her."

"Except welcome her to the White House."

"Yes, right. Well, that can never happen."

"We'll see about that," Olivia thought to herself, imagining Sofia and her posing for pictures in the Oval Office.

"So? Then what?"

"By the time he becomes the junior United States Senator from Illinois, I am the head chef at Le Terra - - and he lives 20 floors above the restaurant."

"Oh my God, mom."

"I think your father believes in the old adage that you should keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

"But you aren't his enemy, are you?"

"Baby, powerful people can't really trust anyone. Anyone in their inner circle is also viewed as a potential threat."

"But he's all good with sleeping with a potential threat, I guess, eh?" Olivia put air quotes up with her fingers to emphasize her distain for her father.

"I know what this looks like."

"Yeah, ya think?"

"But, things aren't so black and white when it comes to relationships, baby. Your father and I were just talking, and we'd had a few drinks, and I was hurting and lonely -"

"Mom, you don't have to explain. I get it."

Olivia and her mom turn away from each other. As Olivia pulls her legs to her chest and rests her chin on her knees, Elizabeth stands and walks to the window that overlooks the curved white portico entrance to the White House.

"This is why you are the breakfast chef and I am a prisoner in the White House."

"Olivia, you're not a -"

"Why does the Vice President know about us?"

Elizabeth turns from the window to face her daughter.

"What?"

Pacing back to Olivia's bed, she sits alongside her. "She knows?"

"Yeah she knows. She told me."

"How? When were you close enough to Nancy D'Alesandro?"

Now it was Olivia's turn to take a deep breath.

"Mom, I really don't want to talk about this."

"Talk about what? Olivia, tell me. What's going on?"

"Mom -"

"Olivia, this is very, very important. I need to know what happened."

Olivia searches for the words.

"She, has -"

"What does she have?"

"Mom. She has a key. To this room. She comes in here when I'm sleeping -"

"Oh God, Olivia."

"She gets off on me - - she makes me - - mom, I hate it, but she told me I had to or dad would get destroyed."

"Olivia, baby, I'm so sorry."

"Me too mom. Me too."

"But I'm glad you told me. I promise you, I'll get this to stop."