Click (White House Men #3) - Nora Phoenix Page 0,1

something, you don't need to come to me first."

Rhett's face filled with relief. When dealing with him, Calix should consider his vulnerability more. They all had their trauma from the Pride Bombing, but Rhett seemed to be still struggling more than others. Not that Calix blamed him or thought he was weak. Everyone was different and handled the horrific events of that day in their own way and at their own pace. Rhett seemed to need more time than others.

"Okay, that's good to know. I wasn't sure if I should ask you or not, but it didn't feel right to question the president's requests either."

Calix smiled to assure him. "Yeah, you're caught between a rock and a hard place. Technically, I'm your boss, but obviously, the president trumps me at any time, so good luck figuring out that chain of command."

Rhett blinked. "That's very helpful. Thank you."

Calix loved the slight cheekiness in that statement. "How are you doing otherwise?"

Now that he'd bumped into Rhett, he might as well check in with him. The faint smell of vanilla hit his nose, and he took a quick whiff. Where was that coming from? Was someone baking cookies? How could that even be? The West Wing had no kitchen.

"I'm okay. Good, I mean. I'm good."

Calix refocused and cocked his head, studying Rhett. He was thirty-two, if Calix remembered correctly, but at times, Rhett appeared much younger than that. Not immature or inexperienced, just vulnerable. Almost fragile. Like a child he wanted to protect. Maybe because Calix was fifteen years older? Fucking ancient compared to Rhett. "Which one is it, okay or good? We both know there's a vast difference between the two."

Rhett looked at the floor, shuffling his feet. "I didn't think you were asking me to share the details of my troubled existence. I figured 'good' would be the appropriate answer, since it's not like I'm dealing with any urgent disasters or calamities."

Calix chuckled. "The details of your troubled existence, huh? That description covers a lot. A touch dramatic, but I like it."

Rhett peeked at him from beneath his lashes. "It's kind of a running joke between Levar and me. I shouldn't have used those words. I promise I'm good to work here."

"Rhett, I wasn't criticizing. I thought it was funny, a little tongue in cheek and self-deprecating, which I can appreciate."

He kept his voice gentle. Rhett reminded him of an animal, a rabbit that would flee if you came too close, or a kitten that hadn't decided yet if it could trust you or not. Skittish, that was the word.

"Oh, okay. Sorry."

"And my question wasn't purely work related. You're doing an outstanding job, your photos are amazing, and I have no concerns whatsoever about your performance or your ability to carry out your duties."

The tension between Rhett's eyebrows disappeared. "That's good to know. Thank you. I really like this job."

"Yeah? What do you like about it? Because it seems to me, it's so…passive? You're recording what others are doing. Again, that's no criticism at all, but it feels to me like you're always the observer."

Rhett's face lit up, his blue eyes coming to life. "Exactly, and that's what I love about it. I've always preferred to watch from the sidelines. Even in high school, I was the one who did the videos for the football team, took photos for the school newspaper, worked on the yearbook committee every single year. The idea of recording history for prosperity appeals to me."

"I like how you look at it. It makes perfect sense. And you're good at what you do. I've marveled at your ability to become practically invisible and blend into the background. Even when I know you're taking pictures, I barely notice you. I guess I've always been too much of an activist to be content to merely watch others do things."

"You're a doer. That's been clear to me from just watching you. So is the president. You get things done. Levar is the same. He makes a to-do list every morning and is never happier than when he can check everything off. I would be terrified of such a list. What's energizing and motivating for him is anxiety inducing for me, and I guess that's why he's the press secretary and I'm the photographer."

Calix laughed. "I have to tell you I have mad respect for him. Facing reporters every day? I'm an extrovert and have always been good at public speaking, but my stomach clenches every time I even set foot