Press

Chapter 4: Unconventional

The late afternoon sun bathed the White House Rose Garden in a golden hue, the vibrant reds and pinks of the roses providing a stunning contrast to the serene blue of the sky. Parker's presence in the garden was magnetic, his runway-ready stride and effortless charm making heads turn. He looked every bit the part of a modern-day political star—a striking figure in a navy blazer, paired with a crisp white tee that showed just enough of his sharp jawline and casual ease. His tailored trousers fit perfectly, accentuating his tall frame as he made his way to the podium with a laid-back confidence that seemed more suited for a fashion show than a press briefing.

The press, gathered under the blooming trees, couldn't help but murmur as Parker approached. His tousled hair caught the light, giving him an almost angelic glow, while his grin—half-cocky, half-disarming—set a relaxed, unexpected tone for the upcoming briefing.

"Who's this guy, Calvin Klein?" one reporter quipped, nudging his colleague.

A few others chuckled, but it wasn't hard to miss the admiration behind their jokes. They weren't used to seeing someone like Parker in this setting—fresh, youthful, and more at ease in his skin than any Deputy Press Secretary they'd seen before. His presence was a breath of fresh air compared to the stiff, buttoned-up figures they were accustomed to dealing with.

Parker reached the podium, his smile widening as he greeted the crowd. "Good afternoon, everyone," he began, his voice smooth and inviting. "I know this wasn't on the schedule, but I thought we could take advantage of the weather and have a quick chat. Let's make this fun."

A ripple of surprise ran through the press pool. Fun? This was the White House. Fun wasn't typically on the agenda. But that's what made Parker stand out. He knew how to engage, how to charm, and most importantly, how to connect. He wasn't here to just disseminate information; he was here to make them feel like they were part of something bigger.

The atmosphere shifted as Parker fielded the first question, the reporters eager to probe him about the President's upcoming visit to Asia. The trip was a significant one, and everyone wanted to know how the administration planned to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

"What can you tell us about the President's strategy in Asia?" came the first question from a senior correspondent, her tone serious, expecting a rehearsed answer.

Parker's expression softened, a confident gleam in his eyes as he leaned into the microphone. "Great question. The President's upcoming trip is focused on strengthening our alliances across the region, particularly with Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia. We're looking at reinforcing our economic partnerships, but it's also about deepening strategic ties. It's no secret that regional stability is a key focus, especially given the tensions we've seen recently."

His answer flowed effortlessly—calm, collected, and with just the right amount of detail to keep the press intrigued. He knew exactly how to dance around sensitive issues while providing enough substance to satisfy the journalists' thirst for inside information.

Another hand shot up, this time from a young reporter from The Washington Post. "Parker, there's been talk about the administration's position on China during this visit. How does the White House plan to handle potential backlash over trade negotiations?"

Parker's smile didn't falter. In fact, it broadened as if he'd been waiting for this exact question. "We're well aware that trade with China is a sensitive topic. But it's important to remember that the President's approach isn't about choosing sides—it's about fostering constructive dialogue. The goal is to protect American interests while finding common ground with our global partners. We're not here to create friction; we're here to ensure stability and promote mutual growth."