Chapter 21
"It's impossible, Joshua."
"It isn't Donna. Or maybe it is, but I can still do it."
"You can, can you?"
"Sure, I do impossible things all the time. You can buy my book next
month and read all about how I took this impossible campaign for a dark
horse, liberal, New Englander, and got him elected President."
"You did that all by your lonesome, did you?" she drawls.
"Of course not. I can't do everything. I need lots of minions to
do my bidding too." I grab her around the waist and twirl her into
A.J.'s room. Our daughter is awake and gurgling, no doubt supporting
me in infant babble-speak. "Want to be my minion and do my bidding,
Donnatella?"
"I pretty sure I already do." She laughs and A.J.'s head
turns toward the sound. She is SO smart I tell you.
"Then getting Matt Santos to do my bidding should be a piece of
cake."
"Sorry, Joshua. He won't even consider running for re-election
in Congress. You are demented if you think you can get him to run for
President. And even if you got him to consider running for President, he
wouldn't have a chance in hell. Russell has the money, Hoynes has
the party backers and anyone else doesn't have enough of either to
compete with them." Donna ticked off the points as she scooped up
A.J. and disconnected her from her monitor.
"Damn I taught you well. And these obstacles would very well stop
other mortals, but Joshua Lyman is not a mere mortal."
"I know, I know. Read your book." She hands me our daughter and
I dance around the room with her until my Mother's laughter stops me
mid-twirl.
"If Congress could see you now. Bartlet's pit bull indeed. How
is my sweet little Abigail this morning?" she coos at A.J. Mom does
not like calling her Granddaughter A.J. Not feminine enough.
"She's fine. It's your son who is having delusions of
grandeur. Want to check him for a fever?" Donna answers.
"Sweetheart, if I checked him for fever every time he had delusions
of grandeur I wouldn't have time for anything else." Mom tells
her.
"Excuse me, but who was it that –"
"Yes dear, your `da man'." Mom interjects. "Donna,
do you think maybe the problem is he believes his own press?"
"I think it may be more that he writes his own press…and
it's fiction."
"I am taking my daughter into the office with me where she and I are
going to buy a ticket to Huston and strategize away from you
nay-sayers." A.J. looks up at me adoringly and I figure I've got
about ten to fifteen minutes before she realizes I'm not packing
breakfast and she `requests' Donna so I hurry to the office.
Thanks to the book tour, I will be heading through Huston just a week
before Christmas, so scheduling a short stop there will be no problem.
I've got a little time then to pull the plan together. He's
going to need a campaign manager, and although I'd love to get Leo
on board, he just doesn't have the stamina for it anymore. Bruno is
good, but I have the feeling Santos would find him a little
too…snake oilish. That leaves Mandy.
I know, I know, but she is good and she's worked national campaigns
before. She will know how best to package him and handle the details. I
figure I'll shoot her off an email and see if she's interested
before I broach the subject with Donna. Mandy's married now to
another political operative and I hear they make a good team. I'm
sure Donna won't have a problem with it. So sure, in fact, I
probably don't have to mention it at all.
I start the book tour with soft ball lobbing Larry King in 2 weeks.
I'll have Thanksgiving week off, then hit the road again until
Christmas. The thought of being apart from Donna and A.J. is killing me.
So I'm doing my best to convince her to come with me for at least
part of the time. I have given her the "Mom is tired and could use a
break in Florida with her friends" speech. So far, no takers, but I
haven't given up.
"Donna!" I shout from the office.
"Don't shout Joshua, A.J.'s sleeping." She hurries in
and admonishes me.
"On the second floor. No way she can hear me from down here." I
reply.
"They can hear you across the Potomac. What do you want?"
"I found a great solution to your problem."
"I have a problem?"
"Yes, it's the `what am I going to do without Josh for
several weeks' problem."
"That's a problem? I thought your Mom and I would shop and play
with A.J."
"Nice."
"We've already discussed this. A.J. has her appointment with the
pulmonary specialist the first week you're gone. We can't miss
that. They might take her off the monitor."
"Come meet me after that." See, I can be reasonable.
"She's at an increased risk for infection. She doesn't need
to be traipsing all over the country."
"She's doing great and I'm not suggesting we pass her down
the book signing line. I need you with me, Donna. I need you both with
me. Please come."
"We could come for awhile…" she can't resist it when I tell
her I need her.
"It will be like a family vacation."
"A Vacation in twelve different cities?"
"We start in New York. You love New York. Think of the shoe shops
alone."
"Good Morning, today is Friday, November 17th, this is the Today
Show and I'm Matt Lauer. This morning we have former Chief of Staff
Joshua Lyman with us to talk about his new book detailing the first
Presidential campaign of Josiah Bartlet. Welcome Josh."
"Thanks, Matt. It's nice to be here."
"What inspired you to write about your first campaign with President
Bartlet?"
"My wife. She started to talk about the campaign experience when the
book offer came through. It was her first campaign and I had become a
little…jaded by that time. Anyway, when she started making note
cards about title chapters and remembering specific stories, she made
me
want to tell the whole story."
"Your wife was your assistant at that time. How long did you work
together before you realized there was something special between
you?"
"About 5 minutes…but it was years before either of us
acknowledged it. She was a member of the CODEL in Gaza that was
attacked. She was critically injured and when I found out I flew to
Germany with the clothes on my back to be with her. That's when I
realized I couldn't live without her. That's when it all started
for us."
"That sounds like quite a story. Maybe you should write your next
book about that."
"I don't think so. Donna plays a big enough role in this one. If
I give her anymore credit her head will swell and there's only room
for one gigantic ego in the family. Donna is actually representative of
why this campaign beat all the odds and made Josiah Bartlet President.
She heard then Governor Bartlet speak and was inspired; so inspired
that
she packed her belongings in a broken down Ford and drove by herself
to
New Hampshire to volunteer for him. She hired herself as my assistant
and became an integral part of the campaign."
"She hired herself? How does one hire oneself?"
"It's a long story but you can read all about it in the book.
She tried to edit it out, but I made sure every detail was
included."
"Looking at the Presidential field for the next election, which
candidate would you put your money on?"
"I wouldn't throw my money away like that, Matt."
"Are you saying that the field is too unpredictable, or that you
don't think anyone currently being talked about will be the next
President?"
"Both. Presidential politics turns on a dime. That being said, it is
my sincere hope that we see someone worthy of carrying on President
Bartlet's legacy step up to the plate before long."
"Do you think such a person exists anymore in a world of 24 hour
news cycle and hugely expensive campaigns? Are there people with that
kind of integrity still around?"
"They are not as much a part of the political landscape as I would
like, but they certainly exist. Is there corruption and greed? Sure. But
every day I went to work I was surrounded by people who wanted to
serve,
who wanted to make our country a better place, and that attitude
emanated from the top; from President Bartlet himself. I don't think
he's the last one out there, but they're without doubt on the
endangered species list."
"One last thing, before we go. I understand you're a new Dad.
How do you like Fatherhood?"
"Our daughter came a lot earlier than expected and that was
stressful, but she's doing beautifully, up to 6 pounds now, and they
just took her off the apnea monitor. She's absolutely amazing. I
love being a Dad and it makes me grateful for all that President Bartlet
has done to make her world better."
"Maybe one day she'll be the one running for high office?"
"Well she seems to take after her Mother, so no doubt she'd be a
good President. We'll just have to wait and see."
"Josh Lyman, thanks for coming by this morning."
"Thanks for having me."
"The book is "Against all Odds" by former Chief of Staff
Joshua Lyman. The time is 8:27 and we'll be right back after
this."
"We're out." Shouts a member of the tech crew. I take off my
clip mike and walk back to the green room where my family is waiting for
me. A.J. is in her carrier sound asleep. Donna looks up when I walk in.
"So on a scale of 1 to 10…11 right?"
"I don't think you have to worry about Russell or Hoynes
renewing their offers to make you campaign director."
"I don't want to be a campaign director, and I certainly
don't want to be campaign director for either of those clowns."
"Yeah, and I'm saying that won't be a problem for you after
those comments. Ever hear of tact, Joshua? Suppose by some miracle
one
of the other four declared candidates makes some inroads and you
want to
work their campaign. You've just stated on national television that
they're not worthy of following in President Bartlet's
footsteps."
"I already picked my guy, Donna. Don't worry. Now I think I may
have sold a couple books just now, so how about I buy you and A.J.
some
new shoes?"
"She doesn't need shoes, Josh. She can't walk."
"You're just trying to get more for yourself. I'm getting
you both new shoes, then we're going to the Sports store I scoped
out down the street and I'm buying A.J. a Met's uniform.
They've got the greatest baby stuff in there."
"She's still pretty small, Josh. It probably won't fit her
yet."
"She's growing like crazy. She'll grow into them in no
time."
"Yeah, I guess she will. Then I get to stop at Baby Gap and get her
real clothes, after which you will buy us lunch." She bargains. I
love it when she bargains with me.
"One outfit at Baby Gap and the Publisher buys us lunch." I
shoot back.
"One outfit and some hair accessories and the publisher buys us
lunch with dessert."
"Donna, she has like 20 strands of hair. Where are you going to put
hair accessories?"
"That's my problem. Deal?"
"Deal."
Chapter 22
I've got two hours before I have to leave for the book signing in
Huston. This tour can not be over soon enough for me. Donna and A.J.
are
already home and I've got 3 days in California left after this. I
ring the doorbell and wait.
A little girl with long brown hair opens the door.
"Daddy, it's a stranger!" she shouts keeping a wary eye on
me.
"Miranda, you're not supposed to- Josh? What brings you way out
here?"
"A book tour and a Congressman. I hope this isn't an
inconvenient time. They've got me scheduled pretty tight on this leg
of the trip."
"Come on in. Helen's doing some last minute shopping and the
kids and I are hanging out. I could have probably saved you the trouble
though. The D triple C has been here twice. I'm not running for
Congress again."
"I got that after our last conversation. Saw you on Hard Ball with
Chris Wick. Congratulations on getting the bill through."
"Chris is a good guy. He told me you went to school together?"
"Yeah. It seems like a lifetime ago. He's come a long way in
Congress. He's starting to find his own agenda and his own voice.
It's fun to watch."
"These are my kids, Peter and Miranda. This is Josh Lyman."
"Hey guys. Ready for Christmas?" Both kids get excited at the
mere mention of the word `Christmas'.
"Just 5 days left before Santa comes. He's going to bring me a
new bike." Miranda rambles. She is a doll. Peter just rolls his
eyes.
"Okay, you two, give Josh and I a couple minutes to talk and then
we'll finish our game." Miranda looks like she's going to
protest, then reconsiders given who may be watching from the North
Pole.
Peter looks at his watch in order to keep track of the time and walks
out without a word.
"Cute kids." I comment.
"I heard your little girl is doing well. That must have been quite a
scare."
"You're not kidding. She's growing like crazy and she
doesn't seem to be having any long term problems from her early
arrival. She and Donna have been able to travel with me for most of the
tour, but they're home now getting ready for the Holidays."
"It's great to have family to come home to. Hey, the book was
good. I enjoyed reading it."
"Thanks. Donna and I enjoyed working on it. It brought back a lot of
great memories."
"So, what's this really about, Josh?"
"It's kind of about the book."
"You want help promoting the book?"
"No, I want some material for a new one."
"I'm not following you."
"I think you should run for President."
"President of what?" I chuckle.
"President of the United States…of America." I add for good
measure. Now he chuckles.
"Josh, seriously, if this is about a Congressional run…"
"I've talked to Mandy Hampton Stiers about running your
campaign. She hasn't committed to it yet, but she's agreed to
meet with you and talk about it. I can help you get started with a
Presidential exploratory committee and I've got 6 party members
ready to step up with fundraising. All they need is the `go
ahead' from you."
"Oh my God, you're serious!"
"My wife would tell you there's nothing I take more seriously
than a Presidential campaign."
"Josh, I'm a 3 term Congressman, a retiring 3 term
Congressman-"
"-who has a solid record on social issues, a reputation for
integrity, and charisma that comes across well on television and in
person. So unless you've got a body buried in the basement,
you're a pretty good candidate for President."
"Pretty good?"
"Nobody's perfect, even Jed Bartlet needed a little help. We
made a good start in the Bartlet administration, Congressman, but
there's still more work to be done, and it's not going to get
done with Russell or Hoynes. Hell, they won't even get the chance
going up against Vinnick. You need to run for President."
"I can't just- I promised my wife and my kids I wouldn't be
running for Congress again."
"You wouldn't be running for Congress again."
"Josh…"
"You don't have to decide today. The filing deadline is still a
week away."
"A week, huh? Well that gives me plenty of time…You're
really serious?"
"This is my cell phone number. I leave for California after the book
thing this afternoon. I've got a few days there before I get to go
home, so the cell will be the best way to reach me if you think of any
questions." I've planted the seed, so I get up to leave.
"Thanks for your time, Congressman. Have a nice Holiday."
"Yeah…okay…thanks for taking the time to stop by." He
walks me to the door and shakes my hand with a dazed expression on
his
face. Oh, yeah, he's thinking about it…
That evening, in the home of Matt and Helen Santos. Matt's POV:
"You've been holed up in here for hours. Wrapping my Christmas
presents?" Helen teases as she sits in my lap and takes Josh
Lyman's book out of my hands.
"I wrapped both of them last week." I tease back.
"BOTH of them. You had better be kidding mister. I have been a VERY
good girl this year. Miranda said someone stopped by while I was gone
this afternoon?"
"Josh Lyman came over. He was in town for his book thing." I
indicate the book on my desk.
"He wasn't trying to talk you into another Congressional run,
was he?"
"Nope, I swear he wasn't interested in talking about the
Congressional seat at all." I smirk.
"Then what? No offense, honey, but a man like Josh Lyman doesn't
just drop by for a cup of wassail."
"He's actually Jewish, Helen."
"Matt…"
"He wanted me to consider a different kind of political
position."
"A political appointment? You have a year left to serve."
"He's thinking more of when my term expires."
"Well, that's interesting. What kind of position?"
"A Federal position."
"But that would mean a move to D.C. wouldn't it?"
"Don't worry, housing is included in the deal." I laugh out
loud and Helen looks at me like I broke into the Eggnog already.
"He wants me to run for President."
"Of what?"
"The United States…of America." Now Helen laughs out loud.
Why is it that it was okay when I laughed at Josh for suggesting it but
when Helen laughed I was offended.
"Josh Lyman, who has run two successful Presidential campaigns,
seems to think I'm qualified to run." I tell her.
"Matt, are you seriously thinking about this?" she sounds so
incredulous. That's flattering.
"He came all the way here to talk to me about it. It seems the least
I can do is consider it." I open his book again and page through the
campaign pictures.
"I thought he was here for the book tour."
"The point is he went out of his way to stop here and talk to me
about it. He was serious too; has a campaign manager, exploratory
committee, and fundraisers all set to go."
"I thought we agreed you weren't going to run again."
"Technically, we agreed I wouldn't run for Congress again."
I point out and after a moment of stunned silence she gets up and
leaves
the room.
"Well, that was a perfect politician's answer, Matt. Maybe Josh
Lyman is right on the money with you." Ouch…
Chapter 23
"This is the way you treat a friend who has twice now let you stay
with him for free?" Sam is complaining…again.
"I gave you an autographed copy of my best selling book, didn't
I? Even included you in the dedication?" I argue.
"Yes, but then you harp on me for two hours straight about quitting
my job and working for Santos, who hasn't even agreed to run by the
way."
"He will."
"Right. Tell you what. When you get Matt Santos to agree to run for
President, I will quit my job, once again, for a candidate you have
deemed worthy of my time and skills."
"Deal." Sam is nothing if not a man of his word. Ever since I
arrived yesterday, I have been talking up Santos and while Sam quickly
acknowledged he had done great work as a Congressman, he was
more than a
little unsure about his Presidential prospects.
I go to the fridge to get another beer while Sam looks through the
latest pictures of A.J. The doorbell rings and Sam gets up to get it
while I get my laptop out to email Donna about my many admiring fans at
the book signing that day.
"Josh, it's for you." Sam calls and I walk out to join him
and see none other than Congressman Santos in the foyer.
"Hello Congressman. This is Sam Seaborn. He's been gracious
enough to let me stay with him while I'm in town for the tour. Come
on in. We were just having a post signing beer. Would you like one?"
"Sure. Nice to meet you Sam. You did a lot of great work for the
President."
"Thank you Congressman." Sam gives me a look as he goes to get
Matt a beer and all three of us wander back to his balcony.
"Pretty nice place you got here." Santos remarks.
"It's amazing what you can afford once you give up a Government
salary." Sam quips.
"Aren't you going to ask what brings me out here, Josh?"
"Nope, but I'm sure Sam would love to hear about it.
Wouldn't you Sam?"
"Not really, no. We could just enjoy our beers and bitch about
Washington. Doesn't that sound nice?"
"Am I missing something here?" Santos asks looking from me to
Sam and back.
"No, Sam is just contemplating a career change, aren't you
Sam."
"God, I hope not. You in town for a fundraiser or something,
Congressman?" Sam asks hopefully.
"No, I came to follow up on a conversation Josh started in Houston.
Although I should preface this by asking what you think the odds are of
electing a divorced candidate, because Helen isn't speaking to me
right now."
"She isn't thrilled with the idea, I take it?" I ask
wincing.
"That would be an understatement. Plus I think `Josh' is now
a four letter word in our home."
Sam spits out his beer laughing. "My career is looking up." He
smiles at me.
"One thing at a time." I respond. "So are you here to say
you're not interested or are you here to say you need help
convincing your wife?"
"I'm interested, but besides finding a way to get Helen on
board, I have a couple conditions." Matthew takes another swig of
beer.
"Which are?"
"1) If I'm in this, you're in this with me."
"I'd be happy to consult; had planned on it actually."
"No, no consulting; running the campaign." Sam spit out his beer
again.
"What?" Santos is getting agitated.
"Nothing. Josh is just contemplating a career change, right
Josh?" Sam is enjoying this way too much.
"What are the other conditions?"
"2) Everything gets run by me. I'm not going to be some front
man."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
"3) I'm not changing my opinions for popular appeal. The voters
take me as I am or they don't take me at all."
"That's why I want you to run. Anything else?"
"If Helen doesn't let me back in the house, I get a room in this
place."
"Being the brilliant politician that I am, not to mention a married
man, I actually have a plan for bringing Helen on board." I brag.
"Would this involve psychotropic drugs of some kind?" He asks
taking another drink and smirking.
"Close. My wife Donnatella." I grab my cell phone and start
dialing.
"What about my first condition?" Matt asks again.
"Yeah, Josh, what about his first condition?" Sam echoes.
"Matt Santos, I'd like you to meet your speech writer and senior
political advisor, Sam Seaborn." I tell them before returning my
attention to the cell phone. "Hey baby, how are you and A.J.
doing?...Really?... That's great…Hey, you know how you said you
wanted me to make a decision about what I was going to do after the
book tour?..." I grin at the stupified expressions on the faces of Matt
and Sam.
Chapter 24
I look around the conference table at the group that I've assembled
as we wait for the Santos family to arrive; Mandy, and her husband
Richard, Sam, Joey Lucas and Kenny, and of course, Donna. A.J. is
sleeping in the bedroom portion of the suite with the monitor on.
We're meeting in California as a convenience to Joey and Sam, who
has yet to quit his job as promised. I think the wuss is waiting to see
if we can make this work first. It's also an incentive for the
Santos family to sell this as a vacation to their kids. Plus, the
weather in D.C. is filthy this time of year.
I don't know exactly what Donna said to Helen when she visited with
her after New Year's. Donna maintains it was a meeting of the
sisterhood and that as such it remains sacred. Whatever it was, Helen
has been very involved in our plans ever since then. I get the feeling
that she's humoring us with this run more than anything else. Every
once in a while I catch her shaking her head like she can't believe
we're really going to do this.
Donna answers the door when we hear knocking. She is greeted with
hugs
by the entire Santos clan; the daughter, Miranda, has made a picture for
her and the boy, Peter, is regaling her with stories of his bravery on
one of the Disney coasters yesterday. I get a handshake…from
Matt…and icy eyes from everyone else.
"Where's baby A.J.?" asks Miranda. Donna told me Miranda and
Helen both fell in love with A.J. when they met after New Years.
"She's sleeping right now, but she should be up soon." Donna
tells us. "You remember my cousin Anna? She thought you might like
to go swimming with her until A.J. wakes up. What do you think about
that?"
"Okay, but you'll tell me as soon as she wakes up?" Miranda
pleads.
"Sure. Anna has a cell phone and I'll call her on it as soon as
A.J. gets up. You and Peter can change in here." She directs them
into a second bedroom/bathroom area and Helen hands them their
swimsuits. Apparently she and Donna have this all orchestrated already.
Donna is a planner. After all, she had the whole campaign thing worked
out before I got home from California.
*Flashback*
"Donna? Where are you? Your loving husband is home from his weary
travels."
"Worn out from 4 star hotels, sunshine, and mobs of fans are
you?" she asks dryly as she descends the stairs with my baby girl in
her arms.
"It's brutal out there." I tell her while I kiss her
senseless and push her back against the wall.
"Joshua, I'm holding our child."
"I know she looks great." I take a break from kissing Donna to
plant a kiss on A.J.'s forehead. "Hi, baby girl. Are you tired?
You look tired. Should Mommy and Daddy tuck you in for a nap?" I go
back to kissing Donna.
"Josh! She doesn't go to bed for 3 more hours. I can't
believe you don't want to hold her! You haven't held her for
seven days."
"Of course I want to hold her." I take A.J. from Donna to prove
the validity of my words. "I was just hoping to…hold you
first." Donna just looks at me. "Maybe not. A.J. come up with
Daddy and I'll tell you all about why the Met's are going to
trounce the stupid San Diego Padres this year while I change clothes. I
scouted them out while I was there Abigail Joan, and I'm telling you
they're weak."
A few minutes later Donna comes in and joins us on the bed. I'm
playing peek-a-boo with A.J. and delighting in the faces she's
making for me.
"She's gotten so big? What have you been feeding her woman?
Look! She's grabbing her toes!"
"Yes, she is quite talented. She ought to be able to get her foot in
her mouth just like her Father in no time." Donna says, but
she's smiling so I figure I'm not in for it at this point.
"It was his first condition, Donna. He has to run and he insists I
do this with him. What was I supposed to do?"
"At least you called me first and pretended to discuss it before you
took the job."
"See. I did good this time." I beam and A.J. grabs my finger.
"A.J. thinks so too. Don't you sweetheart?"
"I'm meeting Helen in Houston on January 3rd. I promised her the
unadulterated version of a Presidential campaign."
"She could just read my book." I suggest. I just got home and I
don't want Donna leaving right away.
"She has. That's what's made her nervous."
"Shit. Hoist on my own petard." I grimace as I realize the
language I used in front of A.J. "Sorry, honey, Daddy meant, shoot,
not shit." Donna laughs.
"When do you need to be out there again?" Donna asks me.
"We could all go out on the 3rd. We're going to need to start
organizing that week anyway."
"I really think you'd better make yourself scarce at the Santos
house for awhile, darling. Let me go first, see if I can bring Helen
around. Otherwise, the rest of this is moot."
"You really think she can stop her husband from running for
President?"
"Of course she can. The handle that rocks the cradle… Anyway,
give me a day or two out there then you can make plans for the 5th. Is
Mandy still on board if she has to answer to you?"
"What kind of question is that?"
"A realistic one. Is she?"
"Yes, and she's bringing her husband with her. He's got a
good reputation for working media."
"Good."
"Good? That's all you've got to say about that? You
don't have a problem with me working with Mandy?"
"Of course not, Josh, and Mandy is good at what she does. Besides,
A.J. and I will be there to make sure there's no blood shed."
"You will huh?"
"It's like this; Santos isn't running without you, and you
aren't running this without me and I don't go anywhere without
A.J."
"And I'm sure you've figured out how we're going to
manage all this?"
"As a matter of fact, I have. Remember my cousin Anna?"
"A little. She started at Madison last fall didn't she?"
"Yes, but it hasn't been going very well. My Aunt Gennie says
she's not interested in school and is already on academic probation.
Anna wants to take some time to figure out what she wants to do and we
need someone who can travel with us and keep an eye on A.J."
"Academic probation, Donna?"
"Leave it to you to focus on that part. She's bright and
capable, Joshua. She just lacks direction and focus. Maybe a national
political campaign would be a good place for her to start over?"
"Right. Please tell me there's no freeriding boyfriend in this
picture or I'm gonna get queasy."
"No boyfriend. No drugs, I can't vouch for NO alcohol, but
it's never been an issue. She's really good with kids and I
trust her."
"Then it sounds like we should hire her to come with us."
"I already did. She's going out with me on the 3rd."
"Of course you did. Do you need me for any of the preparation on
this?"
"No, that's my job. You do the big picture stuff and I do the
details. It's why we're a great team."
"Yeah it is." I lean over our daughter and kiss her a couple
times. "Are you sure Abigail doesn't look tired to you?"
She laughs and scoops Abigail into her arms. "Let's get you and
your daughter a late night snack. Then you can give her a bath while I
take a bath of my own. We'll both tuck her in and then you can tuck
me in." She takes my hand and leads me from the room. It's great
to be home.
*Present day*
Introductions are made all around and I start outlining what we need to
get done in the next few weeks. Mandy gives us some preliminary ideas
on
how and where he should announce. It seems like everyone is talking at
once, but I notice Helen slip something to Donna who nods and passes
it
to Mandy. She leans over and asks Donna a question, then Donna
looks at
Helen. They pow-wow for a minute and all of them smile.
"Something you'd like to share with the class, Donnatella?"
I think it's time I establish some authority with this group.
"No, just going over Helen's remarks with Mandy." She tells
us and all three of them smile innocently at us.
"Maybe that's something you and I can go over later." I
point out.
"No need. I already ran it past Mandy. Helen has some policy issues
that she wants to make sure are represented in her remarks."
"Policy issues will be directed from me, not Mandy."
"Congressman Santos' issues sure, but as Deputy campaign
director, I surely have the authority to approve Mrs. Santos'
remarks." Mandy pipes in. Oh, God no. The 3 of them have already
joined forces; like some sort of political coven.
"I'm not sure we're at a point where Mrs. Santos needs to be
issuing any kind of policy statements." I am trying to say with my
eyes what I can't say with my mouth right now; unless I'm
prepared to piss off Helen Santos, which I'm not. And Donna knows
it.
"Yes, well you know when I called you from Houston and said Helen
was 100% behind this campaign? Well, I may have been overstating it a
bit." Oh. My. God. "She had a few conditions of her own." I
look over at Matt who shrugs like this is news to him.
"And they would be?"
"Well there were a few, and Helen feel free to correct me if I get
any of the details wrong." She smiles at Helen who smiles back.
"1) She wants the freedom to pursue her own policy agenda, working
in conjunction with the Presidential campaign of course, 2) The children
are not used in any photos or campaign materials without her giving
express permission beforehand, 3) She works directly with me during
the
campaign. Was there anything else Helen?"
"No, you covered it beautifully Donna." Helen finally looks at
me and I see something in her eyes that reminds me of Donna when
she's made up her mind about something. I look over at Mandy and see
that she has her tongue in her cheek; literally. I can tell all the eyes
around the table are waiting for my reaction.
"That certainly is something that would have been good to know
before we set up this meeting Donna."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Josh. I didn't think it was a big deal; just
some of those pesky details you expect me to take care of." Point,
set, and match.
"Fortunately, those are all things we can live with." I assure
them as if they were my own ideas. See, that's leadership. However,
out of the corner of my eye I see Donna squeezing Helen's arm. This
is going to be nothing like the Bartlet campaigns.
Chapter 25
A/N: I had to play with the timeline a little bit with this one. Pretend
it's all AU if that helps…
"Did you fall?"
"Hey Toby." I was waiting for this call.
"Did you fall and hit your head on something hard?"
"You use that line a lot. You really should develop a new one. Know
any good writers who could help you out?"
"I thought I did. Turns out he quit his job in a successful law firm
to work for Matt Santos. Can you believe that? What kind of
idiotic-"
"Hold on Toby. I wanted to ask you to join us, but I didn't
think you'd leave the White House."
"Damn right I wouldn't; especially not for Santos. You think
this is because I'm feeling left out? I'm going to be the only
one of you employed in three months."
"Nice. I didn't ask for your advice, Toby. I didn't ask for
your permission. I've been calling my own shots for quite some
time."
"Yeah, I guess that's the nice part about quitting the White
House. You get a lot of free time to write books and play with
campaigns."
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Toby is Toby, but this is off
the charts even for him.
"CJ and I, and a handful of kids are trying to finish the job you
started. That's what the hell is wrong with me. I hardly get to see
my own kids. You get to see yours today?"
"We all have choices, Toby, I'm sorry to hear you're not
happy with yours." I am so angry that I'm shaking as I shut my
cell phone. I take two deep breathes before I feel Donna's hand on
my back.
"Let me guess. Toby has philosophical differences with your choice
for a Presidential candidate."
"Donna, your gift for understatement is exceptional." I lean
back into her touch. It's been a stressful day with the announcement
and everything. Things went well, but still, there's always a
million things that could go wrong.
"How's everything playing on the media?" I ask her trying to
deflect the conversation.
"Great, Richard is on it. Why don't you turn it off for awhile?
Come play with us."
"Donna…"
"Joshua…you've got a great staff in place. You promised
you'd delegate. Or is it Toby's phone call that's got you
wound up?"
"I thought he understood, Donna. Why I left, I mean."
"I think down deep he does. He's just feeling frustrated and
upset by the President's health, I'm guessing." The
President had a serious MS attack on his way to the summit in China.
It's hit everybody hard. I've been on the phone with Dr. B. and
Charlie a lot in the past few weeks.
"Come play with us." She asks again and pulls on my hand.
"Yeah, okay." I follow her, she never steers me wrong.
"You're a sore loser, Joshua."
"The kid cheated Donna. Her Father is going to be the leader of the
free world, she shouldn't be encouraged in her cheating." I
shake my finger at Miranda Santos for good measure. When Donna
said
`come play with us' I thought she was referring to her and A.J.
not her and the Santos kids. Donna apparently agreed to watch them
while
their parents had a quiet dinner alone.
"Next time, Miranda Santos, it's regular Trivial Pursuit for
you. No more of this Disney version stuff. Is it time for bed yet,
Donna?" God, two hours playing this game and the only questions I
got right were about Winnie-the-Pooh, and that was only thanks to A.J.
"We get a snack first." announced Peter.
"How about some microwave popcorn?" I suggest. Quick and easy,
my kind of snack.
"Can we have ice cream, Donna?" Peter doesn't even
acknowledge me.
"Sure, I can get some ice cream for you. Would you like some too,
Miranda?" she nods excitedly. "Okay, Josh, you take A.J. and
I'll get the ice cream."
"I can get the-" please don't leave me alone with two kids
that hate me. She's gone already. Damn she can move fast. Must be
from all the years chasing me through the West Wing.
I pull my legs up so I can balance A.J. on them while I sit on the floor
and lean back against the couch. Miranda hesitantly gets up on the
couch
for a better vantage point of the baby and starts making faces which
cracks up my daughter.
"Hey, she likes that Miranda. Do that again?" Miranda obliges
and sends A.J. into a fit of giggles. This gets Peter in the competitive
mode.
"I can make her laugh too." Now Peter jumps up on the couch and
starts his own clown faces. Soon we're all laughing.
"When is she gonna talk and stuff?" Peter asks.
"According to the book I have about babies they start saying a
couple words around 7 or 8 months and really get talking after their
first Birthday."
"How old is baby A.J.?" Miranda asks.
"Well she was born on October 18th, and today is March 24, so that
would make her…" I look over at Peter as I trail off.
"Five months?" he answers tentatively. I nod. "There's a
book that tells you all that stuff about babies?"
"There are lots of books that teach you about babies. Go grab my
backpack. My book is in the first zippered section." He follows my
directions and comes back with the book. I help him find the section for
`your five month old'.
"It says your baby will start to turn over at this stage. Turn what
over?"
"Turn themselves over. A.J. is working on it, but she doesn't
have it yet. Watch." I place A.J. on her back on the carpet then I
move over to her side shaking her Pooh Bear to get her attention. She
starts reaching for it and starts to flip over a bit, but her shoulder
gets caught underneath her and she can't get it out from under her.
"Oh, she's so close!" Peter exclaims. "Come on
A.J.!"
"Come get your Pooh Bear A.J." Miranda chimes in. Now all three
of us are lying on the floor coaxing A.J. to roll over. That's how
Donna finds us when she returns with the ice cream.
"Look Donna, she's doing it. She's rolling over."
Miranda runs to her. "Well almost. We're teaching her."
"Yes, you are. Here's your ice cream."
"Can A.J. have some?"
"She doesn't really eat ice cream yet Miranda but we can give
her a little taste." Donna tells her. The kids watch entranced while
Donna places a little bite of ice cream between A.J.'s lips. Her
eyes get wide and she smacks her lips in glee! We all laugh.
"She likes it a lot." Peter notes. "Hey I got an idea. Put
her on the floor again, Josh. Please?" he adds when I look at him
strangely.
I put A.J. back on the floor. Peter takes his bowl of ice cream,
careful to show it to A.J., and he moves it just out of her reach at her
side. She immediately starts reaching for it. She rocks back and forth a
few times, and before our astonished eyes she turns completely over.
"Holy cow, she did it! Great job Peter!" I give him a high five
and exchange grins with Donna.
"Can she have another taste now?" he asks.
"My brilliant baby can have all the ice cream she wants." I pick
her up again and Donna gives me the look. "Or maybe just a taste
would be good."
"Do it again, Josh. I want her to do it again." Miranda pleads.
"Yeah, she's got to practice." I agree and look over at
Donna. Okay, so this isn't going to be anything like the Bartlet
campaign, but I think it might be just as fun.