Donna’s POV:
I have been very clear in my instructions to our volunteers. They are to be
respectful and honest if anyone asks who they work for. Their job is to dog
every appearance and point out that Russell/Hoynes are acting chicken by
avoiding the full field. Our guy will get footage on film and we’ll edit it into Josh’s
chicken spot.
Our volunteer waits, just as he was instructed to until Russell is done speaking
and waits for the Q & A. Then it happens. Some man in a chicken suit barrels
his way into the press conference and starts accusing Russell of being chicken
and making “bawk, bawk” noises. This is NOT happening.
For a good 5 seconds, I stand frozen to the spot. I am spurred into action by
the security team that is making it’s way toward our chicken guy. I hurry over
and pull him by the wing to a spot out of sight and begin to light into him.
“Are you deranged? We are trying to run a classy campaign for the
Presidency. Don’t you ever listen to anything Josh Lyman tells you ever again.
Do you understand me?” His chicken head bobs up and down. “Get out of
here, take that ridiculous thing off and try to come up with a job that won’t
embarrass your parents to the point that they kick you out of their basement.
Santos stands for integrity and intelligence you pathetic piece of poultry.”
I finish my speech, very sure he will not make this kind of mistake again and
turn to leave…only every camera and microphone in the place is pointed
towards me; including our guy who’s supposed to be getting footage for our ad.
I am going to kill him.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Josh’s POV:
I am such a dead man. I watch as CNN replays the footage again and I know I
need to get all the laughter out of my system now, because once I’m in the
room with her, if my face so much as twitches she’ll strike me dead. Just then,
Santos enters the conference room and watches the proceedings with
puzzlement.
“Is that Donna?” he asks me.
“Yep.”
“Didn’t she scrap the chicken suit idea?”
“Yep.”
“Oh, ho. It was nice knowing you Joshua.” He tells me as he exits, still watching
the footage as he goes. It’s quite compelling television. My phone rings. I check
my caller ID to confirm the source and consider ducking the call, but it will only
prolong the inevitable.
“Josh’s house of political poultry, can I interest you in our extra crispy special?”
“You son of a bitch. You directly countermanded what I said about no chicken
suits.”
“I am the campaign manager, Donna. I do have that authority.”
“What happened to partnership? If you disagreed with me, why couldn’t you
discuss it with me? I’ll tell you why. Because Josh Lyman, super genius knows
better than anybody and doesn’t play well with others.”
“You yourself have told me I play very well with others. Well, at least you.” I
interject.
“You made me look like an idiot out there!”
“I didn’t tell you to engage with a giant chicken on the campaign trail, Donna.
And look at it this way, we’re getting free airplay on every station there is.
Almost all of them got that ‘Santos stands for integrity and intelligence’ bit too.”
“As long as the campaign benefits from my humiliation, that’s alright then.”
“Exactly. Come on back. We need to go over the debate details.”
“Do it yourself. You’ve made it very clear my opinion doesn’t matter anyway.”
And she hangs up. Ouch.
******************************************************
Donna’s POV:
I am so seriously pissed right now I can hardly see straight. From now on we’re
partners, Donna. Together or not at all, Donna. Bullshit. Why do I always fall
for this? I have just been nationally humiliated and he’s making jokes about it. I
am done. Let him do this by himself and see how things go. I guarantee he will
have missed 3 appointments and drop 3 points in the polls before lunch.
I will get my stuff from the hotel and tell Santos if he wants me stay, I need to be
in a different state than Josh Lyman. There, I have a plan. See, I am back in
control and have a plan.
What the hell? Amy Gardner? What is she doing here and why is she sharing
an ice cream cone with Josh? Wait. Why do I care? That’s right, I don’t. I move
quickly through the lobby and into the elevator, but just as the elevator doors
are closing, Josh spots me.
“Donna! Hold the doors.” No, I don’t think so. Finish your ice cream and stay
the hell away from me.
The first thing I do when I get in the room is fasten the chain lock. It takes him 3
tries to open the door with the plastic key card and when the idiot finally
manages that technical difficulty, the chain stops him.
“Donna, what the hell?”
“Go away, I’m packing.”
“Packing for what? For where?”
“This is a national campaign, isn’t it? I should be able to travel anywhere in the
nation and work for Santos.”
“Is this about the chicken? It wasn’t that big a deal, Donna.”
“I beg to differ Josh, and I think several network news stations will bear me out
on this one. Why don’t you go back downstairs with Amy? The two of you can
have a chuckle over it.” I pull my suitcase out of the closet.
“I didn’t even know she was in town. Santos hired her to-“
“Santos hired her?!” I shriek and I realize I may be getting a little bit hysterical.
“Just go away. I can’t talk to you right now.”
“Look, I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to undermine you with the chicken thing. I just
thought it would get a little more media attention.”
“Congratulations, Josh, you were right again. Too bad it was at my expense.” I
carefully pack my shirts and dump all of his on the floor. That felt good.
“You looked great giving that chicken hell. Why do you think they’re replaying it
all over? Donna, just let me in so we can talk. This is ridiculous.”
“You send a grown man out in public to mock Presidential candidates in a
chicken suit and THIS is ridiculous?” Unbelieveable. Whoops, it looks like I may
have dumped his toiletries in the trash.
“I was wrong…I’m very sorry.”
“You’re going to be, Josh Lyman. See how long you last out here without me to
clean up after you. Partners? That’s rich.” His ties…where should I put his ties?
No, around his throat is too obvious…out the window! Perfect.
“We are partners, Donna. I just made a mistake. For God’s sake, open the
damn door.”
“Don’t you swear at me.” I keep on packing even though the tears are freely
falling down my face now. I can tell the moment he notices because his voice
softens considerably.
“Donna, I am so sorry. I made a terrible mistake. I screw up all the time; you
should be used to it by now.” I make the mistake of looking over and seeing his
face. He looks sorry, but then again he’s a politician, he can fake these things.
“I’m used to it professionally. This was personal.” I tell him, still making no move
toward the door.
“It wasn’t personal at all! It was just a media stunt. I never expected you to get
caught in the cross fire.” That sounded sincere. He never thinks things like this
through.
“You disregarded what I said. You completely blew me off!” I move towards the
door and he slumps down on the ground.
“I screwed up, okay? I’ll probably screw up 20 more times before Super
Tuesday. What can I do to make up for it? Tell me and I’ll do it.” This sounds
promising.
“I mean it, Donna. Name your terms.”
My terms…
“You have to run all the decisions by me for the next month and my decisions
stand.” I swear I can literally hear him gulp.
“Running a national campaign is a big responsibility, Donna.”
“Our national campaign is broke and polling in the single digits; I think I can
handle the pressure.” Take that, Joshua. “My terms.”
“Ah-kay.”
“And you’re going to buy me new shoes, too.”
“New shoes? Why am I buying you new shoes?”
“Because it will cost you a fortune and make you miserable all at the same
time.”
“That sounds about right.” He says under his breath, although I can still hear
him. He’s going to have to go shopping anyway. He needs some new ties…and
after shave…and toothpaste…
“Will you please open the door now?” Josh Lyman is on the floor begging. I
could get use to this. “Someone is going to call security soon.” He may have a
point.
“Decision making power, shoes, and you’re going to keep Amy Gardner far
away from us.” I want to make sure I’m crystal clear.
“Far away from us. I promise.” He moves his foot from between the door and
the frame so it can swing shut. I wait a few seconds, just to make him sweat,
before I slide the chain off the door. When I open the door, he’s standing again
and looking sheepish, he comes inside. He looks at his shirts on the floor, but
wisely says nothing.
“You hurt me, Joshua. A lot.”
“I know.”
“And I’m the laughing stock of the New Hampshire primaries.”
“But you’re personally responsible for an 8 point bump for the Congressman.”
He argues.
“8 points?” I repeat.
“That’s what Joey is predicting. The credit for that is all yours.”
“Fine, but the next 8 points are at your expense.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He takes my arm and pulls me to him. “I’m really sorry. Will you
forgive me?”
“Everyone makes mistakes, Josh. It would be wrong not to forgive someone for
making a mistake in the heat of the moment.” He wraps his arms around me in
a hug. “And I think you should remember that when you’re getting dressed
tomorrow morning.”
He draws me back to look at me. “What are you talking about?”
“Right now I’m not talking at all.” I kiss him soundly. As a distraction, it is 100%
fool proof. Within 30 seconds, he’s using his mouth for much more interesting
activities…until the phone rings.
“Donna Moss.” I answer as Josh continues his journey down my throat. “Hi,
Will.” Josh looks up from what he’s doing to glare at the phone. “The
Congressman will be happy to know the Vice-President has accepted his
invitation… I’ll have someone from our office send the details over…Sounds
good…Thanks Will.” I hang up the phone and twirl Josh around in a circle. “It
worked, Josh, it worked!”
“Damn right it did. With the Vice-President coming, Hoynes will have to follow
suit unless he wants to debate himself. The Congressman is going to debate
the full field and with his debate rules. It was a brilliant move, Donnatella.”
“You’re not just saying that to make up for your earlier screw-up?” I look him
straight in the eye.
“I swear, I’m not.”
“Okay then.” I start unbuttoning his shirt. “I have decided, we have just enough
time for make-up sex before we need to go back to the office and get back to
work.”
“I did agree to abide by your decisions…” Josh replies.
Part 10************************************************
Santos POV:
Something very strange is happening today. Josh is being unusually quiet and
he’s wearing this tie; it has what appears to be the New Hampshire White
Mountains on it and the words “The Granite State” emblazoned across it. Josh
may be the designated panderer in the group, but I have never seen it
extended to his clothing. On top of all this, Donna is running our morning staff
meeting Very, very, curious.
“Great job, Ronna. He’ll be an excellent moderator. Ned, what are we looking at
for press requests this morning?”
“I’ve got an impressive list so far, I thought Josh could cull it down and then I’d
set up the 1 on 1’s” Ned tells her looking at Josh.
“I can handle that.” She replies.
Ned hesitates in handing her the list, knowing Josh has always insisted on
handling this job himself. Josh looks at Donna, then back at Ned.
“Donna can handle that.” He confirms. Okay, now I’m worried.
“Josh, are you feeling okay?” I ask him. He nods, but doesn’t meet my eyes. I
think back on our conversation last night, but other than his pointed remark
that he’d sent Amy Gardner packing, I can’t think of anything out of the
ordinary.
“Anything else?” Donna asks. “Then we meet back here at 1 for debate prep.
Thanks everybody.” As staff scurries on their appointed duties, I hang back a
minute to poke at Josh a bit.
“Nice tie.” I throw out to get a reaction.
“Thanks.” He responds without looking up from the newspaper he’s reading.
“I don’t think I’ve seen that one before.” Come on Josh, work with me here.
“It’s new.” Donna offers. Ah-ha! Bells are starting to go off now. I haven’t been
married this long for nothing. This is all connected to Donna’s chicken fighter
routine. Someone got in trouble…
Back on the hill, the one thing you wanted to avoid as a Freshman
Congressman, more than anything else, was a meeting with the White House
Deputy Chief of Staff. If Bartlet’s pitbull paid a visit to your office, it was a ‘come
to Jesus’ meeting and there was never any doubt as to who would be making
the conversion. He would argue, debate, bully, threaten, and generally make
you fear for your life and political limb. I’m not sure this is the same Josh Lyman.
“Congressman, we should take a look at changing some of the language in
your education plan.” Donna tells me. Josh’s head whips up.
“We can’t change the language; it’s what has gotten us the most attention so
far with the press. If we change it now-“ he stopped abruptly. Donna is giving
him a pointed look.
“I have some concerns about that, and I’d like to discuss it a bit, Donna.”
“Certainly, Joshua.” She rewards him with a smile and he starts again.
“I think we should stick to the language the Congressman has been using. It’s
been working for us with the media and generating a lot of conversations
among voters.”
“True, but we have to look at the big picture too. He’s not going to be able to
get the nomination without the teacher’s union support, and he’s not going to
get that with the rhetoric he’s using.” Donna responds.
“Fair point.” Josh concedes. “But it’s not rhetoric. It’s what the Congressman
believes.”
“I’m not suggesting that he change his beliefs or his values, simply how he
expresses them. Let’s reframe the debate.” Donna implores him.
“Show me.” He answers.
“Show us.” I interject.
Donna’s face erupts into a beautiful smile and I see why Bartlet’s Pitbull is so
willing to stay on a leash for her.
“I came up with a couple suggestions…” she pulls out three different
statements which she hands to Josh first. What am I, chopped liver? As Josh
passes them on to me, I see that they’re good. They keep the heart of my
education message but couch it in language that makes you want to jump on
board with it. Josh is nodding and pulls the second one back from me.
“This one’s the best…in my opinion.” He finishes lamely. “Congressman?”
“Yeah, that works for me.” I agree and watch in the interplay between these two.
“What would you think about incorporating this into the 1 on 1’s today?” Josh
asks Donna. “We could soften up the ground on it before the debate.”
“Perfect. Let’s give it to the Herald first; they’ve already given us that great
editorial on education reform.” Donna answers.
“We need more data on the local numbers; tenured teachers, assessment
scoring…Give me a few minutes, and I’ll put them together.” Donna notes.
“Assign it to an intern. That’s not your job anymore.” Josh says without looking
up from re-reading the education statement. Donna hesitates, then calls an
intern over and directs them to get the data she wants. Interesting.
“How about changing this from ‘New Hampshire’s future’ to ‘our Nation’s
future’?” He asks her. I swear that don’t even know I’m in the room.
“Yeah, yeah that’s good.” Donna confirms.
The phone rings and Josh picks it up.
“Just one second, you’re going to need Donna’s approval on that. Here she is.”
He hands her the phone and she takes over without missing a beat. “You want
to go over some debate prep alone before the group thing later?” he asks me.
“That would be good. Do we need to wait for Donna?” I poke him some more.
“I’ve already cleared it with her.” He grins at me.
“I’ll bet you have.” I reply. “I have some language I would like to work into the
debate, too.”
“Really? What is it?”
“Bawk..bawk, bawk…” I love messing with Josh Lyman. Donna throws me a
weird look but stays focused on the phone call.
“I’m sure I can work that in, sir. Maybe an answer on agriculture and family
farms?” Josh Lyman is joking…about politics. Will wonders never cease?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Josh’s POV:
It was only a matter of time. I managed to avoid Donna since I returned from
the White House, but it was only a matter of time.
I keep my eyes trained on my laptop.
“So I got this phone call from the White House Chief of Staff…” she starts.
When I don’t respond, she walks over and takes my laptop away and sits in my
lap.
“I thought we had a deal about keeping things professional in the office.” I
attempt to misdirect, but I know it’s not going to work.
“Are you okay?” she asks me.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” I respond nastily.
“Because while you’ve always enjoyed a spirited debate with Toby, you’ve
never resorted to using your fists and Toby is like a brother to you.” As usual,
Donna gets right to the heart of the matter. “CJ said he’s been really out of it
since his brother died.”
“This making up between you and CJ hasn’t worked too well for me. I think I
liked it better when you weren’t such good friends.”
“I’m just saying you shouldn’t take it so personally-“
“Not take it personally? You should have heard what he said about me, about
Santos…about us!” Shit. I hadn’t meant to say that.
“I see.” She answers. “He was floating the health care stuff to Rafferty?”
“Yep.” If she can gloss over the personal stuff, so can I. “If it was up to him,
Rafferty would be the nominee and I’d be up on treason charges.”
“Good thing he’s not, then. Josh, he’s been through a lot and he’s not thinking
clearly.” She hesitates before she continues. “CJ told me, it wasn’t the cancer.
David committed suicide.”
“No.” That would have hit Toby hard. And in the Jewish tradition… “Were they
allowed to observed shiva?” She nods. “Damn. I wish someone had told me. If I
had still been there…”
“I didn’t tell you that to bring the guilt. I just thought you should know what he’s
dealing with; so you could understand.” Donna hugs me to her. “Give it a little
time. Give him a little time.”
“Yeah, okay….I’ll try calling him in a few days.” I agree.
***********************************************************
Phone Calls Part 11
Donna’s POV:
“Operation Sleepover? Tell me that name isn’t yours.” Josh’s voice is definitely
sardonic even over the phone. He’s upset about this whole deal. If you ask me,
it has more to do with the fact that it’s in response to a request from Cliff Calley
than anything else, but it’s for President Bartlet so…
“You’re just jealous you weren’t invited to stay overnight here with the popular
kids.” I try teasing my way out of the box. “The Vice-President’s office is pretty
plush.”
“I’m sure he’d let you stay there all week. He’s just happy to have the campaign
trail to himself.”
“Hey, this is why we’re working for the Congressman and not the Vice-
President, remember? It’s the right thing to do and it will help the President.”
“IF it works, and that’s by no means a sure bet, then we’re aces, but if not-“
“Cliff has a plan to get Haffley to call the vote tomorrow morning. It will work.”
Oops. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone in that direction.
“Cliff has a plan does he? I suppose you have plenty of time for him to regale
you with tales of his amazing deeds in MY OFFICE.”
“It’s not your office anymore and Cliff’s tales of amazing deeds don’t impress
me anymore than yours ever did. What is with that job and inflated egos?”
“How’s the Congressman holding up?”
“He’s trying to win one more vote while we wait. Arkansas is having some
morality questions.”
“There’s a Democrat in that room who isn’t with us on this? Put him on the
phone.” He demands.
“That’s not your job anymore,” I enjoy throwing his own words back at him. “and
I would think that after last night you would have no doubts about whose
amazing deeds I am impressed with these days.”
“Not now, Donnatella, I’m in a room full of teenagers.” There’s a pause for a
half a beat. “When do I get to see you again?”
“After we get this vote nailed down, we head out for the California events and
meet you for La Palabra’s endorsement.”
“Right. You know, when I suggested this partnership I actually envisioned us
spending more time in the same place.”
“You should have known better. This isn’t new stuff for you or for us.”
“But I don’t like it.” Joshua Lyman, ladies and gentlemen, the eight your old
child trapped inside a grown man’s body.
“You don’t have to like it, just endure it; preferably without whining like a little
boy.” Does he think this what I want? We’re just beginning to explore this
personal relationship and most days we are too physically exhausted to do
anything about it…well, not most days; who really needs sleep? But still, given
a wide range of options, I’d much prefer we were in the same place at the same
time for more than 3 days of each week.
“How are YOU holding up?” Okay, if Josh is asking how I’m doing that must
have come out a little snottier than I intended.
“Just tired…and lonesome.” I admit quietly. “Goodnight. I’ll call you in the
morning with an update.”
“Goodnight…I miss you too.” I hang up with a smile on my face and look up to
see Cliff holding 2 cups of coffee and offering 1 to me.
“Josh?” he asks inclining his head toward the phone.
“How did you know who I was talking to?”
“My ears were burning.” He jokes and I manage a laugh.
“Only your ears? That doesn’t sound like Josh. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Thanks for helping with this.”
“It was the Congressman’s idea.”
“Yes, but I don’t think Josh would have gone along with it without your help.”
“I think you underestimate Josh’s desire to help President Bartlet.” I tell him
primly.
“I think you underestimate how much Josh hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you.” I hedge. “And even if he did,” Cliff laughs. “He wouldn’t
let it interfere with something like this.”
“You look happy, Donna. Tired, but happy.”
“I am.”
“You and Josh make quite a formidable team. You’re catching up to the sitting
Vice-President with a 3 term Congressman who’s new to the National stage.
Pretty impressive.”
“Thanks.”
“Vinick’s still gonna clean your clock in November.” He smirks and it reminds
me a little of Josh. Is that what I saw in him? “I need to get some sleep; I’ve got
an important squash game in the morning.”
“Night, Cliff.” I watch him leave and then turn my attention back to where
Congressman Santos is taking the Arkansas Congressman step by step
through the stem cell vote. I pick up my phone and quickly hit speed dial #1.
“Nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to hear your voice again…” Yes, tired but happy.
********************************************************
Phone Calls 12/?
Josh’s POV:
Is has been two weeks. Two weeks! Yeah, we talk several times a day,
exchange emails and text messages I pray will never fall into the wrong hands,
but it has been two weeks since my hands have touched any part of Donnatella
Moss.
This is why I am pacing the lobby of the nameless, faceless hotel waiting for the
candidate’s entourage to arrive like a caged tiger. They are 20 minutes late,
which as strange as it may sound, is actually early for us. It just feels very, very
late.
Finally I hear sirens. Thank God. Secret Service enters first and I wait
patiently…well I try to wait patiently as they do their sweep. Since Russell and
Santos are virtually tied going into the convention tomorrow, both candidates
are being covered by the Secret Service. She comes in with Edie and Bram
and they’re laughing about something. God, she looks gorgeous.
“Hey.” Very eloquent, don’t you think? 760 verbal, you know.
“Hi. Is something wrong?” She asks tentatively.
“I need you. Come with me.” She looks concerned now, but I can’t explain that
my need isn’t political in front of everyone. The Congressman looks over like
he wants to discuss something so I quickly break eye contact and pull Donna
away from the group by the arm.
She gives me a running commentary on their trip while I half drag her through
the halls toward our room. She smiles reassuringly at the staffers giving us
strange looks, but doesn’t stop her spiel.
I get the door open with the key card on the first try.
“That’s impressive.” She quips as I hold the door open for her. “Someone’s
been practicing.” She yelps as I stop her from proceeding into the room and
back her up against the recently shut door. I push her jacket off her shoulders
as I assault her mouth with mine. I can’t slow down and I certainly can’t stop.
I pull the shirt out of her waistband and run my hands up her back to release
the catch on her bra before moving to her chest to cup her breasts in my
hands. I want them in my mouth, but I can’t get the damned blouse off. The
buttons on her blouse are too small and I don’t have the patience to unbutton
them anyway. I decide to just pull it open and Donna lets out a squeak as
buttons fly.
My need is obviously telegraphed to her and she unbuckles my belt and slides
off my pants as I taste her everywhere.
“Joshua, Josh…” she’s panting but I don’t even take the time to answer her; not
verbally. I slip off her pants and she’s naked up against the door when I finally
claim her. I know this is going to be quick, and I’d apologize, but it would be a
lie. Besides, given her reactions right now, it looks like it will be just as quick for
her.
“I love you, Donnatella.” I tell her as I pour into her and feel her convulse
around me.
It takes a few minutes for our heart rates to slow down and breathing to resume
normally.
“Welcome back.” I tell her and she grins wickedly.
“If that’s the welcome I get anytime I leave, I can go get some ice and come
right back.” I pick her up and carry her over to the bed where I drop her
unceremoniously on her fine ass.
“Josh!” she laughs as she tries to hit me with a pillow. I fall on top of her and
just feel her in my arms for a minute.
“I missed you.” She whispers. “How much time do we have before-“ she is
interrupted by a knock at the door.
“GO AWAY!” I yell at the top of my lungs just as Donna shouts, “Just a minute!”
This causes fresh laughter to erupt from both of us.
“Never mind me, I’m just trying to win the Democratic nomination for President.”
Comes the disembodied voice of Congressman Santos. Shit!
“Just a second…sir.” I look at Donna helplessly and she giggles as she takes
her things and goes into the bathroom and closes the door. I manage to drag
on pants and a Santos/McGarry t-shirt before opening the door.
“What can I do for you, sir?” I manage as I run a hand through what’s left of my
hair.
“I just got a call from the Russell camp.” He tells me as he comes in and steps
on a couple of the buttons from Donna’s blouse. His eyes focus on the carpet
trying to ascertain what he’s stepped on. Realization starts to dawn and he
covers his laugh with a cough. “They want a meeting.”
“That call should have come through me, sir. What the hell does Bailey think he’
s doing?” It hits me that they’re going to try to eliminate Santos as competition
by putting him on the ticket. I hear the shower running and that distracts me
from thoughts of Bingo Bob.
“Uh…Josh? Meeting with Russell’s people?” Santos cues me.
“Right. I’ll take care of it. He’s probably going to offer you VP. Is that something
you’re willing to entertain at this point?” I ask pointedly.
“With Hoynes’ delegates locked up the first ballot won’t go anywhere; you told
me that yourself.”
“True, but they’ll bolt on the second ballot. We can grab a lot of them, but it still
won’t be enough to put you over the top. That means a floor fight or a
compromise.”
“What do you think about our chances?”
“We’ve been gaining momentum steadily, with a nice bump after your win in
California. La Palabra’s endorsement and support from the veto on the drivers’
license bill got us a lot of free media. I wouldn’t be talking to Russell about the
VP spot if I were in your shoes. However, that does mean a messy floor fight
during the convention and some of the hard liners aren’t going to appreciate
that.” He seems to take that in for a minute. I hear the shower stop.
“Set up the meeting. Let’s hear what they have to say.”
“Yes, sir.” I start to walk back towards the door, but he stays planted where he
is. “Donna did a great job on this last swing. She makes a good spokesperson.”
“Yes, sir.” Where the hell is he going with this? He must have heard her voice
before when he knocked, which means he knows she’s in the bathroom and
that it was her in the shower. We have never talked about my relationship with
Donna, but the Congressman likes to occasionally throw a line or two my way
that will get me thinking or get me in trouble. Right now I think he’s gunning for
the latter.
“My wife was asking about you two, you know. Something about being a great
team and making things official.”
Oh, yeah, it’s the ‘making trouble’ kind of comment.
“I told her I was surprised you hadn’t made it official already since you told me
you knew you should marry her months ago.” I hear a heavy thud come from
behind the bathroom door. “It’s too bad this last swing kept you apart for so
long. These absences are probably making it harder to find the right moment
to ask her.”
“I’ll get right on that meeting with Russell, sir.” I walk to the door and open it for
him. He chuckles and takes the hint.
“We’re meeting with the convention team in an hour. You should probably
change since the t-shirt/dress pants combo doesn’t really work for you.” He
stops in his tracks and snaps his fingers. “You could wear a suit…something
like you were wearing 20 minutes ago when we got here would be good.”
“Thanks for the tip, sir.” I shut the door behind him. My head hits the door as I
lean against it.
Phone Calls 13
Donna’s POV:
I think Lou and I are going to be good friends. She packs a punch and delivers
it to Josh every time. Add to that, her media savvy is phenomenal. I like to think
of it as a new beginning for the Sisterhood. I’ve been including Ronna and Edie
in our little band when we’re all in the same city, but tonight the dynamics
changed because Helen Santos joined us.
After all the stress of the convention and the increased media coverage, I think
she needed to blow off a little steam so I invited her to come to our suite for
drinks. I’ve kicked Josh out so it can just be the women and it feels very nice to
be pleasantly buzzed among friends; forget about the campaign for a little
while. We’re drinking wine and talking as CNN drones on quietly behind us.
“Does anyone know if Lester is seeing anyone?” Edie asks the group at large.
“When would he have time? When do any of us have time?” Ronna quips.
“Donna finds the time.” Helen says quietly and takes another drink. “Or is it
Josh that finds the time?”
“Enough.” I beg. I really don’t like talking about Josh with this group. I mean, we
talk about Josh all the time; mostly bitching quite honestly but not about our
personal relationship and certainly not about our sexual relationship.
“Is he always so…focused?” Edie asks giggling. How much wine has that
woman had? I can feel the red climbing up my face.
“I’m guessing focused and impatient. My husband mentioned something about
buttons last week?” she drops this into the conversation and the group turns to
me in silent inquiry.
“It was just…” How do I do this? “I really don’t think I should be talking about
this.”
“I’m not sure I want to hear about this.” Lou offers. She’s the only one not
drinking wine. She got the bottle of scotch from the mini-bar.
“Maybe we should talk about people who break beds instead.” I suggest and
now all the eyes swing back to Helen.
“At least your…activities don’t make the national news.” She retorts. The whole
group starts laughing.
“Latino men…” Edie imagines as the group settles down. “I could tell you
stories…” she trails off.
“I’ll bet.” I answer her.
“So tell us about the buttons.” She entreats me. The wine must have gone to
my head because I find myself relating the story to them as they snicker and
sigh. “Then the Congressman starts making all these comments to Josh about
marriage knowing I can hear every word!” I send Helen a glare but she just
smiles mischievously.
“How long have you two been together; like 8 years or something? You’d think
things would have cooled down by now.” Ronna notes.
“We’ve worked together since President Bartlet’s first campaign, but the…” I
trail off not sure how to define the rest of our relationship
“Hot sex against hotel room doors?” Lou suggests.
“Yeah, that.” I laugh. “That’s all new; since we left the White House to work for
the Congressman.”
“Seriously?” Helen asked with surprise.
“Seriously.” I assure her.
“Nuh-ah.” Lou disagrees. “I remember hearing stuff about you two after
Rosslyn.”
“I don’t know what you heard, but I know what happened, and nothing
happened until right before we left to work on this campaign. I swear.”
“I forgot about Rosslyn. That must have been terrifying.” Ronna adds.
“I worry about that sometimes.” Helen admits. “I know the chances are remote,
but you can’t be followed around by the Secret Service and not think about it.”
“So how do you deal with it?” Edie asks frankly.
“Follow the Secret Service recommendations…and pray.” Helen grimaced.
“This is getting maudlin. Time for a subject change. Tell us some White House
dirt, Donna.” Lou orders as she slugs down another two fingers of Whiskey.
“Where do I start?” I wonder out loud. “The Holidays are amazing with the
decorations and the traditions. The State Dinners-”
“That’s not dirt, Donna.” Edie corrects me.
“Josh almost burned down the White House once.” I mention.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Lou confirms. By the time I get to Josh’s
‘secret plan to fight inflation’ Helen has tears running down her cheeks and
Ronna is doubled over with laughter. I think Lou is taking notes.
“If he ever says another word about how I handle press questions…” Ronna let’
s the threat hang in the air. Then I notice the ‘breaking news’ logo on the
television screen and grab the remote control to turn up the volume.
“Shhhh, everybody. Quiet!” I command as CNN goes to a live shot of President
Bartlet. They’ve identified the person who leaked the military space shuttle
information to Greg Brock. I run to the phone and hit speed dial #1.
“I’m watching it.” He answers without saying hello.
“Josh this can’t be right. There’s no way Toby would-“
“You said yourself he hasn’t been himself with everything that’s been going on
in his life.” Josh is cautioning me not to say anymore, or anything in particular
about Toby.
We sit there on our cell phones, neither of us saying a word until President
Bartlet has concluded his remarks. There is footage of Toby being escorted
out of the White House. Oh, no. Not Toby. This can not possibly be right.
“Josh…you should call him. He’s going to need his friends right now.”
“Are you kidding? The man is going to be radioactive. He can’t be anywhere
near me or this campaign.”
“The man has been your good friend for years, Josh.”
“I can’t Donna. Not right now. It would be a curse to everyone. It’s going to have
to wait. Next time we’re back in the District-“ It is at that point I hang up on Josh
Lyman. It takes me a little while, but I get Toby’s cell number from my list of
contacts. Unsurprisingly, he doesn’t answer.
“Toby, it’s me Donna. I just saw the President on television. I…I don’t know
what to say except I am so sorry. If you need someone to talk to, or I don’t
know, drink with, please call us. We’re still your friends, Toby Ziegler.” I hang
up the phone and the pleasant buzz from the wine and the women is almost
completely gone.
When I finish leaving my message, I look up and see Josh has entered the
female zone. “Can we have the room, please? Mrs. Santos, you should stay
too.” Josh explains. Edie, Ronna, and Lou leave quietly, but Lou comes back
for the Whiskey bottle.
“Donna, we can’t be doing that.”
“Leaving messages for a friend who’s in trouble?”
“Have any contact at all with someone who is about to be indicted on serious
Federal charges. NO! Listen a minute. I know you care about Toby, but believe
me when I tell you he will understand better than anyone else. No one from this
campaign can have any comment about or to Toby Ziegler. It is an ongoing
investigation and as such will not be discussed in any way here. Do you
understand?”
“But Toby…the babies…” Now I’m crying and Josh folds me into his arms.
“Promise me, Donnatella. We’ll figure out something to help Toby, but it can’t
be today or this week, and it certainly can’t come directly from any of us.
Promise me.” I nod my agreement. Josh turns to Helen and she nods as well.