“See, I told you she was coming, Joshua.” Ruth admonished when Donna arrived.
“I thought maybe you’d quit.” Josh stated looking at Donna closely. “You haven’t
exactly beaten a path to my door lately.”
“Maybe not your hospital room door, but I assure you the path to your office door has
been well and truly beaten.” Donna quipped and saw the quick frown on Josh’s face
so she went for distraction. “Hey, you’re eating solid food? That’s great.”
“It would be if he were actually eating it instead of playing with it.” Ruth tattled. “I’m
going to give you two some time to catch up. I’ll see you in the morning Joshua.” Ruth
kissed her son’s cheek and squeezed Donna’s arm before she left.
“You should really eat something, Josh.” Donna advised.
“Well if you’d been around for the past few days, you’d know that everything I’ve tried
to eat, I’ve puked back up, so you’ll understand why I’m not anxious to try again.” He
said shortly.
“Things at work have been-“
“Normal.” Josh finished her sentence. “It’s the White House, but everything there has
been normal. Don’t you think one of the 20 emissaries you sent here might have told
me if things were crazy there?”
“Maybe they don’t think things are crazy there because I’ve been working my tail off
keeping your office running!” Donna replied.
“You can handle my office with one hand tied behind your back. If you’re still angry
with me, you should say so instead of playing these games.”
“Angry with you?” Donna asked dumbfounded.
“For the stupid things I said before.”
“I’m not angry with you. I swear.”
“Then why have you been avoiding me?” he asked quietly.
“It’s nothing you said, or did.” Donna assured him. She didn’t want his overactive guilt
gene, as Ruth called it, to fire up. “I guess I just needed a little break. It was a pretty
tense week.”
“You’re sure we’re okay?” Josh confirmed. “I don’t want to lose your friendship,
Donna. It means too much to me. I don’t think I can get through this without you.”
Donna had to gulp past the lump in her throat. He wanted her friendship, she wanted
his love. How was she going to navigate these white water rapids without falling out of
the boat and drowning? Still, she couldn’t say ‘no’ to Joshua; she never could.
“You don’t have to.” She finally answered. “We’ll get you through this and back to
work where you belong.”
Josh smiled and felt optimistic for the first time in days. Donna was here and she was
going to stay and help him. Now everything would be alright.
“I spoke to your nurse. She said you’ve got a few more milestones to reach before we
can spring you from this place, and one of them is eating solid food and, well, getting
rid of it without, you know, throwing up.”
“How did you get my personal information from the nurse?”
“I have my ways. So, what we’ve got to do is get some food down into your stomach
that will stay in your stomach. Looking at this food, I’ve got to wonder if your puking
problem isn’t more about the food than your digestive system. That looks disgusting.”
“No kidding.” Josh agreed. “No one has any problems getting a reservation at the
hospital cafeteria.” He pushed the tray away.
“If I run out and get you something decent, will you try to eat it?” Donna offered.
“Sure.” Josh agreed.
“Okay, what are you hungry for?”
“French fries.” Josh answered without hesitation. “A big plate of crispy fries with
melted cheese.”
Donna laughed. “Fine, if the nurse okays it, you’ll have fries in short order, but you
have to share. I haven’t had dinner yet.”
“Donnatella, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
***********************************
As they chowed down on fries. Josh related the story of his physical therapy session
that afternoon.
“It’s this 15 year old kid, Donna, telling me that ‘we’ need to build up ‘our’ endurance.
Then, after I nearly kill myself going up and down 3 measly steps, he says, ‘We’re
going to that again, okay?’ so I said ‘no, it’s not okay’.”
“Oh, Josh.”
“Look, if he asks me a question and gives me a choice, he should be prepared for
any response I give him. Otherwise, he should go back to the junior high he’s playing
hooky from and leave me in peace.”
“He’s trying to help you.” Donna reminded him. “Maybe you could forget that he’s
young and just follow his instruction so you can get out of this place.”
“Right. Like that’s going to happen.” Josh muttered but ate 2 more fries. Donna was
keeping a mental tabulation. He was eating less than normal, and slower than normal,
but he was eating. It made her smile. “What?” he demanded, noting her expression.
“Nothing. It’s just good to hear you sounding like your old self.”
“Did you have to say ‘old’?” he complained.
“I didn’t have to, but that’s what makes it fun.” Donna joked.
“Speaking of fun, I want to thank you for sharing my Miss America knowledge with
Toby. He’s apparently shared it with everyone in the West Wing.”
“No. That was me.” she returned. “It was just too cute not to share.”
“You think so?”
“Uh-huh, and so did C.J. ‘cause she shared it at one of her briefings.”
Josh closed his eyes and shook his head. “Donnatella, I will get payback for that.”
“You’re going to have to get your ass out of that bed on your own first. I think I’m safe
for awhile.” She got up from her perch on his bed and threw the now empty carryout
container in the trash. “Is there anything else you’d like before I head out?”
“Yeah, coffee.” He asked just to see what she’d say.
“Nope.” She replied instantly. “But nice try.”
“I can’t have coffee?” he tried to imitate her pout, but she just laughed.
“Sure you can, but I won’t be the one bringing it to you. Goodnight Joshua.” She
hesitated just a moment and then gave in to her desire for contact with him and
kissed his forehead. When she lifted her head again, he’d gripped her arm to keep
her close.
“Thank you, Donnatella. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Unable to speak, she simply nodded ‘yes’ and smiled. Maybe by then she’d have all
these emotions under control.
Chapter 6
“Donna.”
“Hello, Ma’am. Did you need something?”
“Not me, the physical therapy department at G.W.”
“Oh God.” Donna moaned. “I told him last night to just listen to them so he could get
better and get out of there!”
“Yes, but this morning, he apparently started shouting at the physical therapist.”
“Josh always shouts. Did you explain that it’s his preferred method of communication?”
“I don’t think they care about his preferred method, Donna. They’d like to be able to
do his physical therapy without breaking the local noise ordinance. Plus, the therapist
is now refusing to work with Josh unless there’s a witness present. He said something
about threats of bodily harm.”
“Oh.My.God.” Donna laid her head on her desk.
“They need you there before his afternoon session at 2.” The First Lady announced.
“Oooookay.” Donna moaned again and lifted her head. “I’ll be there, Ma’am.”
Abby smiled and walked back to her office. Once she was there, she picked up her
phone and called Ruth. “She’s on her way.”
*********************************
“Can I not leave you alone for a few hours without disaster occurring?” Donna
exclaimed as she came into Josh’s room and threw her purse on the chair. “Hi, Ruth. I
heard the D.C. police had to be called over some threats?”
“Like that weasel has the balls to call the police.”
“Joshua.” His mother shut him up with only his name.
“Listen to me, Josh Lyman, you are going to go to your physical therapy sessions,
every last one of them, and you are going to be agreeable as you follow the
directions they give you. And just to make sure you do, I am going to be there every
single minute. If you give one wise-crack answer or even give one of these medical
professionals a threatening look, I will push you down the nearest set of stairs in your
wheelchair. Are we clear?”
Josh looked from Donna to his mother. “Are you just going to let her talk to your son
that way?”
“No! I was thinking I’d use some of her note cards to write down what she’s saying so I
could use it with you later.”
Donna smiled at the solidarity with Ruth. “What have you eaten today Josh?”
“I ate.”
“You can’t get through all the physical therapy sessions without giving your body fuel.”
“Mr. Lyman?” a nurse called from the doorway pushing a wheelchair. “Do you want to
go to physical therapy now?”
Donna shot him a look and warned him, “Don’t you dare. Just get in the wheelchair.”
“I would be happy to but…”
“But what?”
“I…” he motioned for her to move closer to him. “I can’t get out of bed and into the
wheelchair by myself.” He whispered intently to her.
“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” Donna asked the nurse.
“Laura.”
“Laura, can you give us a minute please? I’ll wheel him out when he’s ready.” Laura
nodded and gave them some privacy.
“How do you want to do this?” Donna asked.
“I don’t.” Josh replied and Donna rolled her eyes.
“Keep you eye on the prize. The sooner you get through this the sooner you get
home.”
“Not quite. It’s rehab next.” Josh noted. Donna looked over at Ruth puzzled but didn’t
have time to inquire further since Josh was trying to maneuver out of bed. She took
his arm and steadied him as he shuffled the two steps until he could drop into the
wheelchair Donna positioned next to him. He grimaced a bit, but didn’t complain about
it.
“We’re going to stop by the nurse’s station on our way to therapy and get you some
more pain meds.” Donna told him.
“I can’t take them before therapy. They mess with my balance.” Josh explained.
“Then some Motrin or Advil or something.” Donna countered. “You’re going to be sore
after these sessions and some pre-emptive medications are a necessity.”
Josh took the two Ibuprofen Donna handed him and remained silent for their trip to
therapy. He was gravely concerned that his inability to even move by himself would
shock Donna and he fervently wished he could think of some excuse to get her out of
here during therapy.
“You don’t need to shadow me, Donna. I’ll play nice. Why don’t you go back to my
room and make some of your famous note cards on the briefing memo Sam brought
over yesterday?”
“I can do that later.” Donna insisted. “Right now we’re going to get you on your feet
and moving without harming yourself or others.”
Josh sighed. They entered the therapy room and Josh was ‘delighted’ to see Skippy
waiting for him. There was no way this kid was old enough to have a degree in
physical therapy. And look at the muscles on him. He probably took steroids. Josh
should demand a drug test before he worked with him.
The biggest problem, though, was that Josh was seriously afraid he wouldn’t be able
to do any of the things Skippy wanted him to do. That was the reason Josh had
picked a fight with Skippy earlier. It had cut the session short, hadn’t it? At least the
shooting hadn’t affected his strategic ability.
Skippy looked up as they entered and his expression went from leery, when he saw
Josh, to pleasant surprise, when he spotted Donna with him. This fact was not lost on
Josh, and put him further into a pissy mood.
“Hi, I’m Matt Shelby.” Skippy introduced himself and took Donna’s hand. “And you
are?”
“Donna Moss. I’m Josh’s assistant.” Donna returned and had Josh looking up at her
with a funny expression on his face. “What?”
“Nothing.” Josh groused. “Let’s get this show on the road shall we?” He wasn’t anxious
to get started, but he was anxious to get Donna farther away from Skippy.
What the hell was Josh talking about, Donna wondered. Matt seemed perfectly
pleasant, and although he was younger, he wasn’t a kid either. He had to be around
her age.
“Where do we start, Matt?” she asked him.
“Supported walking.” He answered and led them over to where there was a set of
parallel bars and had Donna park the chair between them.
“Okay, Mr. Lyman, remember what we talked about last time. Stand up and get your
balance first, holding onto the bars firmly, then we’ll start moving forward. Whenever
you’re ready…” Matt positioned himself in front of Josh ready to catch him if he
started to fall forward like he had earlier. Josh licked his lips and steeled himself for
the push it would take to get out of the chair. Donna moved to assist him.
“Ms. Moss, let Mr. Lyman do it himself. He needs to be independent.”
“Okay, but call me Donna.” She replied and got another glare from Josh for her
trouble.
Josh took a deep breath and held it while he slowly moved himself into a standing
position and froze.
“Good! That’s good, Mr. Lyman.” Skippy told him encouragingly. “Now slide your right
foot forward…good…now your left…”
Josh felt sweat bead across his forehead from his effort and since Donna was behind
him, he couldn’t even see her reaction to his performance, or lack thereof. He had to
stop and catch his breath as Skippy moved backwards a couple steps so Josh could
move forward.
“You’re doing fine, Mr. Lyman. Slide the right foot forward again…Mr. Lyman?” Skippy
called to him.
“Josh?” Donna repeated although Josh could hardly hear her through the buzzing in
his ears. He couldn’t do this. Who was he kidding? He’d barely shuffled two steps and
he was ready to collapse. “Josh?” Donna said again as she came to stand behind him
her face close to his.
“I can’t” he whispered.
“Can’t what?”
“Can’t get all the way to the end there.” He said with conviction.
“Yes, you can, Joshua.” She said sounding equally certain.
“Uh-uh.”
“Josh, here’s what you do. Just imagine the most horrible Republican Congressman
you can think of.”
“The speaker.” Josh answers without hesitation.
“Perfect. The Speaker is standing right where the mat ends. He’s waving a bill in his
hands that would eliminate Federal spending on Head Start. You have to take it away
from him and rip it up or hundreds of thousands of children aren’t going to get the
educational help they need.”
Josh focused on the end of the mat and he could just picture that smug bastard with
his bill mocking him from over there. Josh took another deep breath and focusing on
the Speakers imaginary face, slid his right foot forward, followed by his left. It took him
several minutes and he almost fell twice, but he got to the end.
“You did it!” Donna cheered for him, a smile lighting up her face. She quickly
maneuvered his chair next to him and he collapsed gratefully into it.
“Great job, Mr. Lyman.” Matt told him.
“Why don’t you call him Josh, Matt.” Donna suggested. “He responds better to that.”
“Why don’t you let Josh speak for himself?” Josh suggested.
“I would, but you seemed a little out of breath there, Joshua.” Donna teased.
“That’s normal.” Matt said, but he kept eye contact with Donna while he said it. “It’s a
lot of exertion after the assault and forced rest his body has endured. As we get
older, it takes a little more time for our bodies to heal.” He smiled at Donna while he
spoke.
“Thanks for the dispensation, but I’m ready to go now. What’s next?” Josh asked.
“Dispensation?” Matt repeated.
“It means a release from obligation. Didn’t you learn any vocabulary at your therapy
school?” Josh mocked and caught Donna’s warning look.
“It wasn’t a major focus.” Matt laughed. “Next, we tackle the steps again.”
“I assume you mean that metaphorically…You do know what ‘metaphorically’ means,
don’t you?”
“Josh!” Donna jumped in.
“That one I know.” Matt agreed. “The steps?”
“Why don’t you wait another minute before you try the steps? You’re still out of breath
from the walk.” Donna noted.
“How am I going to keep up with you on our ‘walk-n-talks’ at work if I don’t keep
pushing?” Josh had moved away from fear over Donna’s reaction to his incapacity
and was moving full tilt into keeping Skippy away from Donna.
The rest of the forty minute session went along the same lines. When Skippy finally
announced they were done, Josh couldn’t hide his relief; that is until he heard Skippy
invite Donna for coffee after she returned Josh to his room.
“Sorry, I need her help on some stuff from work.” Josh interrupted before Donna could
reply.
“You should probably just rest for a bit when you get back.” Donna noted.
Josh wasn’t sure what that meant. Did it mean she wanted him to rest because she
wanted to have coffee with the kid, or did it mean she wanted him to rest because she
cared about him? What was the matter with him, lately? He was analyzing every little
word and action between himself and Donna. Maybe he did need to rest…but he
wouldn’t be able to rest knowing Donna was with the kid having coffee.
“I’m fine. I really need to get through that memo from Sam. It’s…time sensitive.” Josh
lied easily.
“Maybe some other time then.” Matt offered and Donna said something non-committal
before she pushed Josh back to his room.
Chapter 7
When Donna’s cell phone rang, Ruth only hesitated a moment before answering it.
“Donna Moss’s phone.”
There was a slight pause. “Is…Donna there?”
“I’m sorry, she’s stepped out, but she’ll be back in about 20 minutes. Can I take a
message for her?”
“Please. Just tell her that her Mother called.”
“Oh, Mrs. Moss. I’m so happy to get a chance to talk to you. This is Ruth Lyman; Josh’
s Mom.”
“Mrs. Lyman. I can’t tell you how my family has been praying for your son. We’re all so
relieved that he’s doing better.”
“A great deal of the credit for that goes to your daughter. You have raised a
wonderful young woman, Mrs. Moss.”
“I appreciate you saying that, I’m very proud of her. Please, call me Anna.”
“If you’ll call me Ruth. Donna has been so devoted to Josh. I can’t tell you how much it’
s meant to us. She’s down at his physical therapy with him right now.”
“That sounds like Donna. She would do anything for Josh.” There’s a slight pause as
Anna wondered if she said too much. “I mean-“
“Believe me, Anna, I know what you mean.” Ruth chuckled. “And believe me when I
say the devotion is mutual.”
“This was an awful tragedy, Ruth, but I always look for a silver lining, and maybe the
silver lining is that our two brilliant children might finally take their blinders off and see
what the rest of us have seen all along.”
“I like you Anna Moss.” Ruth told her. “And since it involves your daughter, I think it’s
only fair that I bring you in on a secret mission the First Lady and I are working on;
‘Operation East Wing’. Have you got a few minutes?”
“To be brought in on a secret mission? I think I can spare the time.” Anna stated.
*************
“Ruth, what did Josh mean earlier when he said rehab was next? I thought he was
going to be able to go straight home after he was released from here.” Donna asked
her when they had a private moment in the hall after therapy.
“We had a long talk with Dr. McKenna this morning.” Ruth began. “He explained what
Josh was going to need in terms of rehab and living assistance and I just can’t do it by
myself.”
“But I told you both I’d be around to help.” Donna protested.
“I know. And we both appreciate the offer, but even your part time help won’t be
enough. It’s a huge responsibility, Donna. What if he needs to get up during the
night? I can’t lift him by myself. And I’ll never be able to maneuver him up and down
the steps at his place either. He’ll only need to be in the rehab center for a couple
weeks; three at the most. Then he will be able to cope at home.”
Donna’s heart sank for Josh. She knew the last thing he’d want was to be sent to a
rehab facility. She understood Ruth’s concerns, but there had to be a way…
“I can stay with him.” Donna offered.
“But he needs someone during the night, and he’s made it very clear he doesn’t want
anymore strangers in his home.” Ruth objected.
“I’ll stay the nights too.” Donna countered. “I can sleep on his couch. I’ve done it
before.” Ruth’s eyebrows went up. “Sometimes we work late and I crash on his couch
instead of driving home.” She explained.
“Donna, it’s a very generous offer. But it’s simply too much.” Ruth argued. “I don’t
think you’ve had a break since the shooting occurred, and now you want to step it up
to 24/7 care?”
“Is it that you don’t want me staying with Josh?”
“Heavens, no, there’s nobody I’d trust more to take care of Josh. And nobody who
handles him better. I just worry about you, too.”
“Let me worry about me. This schedule isn’t much different than when Josh is going
full tilt at the White House.” Donna assured her. “Did Dr. McKenna give you a list of
things Josh would need at home?”
“We didn’t go into that since we decided a rehab center would be our answer.”
“Okay.” Donna nodded. “I’ll go back down and talk to Josh’s physical therapist. He’ll
know what Josh will need.” Donna turned to go since Josh had fallen asleep a few
minutes ago. The time sensitive briefing memo hadn’t even been touched.
“Oh and Donna, I hope you don’t mind, but I answered your phone when you were
out. I was afraid that it might be work. Anyway, it was your Mom and she’d like you to
call her when you have a chance, but she said to tell you that it’s nothing urgent and
that she loves you.”
“I’ll call her when I get back. Thanks.” Donna headed off already putting together lists
in her head. She should have grabbed some note cards.
“Here’s some of the equipment Josh will need to continue therapy from home.” Matt
handed her a piece of paper. “Don’t go buying them, though, they’re very pricey and
insurance won’t cover them since he has the option of doing therapy through a rehab
facility.”
“Does the private therapist bring them then?”
“No, you’ll go through a medical supply rental, but they need doctors orders so you’d
best get on this today if you want them ready for when he’s discharged in a week.”
“You think he’ll be ready in a week?” Donna asked astonished.
“Whether he is or not, they’ll release him unless some unforeseen complication crops
up. The insurance company will only authorize 7 more days of hospital treatment
given Mr. Lyman’s injuries.”
“The bastard insurance companies give a cut off date for services of people who’ve
been nearly fatally shot?”
“Yep.” Matt confirmed. “It’s quite the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ world when you’re dealing
with insurance companies. Get everything pre-approved, in writing. Start a file and
keep everything together for when they ask you to submit the same information over
and over or when they deny you a procedure after the fact that they approved
beforehand.”
“Okay.”
“I mean it, Donna, it’s crazy nuts. Wait ‘til you see some of the fine print.”
“I work for the Federal Government, Matt, I think we’ve cornered the market on fine
print.”
“You might be surprised.’ He warned. “If you need any help, give me a call. We could
take that coffee raincheck.”
“Thanks.” Donna smiled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
*****************************************
When she got back to Josh’s room, he was awake and looking for her. Apparently
Ruth must have told him her destination because he immediately asked about Matt.
“Got a chance to have coffee after all, did you?” Josh asked.
“Nope, no coffee, just a list of things you’re going to need when we get you home.”
“Since I won’t be home for another 3 or 4 weeks, that’s hardly a priority right now.”
Josh groused.
“Oh, and Sam’s briefing memo on capitol expenditures for NEXT YEAR’S budget is
‘time sensitive’?” Donna teased and Josh looked abashed. “Didn’t you tell him?” she
asked Ruth.
“I wanted to give you a chance to think about it before we committed you to anything.”
Ruth answered.
“Believe me, she should have been committed a long time ago.” Josh muttered.
“That’s hardly how I would talk to a woman who has generously offered to come stay
with you at home so you don’t have to go to a rehab center.” Ruth chastised him.
Josh’s head snapped up to face Donna’s and she watched him carefully.
“You can’t do that.” He said quietly.
“Sure I can. I even got permission from your Mom to stay over.” Donna teased but
Josh’s expression stayed serious.
“Leo won’t-“
“Leo’s fine with it.” Donna lied. She hadn’t in fact talked to Leo about it, but he’d be
fine with it by the time Donna was done with him.
“Donna…”
“Did you want to go to a rehab center, Josh? We can still set that up.” She offered.
“NO! But you can’t-“
“Why not?” Donna asked levelly.
“Donna, don’t you-…people will talk.” He said quietly and Ruth nearly cried at her son’
s thoughtfulness. He rarely thought about anyone else’s feelings let alone put them
before something he wanted. “They’ll talk about us…about you.” He said specifically.
“Well that will undoubtedly enhance your reputation.” Donna joked again, but this time
Josh recognized for what it was; misdirection.
“You have to think beyond the next few weeks. You don’t want people saying those
kinds of things when we’re back in the White House.”
“I don’t want people saying those kinds of things at all, but that’s kind of beside the
point, isn’t it?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the fact that people talk about us already.” Donna said honestly.
“You know it as well as I do. The fact that I practically moved in here after you were
shot won’t do anything to dispel those rumors either.”
“Then that’s even more reason to keep you out of the line of fire and far away from
me once I get out of here.”
“It’s just the opposite, actually. If people already think there’s something going on
between us, why should we go out of our way to disprove it?” Donna reasoned. “We’
re best friends, Josh. If other people read something tawdry into that it’s their problem
and it certainly isn’t going to stop me from being there when my best friend needs
me.” Donna concluded. “I spoke to the rest of the gang and everyone is going to take
shifts. I’ll stay during the week and the rest of them will take turns on the weekend. I’ve
got it all worked out.”
“Of course you do.” Josh smirked.
“Now you’ve got another hour before the respiratory therapist comes. Do you want to
go over Sam’s memo or would you like to play some cards until then?”
“What are the stakes?”
“We play for serious stakes here at GW.” Donna tried to keep a straight face. “Onion
rings in the first hand, maybe some form of beef in the second?”
“Burnt?” Josh asked hopefully?
“Well done at least.” Donna compromised. “You want in on this action, Ruth?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Donnatella.” Ruth used the name she’d heard her son
use on occasion. All three of them were smiling and relieved.
************************************************
Chapter 8
“Donna? Where’d my chair go?” Josh asked puzzled.
“Sam and I moved it to his place.”
“You two stole my chair? I loved that chair.” He complained.
“Well now you’ve uncovered our nefarious scheme to rob you of all your 25 year old
decrepit furniture. Next we’re going to get your Mom to send us all your toddler sippy
cups.”
“My chair, Donna?”
“It’s too deep for you to get in and out of on your own and it takes up way too much
space that you’re going to need for physical therapy.” Donna said as she continued
to sift through the mail that had piled up while Josh was in the hospital. She and Ruth
and flipped a coin and Donna had lost, so Ruth got to go the store and get groceries
while Donna got to stay home and help Josh settle in from coming home from the
hospital.
Donna let out a laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Josh asked after taking a seat on his couch and kicking off his
shoes.
“It’s a letter from your insurance company denying your medical expenses for the
ambulance ride to GW the night you were shot. You naughty boy, you didn’t call to
get it pre-authorized before you got in the ambulance.” She laughed again.
“You think this is funny?”
“I think it’s hilarious! Can you imagine having to defend that statement in front of a
jury? First, the jurors will laugh and then they will hit the bastards with punitive
damages on top of making them pay for the life saving ambulance ride.” Donna
summed up.
“Well as long as you’re entertained by my soap operish life here.” He said
sarcastically and heard a knock on the door.
“Stay down. I’ll get it.” Donna insisted and opened the door to Sam who hugged her in
greeting.
“Hey, how’s it feel to be home?” Sam asked as he made his way to Josh and sat down.
“I want my chair back.” Josh responded.
“Aww, cause I really like the air of 1980’s dorm room that it adds to my living room.”
Sam said sarcastically. “You look pretty good.”
“I have access to mirrors now, Sam, you can give it up.”
“Okay, you look better.” Sam corrected. “It’s good to see you at home.”
“I’m going to unpack your stuff while Sam’s here.” Donna announced and took his bag
into the bedroom.
“I got her schedule and I get to stay with you this weekend.” Sam said like he’d won
the lottery.
“Great. We can roast marshmallows and tell scary stories.” Josh grumbled.
“I was thinking of renting some movies and playing some poker. I might even be able
to slip a couple beers inside.” He said conspiratorially.
“Good luck with that. Warden Moss has all the entrances and exits covered.”
“She’s worked pretty hard to get everything ready for you here.” Sam noted. “You
didn’t see her that night Josh….when Toby told her you’d been shot? I’ve never seen
that kind of devastation on someone’s face before. I’m just saying, you should be
nice.”
“I am being nice. I’m always nice.” Josh argued.
“Except when you just called her your warden right then?”
“I meant it in an affectionate way.”
“Yes, because all inmates feel affection for their warden.” Sam pointed out.
“She’s been amazing.” Josh admitted. “She’s kept things running at the office and
been there every day to help with P.T. and now all this…” Josh waved his arms
around as much as his limited mobility would allow.
“Then you should remember to thank her, you know, at frequent intervals.” Sam
advised.
“I don’t need to thank her. We don’t have that kind of relationship.”
“All women like to be thanked, Josh, I swear.” Sam replied.
“That doesn’t work with Donna.” Josh insisted. “I’ll prove it. Donna, come in here!”
Sam shook his head at the tone, the volume, and the order. Nonetheless, Donna
appeared.
“What?”
“I just wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for me.” Josh said sincerely.
“Did you fall and hit your head on something?” she looked suspiciously at him.
“No.”
“Then stop that nonsense.” Donna instructed and went back to unpacking in Josh’s
room.
“See?” Josh smiled. Sam just shook his head again.
“You two have the most twisted relationship.” He noted.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You don’t see anything different about your relationship with Donna? Different than
the relationships other senior staff have with their assistants? Really?”
“Maybe it’s not the same as everyone else, but there’s nothing wrong-“
“Can you name one other assistant who would move in with their boss while they
recover from a shooting? Would Margaret? Would Mrs. Landingham?”
“That’s a while different thing. The President and Leo have family here.”
“So do you or did Ruth go back to Connecticut already?”
“No, but that’s- Sam, do you think it’s wrong for Donna to be here? I know there have
been whispers at times, about us, but none of it’s true. We’re not involved that way.”
“But you are involved.” Sam pointed out. “I don’t think it’s wrong for Donna to be here,
not if that’s what both of you want. Just be careful…you know? Living together and
working together; things can get confusing.”
“Sam, are you worried about Donna, or me?”
“Both of you. You’re both my friends, and I don’t want to see either of you get hurt.”
“And you think that’s likely because?”
“Because I’ve watched you both over the last couple weeks and there’s something
there.” Sam said plainly. “You’ve become very dependent on one another and that’s
normal given the circumstances, but there’s something else too.”
“Jesus, Sam, I can barely move from the bed to the chair by myself, and you’re afraid I’
m going to take advantage of Donna?”
“Of course not. I afraid you’re- Look, just be careful, okay?” Sam said seriously so
Josh nodded, but he still thought Sam was way off base.
“Sam!” Ruth called out as she came in with groceries. “Nice to see you. Could you
give me a hand with these bags?”
“Sure. Let me take these.” Sam took the top two bags out of her hands and walked
her into the kitchen. Donna popped back out.
“Did I hear Ruth?”
“She’s back with the macrobiotic shopping list you sent her with.” Josh teased.
“You had input on the list so quit whining.” She replied. “Sam, you want to stay and
eat with us? We’re having a welcome home celebration dinner.”
“Better ask her what they’re serving first, Sam.” Josh kept his eyes on Donna.
“I’m sure whatever it is will be better than the leftovers I have waiting in my frig at
home.” Sam returned gallantly. “I’d love to stay. Do you need some help?”
“I never turn down help in the kitchen.” Ruth answered. “Come with me.” Donna
started to follow.
“Donna?” Josh called her.
“Do you need something?”
“No, no.” Josh looked down a second. “You’re sure this is okay with you?”
“Is what okay with me?”
“This.” Josh answered. “You staying here and…everything.”
“Have you changed your mind?” Donna questioned.
“No. No, I haven’t. It’s just been pointed out to me that this may be a little above and
beyond the call of duty and-“ he broke off as Donna started laughing. “What?”
“You pick now to worry about my job description? Not that I’ve ever actually seen that
elusive piece of paper, but I’m pretty sure 90% of what I do every day isn’t on it.”
“90%!” Josh protested. “Give me a break.”
“Wake up calls, cleaning you up after disastrous bachelor parties,” Donna began
ticking items off on her fingers. “coming up with a secret plan to fight inflation,
providing you with a couch to sleep on when you’ve overindulged, stalking members
of Congress, working Saturdays, Sundays and sometimes 24 hours straight-“
“In the service of the President, Donnatella.” Josh argued.
Donna came and stood next to Josh. “Let’s get one thing straight Joshua, you might
have done it in the service of the President, but I did it for you.” And with that she
turned on her heel and went to help with dinner preparations.
****************************************
As a surprise, Leo, Toby, Charlie, and C.J. all made an appearance for the
celebration dinner. This was in direct opposition to every one of Donna’s Rules for
Josh’s Recovery, but given the circumstances, she decided to let it all slide. Josh was
acting off tonight though, so he might be getting overtired, in which case, Donna was
prepared to shoo everyone out. She had taken a giant step out on the proverbial limb
earlier and was now regretting it. Why had she decided to take the step now when
they had just gotten home? Now things would be awkward with them as soon as
everyone left.
“Great meal, Donna.” C.J. offered and Toby seconded.
“It was a group effort.” Donna acknowledged. “Ruth, Sam and I cooked, and Josh
supervised.” There was a general chuckle at the table. “Anyone need anything else?”
“No, and we should be going.” Leo noted. “Josh looks like he may fall asleep on his
plate.”
“I’m awake.” He negated the statement.
“Not for long, I fear.” C.J. chimed in. “We just all wanted to be here to welcome you
home, not exhaust you on your first night here.”
“We’ll be by later in the week.” Toby promised and he got up to leave. “Call us if you
need anything.”
“Anytime, day or night, my friend.” Sam added and lightly squeezed Josh’s shoulder.
“Do not worry about work. We’re sharing the wealth until you’re ready for it.” Leo told
his Deputy.
“I’m ready for it now.” Josh replied.
“Until your Doctor says you’re ready for it then.” Leo amended and shared a smile
with Donna. She had correctly guessed that Josh would tap Leo for more work.
She walked the guests to the door while Ruth said goodnight to Josh and crashed in
the guest room.
Donna came back with a glass of water and several vials of pills.
“Please God, tell me some of those are yours.” Josh begged.
“Oh, no. they’re all for you. I’ve made up a schedule of what gets taken when so you
can keep track of it when I’m not around. It’s on the frig. Did your Mom go to bed?”
“Uh-huh.” He said in between swallowing pills. “Are you going to send me to bed too?”
“Do I need to?”
“I’m tired, but I’m not sure I could sleep, you know?”
“A compromise then. You lay down on the couch and we’ll turn on a movie until you
can sleep.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” Donna confirmed. “But I get to pick the movie.”
“I knew there’d be a catch.” Josh complained but he was still smiling as he lay down
on the couch and Donna covered him with a blanket.
They must have both been more tired than they thought because within a half hour
they were sound asleep. If she had still been awake, she might have noticed Josh
start twitching and stopped it all before it really got going. As it was, his shout woke
her up. Disoriented from sleep and being in Josh’s apartment, it took her precious
seconds to locate Josh in the dark room and get to his side. He was trying to get up,
and Donna was afraid he might hurt himself.
“Josh, what is it? Are you hurt?” Donna ran her hands along his body trying to
determine if he was bleeding or had re-injured himself.
“Donna?” Ruth asked from the doorway, hurrying into the living room. “Josh, what’s
wrong?” His mother’s voice seemed to break through to him and his eyes snapped
open.
“I’ve been shot. I can’t breath.” Josh told them and Ruth started crying. Donna tried to
stay calm.
“Josh, you’re okay now. You’re home. Take a deep breath before you hyperventilate.”
She instructed. Donna watched as he struggled to calm himself. Ruth kept rubbing his
face with her hand and Donna stroked his arm. “That’s right, take another breath.
Can you sip some water?” Josh nodded and gulped rather than sipped the water she
handed him.
As reality seeped in, so did embarrassment.
“I’m sorry I woke you two. Go back to bed now. I’m okay.”
“In a minute.” Donna agreed. “In a minute we’ll all go back to sleep.” Donna couldn’t
look at Ruth’s face because she was sure it would mirror the panic and fear Donna
felt herself.
“It was just a bad dream, Donna.”
“Hardly surprising given what you’ve been through, Josh. Cut yourself some slack.
Ruth, you can go back to bed.” Ruth hesitated, then kissed Josh’s head and walked
slowly back to the guest room.
“I’ve scared my mother now.” Josh shook his head.
“You’re Mom is way tougher than that.” Donna countered. “I think you scared her a lot
more the time you and Bobby Fischer took the car and didn’t come back until 3 AM.”
“She told you about that, huh?” Josh smirked.
“We had a lot of time to share stories at the hospital.” Donna explained. “She
especially liked the back story on the whole ‘secret plan to fight inflation’.”
“I’ll bet she did.” Despite Donna’s attempt at humor, Josh still looked sad.
“Soon, you’ll be back at the White House and doing other stupid things I can call her
and tell her about.” Donna got up. “But in the meantime, I think we should have some
ice cream.”
“Ice cream?” Josh looked doubtful.
“We’re both wide awake and it’s great comfort food. Chocolate or Cookies and
Cream?”
“Chocolate.” Josh answered with a small smile that had Donna’s chest relaxing for the
first time since he’d awakened her. She almost bounced into the kitchen.
Josh found himself thinking once again how lucky he was that Donna Moss hired
herself to be his assistant that day in Nashua.
***********************************
Chapter 9
“I appreciate the ride to the airport, Donna.” Ruth told her again.
“It’s no trouble, Ruth.” Donna said honestly. Josh was becoming more and more
independent and he hardly needed one person there let alone two. Besides, Ruth
was beginning to think that her presence there might be hindering more than helping
with ‘Operation East Wing’. She’d noticed a lot of lingering glances between them in
the last couple weeks. There had always been teasing and bantering between them,
but Ruth didn’t think that it was her imagination that they had both moved a little
closer to the ledge.
She was still concerned about Josh. He startled easily and didn’t seem to be able to
sleep as much as he should. She asked his Doctor about that, and he didn’t seem to
be particularly concerned considering the circumstances. Plus, she knew Donna
would keep an eye on him. Nothing got by that woman when it came to Josh. Ruth
dearly wished she had had a camera when Donna caught Sam trying to sneak in a
couple beers when he came for the weekend. The two boys looked like 5 year olds
who had been caught dipping girl’s pigtails in ink wells.
“I’ll call you when I get in.” Ruth promised when she got out of the car. Donna helped
her lift the bag from the back. “Don’t let my son give you too much grief, Donna.”
“I won’t.” she smiled and gave Ruth a hug before watching the woman disappear
inside National. Josh had long ago trained her not to call the airport by it’s other
name. Donna drove back to Josh’s and let herself inside. Josh was sitting at the table
pouring over some report or other. She put her hand on his shoulder.
“Sam should be here soon. You want something to eat before he gets here?”
“I made a sandwich while you were gone. Mom get off okay?”
“No problems. I think she’ll be happy to sleep in her own bed again. What are you
reading?” Donna leaned over his shoulder to look closer at the papers, Josh got a
whiff of her perfume and almost stopped breathing.
“It’s…uh…a series of papers…on the uh…uh…Unified Theory!” Josh finally got it out
but was careful not to turn his head toward Donna since they were practically cheek
to cheek.
“Theoretical Physics again?” Donna asked. “You seem to be very interested in that
area lately.”
“My workload has become severely limited.” He replied.
“Sam’s coming over tonight to talk about work, isn’t he?”
“Kind of. It’s just for an opinion on a friend of his the DNC wants to run in a
Congressional race. That’s not real work.”
“It’s YOUR real work. You’ve done this kind of analysis on tons of potential
candidates. Sam will bring district data, polling numbers and all sorts of great work
related stuff, I promise.” She squeezed his shoulder and sat down next to him stealing
some of his chips on the way.
“Those were mine.” Josh noted smirking.
“Can’t you share?”
“I would, but someone limits the number of chips I’m allowed, so I get pretty
possessive of the few that actually make it onto my plate.”
“They’re very high in cholesterol, Joshua. I may be saving your life by eating your
chips.”
“I swear to God you are the only person I know who can steal something that belongs
to me and make it sound like you’re doing me a favor.”
“It’s a gift.” Donna smirked back, ate half a chip, and popped the other half in Josh’s
mouth. They stared at one another for an electrically charged moment when the door
buzzed.
“I’ll just go get that.” She said quietly and went to let Sam in. He had several folders in
his arms which Donna took from him. “Fine, fine, no way, and fine.” She said as she
went through each one and removed the offending file.
“But-“ Sam protested.
“I warned you on the phone, Samuel. Nothing with Johnson’s name on it; not until his
blood pressure comes down.” She took the file with her and went into the other room
locked it in the top drawer of Josh’s desk and came back to face down the men. Josh
gave Sam a dirty look.
“What? I tried.” Sam defended himself.
“You couldn’t like, stick it down your pants or something?” Josh suggested.
“I don’t like you THAT much.” Sam muttered while Donna looked back and forth
between them holding the desk key in her hand. She walked over and stood in front
of Josh.
“Don’t think for a minute I don’t know you were the one to convince him to try to sneak
that in here.” She noted. “Sam is an innocent led astray by a hardened criminal.
“Is there going to be punishment now?” Josh smirked.
“As a matter of fact there is.” Donna replied she first pulled her blouse away from her
chest while slowly and carefully placing the desk key inside her bra. Then she
reached past Josh and picked up what was left of the chips before Josh could stop
her.
“Donna!” Josh stood up in horror as she dumped them in the sink, turned on the
water, and ran the disposal. “Donna!” he said again, unable to get any other words
out.
“760 verbal, my ass.” She noted. Donna then pushed Josh back into his seat and
motioned for Sam to sit too. “I’m going out for a bit. I’ll be back in an hour. Try not to
break any rules while I’m gone.” She stopped long enough to run the back of her
hand on Josh’s forehead, habitually checking for fever. “You want me to bring
anything back?”
Josh refrained from asking for more chips. He knew from experience that such a
request wouldn’t end well for him. “Could you stop at the bookstore? There’s a book I
want to read. “The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene.”
“I could possibly do that.”
“What’s it gonna cost me?”
“Chick flick after Sam leaves.”
“With buttered popcorn?”
“Butter with Seasoning salt.”
“How about the spray on fake butter? That won’t mess with my cholesterol. Please?”
Josh begged shamelessly and took Donna’s hand in both of his.
“Fine.” Donna acquiesced. “I’ll be back in an hour.” She repeated as she closed the
door behind her.
Josh turned back to Sam. “What have you got on Tom Jordan you want me to look
at?” When Josh got no reply, he looked up to see Sam staring at him with a goofy grin
on his face.
“What?”
“Why didn’t you tell me? We’re supposed to be best friends.” Sam pretended to be
offended.
“Tell you what?”
“About you and Donna. This is so great! It’s like, after all the shit from the last few
weeks something good has come out of it in the end.”
“Have you been drinking?” Josh asked him. “What about me and Donna? You knew
she was staying here. Everybody knows she’s been staying here.”
‘But the looks, the touching, the key thing!” Sam pointed out. “You’re watching chick
flicks and eating popcorn with no butter for her.”
“Sam, were you or were you not sitting on my couch out there a couple weeks ago
warning me not to cross any lines with Donna?”
“What? NO!” Sam shook his head. “I was telling you that any idiot could see things
were developing between you and Donna so you should be careful when you crossed
that line; not that you shouldn’t cross it at all.”
“Oh. My bad.” Josh said re-thinking that entire conversation. “You really think Donna
wants me to cross that line?”
“Duh!” Sam said exasperated. “I can’t believe you’ve wasted two weeks practically
living together and- How can you seriously be a brilliant political strategist?” Sam
asked.
“Hey, personal relationships aren’t my strong suit. That’s why I was depending on you
to steer me through these waters. I can’t possibly be expected to pick up on the subtle
clues of women.”
“The subtle cues of- Would that be like dropping a key inside her bra 6 inches from
your face?”
“Not too subtle then, huh?”
“Josh!” Sam half laughed. “I love you man, but sometimes, you are absolutely
clueless. I think we should stick with something you’re competent discussing;
Congressional candidates. Tom Jordan.” Sam opens the first of the files and the men
go through what the DNC has gathered together.
Donna got back precisely one hour after she left.
“Did you get my book?”
“I did, and I even brought you guys a present.” Donna announced and deposited
three bottles of beer on the table.
Josh laughed. “How did you get three single bottles of beer?”
“I have my ways.” Donna grinned back and popped the top off hers. “Enjoy it before I
change my mind. To ‘taking back the house’.” Donna proposed.
“Here, here.” Sam seconded. They drank their beer together, enjoying one another’s
company. Josh’s attention keeps drifting to Donna and he wonders if Sam could
possibly be reading this wrong. Still, the key thing…
Finally, Sam got up to leave and Donna remembered about the other file. She ran
into the guest room and after fishing around for the key which nearly sent Sam and
Josh into apoplexy, she retrieved the file and offered to walk Sam out.
“Thanks for coming over, Sam. He really appreciates it when you guys stop over.”
“I needed his help on the Tom Jordan thing.” Sam shrugged and Donna laughed.
“You could have easily done that over the phone. You’ve found several excuses to
stop by and make him feel needed.” Donna noted. “You’re a very good friend, Sam.”
“So is he.” Sam answered. “He’s still looking pretty tired. Shouldn’t that be getting
better by now?”
Donna looked down, unsure about how to answer.
“Didn’t you just get done telling me what a good friend I am?” Sam teased.
“You are!” Donna hesitated. “There are just some things that should probably come
from Josh.” Another pause. “He’s having nightmares, Sam. Really bad nightmares.”
“Is he- do they- Is he alright?” Sam finally settled on what he wanted to know most.
“It wears him down.” Donna explained. “And he’s been getting obsessed with this
String Theory stuff. I can’t figure out if I should give him more work from the office to
get his mind on something else, or cut out work entirely until I’m sure he’s…okay.”
“Do you think we should talk to somebody?”
“I talked to his cardiologist. She told me that such a traumatic injury sometimes has
psychological consequences, but aside from the nightmares and a little jumpiness,
there don’t seem to be any other issues.”
“So is that why you’re still staying overnight?”
Donna nodded. “He can get really disoriented and wound up afterwards. He thinks he’
s back at the Newseum.” Sam grimaced. “I know. He’s getting better, but he’s not
ready to be left alone yet.”
“You’d better go back up. I won’t say anything to him about the nightmares unless he
brings it up.” Sam assured her and gave her a hug. When she got back upstairs, Josh
was already making the popcorn. They watched the movie, teased back and forth,
and Josh even got the nerve to put his arm around her. She laid her head on his
shoulder and he hadn’t felt that content in ages.
Two nights later; another nightmare. Josh was screaming for Donna. It took her
another couple minutes to rouse him to consciousness.
“I’m right here, Josh. I’m fine. Open your eyes and look at me.” Donna said sternly. He
obeyed her, still breathing hard. “You’re fine. We’re at home and safe.” Then
something happened that didn’t follow their usual post nightmare routine. Josh pulled
her into his arms and held on tightly.
“God, I thought you were dead.” He cried.
“Josh, I wasn’t even there that night.”
“In my dream you were. You were standing right next to me and you just fell to the
sidewalk. I had your blood all over my hands.” Donna could feel his hands contract on
her body.
“It was just a dream. I’m fine. Do you want me to get you some water?”
“Don’t go.” He whispered into her ear and Donna got chills up and down her spine.
“Just to get you some water.” Donna assured him.
“Don’t go.” He repeated and held her even tighter. Donna just nodded. A few minutes
passed before another word was said.
“Why don’t you try to lie back down?” Donna suggested and Josh immediately
complied; only he took her with him. Now they were lying side by side, chest to chest,
with Donna’s head tucked under Josh’s chin.
“Josh.”
“Stay with me. I need to feel your heartbeat.” He mumbled and Donna realized he was
falling back to sleep. Donna was surprised her heart wasn’t leaping out of her chest
with Josh’s arms around her, and his breath tickling her ear. She knew she should
probably move, but she couldn’t force herself to get out of his arms or out of his bed.
She stayed awake the rest of the night listening to him breath.