A/N: Sorry, I just can't help myself. I do believe I am done with this paring (I hope).


Cindy came into the diner and plopped down in the booth, across from Claire, "okay so why the early morning meeting?" She took a quick glance around, "where are Lindsay and Jill?"

"It's just us this morning." Claire informed her.

"Okay, so what's up?" Cindy asked as she waved down the waitress.

"Are you dating Denise?" Claire asked bluntly.

Cindy stared at her like a deer caught in headlights, "what?"

"Jill said she saw you two at the same restaurant on Friday and something about a kiss a few weeks ago. She was driving me crazy all weekend."

Cindy leaned back in the booth and nervously fiddled with the cuffs of her shirt. "We have gone out to dinner, I don't really know if we're dating."

"I thought she didn't like you?"

"Me too. The kiss was a complete accident, but then she actually called me." Cindy looked up at her confused friend, "weird huh?" When Claire didn't answer and instead continued to stare Cindy went on. "She's kinda the Mary Matalin to my James Carville."

"What?" Claire asked, confusion deepening.

"You know them right? When I first heard they were married I was like, no way. Politically they are totally opposite, but when you see them together, away from politics, they are such a strong couple."

"So are you a couple then?"

"No, that's not what I meant. We just agree not to talk about work." Cindy watched as Claire nursed her coffee. "We actually have a lot in common." she added softly.

"Okay, so..."

"Look, I don't know if this is going to go anywhere. We have only gone out a couple of times," Cindy paused, "does it bother you?" she asked worriedly.

"No" Claire answered quickly. "It's just surprising, that's all. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." Cindy took comfort in Claire's supportive smile. "Just so you know, it's gonna freak Jill out."

"That's a given." Cindy nodded.

"And, she's not joining the club." Claire added with a laugh.


A/N: For those of you who don't know Carville and Matalin--he is a Democratic strategist who has worked for the Clinton's and she is a Republican strategist who worked for Bush/Cheney. They have been married for 15 years.