TITLE: 'The Morning After' (1/6)
RATING: R
CHARACTERS: Toby and the gang
SUMMARY: Toby tries to dodge Congressman Wyatt
POV: Toby Ziegler and then the rest of the characters in 3rd view.
TIMEFRAME: Continues from "I'll Take Boarding School for $200 Alex."
***One***
I woke up feeling totally refreshed. I actually felt great. I got up quietly as not to wake CJ and did my morning routine to prepare for work. CJ had begun to stir by the time I came out of the bathroom so I left her to moan and groan and decided to make breakfast myself.
It has been awhile since I have made breakfast. That chore somehow became CJ's once we were married. For some strange reason she enjoys it. Well today it's my turn. I flipped over the pancakes and went into Piper's room.
I woke her up by kissing her cute little face and beating her softly with her battered but beloved Barney. While she tried to open her eyes and stop giggling I pulled her clothes out for her to wear.
"I doesn't want to wear that," eyes pretty much sealed shut and she can see what I am doing a few feet away. I swear it's some kind of superhero trait for children.
"What's wrong with this?" I held the Elmo shirt up to display for Piper. Using her index finger she stuck it in her open mouth pretending to gag. Now where did she learn that one?
"You can gets beat up for wearing Elmo."
"From who?" Yes, I did notice my tone raised there, but I'll be damned if some punk is going to put their hands on my child. I don't care if their only three.
"Evweebuddy Daddy. Elmo's not popolar anymore."
"Everybody and pop-u-lar," I repeated for Piper so that she could learn the proper pronunciation.
"That's what I's said."
"Honey, Elmo is nice and if you like Elmo then guess what, you're going to wear it." I roamed around for some socks in her dresser drawer.
"But I doesn't like Elmo eider."
I was crushed. How can a child not like Elmo? Even I like Elmo. "Uncle Josh bought you this shirt Piper and I think since he's taking you out later that the least you can do is wear it for him."
"Fine. But I's only doing it for Uncle Josh. I isn't doing it cause you're making me." She jumped off of her bed and I threw the shirt at her making her giggle. Piper started sniffing the air. "What's that stinky smell?"
Stinky smell? Oh my God my pancakes. I ran out of her room and back into the kitchen. I probably got there seconds before the pan was about to blow. I hope the girls are in the mood for some yummy black pancakes. Shit!
Grabbing eggs from the fridge I started cracking and whipping for preparation of scrambled eggs. Not what I had in mind but since the pancakes are done I needed a quick backup.
"Good morning. I am assuming that the coffee is hot and ready for me," my wife came into the kitchen. Her usually flat stomach was somewhat swollen with our baby who still had sometime before he or she would join us.
Sometimes I wonder if that baby has any idea how lucky he or she is being inside CJ and not in this big bad world. CJ's shrieking over a pan brought me back to reality.
"What the hell happened?"
"I'll buy you a new one."
"I know you will but that doesn't explain what you did to it."
I was about to try and explain to her when Tattletale Piper came into the room. "Daddy did it."
I threw Piper a look. Why can't I get a fair trial in this house? "Toby?" CJ said my name.
"It was an accident CJ."
"He was busy bossing me into my clothes and he did it."
"He what?" CJ looked from Piper to me. Now I really wish that baby would move over and make some room for me.
"It's not like she says. Who are you going to believe? Me or a three year old?" Wrong move.
CJ directed her attention to Piper who was more than willing to explain the events. Must remember this for when she mentions Santa Claus. "I doesn't want to wear this shirt and he argued that I had to."
"Why did you argue with her over a shirt? If she doesn't want to wear it she doesn't have to."
"Really!" Piper exclaimed and began to take the shirt off.
"HOLD IT!" I called out before her streaking would begin.
"Mommy said-" Piper began to say.
"Today we are playing a game called 'Daddy said' and daddy said you're wearing the shirt. Daddy also explained to you why he wanted you to wear it. Didn't he?"
"Toby, you can talk to her in the first person you know," CJ pointed out for my benefit.
I gave CJ a look that I was hoping was fearful but I don't think it was because she waved me off and poured a cup of coffee. "I told Piper that I wanted her to wear that shirt because Uncle Josh bought it for her."
"That's right he did. And aren't you going out with Uncle Josh later?" CJ asked Piper who was well aware that she was about to be wearing that shirt until it was time for pajamas later on tonight.
"Yes," Piper answered. CJ nodded and I did as well. Only my nod was in victory of the win. "The stinky smell is back," Piper informed us.
"Ah shit, not my scrambled eggs!" I cried out.
"Toby! You ruined another pan!" CJ cried out somewhat ticked off.
"Can I just point out that this day started off well when I opened my eyes?"
"How's it working out for you Emeril?" CJ put her mug down and announced that we were going out for breakfast.
***Two***
Ginger was standing out front of my office with what I presumed to be a hot cup of coffee. "Good morning Toby," she said to me in a sing song voice.
"Good morning Ginger. What's wrong?" I placed my briefcase down and removed my coat while Ginger watched me.
"What makes you think that something is wrong?"
I stood before Ginger, "You're right I apologize for jumping to conclu-"
"Congresswoman Wyatt's office called ten times between yesterday and today."
"-sions," I finished my sentence. "And you are telling me this why?" I turned on my computer.
"Because Toby they want to set up an appointment with you."
"Well then it looks like it sucks to be them," I gave Ginger my perky smile.
"Toby, your job is to take meetings. You know, communicate!"
"And all this time I thought I was the deputy chief of staff. No wonder the paychecks don't match."
"Don't try to be funny Toby. I am serious."
"I'm not trying but thanks for the compliment," I winked at Ginger who wasn't impressed and left my office displaying her feelings.
Why her office wants to get a hold of me so bad is beyond me. What the hell can I do for them?
"Ginger!" I yelled out.
Slowly but surely she emerged at my door. "You bellowed?"
"Yes, please tell Sam I want to see him when he gets in."
"I'm sorry did you lose your legs in a war?"
"I beg your pardon?" Was this some kind of assistant test or something and somebody forgot to tell me?
"He's right there," Ginger pointed through the glass. Sure enough there was Sam eating a muffin. Where does he put that crap?
"Well," I felt stupid but I think I covered it very well. "I guess it shouldn't be difficult for you to relay the message."
Ginger turned and knocked on the partition that separated Sam and I. Her hands waved and a minute or less Sam was in my office. Ginger turned to me. "You were right Toby. It wasn't difficult at all."
Sam closed the door once Ginger left. I have always admired strong women who stand up for themselves. I just hate when it is always me that they're standing up against.
"What's up?" Sam asked me.
"Andi keeps calling me, or atleast her office is on her behalf."
"The one you were married to?"
At times I am stunned that he passed the bar. I love him but he's a hazard to himself sometimes. "Yes Sam. She would be the one."
"Why?"
"That's a good question Sam. And unfortunately not one I have an answer for. I was hoping maybe you could help. Maybe have some information or something?"
"Why would I have information on Congresswoman Wyatt? I don't even like her." Sam gasped after he said that.
I raised my hand as if it were a white flag. "Don't waste your time Sam. I don't like her much myself. Hence the reason for our divorce."
"I thought she divorced you."
"You've got ten seconds to get yourself on the other side of that glass before I throw you through it."
Sam smiled and obeyed. I wasn't going to waste my time wondering about what Andi wanted. There were more important things in my day to worry about. I wonder if there are any muffins left?
***Lunch Time***
"I will let you know in a few days Toby. I have to bring this back to my people and from there we will make a decision," Daniel Morris said to me.
I folded my notebook and clicked my pen close. "I understand. Until then," I stood up and leaned across the table to shake his hand. His associate whose name I can no longer recall also reached his hand out.
I left the room and felt good about that meeting. I already knew that they were going to jump at my offer. Sometimes my job was too easy. I said hello to Ginger as I passed her by and went into my office. I closed the door behind me and received the shock of my life. Andi was sitting behind my desk.
"It's about time Toby. I was beginning to think you quit this half-assed job of yours," was how she greeted me. Divorce had never been such a pretty word to me before until now.
"Andi, what a surprise to see you here (pause) and behind my desk too I see."
"Oh Toby, it's just a piece of wood. I know you're more mature than that to care about little materialistic things. I assume correct don't I?"
I wanted to rip the cord from her back. The one those chatty dolls had that let them keep talking over and over. "Of course I don't mind. I am just curious as to what I have done to deserve this sure to be pleasant meeting."
"I need to talk to you and since you won't return my calls I decided on a different approach."
"So I've noticed. Andi I don't have time. I have a lunch appointment."
"You always were a terrible liar Toby. That was one of the things I loved most about you."
"And here all this time I thought it was for my sense of humour (pause). Why do you suggest I am lying?"
"Because I have been in here for sometime Toby. And I have had the chance to sift through your schedule and low and behold wasn't I shocked to find it empty for lunch."
I released a heavy sigh. "What is it you want Andi?" I sat down on the chair in front of my desk and crossed my right leg over the left and played with my tie.
"Oh Toby, don't go and sound all depressed on me. Do they have you working hard here?"
"I'm fine Andi. I trust you didn't come all this way to find out how the White House treats me."
Andi grinned. "Okay, I am not sure if you were aware that I have been out of the country for the past six months?"
"No I wasn't Andi. I do well not to know your whereabouts." She flashed me a dirty look. Just tell me what you want already and get out. I am so bloody hungry.
"Well I was. I was doing some charity work. And wasn't I just shocked to come back and discover that you've got a kid."
So that was why she was here. What does she care about Piper? "So?"
"So Toby? That's all you can give me is so."
"What else am I supposed to give you Andi? She doesn't concern you."
"We were married incase you have suddenly forgotten."
"As hard as I have tried no. But she's three Andi, so you can rest assure that I didn't have her during our marriage."
"Who is she? Was she someone we knew?"
"Please tell me you didn't come all this way because I am sorry that you wasted a perfectly good nail session on me."
"I asked you who she is."
"You wouldn't have known her Andi. I met her before Bartlet was President back in New Hampshire."
"So she was what? Like a political groupie?"
"Alright that's enough. I'd like you to leave."
"I'm not done."
"Yes you are," I stood up.
"But I haven't congratulated you on your marriage to CJ. And a child is due as well I have heard. My my Toby, you have been a busy little boy haven't you?"
"Please leave."
"Why Toby? Are you afraid that CJ will come in here and get all upset because your wife is in here with you?"
"Ex-wife."
"Pardon?"
"You are my ex-wife. And no I am not worried about CJ. I am worried about me. So I will ask again, please leave?"
"No I'm not."
"No you're not what? You're not leaving?" I wasn't in the mood for this. I was so happy until I came in here. I am going to throttle Ginger.
"I'm not your ex Toby."
My heart stopped for a few seconds and then I realized that she must be kidding. She always did have a sick sense of humour.
"You're funny Andi," I commented chuckling.
"Am I laughing?" I looked up at her quickly and studied her eyes. She stared back at me.
"What are you on crack or something? Do too much charity work and now you have lost your mind? We are divorced Andi."
"I never filed the papers Toby."
"Bullshit," I said half smiling expecting her to admit she was kidding me. Only she didn't.
"I never filed them. I was prepared to but then I didn't."
This would be the right time to admit she was joking. My heart was beating again, only I thought it was going to beat itself right out of my chest. "What are you saying?"
"I am saying that we are still legally married. I never filed the papers to abolish our marriage. Which makes your marriage to CJ," she stopped talking and smiled this huge ugly grin. "Illegal."