Title: For The Best (Part 4 of 5)
Originally published: Oct. 1, 2007
Rating: PG
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August 2005
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For the past two years, Toby did his best to avoid any conversation involving Josh's personal life or his relationship with his former assistant. So, it was ironic that he was the one who had to bring up the subject. But some news had crossed his desk. News that could potentially disarm Josh. Toby thought it was the best he heard it from him. Fortunately, he would have had the perfect opportunity to bring up the unpleasant topic during a meeting on the equally unpleasant task of getting reluctant congressmen to run again.
"Will you talk to Santos?" Toby asked.
"Yeah, but I don't think he's going to listen."
"He has a new Chief of Staff. That would indicate a willingness to run again."
"Well, since his old one just gave birth and decided to stay home with the kid, I don't think he had much choice in the matter."
"Do you know who his new Chief of Staff is?"
"Yeah," Josh replied, still glancing through his folders, unconcerned. "Donnatella Moss."
It was amazing how dispassionately Josh said her name. It was as if she were a stranger. You would never guess that three years ago, he would say it so possessively… so inappropriately.
"And this does not bother you?" Toby asked with upraised eyebrows.
"Why should it?" Josh finally glanced up, slightly amused.
"You are going to have to speak with her."
"I did yesterday. I think she's hoping he'll run... but for something a bit higher."
"There are no senatorial seats open and Texas won't elect a new governor for another four years."
Josh just smiled enigmatically.
"I've learned to never underestimate Donna. But I'll talk to him."
And that, Toby thought, was all that needed to be said on either topic.