Hi all! So here's another chapter and I hope you enjoy it. This isn't really based on an episode but just so you have an idea of where we are in season 1, it happens a little after 20 Hours in L.A.

Please remember to leave a review and a big thank you once again to Shae-Lynn1 for beta-ing this for me. You're awesome! :D

Happy reading, my dudes!

Calliope Jae xxx

Chapter 10: Breaking a record

"Carol!"

Carol ran through the bullpen as CJ's voice travelled to her from her office on the other side of the bullpen. The boxes she was carrying wobbled precariously in her arms. She jogged into CJ's office and put the heavy boxes down on the sofa and turned to her boss.

"You need something?" She asked.

"What's this?" CJ was reading something on her computer but held up her hand, a pink slip between two fingers.

"A note" Carol deadpanned and CJ looked up at her assistant.

"Yeah, I can see that," she passed the slip to Carol who smiled. "Who organised that?" CJ asked.

"She did," Carol answered placing the note on CJ's desk.

"You know what it's about?" CJ asked, going back to her reading.

"No," Carol started to filter through the files in the boxes.

"Did I do something?"

"I don't think so"

"What are those?" CJ asked looking through the newspapers that cluttered her desk.

"The files you asked for"

"For the briefing?" CJ stood up and made her way over to Carol. She looked over the files, there had to be at least 50, if not more.

"Yup," Carol handed a stack to CJ for her to start reading. "You should start now if you want to get through these."

"Maybe you should cancel that lunch meeting..." CJ started to say but Carol interrupted her, shaking her head.

"No, if you want to cancel you can call her yourself, I'm not getting involved." Carol neatly piled the rest of the files on the sofa and stood up.

"Please remember that I can fire you," CJ glared at her friend who shrugged at her comment.

"Yeah, but you won't." Carol smiled and walked out of the office.

"Don't be so sure!" CJ called after her retreating figure.

"You threatening to fire her again?" Josh appeared in the adjoining doorway, he was leaning against the frame with his arms folded over his chest.

"What do you want?" CJ asked walking back to her desk and sitting down.

"Donna's dragging me and Sam to that new organic place and I was wondering if you wanted to come?"

"I can't"

"Why?" He made his way into her office and leant against her desk.

"I have a meeting," she started flicking through one of the files Carol had given her.

"What meeting?" Josh picked up a file too and read the inside cover, wondering what she needed to read up on.

"It's in the Residence." He raised an eyebrow at her and she snatched the file he was holding away from him.

"The First Lady?"

"Yup"

"What did you do?" CJ rolled her eyes.

"Nothing!" She sighed and looked up from the file she had taken from him. "I'm hoping it's just lunch with Abbey, but the note said lunch with the First Lady." She held up the pink note and Josh chuckled.

"Have fun with that," he pushed away from the desk and walked back into his own office.

"Thanks!" She shouted after him. She glanced back down at the files on the desk and groaned.

-x-

At 12.30 CJ made her way over to the First Lady's office in the East Wing and knocked on the door gently.

"Come in," CJ opened the door and peeked in side.

"Mrs. Bartlet." She closed the door behind her and made her way over to where the older woman was sitting.

"We're having lunch, CJ, two friends catching up, so let's drop the First Lady charade." She patted the sofa next to her and CJ sat down, crossing her legs.

"How've you been, Abbey?" CJ asked, taking a cup of coffee from her friend. She felt relaxed now that she knew this was just lunch.

"Oh you know, the same." Abbey watched CJ out of the corner of her eye while she sipped from her cup. "How about you Claudia Jean?" CJ smiled at the use of her full name. Something was up and CJ knew she was here to be interrogated.

"Well, I feel like I haven't really slept since I left California," she chuckled. "Things are good though, I'm good"

"And how are things on the romance front?" Abbey asked grinning.

"Abbey," her voice had a warning ring to it.

"I have a friend," Abbey continued and chuckled at the look on CJ's face.

"Abbey, I…"

"He was an intern at my hospital"

"Abbey," CJ rolled her eyes when Abbey continued talking as if she had said nothing.

"His name is Scott Anderson, he's just become head of the diagnostics team at GW and he's just moved here." She paused and CJ felt a little uneasy at the gleam in the other woman's eyes. "And would you believe it? I bumped into him yesterday, so I invited him to the White House"

"Abbey there's not a chance you 'bumped' into him, what did you do?" CJ asked, feeling her stomach turning.

"Ok, so I called him. Sue me," she had a smug look on her face as she watched CJ. "He's coming for lunch"

"Abbey I hope you're not…" Abbey held a hand up to silence her.

"He's just coming for lunch," she stood up and CJ followed her out of her office. As they made their way to the dining room in the residence Abbey turned to face her friend. "But if there's any sparks, I want the credit." CJ smiled but she was cringing inside, how could she get out of this? She couldn't tell her that she was seeing someone, that would just lead to a long line of questions and she would rather avoid all that. As they walked into the dining room a man stood by the fireplace admiring the large painting above it. He turned to greet the two women and CJ allowed the First Lady to introduce them. She thought it would be better to play it safe and go along with whatever Abbey had in mind.

"CJ, this is Scott Anderson. Scott I'd like you to meet my husband's Press Secretary, Claudia Jean Cregg." They shook hands and CJ couldn't help but take in his appearance. He was tall, he maybe had a few inches on CJ which she couldn't help but find attractive. He had dark brown hair and amazing green eyes that were almost cat-like. She found herself flushing a little when he smiled, it really was a great smile and when he spoke his voice was deep, almost husky.

"It's good to meet you Claudia Jean, I feel like I already know you." He smiled again at her and she felt herself returning it. Stop it!

"Yeah, being on TV does that and please, call me CJ."

"Well CJ, TV doesn't do you justice." CJ berated herself when she felt her cheeks grow warm. Blushing? Really? She noticed Abbey's grinning face out of the corner of her eye.

"It's good to see you Scott," Abbey hugged her friend. "Shall we eat?" She asked as the food was brought in on a trolley. "I asked for a bit of everything, I wasn't sure what you'd like," she said looking over at Scott.

"It all looks great," he held a chair out for CJ to sit on then sat next to her while Abbey sat opposite them. Just as they were helping themselves to food there was a tentative knock at the door. CJ hoped it was for her, this man was attractive but she was seeing someone and to be honest she was very happy with her budding relationship with Josh. Gina, one of the First Lady's assistant, popped her head in.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Bartlet but your 1 o'clock is here." Abbey thanked Gina and smiled at CJ's frowning face. She'd set them up!

"I'm sorry guys, but I have to leave. Please take your time and eat as much as you want," she said as she followed Gina out. There was a quiet tension in the room and CJ played with the salad on her plate.

"Do you like working here?" Scott asked, taking a large bite out of his sandwich.

"Yes." She wanted to leave it at that and runaway from this awkward situation, but when she looked at his face she couldn't help but elaborate on her answer. "I always wanted to do something… important with my life… you know? I wanted to serve my country, serve the people… I just…" she trailed off and distracted herself by taking a sip of her water.

"I guess you found exactly what you were looking for," he said. She could feel his eyes travelling across her face. She smiled and nodded.

"I guess I did, what about you?"

"I understand where you're coming from. I became a doctor because I wanted to help people, I watched my dad do it every day and it's the only career I've ever wanted to follow."

"Your father was a doctor too?" She asked and he nodded, taking another bite of his sandwich. "Abbey said you're the head of the diagnostics department," he nodded again and she could feel herself becoming more and more interested in this man in front of her. "How did you get into that?"

"I was tested for it, I almost felt like I was auditioning," he looked into her eyes. "It was horrible actually, fun though. We had to solve mystery cases, we'd be given a series of symptoms and we had to run and…" he chuckled. "I really like my job, it challenges me and I like that. I also like talking to people and helping them of course."

"So you've moved to DC?" CJ asked. As much as she didn't want to admit it she found Scott to be rather charming. She pushed her plate away and leant back in her chair, there was no harm in her making a new friend, was there?

"Yeah, well… Chevy Chase, close enough though right?" He asked smiling at her. CJ could see so much in that smile, perhaps making a new friend was a bad idea. "Listen… do you think maybe…" there was an urgent knock on the door and Sam appeared in the doorway not waiting for an answer.

"We need you," he said quickly not taking much notice of the man sitting next to CJ.

"Ok," she let out a relieved sigh and turned to Scott. "I'm really sorry but I have to go," she shook his hand but when she tried to leave he kept hold of her.

"I'd really like to see you again," he stroked her wrist and CJ smiled apologetically at him.

"I'm sorry, Scott but I really have to go," she pulled her arm away from his grasp and joined Sam. They walked towards the West Wing and Sam threw her an amused glance.

"What was that about?" He asked holding the door open for her.

"Abbey set me up," Sam laughed and CJ rolled her eyes. "It's not funny"

"It kinda is"

"Shut up!"

-x-

CJ strode into her office after her last briefing and threw her notebook on the desk. Carol walked in behind her and handed her a file.

"The memo you asked Toby for." CJ smiled at her assistant.

"Thanks Carol, could you call over to Leo and tell him the lid's closed?" She leafed through the memo, scanning the words to make sure it had everything she needed.

"Already done," Carol said walking out of the office.

"Is there anything else?" CJ shouted out to Carol.

"Nope, you're done for the evening." Carol came back into her boss's office and grinned at CJ.

"Really?" CJ asked looking up from the memo. "It's like," she glanced at her watch. "It's only 7.15"

"I know, I suggest you run before something comes up"

CJ pushed the memo and a few other files into her bag and closed it. She slipped into her jacket and coat and turned off her computer. She went out into the outer office and stopped by Carol's desk.

"I suggest you do the same thing," CJ said to her friend. Carol held up her bag and coat and the two women laughed.

"Already there, boss." They walked towards the Lobby talking animatedly, both elated at the thought of getting home before midnight.

"Hey, CJ!" She stopped in her tracks and groaned when she heard her name being called.

"Charlie, please don't say it!" She turned to look at him and he stopped in front of her.

"You can't go home yet," he said with an apologetic smile. "The President wants you and the guys in the Oval Office now." CJ nodded and Charlie went to find the others. She turned to her assistant who had already taken off her coat.

"I guess we didn't run fast enough," she said to CJ, smiling slightly.

"You can go home Carol, don't worry about it"

"Are you sure, CJ?" She asked, torn between wanting to help her boss and wanting to go home.

"Go," she smiled at her assistant and Carol almost sprinted out of the White House, shouting a quick 'goodnight' over her shoulder.

CJ stood and watched her leave, wishing she was getting her early night too. She sighed and headed over to the Oval Office, when she arrived she found Toby and Sam already waiting there.

"Do you know what this is about?" Sam asked her when she approached them. She shook her head and leant against Mrs. Landingham's desk.

"Were you on your way home?" Toby asked taking in her attire.

"Almost, I got to the doors and Officer Krupke here," she nodded her head in Charlie's direction, who frowned at her comment. "... pulled me back in"

"Almost a free woman," Sam said grinning.

"I could taste the fresh air," CJ said returning his silly smile.

"What's going on?" Josh asked as he walked towards them.

"We don't know," Toby said watching CJ play with a button on her coat. Josh leant against the desk next to CJ, she smiled as he joined her and he winked at her. Suddenly the door opened and Leo beckoned them in, CJ raised an eyebrow at him as she walked past him and he gave her a lopsided grin in return.

"Come one, come all!" The President sat in his usual chair and he swept an arm over the Oval Room, inviting them in.

"What's happening right now?" Toby asked standing behind CJ and Sam who had sat down on one of the sofas.

"I'm a man in a good mood Toby, why don't you sit?"

"Cause I have a bad feeling about this"

"Toby..." CJ smiled at him and he reluctantly sat down.

"My wife has invited some of her doctor friends over for a few drinks tonight and I always feel like an uneducated fool whenever they're around." He paused for a second and the senior staff exchanged confused glances. "I know you might be wondering how all this relates to you so I'll just get to the point. I want you all there, if I have to sit through this night of unendurable snootiness I'm damn well not doing it alone." He glanced first at Sam who stuttered a little.

"I er... have a speech to finish, Sir." Josh cringed inside at Sam's lame attempt to get out of this; the poor guy panicked. It's never nice to be the first under so much pressure. Jed's eyes turned to Josh.

"My mother's in town, Sir and I'm taking her to dinner." Josh saw something flicker in the President's eyes and Josh knew the older man couldn't decide if he was telling the truth or not.

"I just don't want to go," was all Toby said when it was his turn. Jed had had enough, he stood up and walked over to his desk. He stood behind it and rested his hands on the surface, leaning against it slightly.

"Do you see this desk?" He looked down at the smooth dark wood and everyone's eyes followed his from their places. "This, is the Resolute Desk." Everyone nodded a little, still looking at the desk. "Do you know who stands behind this desk?" He glanced over at CJ and fixed her with a stare. "Claudia Jean?"

"The President of the United States, Sir"

"Correct Ms. Cregg! And as I am the one to be currently standing behind this desk I have the right to say this, I'm dragooning you all into this mind numbing show of entertaining and you will enjoy it." Jed flipped his jacket over his head and fastened the buttons as he walked towards the door. Sam caught CJ's eye and he smiled when she rolled her eyes slightly.

"When would you like us there, Mr. President?" Leo asked, following him to the door.

"Oh take your time. But I'd like you all to be there before the band of doctors arrives. You know, maybe if they see the White House Senior Staff then maybe they might remember who I am." He exchanged a glance with Leo who nodded his head, understanding what he was saying.

"I'm pretty sure they haven't forgotten who you are, Sir." Josh chuckled.

"Obviously you haven't met my wife's friends, see you all soon!" He waved a hand at them as he left for the Residence and once Leo closed the door he turned to the senior staff. Everyone started talking at once, each with their own excuses but Leo held up a hand to silence them.

"It's done and that's that. Now go do whatever it is you need to do but I want you all in the Residence in 45 minutes, do I make myself clear?" The staffers nodded, all of them silent. "Good, now get your asses outta here before I have Charlie call the Secret Service," he gave them a lopsided grin to show he was kidding and the four people in front of him smiled back.

"Thanks Leo," CJ chuckled and led the men out of the Oval Office.

-x-

For the second time that evening CJ turned off her computer and left her office. She walked through the lobby and made her way over to the communications department. She glanced into Toby's office through his window and saw him scribbling furiously on a pad of paper. She smiled but decided to leave him alone. She could hear voices coming from Sam's office as she neared the closed door. She knocked gently before entering and Josh and Sam looked at her sheepishly.

"Talking about me?" She asked leaning against the door.

"Why would you think that?" Josh asked sneaking Sam a look out of the corner of his eye. CJ looked over at Sam and he shrank back into his chair wishing he could disappear into it.

"Sam?" She walked over and perched on the corner of his desk, crossed her arms and waited for his response.

"I was telling Josh about Abbey setting you up," he smiled apologetically at her but her attention was already caught by Josh who snorted out a laugh.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"Nothing, was he good looking?" Josh and Sam locked eyes and chuckled. CJ frowned at the two of them; she knew she would have to live through all these terrible jokes and innuendos if she didn't put a stop to it now.

"He was actually," she smirked at the look of shock on Josh's face.

"Really?"

"Yeah," she looked up at the door when Toby knocked and pointed in the direction of the residence.

"Let's get this over with." He walked away without waiting for a response and the others followed behind. Josh tugged on CJ's jacket sleeve, slowing her down so they were walking a few steps behind Sam and Toby.

"Was he really, you know... good looking?" he asked, whispering so the others wouldn't hear.

"He kinda was," she smiled to herself and Josh caught the look on her face. He grabbed her hand gently and stopped her walking. He turned her to face him. "Josh?"

"Was he... did he, did you...?" He glanced at the hand that was holding hers.

"Josh, you need to calm down," she pulled her hand away from his when a couple of staffers walked past them.

"Well, it's just... should I be worried?" His voice was small and CJ melted at the hesitant tone he used.

"No Josh, I..." she ignored the people around them and took hold of his hand. She squeezed it tightly and smiled reassuringly, making sure he was looking into her eyes. "I'm sorry Josh, I shouldn't have done that. I just... you and Sam were about to jump on the ball and I wanted to beat you to it. I shouldn't have and I'm sorry." She kept hold of his hand and Josh rubbed circles over her knuckles with his thumb.

"I'm sure I'll find a way for you to make it up to me," he sported a huge grin and CJ rolled her eyes at him, glad to know that his ego hadn't been too badly damaged. She pulled her hand away from his and continued her journey to the residence. Josh strode along beside her, a new bounce in his step.

"I don't doubt that," she replied shaking her head slightly but smiling.

"I'm thinking a hot bath... maybe a massage?" He stuck his hands in his pockets once they entered the elevator and leant against the wall.

"Don't push your luck there, mi amour," CJ walked from the elevator and made her way over to the Yellow Oval Room where people had already started to gather. She quickly found Toby and Sam who were standing near the bar that had been set up for this evening's gathering. Josh slowly made his way over to them, a grin still plastered on his face.

"Why is he smiling like that?" Toby asked, handing CJ a glass of wine. She shrugged and sipped from her glass. "What's wrong with you?" Toby asked Josh once he was standing in front of them.

"What do you mean?" Josh asked.

"You look like you're happy to be here."

"I am happy to be here." Toby scoffed and walked to a nearby chair.

Almost an hour later CJ was sitting with the First Lady and some of her friends. She was reclining on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other and sipping a glass of wine Abbey had just given her. She was engulfed by a gentle buzz from the alcohol and she was feeling extremely relaxed. She closed her eyes for a second and hummed in the back of her throat. Suddenly someone nudged her elbow and she jolted up, almost spilling her drink. She glanced around at Abbey who nudged her elbow again.

"What..." CJ looked in the direction that Abbey was and saw Scott Anderson in the doorway. He caught her eye and gave her a small smile then headed in her direction. CJ quickly turned to the First Lady. "Abbey..."

"He said your little encounter went well today, were there any sparks?" Abbey asked quietly waving to Scott.

"Abbey I really don't think..."

"Did you not like him?" Abbey asked turning her eyes to her friend.

"He was a very nice guy Abbey but I..." Scott suddenly appeared in front of them cutting CJ off.

"Hello again, CJ," he took hold of her hand and held it gently in his. CJ smiled politely and pulled her hand away from his, taking a quick look around the room to see where Josh was. She saw him talking with the President and was thankful that he hadn't noticed Scott yet. She pulled her attention back to Scott.

"Hey, Scott. I'm sorry I had to dash this afternoon but I had a lot of work I needed to attend to," she glanced at Abbey out of the corner of her eye.

"Don't worry about it," he sat down next to CJ and she shuffled over uncomfortably. She fixed Abbey with her eyes and the older woman seemed to understand what they were saying: Get me out of this!! Abbey shot up out of her seat and pulled CJ along with her.

"I'm sorry, Scott but I just need CJ for moment. I'll be right back," she smiled at her friends and pulled CJ into Jed's private office. "What is going on?" She asked once they were alone.

"Oh Abbey please don't ask me..."

"CJ, are you seeing someone?"

"That's not what... I..."

"He works in the West Wing doesn't he?" Abbey was sporting a huge smile and CJ closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and opened them again, only to see Abbey's big grin.

"Yes," CJ held out a hand to stop Abbey from talking again. "But please don't repeat a word of this to the President, Abbey. We're playing it quiet because it's new, it's unknown territory and I don't want to cause problems for him or the administration." Abbey shook her head.

"I could spell it out for Jed and he still wouldn't understand what's going on," she smiled at CJ who took another deep breath. "So, are you going to tell me who it is?"

"No, but knowing you you'll figure it out in a few days anyway," they shared a quick smile and Abbey chuckled.

"That's true," she linked her arm with CJ's and the two women walked back into the Yellow Room. Scott started to make his way over to them and Abbey gave her arm a quick squeeze. "I'll take care of this, go sit down," she nodded over to the other side of the room where Toby and Leo were talking, then made her way over to head Scott off before he got to CJ.

"Hey," CJ said as she sat down next to Leo. She watched Abbey talk to Scott and she felt a little bad for him; he really was a nice guy. She saw Scott nod to Abbey and walk in the opposite direction to join some of his friends. CJ turned her attention away as Josh approached her with a drink, she smiled a thank you to him and he sat down next to her.

"You having fun?" CJ asked him, her eyes lingering on his lips as he took a drink from his own glass.

"I am now," he said quietly making sure neither Leo nor Toby could hear him. She smiled again and took a sip of her drink. They were quiet for a second and Josh glanced over at the man he had noticed sitting with CJ earlier. He cleared his throat and CJ peered over her glass at him. "Was that the guy?" he hoped his tone sounded casual but from the way CJ smiled at him, he knew she could tell what he was really asking.

"Yes," she watched Josh's face as he studied Scott across the room.

"I guess you were right," he said pulling his eyes from Scott and focusing them on his drink. CJ had to fight the sudden urge to touch him.

"I prefer the guy I'm sitting next to," Josh lifted his head up to look at her, a small lopsided grin brightening his features.

"Who, Leo?" CJ laughed and Josh's grin widened at the sound. She briefly covered his hand with hers and gave him a gentle squeeze before removing it. He smiled and lifted an arm to drape it across the back of the sofa. She leaned back in her seat as Leo leaned over to talk to Josh and she rested her head slightly on Josh's arm. CJ looked across the room to see Abbey staring straight at her, a knowing smile on her lips. CJ looked away quickly and groaned inside. Abbey had just broken her own speedy record.

Hope you enjoyed...

Please leave a review or pm me, all comments are greatly appreciated! xxx