Title: Stay Anyway 31/32

Author: Amber (Ambino1111@prodigy.net)

Disclaimers & Other Notes in Part 1

*****

"Some luck lies not in getting what you thought you wanted but in getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see it's what you would have wanted had you known." - Garrison Keillor

*****

Much to CJ's relief, things have calmed down in the White House in the past two weeks.

The Press is currently concerned about the flooding of the Mississippi in southern Illinois and eastern Missouri. The whole "Father Fiasco" (as the Press dubbed it) has been reduced to nothing more than light discussion on a news show or the occasional editorial in the paper. CJ couldn't be happier.

Edward's funeral is long over. The actual service went well (as well as a funeral can go), but our absence after the bombshell on Saturday was attacked by the media. A camera crew even found us at the cemetery, but the funeral director had them removed from the premises. It was a difficult time for all of us, especially Lisa.

Since then, however, she has gradually learned to accept the spotlight. Well, perhaps not accept, exactly, but… tolerate. She appears to be enjoying her new job, but she has grown distant lately. I overheard her talking to Donna the other day about wanting to move back home.

I know she wouldn't ditch me, but I am still a little wary. Even after confronting her about the conversation and pleading with her to stay despite whatever reasons she has for leaving, I'm not entirely sure I convinced her.

Lisa and I are dating, and she should be totally honest with me, but I don't want to pry and maybe push her away. We rarely see each other as it is because of my essentially twenty-four hour job. She doesn't seem upset about it, maybe a little disappointed (I am, too), but nothing more than that. It's a relief.

Alex and I are bonding. He's a little celebrity with his teachers in his preschool, but most of the other children are oblivious to his fame. He understands now (we think) that I am his father. I've been trying to squeeze in as much time as possible with him. He hasn't started calling me 'Daddy' yet, but Lisa tells me it will just take a little while for him to adjust. I believe her.

All in all, life is going pretty well. It's been a difficult two weeks, but it's -

My thoughts are interrupted by the ringing telephone next to me.

"Hello. Sam Seaborn," I say into the mouthpiece, balancing the receiver on my shoulder.

"Hi there, Sam Seaborn," Lisa says. I can hear her smile over the phone.

"How are you?" I ask. I can't help but smile as I talk to her.

"I'm fine. Alex and I were doing some laundry."

"Sounds like fun," I comment sarcastically, twirling the phone cord in between my fingers.

"Oh yeah. It's a blast," She pauses. "So… you wanted to talk to me?"

"I did?" I try to act surprised. "That's right, I did. I left a message. Yeah. Do you have any plans for dinner tonight?"

"Well, it was going to be a frozen pizza, but I'm sure whatever you're about to suggest will be ten times better."

"Okay, good. You see, I wanted to inform you that the President wants to have dinner with you and Alex tonight. And me, of course. Totally informal, just with the family, maybe some senior staffers. He said he likes you and wants to get to know you and Alex, wants you to meet the First Lady."

Silence. I don't even hear her breathing.

"Lisa? Are you there?"

"I'm sorry, Sam. There must have been some static or something, because I could have sworn you just invited me to have dinner at the White House." The awe in her voice is clearly audible.

"Well, actually, I didn't invite you. Officially, it was the President's invitation. I'm just relaying the message."

"Okay. Okay. Well, let me think about this… Hmm… Frozen pizza and Looney Tunes reruns, or dinner with the President and his wife. I'm so conflicted."

"I take that as a yes?" I joke.

"Yes, yes. Definitely! I'm flattered. I mean, how much time do I have? Do I have to bring something? Not like a dish or anything, but like a box of chocolates. I should get some wine, shouldn't I? What kind of wine would be best?"

I gently interrupt her babbling. "Lisa, don't worry about any of that. Can you be here in an hour?"

"An hour? I'm in the middle of doing laundry, but - what does that matter? It's the First Family! Of course I'll be there in an hour. Even if my car breaks down and I have to walk."

"Okay, okay," I laugh happily. "I'll see you in an hour."

"Where should I meet you?"

"Oh, just come to my office. I'll show you two up to the Residence from there."

"Okay. I'll be there in an hour."

"Love you."

"Love you, too." She replies. I listen to the dial tone for a moment before hanging up the phone.

We only have an hour to get everything ready. I hope that's enough time.

TBC