Badlands
By Deenalynn
Part 5:Guess who's Coming to Dinner?
The sun had barely risen when Donna showed up at Josh's door, her arms laden with Thanksgiving goodies. "Good morning, Donnatella," he greeted her as he relieved her of part of her burden. "You do realise its only seven a.m., right?"
"Yes, Joshua, unlike some, I, can tell time." She smirked at him and set the rest of the bags on the counter.
"I wish someone could explain to me why I've never fired you," he teased as he grabbed another cup from the cupboard. He held it up. "You want?"
"Yes, thank you."
He poured two cups of coffee and set one beside her then leaned against the counter. "So what does today's schedule look like?"
Donna had her head in his refrigerator and all he could see were hips and legs. Her voice was muffled when she answered. "What makes you think I have a schedule to follow?" When there was no reply she straightened and turned to find Josh grinning at her one eyebrow raised. "What?"
"You have a schedule, Donna," he repeated with a superior grin.
She jutted her chin out. "Maybe I do. What of it?"
Josh just laughed. "Nothing. Just don't expect me to believe that you, of all people, don't have this, of all days, planned down to the last second."
She blew a raspberry at him and continued her rummage through his fridge.
"Mature, Donna."
"Hand me the vegetables," she demanded.
"Yes, ma'am." He handed her the bag. "Are you ever going to tell me what we're having for dinner?" He glanced at the bird in his sink. "Other than that turkey, which is apparently a mutant."
Donna stood quickly. "What's wrong with my turkey?" she asked defensively.
Josh looked at her as though she were nuts. "Have you actually *looked* at that thing?" He waved at the turkey. "It's huge!"
"It's only twenty-four pounds." She went to stand in front of the sink, as though to protect the poor thing.
"Uh, Donna just how many people are you planning on feeding today?"
She pouted. "I wanted to make sure there was plenty." She looked over her shoulder at the turkey. "I've never done this myself before." She chewed her lip thoughtfully. "You don't think it's too much, do you?" She looked back at him her face open and vulnerable
Josh hurried to reassure her. "I'm sure it will be perfect." He smiled. "And hey, my favourite, turkey sandwiches."
Donna smiled gratefully. "Thanks." They gazed at each other across the kitchen for a few moments before Donna broke the spell awkwardly. "Okay," she blurted, breaking the spell. "Good." Then she grinned at him and gave him a gentle shove. "Now out. I have to get this big boy in the oven."
*********
Sam waited as Michael opened the car door for his mother, watching carefully as she smiled up at the handsome blonde man. "Now, Mom, I know this is going to be uncomfortable for you but. . ."
Kate held her hand up to stop her son. "Sammy, don't worry about it. I've had to be in social situations with your father and Angela before."
"You have?" Sam asked, surprised.
"Your father and I are still partners in the same law firm, honey." She patted his cheek. "Believe it or not, we actually manage to conduct ourselves like adults." She gave him a knowing look.
Sam had the good grace to blush. "Sorry, Mom."
"It's okay. It's a tough situation. But it's one we're going to have to get used to," she said firmly, her blue eyes dead serious.
Sam sighed. "I know, Mom, I know."
Kate linked one arm through Sam's and the other through Michael's. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
They walked up the stairs to Josh's townhouse.
*********
"Josh!" Donna hollered from the kitchen.
"What?" He bellowed back from the bedroom.
"Someone's buzzing!" she stated the obvious.
"So, let 'em in."
"I can't"
Josh came out of the bedroom, having changed into a dress shirt and pants. "Why can't -?" He stopped when he saw she was up to her elbows in . . . something. "Oh. I'll get it."
She snorted. "Yeah, you do that."
He hit the buzzer and turned back to her. "So where'd your able-bodied assistants go?" He came back into the kitchen to lean next to where she worked at the sink.
"Our mothers dragged Dad to the store." She wiped her hand on the tea towel she had draped over her shoulder.
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "They needed more food?" He eyed the kitchen with mock alarm. "I wouldn't have thought you left anything behind."
Donna flicked her towel at him. "Funny boy, we needed more butter."
"And it took three of them to go get butter?" he asked, bewildered, as he went to answer the door to find Sam, Kate, Michael and CJ. "I hope you're hungry," was the first thing he said.
"It's Thanksgiving. Of course we are." Sam rubbed his stomach and sniffed. "Hmmm, smells wonderful."
Josh turned to his other guest. "Hello, Kate, welcome." He gave Sam's mother a hug.
Kate held Josh out at arms' length. "You look wonderful, Joshua. What have you been doing?"
"Thanks, Kate." He gave her a flirtatious smile. "And you, as always, look absolutely gorgeous."
Kate blew him a kiss and patted his cheek. "So good for a girl's ego" She turned to her companion and said, "Michael Holloway, I'd like you to meet Sam's closest friend, Joshua Lyman. Josh, this is my dear friend, Michael."
**********
"McGarry," Leo answered the phone brusquely. He listened for a moment. "Yes, I understand." He paused once again. "I'm sure it was, Senator, but you will have to speak to Josh about it." He took a deep calming breath. "Because Josh is the one, the President has chosen to have handle this situation. Therefore, any questions will have to be posed to him." He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his cool. "I'm sure that will be fine. I'll let Josh know." He slammed the phone down and bellowed, "Margaret!" When he received no reply he got up and went to the door, "Marg -" He stopped when he saw her empty desk. "Right, Thanksgiving." He returned to his desk and picked up the phone.
**********
"So there's Donna, standing there with her little hands on her hips, giving the poor man what for, for getting the story wrong." Everyone laughed. They were all seated at the dining table eating dinner and talking. The parents were taking great pleasure in telling embarrassing stories about their children. "The poor guy didn't know what to do. Of course, he'd toned the story down for his eight-year-old audience. He hadn't counted on her having read the real thing already." Nick wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. Catching his blushing daughter's eye he said, "She read everything. Devoured every book we brought into the house."
"Daddy . . . "
"Yes, Donnatella?"
She sighed. "Never mind." She turned to her left to find Josh working very hard to suppress a smile. She leaned toward him. "You think this is funny? Your mother's on deck."
Josh nodded and leaned even closer. "I know, she does it every time she has a captive audience, but for once I have company in my misery."
"I'm surprised that after doing so well in school, Donna didn't get a scholarship for college," Angie commented from the other end of the table.
Nick looked at her sharply. "As a matter of fact, she did," he said proudly.
"I didn't know that," Josh whispered to Donna.
She shrugged. "My dad likes to brag."
Their attention was brought back to the conversation by Angela. "You must have been furious when she dropped out then?" she commented lightly, her gaze falling on Donna.
Lynnie laid a restraining hand on her husband's arm. "Of course we were a bit disappointed, but she had to follow her heart." She smiled across the table at her daughter. "Donna's always managed to make us proud." She returned her attention to Angela. "Besides, I don't think she'd have experienced even half of what she has if she hadn't left school."
Angela sniffed derisively. "What experiences? She's an *assistant*"
"She works in the White House, Angela." Nick growled. "She works with the Deputy Chief of Staff."
Angela raised her eyebrows slightly. "Hmmm." She sent an appraising look to where Donna and Josh once again had their heads together.
Nick twitched visibly. "What the hell does, hmmm mean?"
"It's just that she is obviously a bright, personable young woman. She should be looking to be a hell of a lot more than some over educated politico's girl Friday." She tilted her chin at Josh and Donna. "Or is that not the whole story?"
"Now hold on. . .!"
"What, Nicky. You gonna tell me *that*--" she waved at Josh and Donna. " doesn't bother you?"
Nick looked across the table where Donna had leaned slightly closer to Josh, looking for support. "What's to bother?" He smiled and winked reassuringly at his daughter.
Angela scoffed. "Oh, how about that he's her boss and what? Fourteen, fifteen years older than her? Don't you think the press would find that fascinating? Not to mention, I can't imagine his mother would be thrilled at the idea of a non-Jewish daughter-in-law."
Protests rose up from around the table. "Angie!" David cried, mortified.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Nick snarled.
"What did you just say?" Lynnie snapped, throwing her napkin on the table.
Finally, Devorah Lyman turned to face Angela and said, "Please don't *ever* presume to know what I am thinking or feeling again." Her voice was soft, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "I think *any* woman worth *anything* would be proud to call Donna her daughter."
Angela straightened her shoulders and her chin went up haughtily. "Oh, and I suppose that was a shot at my mothering skills." She ignored Nick's snort. "I'll have you know, lady -"
"Enough!" Josh barked as he stood. "That. Is. Enough." He ran his hand over his face before continuing. "Mom, thank you. I'm glad to hear you're so fond of Donna." He could feel the pain radiating off the woman seated next to him. "Angela, the only reason you are here is so Sam could have both his parents here with him on the holiday. So if you would kindly refrain from insulting and baiting everyone at the table, it would be greatly appreciated."
"Who do you think you are?" Angela demanded, arrogantly.
"I am the man in whose home you are currently seated. I am also the man who loves your daughter." He felt, rather than saw, Donna go rigid. "So can we -" He was interrupted by his ringing cell phone. "Lyman." He listened for a moment then sighed. "Yeah, I'll be there." He closed his eyes for a second before turning to face Donna. "I have to go." She just nodded numbly. Their eyes met and held for a moment, before Donna smiled and nodded again.
Josh smiled warmly in return then headed, reluctantly, for the door, grabbing his coat and backpack on the way. He opened the door, seemed to think for a moment then turned back to them and said, "By the way, Angie, it's eleven years and I doubt if the press would care." With that, he left.
*********
"It's about time you got here," Senator Laughton snapped as soon as Josh entered the Mural Room.
Josh stopped to stare at the man coldly. "I came as soon as Leo called me." He set his backpack on the table and took a seat. "What seems to be the problem, Senator?"
Laughton remained standing. "You're a real piece of work, Lyman. What do you think my problem is?" He looked down his nose at Josh.
"I thought we had cleared this up, Sir," Josh said politely.
"Not to my satisfaction we haven't." Laughton placed both hands on the table. "The people of South Dakota have not yet heard an apology."
Josh smiled innocently. "Well, Sir, they will have to wait until Monday for that."
Laughton started, obviously not expecting that turn. "Bartlet's going to make her apologise?" he blurted, incredulous.
"That's President Bartlet, Senator," Josh corrected automatically. "But no, Annie will not be the one making the apology."
Laughton looked thoroughly disconcerted. "The White House is actually going to issue an apology?"
**********
"Are you all right, dear?" Dev asked, coming up behind Donna where she stood at the sink.
Donna pasted on a bright smile. "Of course. I just had to grab the whipped cream out of the fridge." She balanced a pumpkin pie in each hand and ventured back into the dining area.
"I can honestly say I've never met anyone quite so rude." Angela was in mid snit.
"I have," CJ muttered under her breath.
"What was that, Ms Cregg?" Angela asked one eyebrow raised haughtily.
Donna hurried to intervene. "CJ, do me a favour and grab a few more dessert plates out of the kitchen."
"I have them right here, Donna." Dev said coming up behind them.
CJ wrinkled her nose playfully at Donna. "Can I get her now?" she hissed.
"Play nice, for Sam's sake," Donna whispered back.
CJ sighed. "You're no fun at all." She glanced over to where Sam was trapped between his parents. David was trying to soothe Angela's wounded ego, but she continued to rant about Josh's lack of manners, attributing it mostly to the way he was raised. "But it doesn't look like I'll need to, I think Spanky's about to blow."
**********
"No, the White House will not be issuing an apology either." Josh opened his backpack and pulled out a small tape recorder. "We don't feel an apology is warranted."
"Not warranted?" Laughton exploded. "She said our home was ugly!"
"Actually, Sir, she said parts of it were ugly. Other parts she loved, and well, you heard the tape." He nodded at the recorder.
Laughton sniffed. "How do I know that you didn't have that tape made to cover your own tails?"
"Are you planning on accusing the White House of lying, Sir?" Josh just laughed softly. "For one thing, Senator, we have better things to do with our time." He pushed the recorder across the table. "But this isn't Annie's tape."
Laughton reached for the machine. "Whose is it then?"
"This is a copy of the reporter's tape. A young woman by the name of Allison Lewis." Josh's smile broadened. "She's the one who will be issuing an apology of sorts."
Laughton's frowned darkly. "What the hell does she have to apologise for? She didn't say it."
"No, but she feels bad that a two-hour interview got cut down to a few lines, one of which insulted the fine people you represent."
Laughton sputtered for a moment before falling silent.
Josh continued. "So she is going to write the story. Let everyone know what Annie really had to say. I already spoke to a couple of my contacts in the media about getting it published. They liked the idea of maybe reaching a younger audience. I think the people of South Dakota would be pleased to hear the President's granddaughter describe in detail how much she loved their home. Don't you, Senator?"
Laughton just stared at Josh, his face slowly turning red. "I'm sure they will be overjoyed," he choked out.
"I thought so." He grinned cheerily before sobering and taking a step into Senator Laughton's personal space. "One suggestion, Senator. I mentioned this at an earlier meeting but I apparently didn't make myself clear. If you *ever* attempt to blackmail the White House again, *the good people of South Dakota* will find out their man in Washington isn't above attacking children to advance his own agendas." He stepped back. "What do your insights into the selfishness of human behaviour tell you about that one?"
Laughton sputtered for a moment then fell silent.
Josh began gathering his things. "You can keep a copy of Ms Lewis's tape if you like." He smiled brightly at the fuming senator. "Happy Thanksgiving, Sir."
**********
"So, Kate, Josh tells me you and David are at the same law firm. What kind of law do you practice?" Dev asked politely, hoping to diffuse some of the tension in the room.
Kate smiled gratefully. "We're corporate specialists." She tilted her head toward Sam and said playfully, "We're not sure where we went wrong and lost this one to politics." Everyone laughed, glad for the distraction. Kate rubbed her son's arm consolingly. "Though I'm sure you'll make a truly amazing Congressman." She smiled proudly then returned her attention to Dev. "Josh mentioned you managed a law office?"
"Yes, I met my Noah there. I started out as his assistant and ended up running the place." She winked at Donna.
Angela sniffed, "Well that explains a lot, doesn't it."
Sam dropped his head onto his arms. "Oh, God."
"I beg your pardon?" Dev asked archly.
"Well, it's all apples and trees isn't it? At least your boss married you." She took a sip of her wine.
"Angie, that's enough." David finally stepped in.
Angela turned wounded eyes on him. "I just worry about Donna, David." She reached out to grab his hand. "People will insinuate things about a beautiful, young, woman, sleeping with her powerful, older boss."
Lynnie rolled her eyes. "Well, you'd know."
"Hey now," David defended, "that's unnecessary."
"I'm sorry Mr. Seaborn but if she sees fit to insult my daughter, I will see fit to defend her," Lynnie snapped.
"Your daughter?" Angela started to get to her feet. "Listen, lady. . ."
"No, you listen. I raised that girl when you couldn't even be bothered to send a birthday card. I have no idea where you get off looking down your nose at anyone considering how you've spent the last thirty years."
"Just a minute. . ." David started.
"I was a child. I was in no way prepared to be a mother." Angela protested.
Lynnie snorted. "That excuse flew for the first five minutes after you ran. What about the next twenty-nine years?"
"I thought I was doing what was best," Angela justified weakly.
Lynnie snorted "For who?" Not waiting to hear Angela's weak excuses she continued forcefully, " You, that's who."
"Well, I guess I'm just not as perfect as you are," Angela sneered.
"I'll say," CJ muttered.
Angela turned a frosty glare at CJ "I don't recall asking your opinion, Ms Cregg."
"Now, Angie," David tried again, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder.
Angela shook him off. "No, David. These people all seem to think they're so much better than me. I expect it from Nick and her, but the rest of you." She shot an angry glare at Dev. "Your precious son couldn't care less what people say about Donna as long as he gets a piece. So what if he turns her into a whore?"
Kate muttered under her breath to Michael, "Talk about apples and trees."
Angela whirled to face them just as Dev got to her feet.
"I don't know who you think you. . ."
"ENOUGH!" Donna exploded. "That's it, I've had it." She got to her feet and took a deep fortifying breath and said evenly. "I would like all of you to get your things and go."
"Donna -" her father began.
She held up her hand to stop him. "No, Daddy. Please, since none of you seem to be able to be civil, I think we should call the day a wash and retreat." She wrapped her arms around her middle. "Now please. . ." Casting one more dejected glance around the room, she retreated to the kitchen.
**********
"So then I told him Ms Lewis was going to write the entire story," Josh finished. He was seated in the Residence updating Leo and the President on the situation with Annie and Senator Laughton.
Leo and Bartlet both grinned widely. "I can imagine he was less than thrilled by your solution," Leo observed.
Josh smirked. "He was less than enthusiastic, yes."
Bartlet nodded and got to his feet. "Thank you, Josh. Good job."
Josh also rose. "My pleasure, Sir." He shifted slightly on his feet.
The President took pity on him. "Go."
Josh smiled. "Thank you, Mr. President." He nodded at Leo. "I'll see you in the morning."
They two older men watched Josh leave the room in a hurry. "What do you think lit such a fire under his tail feathers?" the President asked with a knowing grin.
**********
"Donna?" Josh looked around his empty living room. "Mom? Hello, where'd everybody go?" He saw the table had been cleared. In fact there was no evidence anyone had even been there. He wandered into the kitchen to find Donna at the sink scrubbing the roasting pan. "Donna?" He went to her side. "Where is everyone?"
"They were acting like children so I sent them all home," she muttered as she scrubbed the pan viciously.
Josh took a deep breath and blew it out hard. "What happened?"
**********
the end part 5
By Deenalynn
Part 5:Guess who's Coming to Dinner?
The sun had barely risen when Donna showed up at Josh's door, her arms laden with Thanksgiving goodies. "Good morning, Donnatella," he greeted her as he relieved her of part of her burden. "You do realise its only seven a.m., right?"
"Yes, Joshua, unlike some, I, can tell time." She smirked at him and set the rest of the bags on the counter.
"I wish someone could explain to me why I've never fired you," he teased as he grabbed another cup from the cupboard. He held it up. "You want?"
"Yes, thank you."
He poured two cups of coffee and set one beside her then leaned against the counter. "So what does today's schedule look like?"
Donna had her head in his refrigerator and all he could see were hips and legs. Her voice was muffled when she answered. "What makes you think I have a schedule to follow?" When there was no reply she straightened and turned to find Josh grinning at her one eyebrow raised. "What?"
"You have a schedule, Donna," he repeated with a superior grin.
She jutted her chin out. "Maybe I do. What of it?"
Josh just laughed. "Nothing. Just don't expect me to believe that you, of all people, don't have this, of all days, planned down to the last second."
She blew a raspberry at him and continued her rummage through his fridge.
"Mature, Donna."
"Hand me the vegetables," she demanded.
"Yes, ma'am." He handed her the bag. "Are you ever going to tell me what we're having for dinner?" He glanced at the bird in his sink. "Other than that turkey, which is apparently a mutant."
Donna stood quickly. "What's wrong with my turkey?" she asked defensively.
Josh looked at her as though she were nuts. "Have you actually *looked* at that thing?" He waved at the turkey. "It's huge!"
"It's only twenty-four pounds." She went to stand in front of the sink, as though to protect the poor thing.
"Uh, Donna just how many people are you planning on feeding today?"
She pouted. "I wanted to make sure there was plenty." She looked over her shoulder at the turkey. "I've never done this myself before." She chewed her lip thoughtfully. "You don't think it's too much, do you?" She looked back at him her face open and vulnerable
Josh hurried to reassure her. "I'm sure it will be perfect." He smiled. "And hey, my favourite, turkey sandwiches."
Donna smiled gratefully. "Thanks." They gazed at each other across the kitchen for a few moments before Donna broke the spell awkwardly. "Okay," she blurted, breaking the spell. "Good." Then she grinned at him and gave him a gentle shove. "Now out. I have to get this big boy in the oven."
*********
Sam waited as Michael opened the car door for his mother, watching carefully as she smiled up at the handsome blonde man. "Now, Mom, I know this is going to be uncomfortable for you but. . ."
Kate held her hand up to stop her son. "Sammy, don't worry about it. I've had to be in social situations with your father and Angela before."
"You have?" Sam asked, surprised.
"Your father and I are still partners in the same law firm, honey." She patted his cheek. "Believe it or not, we actually manage to conduct ourselves like adults." She gave him a knowing look.
Sam had the good grace to blush. "Sorry, Mom."
"It's okay. It's a tough situation. But it's one we're going to have to get used to," she said firmly, her blue eyes dead serious.
Sam sighed. "I know, Mom, I know."
Kate linked one arm through Sam's and the other through Michael's. "Shall we, gentlemen?"
They walked up the stairs to Josh's townhouse.
*********
"Josh!" Donna hollered from the kitchen.
"What?" He bellowed back from the bedroom.
"Someone's buzzing!" she stated the obvious.
"So, let 'em in."
"I can't"
Josh came out of the bedroom, having changed into a dress shirt and pants. "Why can't -?" He stopped when he saw she was up to her elbows in . . . something. "Oh. I'll get it."
She snorted. "Yeah, you do that."
He hit the buzzer and turned back to her. "So where'd your able-bodied assistants go?" He came back into the kitchen to lean next to where she worked at the sink.
"Our mothers dragged Dad to the store." She wiped her hand on the tea towel she had draped over her shoulder.
Josh's eyebrows shot up. "They needed more food?" He eyed the kitchen with mock alarm. "I wouldn't have thought you left anything behind."
Donna flicked her towel at him. "Funny boy, we needed more butter."
"And it took three of them to go get butter?" he asked, bewildered, as he went to answer the door to find Sam, Kate, Michael and CJ. "I hope you're hungry," was the first thing he said.
"It's Thanksgiving. Of course we are." Sam rubbed his stomach and sniffed. "Hmmm, smells wonderful."
Josh turned to his other guest. "Hello, Kate, welcome." He gave Sam's mother a hug.
Kate held Josh out at arms' length. "You look wonderful, Joshua. What have you been doing?"
"Thanks, Kate." He gave her a flirtatious smile. "And you, as always, look absolutely gorgeous."
Kate blew him a kiss and patted his cheek. "So good for a girl's ego" She turned to her companion and said, "Michael Holloway, I'd like you to meet Sam's closest friend, Joshua Lyman. Josh, this is my dear friend, Michael."
**********
"McGarry," Leo answered the phone brusquely. He listened for a moment. "Yes, I understand." He paused once again. "I'm sure it was, Senator, but you will have to speak to Josh about it." He took a deep calming breath. "Because Josh is the one, the President has chosen to have handle this situation. Therefore, any questions will have to be posed to him." He clenched his jaw, trying to keep his cool. "I'm sure that will be fine. I'll let Josh know." He slammed the phone down and bellowed, "Margaret!" When he received no reply he got up and went to the door, "Marg -" He stopped when he saw her empty desk. "Right, Thanksgiving." He returned to his desk and picked up the phone.
**********
"So there's Donna, standing there with her little hands on her hips, giving the poor man what for, for getting the story wrong." Everyone laughed. They were all seated at the dining table eating dinner and talking. The parents were taking great pleasure in telling embarrassing stories about their children. "The poor guy didn't know what to do. Of course, he'd toned the story down for his eight-year-old audience. He hadn't counted on her having read the real thing already." Nick wiped tears of mirth from his eyes. Catching his blushing daughter's eye he said, "She read everything. Devoured every book we brought into the house."
"Daddy . . . "
"Yes, Donnatella?"
She sighed. "Never mind." She turned to her left to find Josh working very hard to suppress a smile. She leaned toward him. "You think this is funny? Your mother's on deck."
Josh nodded and leaned even closer. "I know, she does it every time she has a captive audience, but for once I have company in my misery."
"I'm surprised that after doing so well in school, Donna didn't get a scholarship for college," Angie commented from the other end of the table.
Nick looked at her sharply. "As a matter of fact, she did," he said proudly.
"I didn't know that," Josh whispered to Donna.
She shrugged. "My dad likes to brag."
Their attention was brought back to the conversation by Angela. "You must have been furious when she dropped out then?" she commented lightly, her gaze falling on Donna.
Lynnie laid a restraining hand on her husband's arm. "Of course we were a bit disappointed, but she had to follow her heart." She smiled across the table at her daughter. "Donna's always managed to make us proud." She returned her attention to Angela. "Besides, I don't think she'd have experienced even half of what she has if she hadn't left school."
Angela sniffed derisively. "What experiences? She's an *assistant*"
"She works in the White House, Angela." Nick growled. "She works with the Deputy Chief of Staff."
Angela raised her eyebrows slightly. "Hmmm." She sent an appraising look to where Donna and Josh once again had their heads together.
Nick twitched visibly. "What the hell does, hmmm mean?"
"It's just that she is obviously a bright, personable young woman. She should be looking to be a hell of a lot more than some over educated politico's girl Friday." She tilted her chin at Josh and Donna. "Or is that not the whole story?"
"Now hold on. . .!"
"What, Nicky. You gonna tell me *that*--" she waved at Josh and Donna. " doesn't bother you?"
Nick looked across the table where Donna had leaned slightly closer to Josh, looking for support. "What's to bother?" He smiled and winked reassuringly at his daughter.
Angela scoffed. "Oh, how about that he's her boss and what? Fourteen, fifteen years older than her? Don't you think the press would find that fascinating? Not to mention, I can't imagine his mother would be thrilled at the idea of a non-Jewish daughter-in-law."
Protests rose up from around the table. "Angie!" David cried, mortified.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Nick snarled.
"What did you just say?" Lynnie snapped, throwing her napkin on the table.
Finally, Devorah Lyman turned to face Angela and said, "Please don't *ever* presume to know what I am thinking or feeling again." Her voice was soft, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "I think *any* woman worth *anything* would be proud to call Donna her daughter."
Angela straightened her shoulders and her chin went up haughtily. "Oh, and I suppose that was a shot at my mothering skills." She ignored Nick's snort. "I'll have you know, lady -"
"Enough!" Josh barked as he stood. "That. Is. Enough." He ran his hand over his face before continuing. "Mom, thank you. I'm glad to hear you're so fond of Donna." He could feel the pain radiating off the woman seated next to him. "Angela, the only reason you are here is so Sam could have both his parents here with him on the holiday. So if you would kindly refrain from insulting and baiting everyone at the table, it would be greatly appreciated."
"Who do you think you are?" Angela demanded, arrogantly.
"I am the man in whose home you are currently seated. I am also the man who loves your daughter." He felt, rather than saw, Donna go rigid. "So can we -" He was interrupted by his ringing cell phone. "Lyman." He listened for a moment then sighed. "Yeah, I'll be there." He closed his eyes for a second before turning to face Donna. "I have to go." She just nodded numbly. Their eyes met and held for a moment, before Donna smiled and nodded again.
Josh smiled warmly in return then headed, reluctantly, for the door, grabbing his coat and backpack on the way. He opened the door, seemed to think for a moment then turned back to them and said, "By the way, Angie, it's eleven years and I doubt if the press would care." With that, he left.
*********
"It's about time you got here," Senator Laughton snapped as soon as Josh entered the Mural Room.
Josh stopped to stare at the man coldly. "I came as soon as Leo called me." He set his backpack on the table and took a seat. "What seems to be the problem, Senator?"
Laughton remained standing. "You're a real piece of work, Lyman. What do you think my problem is?" He looked down his nose at Josh.
"I thought we had cleared this up, Sir," Josh said politely.
"Not to my satisfaction we haven't." Laughton placed both hands on the table. "The people of South Dakota have not yet heard an apology."
Josh smiled innocently. "Well, Sir, they will have to wait until Monday for that."
Laughton started, obviously not expecting that turn. "Bartlet's going to make her apologise?" he blurted, incredulous.
"That's President Bartlet, Senator," Josh corrected automatically. "But no, Annie will not be the one making the apology."
Laughton looked thoroughly disconcerted. "The White House is actually going to issue an apology?"
**********
"Are you all right, dear?" Dev asked, coming up behind Donna where she stood at the sink.
Donna pasted on a bright smile. "Of course. I just had to grab the whipped cream out of the fridge." She balanced a pumpkin pie in each hand and ventured back into the dining area.
"I can honestly say I've never met anyone quite so rude." Angela was in mid snit.
"I have," CJ muttered under her breath.
"What was that, Ms Cregg?" Angela asked one eyebrow raised haughtily.
Donna hurried to intervene. "CJ, do me a favour and grab a few more dessert plates out of the kitchen."
"I have them right here, Donna." Dev said coming up behind them.
CJ wrinkled her nose playfully at Donna. "Can I get her now?" she hissed.
"Play nice, for Sam's sake," Donna whispered back.
CJ sighed. "You're no fun at all." She glanced over to where Sam was trapped between his parents. David was trying to soothe Angela's wounded ego, but she continued to rant about Josh's lack of manners, attributing it mostly to the way he was raised. "But it doesn't look like I'll need to, I think Spanky's about to blow."
**********
"No, the White House will not be issuing an apology either." Josh opened his backpack and pulled out a small tape recorder. "We don't feel an apology is warranted."
"Not warranted?" Laughton exploded. "She said our home was ugly!"
"Actually, Sir, she said parts of it were ugly. Other parts she loved, and well, you heard the tape." He nodded at the recorder.
Laughton sniffed. "How do I know that you didn't have that tape made to cover your own tails?"
"Are you planning on accusing the White House of lying, Sir?" Josh just laughed softly. "For one thing, Senator, we have better things to do with our time." He pushed the recorder across the table. "But this isn't Annie's tape."
Laughton reached for the machine. "Whose is it then?"
"This is a copy of the reporter's tape. A young woman by the name of Allison Lewis." Josh's smile broadened. "She's the one who will be issuing an apology of sorts."
Laughton's frowned darkly. "What the hell does she have to apologise for? She didn't say it."
"No, but she feels bad that a two-hour interview got cut down to a few lines, one of which insulted the fine people you represent."
Laughton sputtered for a moment before falling silent.
Josh continued. "So she is going to write the story. Let everyone know what Annie really had to say. I already spoke to a couple of my contacts in the media about getting it published. They liked the idea of maybe reaching a younger audience. I think the people of South Dakota would be pleased to hear the President's granddaughter describe in detail how much she loved their home. Don't you, Senator?"
Laughton just stared at Josh, his face slowly turning red. "I'm sure they will be overjoyed," he choked out.
"I thought so." He grinned cheerily before sobering and taking a step into Senator Laughton's personal space. "One suggestion, Senator. I mentioned this at an earlier meeting but I apparently didn't make myself clear. If you *ever* attempt to blackmail the White House again, *the good people of South Dakota* will find out their man in Washington isn't above attacking children to advance his own agendas." He stepped back. "What do your insights into the selfishness of human behaviour tell you about that one?"
Laughton sputtered for a moment then fell silent.
Josh began gathering his things. "You can keep a copy of Ms Lewis's tape if you like." He smiled brightly at the fuming senator. "Happy Thanksgiving, Sir."
**********
"So, Kate, Josh tells me you and David are at the same law firm. What kind of law do you practice?" Dev asked politely, hoping to diffuse some of the tension in the room.
Kate smiled gratefully. "We're corporate specialists." She tilted her head toward Sam and said playfully, "We're not sure where we went wrong and lost this one to politics." Everyone laughed, glad for the distraction. Kate rubbed her son's arm consolingly. "Though I'm sure you'll make a truly amazing Congressman." She smiled proudly then returned her attention to Dev. "Josh mentioned you managed a law office?"
"Yes, I met my Noah there. I started out as his assistant and ended up running the place." She winked at Donna.
Angela sniffed, "Well that explains a lot, doesn't it."
Sam dropped his head onto his arms. "Oh, God."
"I beg your pardon?" Dev asked archly.
"Well, it's all apples and trees isn't it? At least your boss married you." She took a sip of her wine.
"Angie, that's enough." David finally stepped in.
Angela turned wounded eyes on him. "I just worry about Donna, David." She reached out to grab his hand. "People will insinuate things about a beautiful, young, woman, sleeping with her powerful, older boss."
Lynnie rolled her eyes. "Well, you'd know."
"Hey now," David defended, "that's unnecessary."
"I'm sorry Mr. Seaborn but if she sees fit to insult my daughter, I will see fit to defend her," Lynnie snapped.
"Your daughter?" Angela started to get to her feet. "Listen, lady. . ."
"No, you listen. I raised that girl when you couldn't even be bothered to send a birthday card. I have no idea where you get off looking down your nose at anyone considering how you've spent the last thirty years."
"Just a minute. . ." David started.
"I was a child. I was in no way prepared to be a mother." Angela protested.
Lynnie snorted. "That excuse flew for the first five minutes after you ran. What about the next twenty-nine years?"
"I thought I was doing what was best," Angela justified weakly.
Lynnie snorted "For who?" Not waiting to hear Angela's weak excuses she continued forcefully, " You, that's who."
"Well, I guess I'm just not as perfect as you are," Angela sneered.
"I'll say," CJ muttered.
Angela turned a frosty glare at CJ "I don't recall asking your opinion, Ms Cregg."
"Now, Angie," David tried again, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder.
Angela shook him off. "No, David. These people all seem to think they're so much better than me. I expect it from Nick and her, but the rest of you." She shot an angry glare at Dev. "Your precious son couldn't care less what people say about Donna as long as he gets a piece. So what if he turns her into a whore?"
Kate muttered under her breath to Michael, "Talk about apples and trees."
Angela whirled to face them just as Dev got to her feet.
"I don't know who you think you. . ."
"ENOUGH!" Donna exploded. "That's it, I've had it." She got to her feet and took a deep fortifying breath and said evenly. "I would like all of you to get your things and go."
"Donna -" her father began.
She held up her hand to stop him. "No, Daddy. Please, since none of you seem to be able to be civil, I think we should call the day a wash and retreat." She wrapped her arms around her middle. "Now please. . ." Casting one more dejected glance around the room, she retreated to the kitchen.
**********
"So then I told him Ms Lewis was going to write the entire story," Josh finished. He was seated in the Residence updating Leo and the President on the situation with Annie and Senator Laughton.
Leo and Bartlet both grinned widely. "I can imagine he was less than thrilled by your solution," Leo observed.
Josh smirked. "He was less than enthusiastic, yes."
Bartlet nodded and got to his feet. "Thank you, Josh. Good job."
Josh also rose. "My pleasure, Sir." He shifted slightly on his feet.
The President took pity on him. "Go."
Josh smiled. "Thank you, Mr. President." He nodded at Leo. "I'll see you in the morning."
They two older men watched Josh leave the room in a hurry. "What do you think lit such a fire under his tail feathers?" the President asked with a knowing grin.
**********
"Donna?" Josh looked around his empty living room. "Mom? Hello, where'd everybody go?" He saw the table had been cleared. In fact there was no evidence anyone had even been there. He wandered into the kitchen to find Donna at the sink scrubbing the roasting pan. "Donna?" He went to her side. "Where is everyone?"
"They were acting like children so I sent them all home," she muttered as she scrubbed the pan viciously.
Josh took a deep breath and blew it out hard. "What happened?"
**********
the end part 5