Chronology of Stories in the "As I Was Drifting Away" Series:
"As I Was Drifting Away" "In Your Eyes" "Some Say"
Thanks for the great feedback. I'm really glad there are readers out there who are enjoying this.
POV: Donna Spoilers: None Rating: PG Disclaimer: Not mine.
Some Say - Chapter One A West Wing Story
by MAHC
Donna Moss twirled a piece of hair around her finger, a gesture she thought she had abandoned as a teenager, but she felt like she was sixteen again as she listened meekly to her mother on the other end of the phone line. It was inevitable, she knew, that she tell her parents. Still, only in a fading moment of courage did she place the call. When her mother picked up, it was too late to turn back. Now the familiar tone of her childhood evoked both warmth and dread.
"How are you, dear? Not working too hard?" Her mother always asked that. Every time.
"I'm fine, Mom. Not working too hard." Well, this week, anyway. She gritted her teeth and drew in a stabilizing breath. "Listen, Mom. I - uh - I - called to tell you something."
"You need money?"
She smiled, despite her anxiety. If she said yes, there would be $300 waiting for her at the Western Union in twenty minutes. "No, Mom. I don't need money."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. It's just that - I - uh - I'm - seeing someone."
The gasp of delight at the other end drew a smile to her face. Her mother was forever prodding her toward the altar. She pounced on each prospective son-in-law like Sylvester on Tweety Bird, regardless of Donna's interest in the guy.
"Is it serious?" she asked, tone clearly hopeful.
And the white rose breathes of love - "Yeah. It's - serious."
"Does he have a good job? You don't want to have to support-"
"It's a pretty good job, Mom."
"Is he a politician? Because you know how unpredictable those jobs are. In and out at the whim of-"
"He's a politician, Mom. But he's - fairly secure, at least for a while. And he has some good - possibilities for later."
"These are things to think about, dear," she reminded, as though she had not reminded her at least a dozen times before. "Does he work on the Hill? You know, that must be so exciting to work for a congressman, someone so important."
"Well, no, he doesn't work for a congressman - not exactly. He works - he works in the White House."
"Oh." Her mother's voice grew low and soft. "Donna, are you telling me it's Josh Lyman?" Donna worked so closely with Josh that it was inevitable her parents heard about him often. Her mother had been less than subtle about suggesting a liaison.
"No, Mom. It's not Josh Lyman."
"He's cute."
"It's not Josh."
"I'm just asking because even though looks aren't everything-"
"Mom, the - guy I'm seeing is nice-looking. And a good person, too, if you're interested."
"Don't be cheeky, Donna." Only her mother used the word 'cheeky.' And maybe Sam Seaborn. "You know I feel that inner beauty is more important. I just want to make sure I have pretty grandchildren."
"Aren't you a little premature?" she asked, then blushed at the sudden memory of intense blue eyes holding her gaze as hot release burned inside her. She swallowed the groan that pushed upward in her throat.
"Dear," he mother was saying, "you're not getting any younger, you know."
With effort, she pulled away from the physical sensation the memory had provoked. "He's very handsome, Mom. Very attractive." You've commented on that before, by the way - you just don't realize it.
"Well - good. Like I said, looks aren't everything, but-"
"I know."
"What's his name?"
His name? Oh hell. His name. Make it up. Joe. Jonah. Jared. Jim. She shook her head and took a deep breath. "Jed."
"Jeff?"
Say yes. "No, Mom. Jed." She emphasized the "d" at the end.
For a long moment, she heard only silence at the other end. Then, her mother noted, "Like the President?"
Her heart hammered. "Yes. Like the President."
For another long moment there was more silence, but when the voice returned, it was light and cheerful. "Well - isn't that a coincidence. I mean, Jed is just not a very common name."
"Yes," she agreed, "it is a coincidence." Coward. Tell her! "Well, not as much of a coincidence when you realize that-"
But her confession was drowned out by a shrill exclamation. "Oh, dear! I'm sorry. I just checked the clock. I'm supposed to be at Marjorie Milsap's house for our Rook game in twenty minutes, and you know it takes all of that and more to get there. Listen, I'm just tickled about your new boyfriend, Jeff."
"Jed."
"Jed, right. Like the President. Give him a hug for me."
The President or - "Okay."
Now the voice grew pointedly serious. "Donna, make sure he's going to treat you right. I mean, don't take this wrong, sweetheart, but you don't have a very good track record for picking winners."
Gee, thanks, Mom. "I think I've done pretty well this time."
"Well, I certainly hope so, dear. You know your father and I just-"
"Want the best for me. I know. Go play Rook now."
"All right. I'll call you later in the week. Love you!"
The line clicked dead, but Donna kept the phone to her ear until the flat tone began. Well, she had good intentions, but the timing just didn't quite work out. Still, she knew soon she would have to spill the news. She wanted her folks to hear it from her before they saw her picture on the front page of the National Enquirer in the Wal Mart check out line.
"Donna!" Josh's voice had that strident quality that always bled through when a crisis was upon them and she must rescue him from catastrophe. With a longsuffering sigh, she shook her head and answered.
"Yes, Jo-" But one look at his face convinced her she needed to pay close attention.
"Have you heard this?" He asked, his voice halfway between a laugh and snarl, his hand over his forehead in amazement. "How absurd!" Grabbing her arm, he led her into the media area where the televisions all blared C.J.'s news conference. The press secretary was in the middle of an answer, and from the expression on her face, Donna figured the topic had taken her completely by surprise.
" - have no idea where you obtained that strange information, Steve."
What strange information?
The tall reporter eased back in his chair, having already gained the floor. "My source is saying that the President is seeing someone and that someone possibly is a White House employee."
Oh God! Oh God! Her eyes flew to C.J. to see how the press secretary would handle this.
"Again, Steve," she stated evenly, "I can only emphasize that that's news to me."
What? How smooth C.J. was. Of course she knew about this, had seen the President kissing Donna - and it wasn't just a friendly kiss - in the bullpen. Had backed away immediately and left them alone. She knew that Jed planned to discuss their relationship with C.J., to plot a course of action when it became public, and they knew it would become public. She just wished it had been a little later.
"I will say, however," C.J. continued without a moment's hesitation, "that, due to tragic circumstances with which we are all familiar, the President is now an eligible bachelor. It has been over a year since the First Lady's death. If you want to know how many letters he receives from female admirers each day, I'll have my office tabulate. I can assure you, it's causing the mail room no small amount of stress." She smiled in the way that politely indicated she was not entertaining more questions and announced, "That's a full lid, guys and gals. Thanks."
Donna's heart raced, pumped, careened. She tried to catch her breath, but only gulped in the air faster. Stepping from the room, she watched C.J. and Carol as they strode down the hall.
"Where did that come from?" the tall dark assistant was asking, racing to keep up with her boss.
C.J. didn't answer, but snapped, "Get me the numbers on those love letters for the President."
As she breezed past Donna, she swore colorfully, flipping pages in her notes folder. With gritted teeth, Donna fell into step beside her.
C.J. glanced up, then said, "My office," continuing her rapid pace toward that destination.
"Okay," Donna returned and kept on before she lost her courage.
They entered the press secretary's office and Donna closed the door behind her. Plopping her file on the desk, C.J. turned to face her. "Okay. This wasn't my business before, but I think it is now. I'm just gonna ask it straight out."
Donna nodded, knowing what was coming.
"Are you and - " She hesitated, as if she couldn't believe she was about to ask this. "Are you and - the President - " Stopped again, clicked her tongue, then plunged ahead. "Is there something going on between you two?"
Well, there it was. She couldn't very well deny it. C.J. knew she had seen something. Probably guessed what she had seen was - well, what she had seen. How should she respond? How did the President want her to respond? Her mind flickered back to the conversation they had that night.
Jed sat on the couch in the residence, hands clasped together, brow furrowed in thought. They had been through the scenario a half dozen times and couldn't get away from the bald fact that C.J. Cregg had caught them in an amorous embrace, and that she had to know what that meant. But she had left quickly, not giving either of them a chance to explain, or try to explain, although Donna didn't know what they could have said.
His heavy sigh brought her gaze to his face and compassion swept over her at the frustration she saw there. He had just admitted his love for her, and he now must confront the consequences of his commitment. Rumors, accusations, embarrassingly concocted stories. His warnings to her echoed the very same possibilities, and she could see his mind peeling back the layers of invasion they would have to endure.
They had returned to the residence after a few stunned moments in her office, talking out their next moves, speculating on what might happen next. Now they had to face the music that their love had composed. Still standing, she moved from her position near the fireplace to sit next to him, smiling when it only took a moment for his arm to slide around her and draw her close. Her head rested on his shoulder. Her arm eased around his waist and they sat like that in silence for a good twenty minutes. Eventually, though, he pulled back and faced her, his jaw clenching and unclenching before he spoke.
"Donna, I'll talk with C.J. This won't stay under wraps for long. We'll need a - a plan to deal with questions."
"Okay." She figured that. Trusted him to approach it however he felt was best.
Now her took her hand and the gentleness in his eyes touched her deep inside. "What I said earlier - about how difficult this is going to be - "
"Yes?"
"It will be incredibly hard, Donna. I don't think even I can imagine how hard. So - " She saw him swallow, saw the pain sweep across his face and wondered what he was about to say that could be so hard. "So if you decide - if you feel you can't - I'll - understand if - "
Now she knew, comprehended what he was trying, but unable, to tell her. He looked so miserable, but was forcing himself to say it, anyway.
"I won't change my mind," she assured him softly, but firmly, running the backs of her fingers across his cheek. "I love you, Josiah Bartlet. I love you with my heart and my mind and my body and-"
Despite the agony in his eyes, he managed a grin. "Don't I know it. Your body has just about killed me, but I can't think of a better way to go."
Flushing, she smiled back, then grew serious again. "We can face this together, Jed. We can do this. Whatever happens."
And she held his gaze with confidence, with love, with passion that was immediately contagious.
"Oh, Donna," he whispered, his eyes shining. "Donna, I never thought I'd find someone again. Never thought I could love again after Abbey." She noted that he was able to say her name without his voice breaking now. His lips brushed against hers. "I don't know why you would-"
"Shhh." She placed her fingers on his mouth to stop him. "I didn't think ego was a problem with you," she teased. "Surely you know how special you are. Surely you know how smart and how handsome and how - " She lowered her voice to a husky whisper. " - sexy you are."
He grinned. "Well, as long as you think so - You suppose I could take advantage of your misconceptions?"
She leaned in, placing her hand on his chest, and breathed, "Any time, Mister President. Any time."
And he did.
Now she looked back at C.J., her face flushed with the memory of that evening. Words were unnecessary once the press secretary got a good look at her expression.
"Oh, my God," she muttered, echoing Margaret, but not as loudly. "I knew when I - saw you and - the - oh boy - the President the other night that something - well - " She ran a hand through her hair and propped on her desk. "I told myself maybe it was just a - friendly little hug - you know? Just a thanks for working so hard on the tobacco thing - "
Donna remained silent. There was nothing she could say, anyway.
Finally, C.J. smiled ironically at her. "This is serious, isn't it, Donna?"
She nodded.
"I mean, this is really serious?'
She nodded again.
"Like, how serious?"
Donna bit her lip. "Serious."
"I mean, has he - have you - " Her reddened cheeks betrayed what she was asking. "I know it's really not my business, Donna, but the press will ask what type of relationship you have, not that I'll tell them, but I need to know - "
"C.J., we've slept together."
The press secretary's jaw dropped.
"Several times."
It dropped farther.
Might as well tell her everything. "C.J., we love each other."
Now the reaction was not at all what she expected. She had expected disbelief, which, granted, she had gotten, but she had also expected an argument, a tirade over the publicity. Instead, her friend's face relaxed into a slight smile and she rose to take her hands.
"Really?"
Now Donna smiled, too. "Yeah."
With a nod, C.J. said, "Okay."
"Okay?"
"Okay. We handle it."
Donna knew that Jed had not talked with her, yet. Had not had the time or, truthfully, the desire to discuss their relationship with C.J. But it looked as if he wouldn't have much of a choice now.
"Jed-"
C.J. flinched, just like Margaret had, but this time Donna didn't change the name.
"Jed will talk with you about this. We've already discussed it and I know you will figure out the best way to approach it. I trust you, C.J., and - thank you."
"Thank you for what?"
"For saying, 'Okay.'"
That got her another smile and a quick hug. "All right. Let's go see the President."
As Donna walked beside the press secretary, she took a deep breath and tried to steel herself for what lay ahead. She didn't know how the country would react to the idea that their President was romantically involved, not only with a younger woman, but with one of his own employees. It had the flavor of scandal, even though she knew there should be none. But she knew the press could find something to twist and she hoped she was prepared, for Jed's sake, as well as her own.
That night, when Jed's even breathing told her he was asleep, she eased her head off his arm, slipped into the residence sitting room, curled onto the couch, and picked up the phone, punching in the familiar numbers once again. With a deep breath, she held the receiver to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Mom. It's me. Listen, I've got something to tell you - "
"As I Was Drifting Away" "In Your Eyes" "Some Say"
Thanks for the great feedback. I'm really glad there are readers out there who are enjoying this.
POV: Donna Spoilers: None Rating: PG Disclaimer: Not mine.
Some Say - Chapter One A West Wing Story
by MAHC
Donna Moss twirled a piece of hair around her finger, a gesture she thought she had abandoned as a teenager, but she felt like she was sixteen again as she listened meekly to her mother on the other end of the phone line. It was inevitable, she knew, that she tell her parents. Still, only in a fading moment of courage did she place the call. When her mother picked up, it was too late to turn back. Now the familiar tone of her childhood evoked both warmth and dread.
"How are you, dear? Not working too hard?" Her mother always asked that. Every time.
"I'm fine, Mom. Not working too hard." Well, this week, anyway. She gritted her teeth and drew in a stabilizing breath. "Listen, Mom. I - uh - I - called to tell you something."
"You need money?"
She smiled, despite her anxiety. If she said yes, there would be $300 waiting for her at the Western Union in twenty minutes. "No, Mom. I don't need money."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. It's just that - I - uh - I'm - seeing someone."
The gasp of delight at the other end drew a smile to her face. Her mother was forever prodding her toward the altar. She pounced on each prospective son-in-law like Sylvester on Tweety Bird, regardless of Donna's interest in the guy.
"Is it serious?" she asked, tone clearly hopeful.
And the white rose breathes of love - "Yeah. It's - serious."
"Does he have a good job? You don't want to have to support-"
"It's a pretty good job, Mom."
"Is he a politician? Because you know how unpredictable those jobs are. In and out at the whim of-"
"He's a politician, Mom. But he's - fairly secure, at least for a while. And he has some good - possibilities for later."
"These are things to think about, dear," she reminded, as though she had not reminded her at least a dozen times before. "Does he work on the Hill? You know, that must be so exciting to work for a congressman, someone so important."
"Well, no, he doesn't work for a congressman - not exactly. He works - he works in the White House."
"Oh." Her mother's voice grew low and soft. "Donna, are you telling me it's Josh Lyman?" Donna worked so closely with Josh that it was inevitable her parents heard about him often. Her mother had been less than subtle about suggesting a liaison.
"No, Mom. It's not Josh Lyman."
"He's cute."
"It's not Josh."
"I'm just asking because even though looks aren't everything-"
"Mom, the - guy I'm seeing is nice-looking. And a good person, too, if you're interested."
"Don't be cheeky, Donna." Only her mother used the word 'cheeky.' And maybe Sam Seaborn. "You know I feel that inner beauty is more important. I just want to make sure I have pretty grandchildren."
"Aren't you a little premature?" she asked, then blushed at the sudden memory of intense blue eyes holding her gaze as hot release burned inside her. She swallowed the groan that pushed upward in her throat.
"Dear," he mother was saying, "you're not getting any younger, you know."
With effort, she pulled away from the physical sensation the memory had provoked. "He's very handsome, Mom. Very attractive." You've commented on that before, by the way - you just don't realize it.
"Well - good. Like I said, looks aren't everything, but-"
"I know."
"What's his name?"
His name? Oh hell. His name. Make it up. Joe. Jonah. Jared. Jim. She shook her head and took a deep breath. "Jed."
"Jeff?"
Say yes. "No, Mom. Jed." She emphasized the "d" at the end.
For a long moment, she heard only silence at the other end. Then, her mother noted, "Like the President?"
Her heart hammered. "Yes. Like the President."
For another long moment there was more silence, but when the voice returned, it was light and cheerful. "Well - isn't that a coincidence. I mean, Jed is just not a very common name."
"Yes," she agreed, "it is a coincidence." Coward. Tell her! "Well, not as much of a coincidence when you realize that-"
But her confession was drowned out by a shrill exclamation. "Oh, dear! I'm sorry. I just checked the clock. I'm supposed to be at Marjorie Milsap's house for our Rook game in twenty minutes, and you know it takes all of that and more to get there. Listen, I'm just tickled about your new boyfriend, Jeff."
"Jed."
"Jed, right. Like the President. Give him a hug for me."
The President or - "Okay."
Now the voice grew pointedly serious. "Donna, make sure he's going to treat you right. I mean, don't take this wrong, sweetheart, but you don't have a very good track record for picking winners."
Gee, thanks, Mom. "I think I've done pretty well this time."
"Well, I certainly hope so, dear. You know your father and I just-"
"Want the best for me. I know. Go play Rook now."
"All right. I'll call you later in the week. Love you!"
The line clicked dead, but Donna kept the phone to her ear until the flat tone began. Well, she had good intentions, but the timing just didn't quite work out. Still, she knew soon she would have to spill the news. She wanted her folks to hear it from her before they saw her picture on the front page of the National Enquirer in the Wal Mart check out line.
"Donna!" Josh's voice had that strident quality that always bled through when a crisis was upon them and she must rescue him from catastrophe. With a longsuffering sigh, she shook her head and answered.
"Yes, Jo-" But one look at his face convinced her she needed to pay close attention.
"Have you heard this?" He asked, his voice halfway between a laugh and snarl, his hand over his forehead in amazement. "How absurd!" Grabbing her arm, he led her into the media area where the televisions all blared C.J.'s news conference. The press secretary was in the middle of an answer, and from the expression on her face, Donna figured the topic had taken her completely by surprise.
" - have no idea where you obtained that strange information, Steve."
What strange information?
The tall reporter eased back in his chair, having already gained the floor. "My source is saying that the President is seeing someone and that someone possibly is a White House employee."
Oh God! Oh God! Her eyes flew to C.J. to see how the press secretary would handle this.
"Again, Steve," she stated evenly, "I can only emphasize that that's news to me."
What? How smooth C.J. was. Of course she knew about this, had seen the President kissing Donna - and it wasn't just a friendly kiss - in the bullpen. Had backed away immediately and left them alone. She knew that Jed planned to discuss their relationship with C.J., to plot a course of action when it became public, and they knew it would become public. She just wished it had been a little later.
"I will say, however," C.J. continued without a moment's hesitation, "that, due to tragic circumstances with which we are all familiar, the President is now an eligible bachelor. It has been over a year since the First Lady's death. If you want to know how many letters he receives from female admirers each day, I'll have my office tabulate. I can assure you, it's causing the mail room no small amount of stress." She smiled in the way that politely indicated she was not entertaining more questions and announced, "That's a full lid, guys and gals. Thanks."
Donna's heart raced, pumped, careened. She tried to catch her breath, but only gulped in the air faster. Stepping from the room, she watched C.J. and Carol as they strode down the hall.
"Where did that come from?" the tall dark assistant was asking, racing to keep up with her boss.
C.J. didn't answer, but snapped, "Get me the numbers on those love letters for the President."
As she breezed past Donna, she swore colorfully, flipping pages in her notes folder. With gritted teeth, Donna fell into step beside her.
C.J. glanced up, then said, "My office," continuing her rapid pace toward that destination.
"Okay," Donna returned and kept on before she lost her courage.
They entered the press secretary's office and Donna closed the door behind her. Plopping her file on the desk, C.J. turned to face her. "Okay. This wasn't my business before, but I think it is now. I'm just gonna ask it straight out."
Donna nodded, knowing what was coming.
"Are you and - " She hesitated, as if she couldn't believe she was about to ask this. "Are you and - the President - " Stopped again, clicked her tongue, then plunged ahead. "Is there something going on between you two?"
Well, there it was. She couldn't very well deny it. C.J. knew she had seen something. Probably guessed what she had seen was - well, what she had seen. How should she respond? How did the President want her to respond? Her mind flickered back to the conversation they had that night.
Jed sat on the couch in the residence, hands clasped together, brow furrowed in thought. They had been through the scenario a half dozen times and couldn't get away from the bald fact that C.J. Cregg had caught them in an amorous embrace, and that she had to know what that meant. But she had left quickly, not giving either of them a chance to explain, or try to explain, although Donna didn't know what they could have said.
His heavy sigh brought her gaze to his face and compassion swept over her at the frustration she saw there. He had just admitted his love for her, and he now must confront the consequences of his commitment. Rumors, accusations, embarrassingly concocted stories. His warnings to her echoed the very same possibilities, and she could see his mind peeling back the layers of invasion they would have to endure.
They had returned to the residence after a few stunned moments in her office, talking out their next moves, speculating on what might happen next. Now they had to face the music that their love had composed. Still standing, she moved from her position near the fireplace to sit next to him, smiling when it only took a moment for his arm to slide around her and draw her close. Her head rested on his shoulder. Her arm eased around his waist and they sat like that in silence for a good twenty minutes. Eventually, though, he pulled back and faced her, his jaw clenching and unclenching before he spoke.
"Donna, I'll talk with C.J. This won't stay under wraps for long. We'll need a - a plan to deal with questions."
"Okay." She figured that. Trusted him to approach it however he felt was best.
Now her took her hand and the gentleness in his eyes touched her deep inside. "What I said earlier - about how difficult this is going to be - "
"Yes?"
"It will be incredibly hard, Donna. I don't think even I can imagine how hard. So - " She saw him swallow, saw the pain sweep across his face and wondered what he was about to say that could be so hard. "So if you decide - if you feel you can't - I'll - understand if - "
Now she knew, comprehended what he was trying, but unable, to tell her. He looked so miserable, but was forcing himself to say it, anyway.
"I won't change my mind," she assured him softly, but firmly, running the backs of her fingers across his cheek. "I love you, Josiah Bartlet. I love you with my heart and my mind and my body and-"
Despite the agony in his eyes, he managed a grin. "Don't I know it. Your body has just about killed me, but I can't think of a better way to go."
Flushing, she smiled back, then grew serious again. "We can face this together, Jed. We can do this. Whatever happens."
And she held his gaze with confidence, with love, with passion that was immediately contagious.
"Oh, Donna," he whispered, his eyes shining. "Donna, I never thought I'd find someone again. Never thought I could love again after Abbey." She noted that he was able to say her name without his voice breaking now. His lips brushed against hers. "I don't know why you would-"
"Shhh." She placed her fingers on his mouth to stop him. "I didn't think ego was a problem with you," she teased. "Surely you know how special you are. Surely you know how smart and how handsome and how - " She lowered her voice to a husky whisper. " - sexy you are."
He grinned. "Well, as long as you think so - You suppose I could take advantage of your misconceptions?"
She leaned in, placing her hand on his chest, and breathed, "Any time, Mister President. Any time."
And he did.
Now she looked back at C.J., her face flushed with the memory of that evening. Words were unnecessary once the press secretary got a good look at her expression.
"Oh, my God," she muttered, echoing Margaret, but not as loudly. "I knew when I - saw you and - the - oh boy - the President the other night that something - well - " She ran a hand through her hair and propped on her desk. "I told myself maybe it was just a - friendly little hug - you know? Just a thanks for working so hard on the tobacco thing - "
Donna remained silent. There was nothing she could say, anyway.
Finally, C.J. smiled ironically at her. "This is serious, isn't it, Donna?"
She nodded.
"I mean, this is really serious?'
She nodded again.
"Like, how serious?"
Donna bit her lip. "Serious."
"I mean, has he - have you - " Her reddened cheeks betrayed what she was asking. "I know it's really not my business, Donna, but the press will ask what type of relationship you have, not that I'll tell them, but I need to know - "
"C.J., we've slept together."
The press secretary's jaw dropped.
"Several times."
It dropped farther.
Might as well tell her everything. "C.J., we love each other."
Now the reaction was not at all what she expected. She had expected disbelief, which, granted, she had gotten, but she had also expected an argument, a tirade over the publicity. Instead, her friend's face relaxed into a slight smile and she rose to take her hands.
"Really?"
Now Donna smiled, too. "Yeah."
With a nod, C.J. said, "Okay."
"Okay?"
"Okay. We handle it."
Donna knew that Jed had not talked with her, yet. Had not had the time or, truthfully, the desire to discuss their relationship with C.J. But it looked as if he wouldn't have much of a choice now.
"Jed-"
C.J. flinched, just like Margaret had, but this time Donna didn't change the name.
"Jed will talk with you about this. We've already discussed it and I know you will figure out the best way to approach it. I trust you, C.J., and - thank you."
"Thank you for what?"
"For saying, 'Okay.'"
That got her another smile and a quick hug. "All right. Let's go see the President."
As Donna walked beside the press secretary, she took a deep breath and tried to steel herself for what lay ahead. She didn't know how the country would react to the idea that their President was romantically involved, not only with a younger woman, but with one of his own employees. It had the flavor of scandal, even though she knew there should be none. But she knew the press could find something to twist and she hoped she was prepared, for Jed's sake, as well as her own.
That night, when Jed's even breathing told her he was asleep, she eased her head off his arm, slipped into the residence sitting room, curled onto the couch, and picked up the phone, punching in the familiar numbers once again. With a deep breath, she held the receiver to her ear.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Mom. It's me. Listen, I've got something to tell you - "