TITLE : Smooth sailing.or is it?
RATING : R-for language / mature themes
CATEGORY : Romance/Angst/Drama
SPOILERS : Until Season 3
DISCLAMER : These characters do not belong to me. Well, except a few.
AUTHOR'S NOTE : This is a sequel of 'Boy was I wrong'.You would be lost if you haven't read it. It's posted on this list or you could go to this link Another note, the SHORT line between paragraphs (~~~~~~~~) indicates a jump in time frame while the LONG line (***********) indicates the switch in POV between Josh and Donna.
SHORT SUMMARY : Josh and Donna are preparing for their wedding on full force. Do things go according to plan or does something unexpected ruin it all together?
AUTHOR'S DETAILS : Peridot (sm_peridot@hotmail.com) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"CJ, I cannot believe this is happening!! This is the biggest possible nightmare!"
Why is this happening to me?! What did I do to deserve this?
"What did I ever do to piss him off?!" I point at the sky silently cursing at my rotten luck.
"Donna, calm down. This is not the end of the world." I beg to differ.
CJ pushes me to the sidewalk and sits me down on a bench.
"CJ, what am I going to do now? I thought it was all settled. I've set my mind to that particular one."
"Donna, it's just a dress. Do you know how many other gorgeous wedding dresses you could get? Besides, you have more than four weeks to pick out another dress."
"Four weeks isn't all that long! Aaah! I can't believe those people sold that dress in just one day!!!! I saw it yesterday evening!! How is it possible??? After weeks of endlessly looking for the perfect dress and I finally find it, only to have someone else buy it!!!"
I had come to that bridal shop yesterday evening but it had just closed. I saw the dress on display from outside the store and I instantly knew it was the one. What's the likelihood of it being sold in just half a day??? Of all the dresses that could have been sold off...
"Donna, four weeks isn't a short time especially since we've got the venue, food, decorations, flowers, the suits, the bridesmaids' dresses and transportation all arranged."
"Yeah, it's only a matter of time those things start to fall out." Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but I am completely pissed off! I had my heart set on that dress!
"Look, I know you loved that dress. But maybe you'll find an even more incredible one. Maybe you're just not meant to wear that dress. Donna, you still have all the time you need. Besides the dress and some minor details, there's not much else left to plan for the wedding." Fine, I guess I'll just have to except that.
"Fine.."
"You know we should get going. We are already ten minutes late." Sometimes it's so annoying to work where we do. I can't even have time to wallow in self-pity.
Actually I shouldn't complain this much. Everything has been smooth sailing until now. It's been three months since Josh proposed to me and I'm still in cloud nine from it. We haven't officially moved into that dream house yet because Josh and I decided to wait until we were married before living there. We decided it would be more exciting to begin our married life this way. However, we have been slowly moving our stuff from the apartment into our new home.
I never felt completely at home in Josh's apartment even though I've been living there for quite some time now. He tried to make me feel more comfortable there but it never really worked. I didn't tell him this as he has been trying so hard to make me feel at home. I figured it doesn't really matter considering we will be moving out pretty soon.
I had assumed the wedding planning would be unbearable due to our daily hectic schedules, but it turned out to be quite alright. This was because everyone wanted to chip in and help out as much as they can, especially the girls. They said this would probably be the only wedding they get to plan in their lifetime. So, we put everyone in charge of one particular thing and they would come to me and Josh with several choices. Then, Josh and I would make the final decision if we have a strong opinion on them. Josh has been amazingly patient and supportive throughout this whole thing. He hasn't been doing as much as me, but hey, which man does? He however will give his opinion and even suggestions for the decisions we had to make.
CJ and I have been completely in charge of the wedding cake and all the dresses. We have chosen the bridesmaids' dresses and the flower girl's dress. I picked my niece, Francine to be the flower girl. She's my older sister's daughter. Franny, as we like to call her, would be turning seven in a few months.
Picking the bridesmaids on the other hand, was a little more difficult. I couldn't decide between Bonnie, Ginger, Carol and Margaret, which is why I chose all of them. I also asked Kimmy as she had helped me so much when I was most alone and when I couldn't talk to anyone at work.especially about Josh. But they weren't all, I also asked Jane to be one of the bridesmaids.
I believe if it weren't for Jane, none of this would be even possible. I just had to ask her. She was the one who actually started the whole idea of investigating the guy who drugged and raped me. She was the one who initiated for all of us to help in the investigation, which is the only reason that guy is rotting in jail where he belongs. Jane had gone beyond repaying me by keeping me anonymous when she wrote the story for her column.
The maid of honor on the other hand was a much easier choice. Naturally, I asked CJ. My sister would be almost eight months pregnant during our wedding which would make it very stressful for her to play a big part in the wedding. I'm actually glad it turned out this way as even though my sister and I are in excellent terms, I never really connected with her as I have with CJ.
*Flashback*
"Hey Ceej, could I bug you for a moment?" I see that CJ is still in her office at half past eight in the evening.
"Oh yeah, come on in. I'm done anyway. What can I do for you?" I took a seat opposite CJ.
"Well, I. I want you to know how much you mean to me. You have been there for me through the roughest time I have ever experienced. You are one of the main reasons I'm as happy and in the place I am today. I couldn't have been more blessed than to have you in my life. What I'm trying to say is.I would be honored if you would be my maid of honor.... So, would you?"
CJ's starting to look like Gail now. Her eyes are completely filled with tears. I can't believe she looks so shocked. Who else would I choose to do this for me? Next to Josh, she's my very best friend and not to mention, my inspiration.
"Really? You want me to be your maid of honor? Are you sure you don't mean a bridesmaid?"
I laugh out loud. "Yes, I'm sure CJ. There's no one else I would even want to have as my maid of honor besides you." That starts the waterworks from CJ's eyes.
"Oh, of course I'll do it. I couldn't be more thrilled to be your maid of honor!" CJ jumps out her chair and hugs me.
*End flashback*
We're back at the office now. "Donna, don't worry about it. I'll make sure everything would be alright." CJ's such a doll. I should stop being so moody.
"Hey, what's with the long faces? Is there something the matter?" Darn, I didn't want Josh to notice us. He just popped out of his office all of a sudden.
"Oh, just a wee thing. The bridal shop sold the wedding dress I told you about last night." I hope I didn't sound too worried about it.
"Oh, no. That's awful! You completely loved it. What are the odds of them selling it in such a short time? Are you sure they don't have another one?"
"Yeah, we checked. Don't worry about it Josh. These things happen. I'm sure I'll find a different dress."
"Alright then. I'm on my way to see Leo now." With that, he's out of our sights.
"Wow, you toned down your disappointment!"
"Yeah, I know. I didn't want to worry him. Besides, I was just being unreasonable anyway. You're right, there are plenty of other dresses I could chose from."
"Yes, I'm always right. Anyway, Jane will be coming over tomorrow so we could take her for the dress fitting. She's been pretty busy all this while."
"Oh, that's great. Hey, you know, we should ask Sam to join us tomorrow."
"Sam? Join us for bridesmaid's dress fitting? Why Donna, if I didn't know any better, I'll say you are trying to play cupid."
"Come on CJ, you know they are both obviously attracted to each other. Sam, for some reason is painfully shy. They just need a little push, that's all."
"I know but I really doubt asking Sam to go to the dress shop would have him come running. How about we ask him for lunch after we finish the dress fitting? Then we'll come up with some excuse and end up leaving them alone." CJ is always brilliant when it comes to scheming.
"Brilliant!"
************************************************************************
Donna still thinks she can fool me. When will she learn? I could see it in her eyes that she had her heart set on that one wedding dress, yet she refuses to worry me by not showing her dismay. I let it go. Fussing about it would just make it worse for her and I'm sure she'll like another dress just as much. I for one, think that she'd look simple gorgeous in any dress.
"Well, is there anything else?" I'm almost done with Leo.
"No.oh, I think the First Lady wanted to have a word with you."
"Why?" I hope she's not mad at me for some reason or other.
"Go ask her!" Why does everyone get mad at me so quickly?
"Ok."
I walk back to the bullpen to find Donna in a better mood. She's laughing about something with CJ.
"Don't you girls have some work to get to?" Okay, maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut. They both glare at me and leave their separate ways.
"Donna, could you call the First Lady's office and find out what I am needed for?"
"That won't be necessary Josh." Oh, it's Mrs. Bartlet behind me.
"Good evening ma'am." Donna wishes her. There are a couple of agents behind Mrs. Bartlet.
"Good evening Donna, I hope the wedding preparations are going smoothly."
"Yes, ma'am. They are."
"Hello, Mrs. B. Do you want to come into my office?"
"Why, that would be lovely Josh." I open my office door and let Mrs. Bartlet enter my office.
"What can I do for you ma'am?" I ask as Mrs. Bartlet takes a seat on my couch.
"Well, you know Amy Gardner right?" Now that's a name I haven't heard in sometime.
"Yes ma'am, we went to college together. She's working for the Woman's."
"I know who she's working for. She wants the word "forced" removed from the treaty on prostitution."
"Right, I heard about women's movements against the word. I really don't think it's a big deal."
"It is Josh. I got a letter from her. Go speak to her, will you? And stop making that face." What face? It's my face!
"Yes, ma'am." Right, like I'm about to squabble with the First Lady.
Amy Gardner used to date my roommate, Chris in college. She is always irate about something. That woman just can't stop arguing or disagreeing. So, you see, I am not looking forward to meeting her.
Donna could only manage to set a meeting tonight after I leave the office. Donna's been bringing her car often for the past few weeks as she needed to go out during lunch times for wedding planning stuff as she did today.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am now at Amy's office building which is kinda intimidating I have to say.
"J, nice to see you."
"Amy, nice to see you too." She looks good with her power suit and game face on.
We walk into her office. "So, I hear you're engaged to your secretary." Ah, the warm, kind personality of Amy just emerged.
"She's been my senior assistant since the campaign."
"Danielle is it?"
"Donna."
"Right. Well, you're looking really good. Better than in college I have to say."
"Well, I was very much buried into my books back then." Yes, I admit, I was a nerd back then. A cool nerd though.
We started to discuss the matter at hand. As expected, we disagreed and I didn't manage to change her mind about it. I think this meeting is going on way longer than I expected it too.
"Alright Amy, I guess we'll just have to leave it at that." I start getting up from my chair.
"You know, maybe I wouldn't mind giving a bit more thought to this. We could discuss this further, over lunch.. tomorrow perhaps?"
I doubt this is going to get any further but I don't want another letter from Amy Gardner to the First Lady. I'll just have to suck it up.
"Okay, I'll have someone call your assistant."
"Great..it's good seeing you Josh." Did she just rub my arm while I'm putting on my jacket? She did!
"Yes, you too." Not so much actually.
I drive back to my apartment. I actually am looking forward to move into our house. I don't think Donna feels completely at home in my apartment. I mean, we still sort of call the place MY apartment and not OURS.
"Honey, I'm home!" I say in a mocking manner.
"Do you really have to announce yourself like that?" Donna emerges from the kitchen all showered and in her silk pajamas. I love her in that pajamas.
"Well, it's not like I could say that often considering we usually come home together." I kiss her lips as she helps me with my coat.
"I made spaghetti for dinner."
"Yummy. I'm starved. Let's go eat now." I absolutely love being able to come home and actually eat a home cooked meal. I do it now more often than ever. You may think that it's because Donna does all the cooking but believe it or not, we usually cook together. I never thought domestic chores could actually be fun. However, that doesn't stop me from whining every time I have to do it.
"So, how did your meeting go? I didn't think you'll finish it this late."
"Me too. But Amy Gardner is anything but brief. She couldn't let it go and we actually haven't finished the discussion. You'll need to make an appointment with her during my lunchtime tomorrow." I slurp to get the long string of spaghetti into my mouth.
"Okay.but why did Mrs. Bartlet ask you anyway? Isn't it better for one of her staff to deal with the women's movement?"
"Yeah, but I actually know Amy. We were in college together. She actually dated my roommate, Chris."
"Oh, that's interesting."
"Could you pass me more?"
"Josh, you've had enough."
I try to reach for the spaghetti myself but Donna swats me on my arm.
"Ow! Come on, it's so good." I give her a pleading look with a little pout.
"Fine, but just a little more." Haha, the look worked!
Donna told me about her lunch plans with CJ and Jane. Apparently they are going to trick Sam and Jane into having lunch together and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut about it.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Josh, you have to go meet Amy in La Porcetta's. Leave now or you'll never make it on time. I'm leaving with CJ to meet Jane now."
"Alright Donna. I'll see you later."
I drive all the way to the restaurant Amy asked me to meet her in. I don't know why she wants to go to such a posh restaurant just for lunch. Probably because she wants me to foot the bill.
Oh, she's already here. I hope I'm not too late.
"Hi Amy. Have you been waiting long?" I take a seat in front of her.
"Not long..why J, don't you look even more dashingly handsome than you did last night?" What's with all the flattery?
I just notice that she's wearing a sleeveless, thin strapped, low cut top. Isn't that a little unsuitable to be wearing for a business lunch?
"You look great yourself." Lyman, avert your eyes from her cleavage!
"Thank you. Now, what shall we order?" We order our food.
"So Amy, what did the rest of your committee members decide on? Is there anything you could come up with to prevent this disagreement with the treaty?"
"Oh, come on Josh. Is it shop talk all the time with you?" Well, this is what the meeting is about.
I let out a slight laugh assuming she was just kidding. "There's got to be some way the women."
"J, why don't you tell me what have you been up to since college? I know we've met since then but I barely know what's been going on with you, personally." Personally?
"What do you want to know?"
"Anything. Everything." Yeah, that's specific.
Amy continued asking random questions about my life and I answered them politely. She talked about her life too. Mainly about her love life even though I didn't ask her about it.
"Oh, you got some dressing on.let me get that." What the.she's stretching across the table is wiping the side of my mouth with her thumb!
Okay, did she just suck that thumb while looking directly at me? Oh god, was she making a pass at me? Doesn't she know I'm engaged? No way, I'm just reading it wrongly.
"Did you know I had a crush on you in college?" Okay, maybe I'm not reading it wrong.
I choke a little when I took a sip from my drink due to the initial shock from her words. She laughs at me.
"Oh Josh. You were too busy living in the library to even notice me back then. Heck, I even dated Chris in the first place to get closer to you." That's one confession I wasn't prepared to hear.
"You're kidding me." She continues to laugh.
"No, seriously...do you think your life would be different if we did date?" What sort of question is that?
"I..don't know Amy."
"I never expected you to be with someone like Donna." Someone like Donna? What the hell is that supposed to mean?
"What do you mean?" I give her a stern look.
"You know, you were always a power dater. With Madeline Hampton, Lisa Trevor and other women of our caliber." How the heck does she know about Mandy and Lisa? I dated Lisa for just a few months while I was still working with Hoynes. She was a political advisor for him.
"What are you trying to say Amy?" She's really getting on my nerves now.
"I'm just saying I expected you to end up with someone more highly educated and influential and not just some leggy blond." How dare she?!
I'm going to..argh.remain calm Josh. You don't want to make a scene at a public place like this, CJ will have your head.
"Amy, you don't know the first thing about Donna. She may not be a law school graduate but she's one of the smartest people I know. She's the most kind, generous, loving and sweet person. I would be completely lost without her in my personal and professional life. Don't you dare, even for a second, underrate her."
Amy is not saying anything. I think I took her by surprise. Did she expect me to just sit here and listen to her degrade my fiancé?
"I'm sorry Josh. I didn't mean to disrespect her. You're right, I don't know her to make any judgments. Will you please expect my apology?"
Sigh! "Alright." But she better not say anything else about Donna.
We finished our meals with not much to say to each other.
"I better get going, I'm running late." I get off my chair as I place some cash on the table.
"Oh, okay. We should have a meeting to actually discuss the prostitution treaty."
And who's fault is that? Now I have to meet with her again just to discuss something that should have been over and done with long ago?
"Fine, just have your assistant make an appointment soon. I don't want this to be dragged any longer." I think the words came out a little too harsh, but who cares?
"See you soon, J." What's with the whole 'J' thing? It's so bloody annoying.
TBC....Does Amy keep her paws to herself? Feed me with feedback, and you'll find out!
PS-I've completed this fic so like before, I'll be posting each chapter a couple of says at a time, or more depending on the amount of reviews/feedback I get.yes, I'm evil.
AUTHOR'S NOTE : This is a sequel of 'Boy was I wrong'.You would be lost if you haven't read it. It's posted on this list or you could go to this link Another note, the SHORT line between paragraphs (~~~~~~~~) indicates a jump in time frame while the LONG line (***********) indicates the switch in POV between Josh and Donna.
SHORT SUMMARY : Josh and Donna are preparing for their wedding on full force. Do things go according to plan or does something unexpected ruin it all together?
AUTHOR'S DETAILS : Peridot (sm_peridot@hotmail.com) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"CJ, I cannot believe this is happening!! This is the biggest possible nightmare!"
Why is this happening to me?! What did I do to deserve this?
"What did I ever do to piss him off?!" I point at the sky silently cursing at my rotten luck.
"Donna, calm down. This is not the end of the world." I beg to differ.
CJ pushes me to the sidewalk and sits me down on a bench.
"CJ, what am I going to do now? I thought it was all settled. I've set my mind to that particular one."
"Donna, it's just a dress. Do you know how many other gorgeous wedding dresses you could get? Besides, you have more than four weeks to pick out another dress."
"Four weeks isn't all that long! Aaah! I can't believe those people sold that dress in just one day!!!! I saw it yesterday evening!! How is it possible??? After weeks of endlessly looking for the perfect dress and I finally find it, only to have someone else buy it!!!"
I had come to that bridal shop yesterday evening but it had just closed. I saw the dress on display from outside the store and I instantly knew it was the one. What's the likelihood of it being sold in just half a day??? Of all the dresses that could have been sold off...
"Donna, four weeks isn't a short time especially since we've got the venue, food, decorations, flowers, the suits, the bridesmaids' dresses and transportation all arranged."
"Yeah, it's only a matter of time those things start to fall out." Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but I am completely pissed off! I had my heart set on that dress!
"Look, I know you loved that dress. But maybe you'll find an even more incredible one. Maybe you're just not meant to wear that dress. Donna, you still have all the time you need. Besides the dress and some minor details, there's not much else left to plan for the wedding." Fine, I guess I'll just have to except that.
"Fine.."
"You know we should get going. We are already ten minutes late." Sometimes it's so annoying to work where we do. I can't even have time to wallow in self-pity.
Actually I shouldn't complain this much. Everything has been smooth sailing until now. It's been three months since Josh proposed to me and I'm still in cloud nine from it. We haven't officially moved into that dream house yet because Josh and I decided to wait until we were married before living there. We decided it would be more exciting to begin our married life this way. However, we have been slowly moving our stuff from the apartment into our new home.
I never felt completely at home in Josh's apartment even though I've been living there for quite some time now. He tried to make me feel more comfortable there but it never really worked. I didn't tell him this as he has been trying so hard to make me feel at home. I figured it doesn't really matter considering we will be moving out pretty soon.
I had assumed the wedding planning would be unbearable due to our daily hectic schedules, but it turned out to be quite alright. This was because everyone wanted to chip in and help out as much as they can, especially the girls. They said this would probably be the only wedding they get to plan in their lifetime. So, we put everyone in charge of one particular thing and they would come to me and Josh with several choices. Then, Josh and I would make the final decision if we have a strong opinion on them. Josh has been amazingly patient and supportive throughout this whole thing. He hasn't been doing as much as me, but hey, which man does? He however will give his opinion and even suggestions for the decisions we had to make.
CJ and I have been completely in charge of the wedding cake and all the dresses. We have chosen the bridesmaids' dresses and the flower girl's dress. I picked my niece, Francine to be the flower girl. She's my older sister's daughter. Franny, as we like to call her, would be turning seven in a few months.
Picking the bridesmaids on the other hand, was a little more difficult. I couldn't decide between Bonnie, Ginger, Carol and Margaret, which is why I chose all of them. I also asked Kimmy as she had helped me so much when I was most alone and when I couldn't talk to anyone at work.especially about Josh. But they weren't all, I also asked Jane to be one of the bridesmaids.
I believe if it weren't for Jane, none of this would be even possible. I just had to ask her. She was the one who actually started the whole idea of investigating the guy who drugged and raped me. She was the one who initiated for all of us to help in the investigation, which is the only reason that guy is rotting in jail where he belongs. Jane had gone beyond repaying me by keeping me anonymous when she wrote the story for her column.
The maid of honor on the other hand was a much easier choice. Naturally, I asked CJ. My sister would be almost eight months pregnant during our wedding which would make it very stressful for her to play a big part in the wedding. I'm actually glad it turned out this way as even though my sister and I are in excellent terms, I never really connected with her as I have with CJ.
*Flashback*
"Hey Ceej, could I bug you for a moment?" I see that CJ is still in her office at half past eight in the evening.
"Oh yeah, come on in. I'm done anyway. What can I do for you?" I took a seat opposite CJ.
"Well, I. I want you to know how much you mean to me. You have been there for me through the roughest time I have ever experienced. You are one of the main reasons I'm as happy and in the place I am today. I couldn't have been more blessed than to have you in my life. What I'm trying to say is.I would be honored if you would be my maid of honor.... So, would you?"
CJ's starting to look like Gail now. Her eyes are completely filled with tears. I can't believe she looks so shocked. Who else would I choose to do this for me? Next to Josh, she's my very best friend and not to mention, my inspiration.
"Really? You want me to be your maid of honor? Are you sure you don't mean a bridesmaid?"
I laugh out loud. "Yes, I'm sure CJ. There's no one else I would even want to have as my maid of honor besides you." That starts the waterworks from CJ's eyes.
"Oh, of course I'll do it. I couldn't be more thrilled to be your maid of honor!" CJ jumps out her chair and hugs me.
*End flashback*
We're back at the office now. "Donna, don't worry about it. I'll make sure everything would be alright." CJ's such a doll. I should stop being so moody.
"Hey, what's with the long faces? Is there something the matter?" Darn, I didn't want Josh to notice us. He just popped out of his office all of a sudden.
"Oh, just a wee thing. The bridal shop sold the wedding dress I told you about last night." I hope I didn't sound too worried about it.
"Oh, no. That's awful! You completely loved it. What are the odds of them selling it in such a short time? Are you sure they don't have another one?"
"Yeah, we checked. Don't worry about it Josh. These things happen. I'm sure I'll find a different dress."
"Alright then. I'm on my way to see Leo now." With that, he's out of our sights.
"Wow, you toned down your disappointment!"
"Yeah, I know. I didn't want to worry him. Besides, I was just being unreasonable anyway. You're right, there are plenty of other dresses I could chose from."
"Yes, I'm always right. Anyway, Jane will be coming over tomorrow so we could take her for the dress fitting. She's been pretty busy all this while."
"Oh, that's great. Hey, you know, we should ask Sam to join us tomorrow."
"Sam? Join us for bridesmaid's dress fitting? Why Donna, if I didn't know any better, I'll say you are trying to play cupid."
"Come on CJ, you know they are both obviously attracted to each other. Sam, for some reason is painfully shy. They just need a little push, that's all."
"I know but I really doubt asking Sam to go to the dress shop would have him come running. How about we ask him for lunch after we finish the dress fitting? Then we'll come up with some excuse and end up leaving them alone." CJ is always brilliant when it comes to scheming.
"Brilliant!"
************************************************************************
Donna still thinks she can fool me. When will she learn? I could see it in her eyes that she had her heart set on that one wedding dress, yet she refuses to worry me by not showing her dismay. I let it go. Fussing about it would just make it worse for her and I'm sure she'll like another dress just as much. I for one, think that she'd look simple gorgeous in any dress.
"Well, is there anything else?" I'm almost done with Leo.
"No.oh, I think the First Lady wanted to have a word with you."
"Why?" I hope she's not mad at me for some reason or other.
"Go ask her!" Why does everyone get mad at me so quickly?
"Ok."
I walk back to the bullpen to find Donna in a better mood. She's laughing about something with CJ.
"Don't you girls have some work to get to?" Okay, maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut. They both glare at me and leave their separate ways.
"Donna, could you call the First Lady's office and find out what I am needed for?"
"That won't be necessary Josh." Oh, it's Mrs. Bartlet behind me.
"Good evening ma'am." Donna wishes her. There are a couple of agents behind Mrs. Bartlet.
"Good evening Donna, I hope the wedding preparations are going smoothly."
"Yes, ma'am. They are."
"Hello, Mrs. B. Do you want to come into my office?"
"Why, that would be lovely Josh." I open my office door and let Mrs. Bartlet enter my office.
"What can I do for you ma'am?" I ask as Mrs. Bartlet takes a seat on my couch.
"Well, you know Amy Gardner right?" Now that's a name I haven't heard in sometime.
"Yes ma'am, we went to college together. She's working for the Woman's."
"I know who she's working for. She wants the word "forced" removed from the treaty on prostitution."
"Right, I heard about women's movements against the word. I really don't think it's a big deal."
"It is Josh. I got a letter from her. Go speak to her, will you? And stop making that face." What face? It's my face!
"Yes, ma'am." Right, like I'm about to squabble with the First Lady.
Amy Gardner used to date my roommate, Chris in college. She is always irate about something. That woman just can't stop arguing or disagreeing. So, you see, I am not looking forward to meeting her.
Donna could only manage to set a meeting tonight after I leave the office. Donna's been bringing her car often for the past few weeks as she needed to go out during lunch times for wedding planning stuff as she did today.
~~~~~~~~~~
I am now at Amy's office building which is kinda intimidating I have to say.
"J, nice to see you."
"Amy, nice to see you too." She looks good with her power suit and game face on.
We walk into her office. "So, I hear you're engaged to your secretary." Ah, the warm, kind personality of Amy just emerged.
"She's been my senior assistant since the campaign."
"Danielle is it?"
"Donna."
"Right. Well, you're looking really good. Better than in college I have to say."
"Well, I was very much buried into my books back then." Yes, I admit, I was a nerd back then. A cool nerd though.
We started to discuss the matter at hand. As expected, we disagreed and I didn't manage to change her mind about it. I think this meeting is going on way longer than I expected it too.
"Alright Amy, I guess we'll just have to leave it at that." I start getting up from my chair.
"You know, maybe I wouldn't mind giving a bit more thought to this. We could discuss this further, over lunch.. tomorrow perhaps?"
I doubt this is going to get any further but I don't want another letter from Amy Gardner to the First Lady. I'll just have to suck it up.
"Okay, I'll have someone call your assistant."
"Great..it's good seeing you Josh." Did she just rub my arm while I'm putting on my jacket? She did!
"Yes, you too." Not so much actually.
I drive back to my apartment. I actually am looking forward to move into our house. I don't think Donna feels completely at home in my apartment. I mean, we still sort of call the place MY apartment and not OURS.
"Honey, I'm home!" I say in a mocking manner.
"Do you really have to announce yourself like that?" Donna emerges from the kitchen all showered and in her silk pajamas. I love her in that pajamas.
"Well, it's not like I could say that often considering we usually come home together." I kiss her lips as she helps me with my coat.
"I made spaghetti for dinner."
"Yummy. I'm starved. Let's go eat now." I absolutely love being able to come home and actually eat a home cooked meal. I do it now more often than ever. You may think that it's because Donna does all the cooking but believe it or not, we usually cook together. I never thought domestic chores could actually be fun. However, that doesn't stop me from whining every time I have to do it.
"So, how did your meeting go? I didn't think you'll finish it this late."
"Me too. But Amy Gardner is anything but brief. She couldn't let it go and we actually haven't finished the discussion. You'll need to make an appointment with her during my lunchtime tomorrow." I slurp to get the long string of spaghetti into my mouth.
"Okay.but why did Mrs. Bartlet ask you anyway? Isn't it better for one of her staff to deal with the women's movement?"
"Yeah, but I actually know Amy. We were in college together. She actually dated my roommate, Chris."
"Oh, that's interesting."
"Could you pass me more?"
"Josh, you've had enough."
I try to reach for the spaghetti myself but Donna swats me on my arm.
"Ow! Come on, it's so good." I give her a pleading look with a little pout.
"Fine, but just a little more." Haha, the look worked!
Donna told me about her lunch plans with CJ and Jane. Apparently they are going to trick Sam and Jane into having lunch together and I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut about it.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Josh, you have to go meet Amy in La Porcetta's. Leave now or you'll never make it on time. I'm leaving with CJ to meet Jane now."
"Alright Donna. I'll see you later."
I drive all the way to the restaurant Amy asked me to meet her in. I don't know why she wants to go to such a posh restaurant just for lunch. Probably because she wants me to foot the bill.
Oh, she's already here. I hope I'm not too late.
"Hi Amy. Have you been waiting long?" I take a seat in front of her.
"Not long..why J, don't you look even more dashingly handsome than you did last night?" What's with all the flattery?
I just notice that she's wearing a sleeveless, thin strapped, low cut top. Isn't that a little unsuitable to be wearing for a business lunch?
"You look great yourself." Lyman, avert your eyes from her cleavage!
"Thank you. Now, what shall we order?" We order our food.
"So Amy, what did the rest of your committee members decide on? Is there anything you could come up with to prevent this disagreement with the treaty?"
"Oh, come on Josh. Is it shop talk all the time with you?" Well, this is what the meeting is about.
I let out a slight laugh assuming she was just kidding. "There's got to be some way the women."
"J, why don't you tell me what have you been up to since college? I know we've met since then but I barely know what's been going on with you, personally." Personally?
"What do you want to know?"
"Anything. Everything." Yeah, that's specific.
Amy continued asking random questions about my life and I answered them politely. She talked about her life too. Mainly about her love life even though I didn't ask her about it.
"Oh, you got some dressing on.let me get that." What the.she's stretching across the table is wiping the side of my mouth with her thumb!
Okay, did she just suck that thumb while looking directly at me? Oh god, was she making a pass at me? Doesn't she know I'm engaged? No way, I'm just reading it wrongly.
"Did you know I had a crush on you in college?" Okay, maybe I'm not reading it wrong.
I choke a little when I took a sip from my drink due to the initial shock from her words. She laughs at me.
"Oh Josh. You were too busy living in the library to even notice me back then. Heck, I even dated Chris in the first place to get closer to you." That's one confession I wasn't prepared to hear.
"You're kidding me." She continues to laugh.
"No, seriously...do you think your life would be different if we did date?" What sort of question is that?
"I..don't know Amy."
"I never expected you to be with someone like Donna." Someone like Donna? What the hell is that supposed to mean?
"What do you mean?" I give her a stern look.
"You know, you were always a power dater. With Madeline Hampton, Lisa Trevor and other women of our caliber." How the heck does she know about Mandy and Lisa? I dated Lisa for just a few months while I was still working with Hoynes. She was a political advisor for him.
"What are you trying to say Amy?" She's really getting on my nerves now.
"I'm just saying I expected you to end up with someone more highly educated and influential and not just some leggy blond." How dare she?!
I'm going to..argh.remain calm Josh. You don't want to make a scene at a public place like this, CJ will have your head.
"Amy, you don't know the first thing about Donna. She may not be a law school graduate but she's one of the smartest people I know. She's the most kind, generous, loving and sweet person. I would be completely lost without her in my personal and professional life. Don't you dare, even for a second, underrate her."
Amy is not saying anything. I think I took her by surprise. Did she expect me to just sit here and listen to her degrade my fiancé?
"I'm sorry Josh. I didn't mean to disrespect her. You're right, I don't know her to make any judgments. Will you please expect my apology?"
Sigh! "Alright." But she better not say anything else about Donna.
We finished our meals with not much to say to each other.
"I better get going, I'm running late." I get off my chair as I place some cash on the table.
"Oh, okay. We should have a meeting to actually discuss the prostitution treaty."
And who's fault is that? Now I have to meet with her again just to discuss something that should have been over and done with long ago?
"Fine, just have your assistant make an appointment soon. I don't want this to be dragged any longer." I think the words came out a little too harsh, but who cares?
"See you soon, J." What's with the whole 'J' thing? It's so bloody annoying.
TBC....Does Amy keep her paws to herself? Feed me with feedback, and you'll find out!
PS-I've completed this fic so like before, I'll be posting each chapter a couple of says at a time, or more depending on the amount of reviews/feedback I get.yes, I'm evil.