Title: 'Smooth sailing...or is it?' [Chapter 11]
Sequel to 'Boy was I wrong'
"Well......the President was asking me how the wedding stuff was going on and I told him your parents were coming over. He said they should be very proud of you as you've come such a long way.....anyway, I may have mentioned that I didn't think your parents know what actually you do here. I may have said they think you only do secretarial duties and they don't know how important you are to us."
"You MAY have Joshua??" I can't believe he said that to the President of all people!
"Ok, I did say that. I didn't however, ask him to come by and talk you up to your parents. I was totally bowled over myself when the President came."
"Yeah, I bet you were reeling with shock." I say sarcastically.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't plan to mention all that to the President. It just came out......but hey, at least now your parents know how valuable you are to the administration." Yeah, they also know that I haven't told them a thing about what it is that I actually do here.
"Uh-huh." I mumble.
"Donna.....you really didn't seem.......well....as pleased as I would've imagined. You practically brushed off your parents comments and dragged them away." Argh! Does he have to notice everything now? He never used to notice anything. I think I preferred him that way.
"It's nothing Josh....I'm just not used to telling them about things I do around here." I really don't want to get into this.
"Why not? You should tell them. Don't you want them to be proud of you? Don't you want them to know how capable and intelligent you are?" Josh asks me still not budging from his place below my chest.
"They should be proud of me either way Josh! I shouldn't have the need to seek for their acknowledgement...They never asked me about my work. They assumed I have a stable job, so they were happy for me. They never expected me to mount to anything much so they were just happy with my 'secretarial' job."
I actually didn't really care that mom and dad didn't know. I have been quite bitter that they didn't even bother to ask but I got over it. I figured that all I need is the fact that I know I'm working hard and trying my best to achieve something more each day.
"So, why didn't you just tell them?" This man is impossible.
"I just told you Josh! I don't need to seek their approval on what I'm doing." I raise my voice in annoyance.
"Okay, okay....I guess it's weird for me that's all...I mean my mom is always bragging about me to her friends and relatives. She actually keeps every newspaper and magazine clippings where my name is mentioned or a photo of me is displayed. Even the ones I'm in the background and almost impossible to recognize...." Josh tells me.
I smile at that. Ruth is really proud of her son. She has every reason to.
"I know...You're mom is great that way." I start rubbing his head again
"Well, sometimes it's pretty annoying and embarrassing." Josh turns his head and hugs my waist.
"So....aren't you just a teeny bit pleased that they know what you do around here? That the President came all the way to discuss something with you?" He asks in a tiny voice. How could I not love this annoying man?
"Well......I guess it was a little gratifying." Hey, he's so adorable, I just had to give in to him. I admit it was quite satisfying to see their faces when the President came by and spoke about me.
"That's all I needed to hear." He holds onto my waist and kisses my stomach.
"So, are you excited about your bachelor party tomorrow night?" Time to lighten the mood.
"Sam told me it's going to be in the west wing itself. Just poker, booze, chips...the usual." Josh says. Well, there's no way there would be a stripper involved now, I'm sure.
"Huh, I'd think Sam would be more creative that that." I say.
"Well, he wanted to be...but a certain someone wanted to join the party so this is the best he could do." A certain someone? Who is he talking....oh!
"The President wanted to join your bachelor party?!" This is hilarious.
"Yup. Apparently being our boss and the leader of the free world gives him the right to get any invitation he pleases." Josh says and we laugh.
I can only imagine Sam's face when the President asked him if he could join the party.
"I still don't know what CJ is planning. I don't even know where it's going to be held." I say when Josh slides up and starts kissing my neck.
"Well, while you're pondering about that, may I suggest we do something more eventful?" He mumbles as he nibbles my ear.
He's got to be kidding me! We have been good for more than a week now. I wanted our first time as husband and wife to be more special. I don't want to have sex with him two days before we are married! Well, technically one day as it's past midnight now. Did I say ONE day?!
"Josh! We are getting married in ONE day!!" I shriek and push his shoulders.
"OW! You didn't have to hit an uber note there, Donna." Josh covers his ear with his hand and cringes his face.
"Sorry....it just hit me that we'll be married in just one day. It's already Friday Josh.." I lower down my voice.
"I know." Josh says in a calm, satisfied manner and gives me the sweetest smile. Sigh! Those dimples are melting me!
"Yeah.." That's all I manage to utter.
"So, I'm guessing you're not going to put out tonight." There's the Josh we all know and love. He gets off of me and moves to his side of the bed.
"Nope. Besides, your mom is in the guest room.....You know, this would be our last night in this bed...in this room, this apartment!" I just realized that we would be moving into the new house as soon as we are back from our honeymoon.
Sam and Charlie are helping with moving the last of our stuff into the house when Josh and I are away. We'll have just about five boxes to unpack once we get back. I'm glad we took our time moving into the house. So nothing was rushed and we didn't need to take time off for it.
"Yeah, I guess it is....will you miss this place?" Yeah right!
"No!..." Damn, I didn't mean to sound that abrupt.
"I mean...I loved that you actually asked me to live here. And it's hell of a lot nicer than my old apartment. And the area is great...."
"But it's not OUR place...I tried to make it our place..." He says softly. I didn't mean to offend him. I hope he doesn't feel insulted.
"I know...You did a great job, Josh. I'm so grateful for that. Don't ever think otherwise." I place my hand on his cheek. As I lay back down on my pillow.
"Okay." He turns his head slightly and kisses the palm of my hand.
"What about you? You've lived her for so long......practically since you moved into DC....I'm sure you'll miss it." I take my hand of his cheek and place it across his upper body.
"I thought I would...but I actually don't think I will. I'm really excited to move into the house with you and start this new chapter in our lives, that I'm not even dwelling a little bit on leaving this place." Well said.
"Honey, did you practice that?" I had to ask.
"No!" Okay, maybe I shouldn't have asked that.
"I know. I was just teasing." I start to yawn.
"We better go to sleep. Thinks are going to be really hectic from now. Not that they aren't already." Josh says.
"Tell me about it....Alright, goodnight Joshua."
"Goodnight Donnatella. I love you." Josh kisses my head and we drift off to sleep.
"Donna! What the hell are you doing here?" What in the world?!
I turn around as I was just heading back to my desk from the communications bullpen. It was Leo standing a few feet away from me.
"Erm...hi Leo..Am I supposed to be somewhere else?" Am I? I don't think so but my mind has been occupied with so many things lately, I'm not sure anymore.
"It's your wedding day tomorrow! Why are you at work? Don't tell me your slave driver of a boss refused to give you a day off on the eve of your wedding?" Well, technically it's his wedding too.
"Well, I'm leaving a little earlier tonight and we've already got five whole days off after that. So, it's really no big deal. I need to settle the things I need to do around here for the next few days. Sorting out the temps and all." I explain to Leo.
"Donna, go home. You look like you are about to pass out. I would hate for that to actually happened when you are on the isle tomorrow. I know you are having the parties tonight. And tomorrow I'm sure you have uncountable things to do."
It is really sweet of him to ask me go home. But I really need to get things in order around here or it'll be hell when I get back.
"Thanks Leo. But it's not even noon yet and I still have....."
"No excuses. I'm ordering you go home and get some sleep. Josh will be fine. I know a wedding is a hell lot more stressful for a woman than for a man. He just has to show up in a tux." I laugh when Leo says that. He's indeed a very wise man.
"You're right. But could I just finish a little more around here? It'll take two hours tops, I promise." I give a pleading look to Leo.
He thinks for a bit. "Alright, as long as you promise to go straight to bed once you get home."
"I promise."
I can't believe Donna left me!! Apparently Leo's authority overwrites mine! Well, I guess technically it does......and she did look like she was about to pass out....and it is a well deserved long overdue break. Fine, I guess she had every right and reason to leave. But I miss her! And I don't think I can see her till she walks down the isle! CJ and Sam completely forbid us to see each other on the day of our wedding. Which is even more annoying as our wedding is only in the evening.
Donna is staying with CJ tonight. I won't be going home until the so called 'bachelor party' is over and Donna will be at her party. Darn, I didn't even have time to say a proper goodbye to her. That's alright, there's no rule that I can't call her.
My mother and Donna's parents apparently have plans of their own. Darlene and Thomas invited my mom to continue their tour around DC today and my mom gladly accepted. I'm happy my mom is doing something interesting during her stay here. I never had a chance to take her around and neither did my dad each time he came here on work.
Donna's written a schedule for me tomorrow. It has chores like picking up the tuxes, double checking some bookings for tomorrow and even meeting up with Donna's brother-in-law and niece.
"Josh...You're late for your own party." Huh? Wow, it's almost half past eight already.
"Hey, Charlie. You mean I'm late for poker?" What a sad excuse this is for a celebration?
"Josh, the President is asking for you." Oh.
"Well, alright." I grab my jacket and head out of my office with Charlie.
"So are you nervous about tomorrow?" He asks me.
"Not quite. I hadn't really had the time to think about it." I may be slightly nervous but not about spending the rest of my life with Donnatella Moss.
"Hey!" I hear a bunch of male voices greet me in several different ways.
"Our guest of honor finally decides to join us." The President says.
He, along with the Sam, Toby, Larry, Ed and Leo are already at their places on the poker table.
"Good evening, Mr. President. Hey guys." I say and take my seat. Charlie joins next to me.
"Sorry I'm late guys." Just as Toby was about to deal, I look up to see Danny Concannon walk in.
"Hey! Danny! Long time no see." I get up and pat Danny on the back. The rest greet him as well.
"Great, you guys are just about to deal. So, Josh...Ready to be latched to the ol' lady?" Did Danny just insult my bride-to-be?
"Did you just call Donna old lady?" I ask him while the cards are being dealt out.
"Oh, I'm sorry...I forgot that you are the ancient one in this marriage. Donna's one lucky woman...She would still be considerably young and vibrant when you'll be needing a walking cane and dentures." Everyone laughs at my expense.
I gulp. I don't see the funny. I think the nervousness Charlie was asking me about just kicked in.
"Josh, he was just kidding. Lighten up!" Leo says still grinning away.
"Could we start playing sometime before reelection?" Irritated Toby makes his first appearance for the night.
We've been playing for a while now. I'm yet to win a single game.
"Man!" Damn it! That's another round someone else got MY money!
"Hey guys. Maybe we should give Josh a break. Josh, are you sure you want continue playing?" The Presidents asks me. I am not about to be humiliated at my own party!
"I've got some game sir. I'll be alright." Keep your chin up, my mom always says.
"Josh, you are just about to start a new family. We don't want your kids to be denied the privilege of going to college just because their dad sucked at poker." Larry says.
"I don't suck at poker, Larry! My kids will be just fine!" He's my subordinate. Shouldn't he keep his opinions to himself?
"So, that means you and Donna are planning to have kids?" Thanks a lot Charlie. Oh well, I'm the one who put my foot into my mouth.
"Josh, you know, if you want to have kids, you should start soon."
"Why?" I ask Sam. Damn, I should have just changed the subject.
"Because your 'guys' won't be all that mobile later on. You know, with old age catching up on you." Damn him! I'm dethroning him as my best friend.
Everyone is laughing at me again! And they don't seem to be stopping.
"See, we're having fun! I'm sure CJ's party isn't half as fun. You guys make sure you tell CJ about it." Sam says.
"Why should we tell CJ about it?" Danny asks and I wonder the same.
"Because, she says her party for Donna is going to be so hot and they would be having a whole lot of fun unlike us. And I just wanted to prove her wrong." Did Sam say hot?!
There's no way CJ's going to have a male stripper in the party. Is there? She wouldn't want to deal with the headache if it got out. Would she?
"Hot? Was that what the girls were giggling about when I asked them what their plans for Donna were? I knew there was something fishy. Wow, so the women are enjoying a male striper right about now, huh?"
"Argh, do you have to say that, Ed?" I cringe at what he said.
"Am I sensing a little jealousy there, Josh? Are you afraid you won't 'perform' as well as a professional stripper?" This is not happening. Leo just mocked me in a way I never thought he ever would!
"Look, there's no way CJ would have a striper there." I say although I'm actually not all that certain.
"Well, CJ seemed quite excited about the party when I met her just before coming here." Danny says.
"Boys, I'm absolutely certain the women didn't hired a stripper." Thank you Mr. President.
"How would YOU know that Mr. President?" When did Toby become so inquisitive?
TBC...........................................
Sequel to 'Boy was I wrong'
"Well......the President was asking me how the wedding stuff was going on and I told him your parents were coming over. He said they should be very proud of you as you've come such a long way.....anyway, I may have mentioned that I didn't think your parents know what actually you do here. I may have said they think you only do secretarial duties and they don't know how important you are to us."
"You MAY have Joshua??" I can't believe he said that to the President of all people!
"Ok, I did say that. I didn't however, ask him to come by and talk you up to your parents. I was totally bowled over myself when the President came."
"Yeah, I bet you were reeling with shock." I say sarcastically.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't plan to mention all that to the President. It just came out......but hey, at least now your parents know how valuable you are to the administration." Yeah, they also know that I haven't told them a thing about what it is that I actually do here.
"Uh-huh." I mumble.
"Donna.....you really didn't seem.......well....as pleased as I would've imagined. You practically brushed off your parents comments and dragged them away." Argh! Does he have to notice everything now? He never used to notice anything. I think I preferred him that way.
"It's nothing Josh....I'm just not used to telling them about things I do around here." I really don't want to get into this.
"Why not? You should tell them. Don't you want them to be proud of you? Don't you want them to know how capable and intelligent you are?" Josh asks me still not budging from his place below my chest.
"They should be proud of me either way Josh! I shouldn't have the need to seek for their acknowledgement...They never asked me about my work. They assumed I have a stable job, so they were happy for me. They never expected me to mount to anything much so they were just happy with my 'secretarial' job."
I actually didn't really care that mom and dad didn't know. I have been quite bitter that they didn't even bother to ask but I got over it. I figured that all I need is the fact that I know I'm working hard and trying my best to achieve something more each day.
"So, why didn't you just tell them?" This man is impossible.
"I just told you Josh! I don't need to seek their approval on what I'm doing." I raise my voice in annoyance.
"Okay, okay....I guess it's weird for me that's all...I mean my mom is always bragging about me to her friends and relatives. She actually keeps every newspaper and magazine clippings where my name is mentioned or a photo of me is displayed. Even the ones I'm in the background and almost impossible to recognize...." Josh tells me.
I smile at that. Ruth is really proud of her son. She has every reason to.
"I know...You're mom is great that way." I start rubbing his head again
"Well, sometimes it's pretty annoying and embarrassing." Josh turns his head and hugs my waist.
"So....aren't you just a teeny bit pleased that they know what you do around here? That the President came all the way to discuss something with you?" He asks in a tiny voice. How could I not love this annoying man?
"Well......I guess it was a little gratifying." Hey, he's so adorable, I just had to give in to him. I admit it was quite satisfying to see their faces when the President came by and spoke about me.
"That's all I needed to hear." He holds onto my waist and kisses my stomach.
"So, are you excited about your bachelor party tomorrow night?" Time to lighten the mood.
"Sam told me it's going to be in the west wing itself. Just poker, booze, chips...the usual." Josh says. Well, there's no way there would be a stripper involved now, I'm sure.
"Huh, I'd think Sam would be more creative that that." I say.
"Well, he wanted to be...but a certain someone wanted to join the party so this is the best he could do." A certain someone? Who is he talking....oh!
"The President wanted to join your bachelor party?!" This is hilarious.
"Yup. Apparently being our boss and the leader of the free world gives him the right to get any invitation he pleases." Josh says and we laugh.
I can only imagine Sam's face when the President asked him if he could join the party.
"I still don't know what CJ is planning. I don't even know where it's going to be held." I say when Josh slides up and starts kissing my neck.
"Well, while you're pondering about that, may I suggest we do something more eventful?" He mumbles as he nibbles my ear.
He's got to be kidding me! We have been good for more than a week now. I wanted our first time as husband and wife to be more special. I don't want to have sex with him two days before we are married! Well, technically one day as it's past midnight now. Did I say ONE day?!
"Josh! We are getting married in ONE day!!" I shriek and push his shoulders.
"OW! You didn't have to hit an uber note there, Donna." Josh covers his ear with his hand and cringes his face.
"Sorry....it just hit me that we'll be married in just one day. It's already Friday Josh.." I lower down my voice.
"I know." Josh says in a calm, satisfied manner and gives me the sweetest smile. Sigh! Those dimples are melting me!
"Yeah.." That's all I manage to utter.
"So, I'm guessing you're not going to put out tonight." There's the Josh we all know and love. He gets off of me and moves to his side of the bed.
"Nope. Besides, your mom is in the guest room.....You know, this would be our last night in this bed...in this room, this apartment!" I just realized that we would be moving into the new house as soon as we are back from our honeymoon.
Sam and Charlie are helping with moving the last of our stuff into the house when Josh and I are away. We'll have just about five boxes to unpack once we get back. I'm glad we took our time moving into the house. So nothing was rushed and we didn't need to take time off for it.
"Yeah, I guess it is....will you miss this place?" Yeah right!
"No!..." Damn, I didn't mean to sound that abrupt.
"I mean...I loved that you actually asked me to live here. And it's hell of a lot nicer than my old apartment. And the area is great...."
"But it's not OUR place...I tried to make it our place..." He says softly. I didn't mean to offend him. I hope he doesn't feel insulted.
"I know...You did a great job, Josh. I'm so grateful for that. Don't ever think otherwise." I place my hand on his cheek. As I lay back down on my pillow.
"Okay." He turns his head slightly and kisses the palm of my hand.
"What about you? You've lived her for so long......practically since you moved into DC....I'm sure you'll miss it." I take my hand of his cheek and place it across his upper body.
"I thought I would...but I actually don't think I will. I'm really excited to move into the house with you and start this new chapter in our lives, that I'm not even dwelling a little bit on leaving this place." Well said.
"Honey, did you practice that?" I had to ask.
"No!" Okay, maybe I shouldn't have asked that.
"I know. I was just teasing." I start to yawn.
"We better go to sleep. Thinks are going to be really hectic from now. Not that they aren't already." Josh says.
"Tell me about it....Alright, goodnight Joshua."
"Goodnight Donnatella. I love you." Josh kisses my head and we drift off to sleep.
"Donna! What the hell are you doing here?" What in the world?!
I turn around as I was just heading back to my desk from the communications bullpen. It was Leo standing a few feet away from me.
"Erm...hi Leo..Am I supposed to be somewhere else?" Am I? I don't think so but my mind has been occupied with so many things lately, I'm not sure anymore.
"It's your wedding day tomorrow! Why are you at work? Don't tell me your slave driver of a boss refused to give you a day off on the eve of your wedding?" Well, technically it's his wedding too.
"Well, I'm leaving a little earlier tonight and we've already got five whole days off after that. So, it's really no big deal. I need to settle the things I need to do around here for the next few days. Sorting out the temps and all." I explain to Leo.
"Donna, go home. You look like you are about to pass out. I would hate for that to actually happened when you are on the isle tomorrow. I know you are having the parties tonight. And tomorrow I'm sure you have uncountable things to do."
It is really sweet of him to ask me go home. But I really need to get things in order around here or it'll be hell when I get back.
"Thanks Leo. But it's not even noon yet and I still have....."
"No excuses. I'm ordering you go home and get some sleep. Josh will be fine. I know a wedding is a hell lot more stressful for a woman than for a man. He just has to show up in a tux." I laugh when Leo says that. He's indeed a very wise man.
"You're right. But could I just finish a little more around here? It'll take two hours tops, I promise." I give a pleading look to Leo.
He thinks for a bit. "Alright, as long as you promise to go straight to bed once you get home."
"I promise."
I can't believe Donna left me!! Apparently Leo's authority overwrites mine! Well, I guess technically it does......and she did look like she was about to pass out....and it is a well deserved long overdue break. Fine, I guess she had every right and reason to leave. But I miss her! And I don't think I can see her till she walks down the isle! CJ and Sam completely forbid us to see each other on the day of our wedding. Which is even more annoying as our wedding is only in the evening.
Donna is staying with CJ tonight. I won't be going home until the so called 'bachelor party' is over and Donna will be at her party. Darn, I didn't even have time to say a proper goodbye to her. That's alright, there's no rule that I can't call her.
My mother and Donna's parents apparently have plans of their own. Darlene and Thomas invited my mom to continue their tour around DC today and my mom gladly accepted. I'm happy my mom is doing something interesting during her stay here. I never had a chance to take her around and neither did my dad each time he came here on work.
Donna's written a schedule for me tomorrow. It has chores like picking up the tuxes, double checking some bookings for tomorrow and even meeting up with Donna's brother-in-law and niece.
"Josh...You're late for your own party." Huh? Wow, it's almost half past eight already.
"Hey, Charlie. You mean I'm late for poker?" What a sad excuse this is for a celebration?
"Josh, the President is asking for you." Oh.
"Well, alright." I grab my jacket and head out of my office with Charlie.
"So are you nervous about tomorrow?" He asks me.
"Not quite. I hadn't really had the time to think about it." I may be slightly nervous but not about spending the rest of my life with Donnatella Moss.
"Hey!" I hear a bunch of male voices greet me in several different ways.
"Our guest of honor finally decides to join us." The President says.
He, along with the Sam, Toby, Larry, Ed and Leo are already at their places on the poker table.
"Good evening, Mr. President. Hey guys." I say and take my seat. Charlie joins next to me.
"Sorry I'm late guys." Just as Toby was about to deal, I look up to see Danny Concannon walk in.
"Hey! Danny! Long time no see." I get up and pat Danny on the back. The rest greet him as well.
"Great, you guys are just about to deal. So, Josh...Ready to be latched to the ol' lady?" Did Danny just insult my bride-to-be?
"Did you just call Donna old lady?" I ask him while the cards are being dealt out.
"Oh, I'm sorry...I forgot that you are the ancient one in this marriage. Donna's one lucky woman...She would still be considerably young and vibrant when you'll be needing a walking cane and dentures." Everyone laughs at my expense.
I gulp. I don't see the funny. I think the nervousness Charlie was asking me about just kicked in.
"Josh, he was just kidding. Lighten up!" Leo says still grinning away.
"Could we start playing sometime before reelection?" Irritated Toby makes his first appearance for the night.
We've been playing for a while now. I'm yet to win a single game.
"Man!" Damn it! That's another round someone else got MY money!
"Hey guys. Maybe we should give Josh a break. Josh, are you sure you want continue playing?" The Presidents asks me. I am not about to be humiliated at my own party!
"I've got some game sir. I'll be alright." Keep your chin up, my mom always says.
"Josh, you are just about to start a new family. We don't want your kids to be denied the privilege of going to college just because their dad sucked at poker." Larry says.
"I don't suck at poker, Larry! My kids will be just fine!" He's my subordinate. Shouldn't he keep his opinions to himself?
"So, that means you and Donna are planning to have kids?" Thanks a lot Charlie. Oh well, I'm the one who put my foot into my mouth.
"Josh, you know, if you want to have kids, you should start soon."
"Why?" I ask Sam. Damn, I should have just changed the subject.
"Because your 'guys' won't be all that mobile later on. You know, with old age catching up on you." Damn him! I'm dethroning him as my best friend.
Everyone is laughing at me again! And they don't seem to be stopping.
"See, we're having fun! I'm sure CJ's party isn't half as fun. You guys make sure you tell CJ about it." Sam says.
"Why should we tell CJ about it?" Danny asks and I wonder the same.
"Because, she says her party for Donna is going to be so hot and they would be having a whole lot of fun unlike us. And I just wanted to prove her wrong." Did Sam say hot?!
There's no way CJ's going to have a male stripper in the party. Is there? She wouldn't want to deal with the headache if it got out. Would she?
"Hot? Was that what the girls were giggling about when I asked them what their plans for Donna were? I knew there was something fishy. Wow, so the women are enjoying a male striper right about now, huh?"
"Argh, do you have to say that, Ed?" I cringe at what he said.
"Am I sensing a little jealousy there, Josh? Are you afraid you won't 'perform' as well as a professional stripper?" This is not happening. Leo just mocked me in a way I never thought he ever would!
"Look, there's no way CJ would have a striper there." I say although I'm actually not all that certain.
"Well, CJ seemed quite excited about the party when I met her just before coming here." Danny says.
"Boys, I'm absolutely certain the women didn't hired a stripper." Thank you Mr. President.
"How would YOU know that Mr. President?" When did Toby become so inquisitive?
TBC...........................................