On to Another Plan

You guys are gonna like this chapter. You wanted two things from me these past weeks: 1. Everything to make sense, and 2. JD. I have already given you number one. Ready for number two? Good. It all starts here.


"Donna, you're brilliant. Have I mentioned that?"

Donna smiled as CJ's voice came through the earpiece. It was morning, and Donna and most of the others were already at work. CJ was on her way.

"You have, CJ. Five times at least. But really. It was no trouble…anyway…you promised to help me, remember?"

"I do. But what matters is you came to help me without my asking, which was wonderfully selfless and decent of you. Now about your needs…to get you together with…who was it again?"

CJ was hoping she had heard Donna wrong when she had originally mentioned the idea, hoping Donna would respond with "Josh".

"James Ledger…he's in speechwriting."

CJ sighed. "I know…you've told me before."

This is where the key part of Donna's plan came in. She picked up the glass ashtray on her desk (not that either she or Josh smoked—it was there for any smoker who entered the office) and tossed it hard into her trashcan, shattering it with a loud smash.

"Donna?" She heard Josh jump up from his office chair.

"Donna, what on earth was that?" CJ asked worriedly.

"Oh, nothing, just dropped something."

Josh hurried in. "Donna! Are you okay?"

Donna signaled to him that she was on the phone, and gave him an "OK" sign to tell him she was fine. Then, to CJ, "So anyway, CJ…do you think you can get James and I together? He's just so cute…and I mean, he's gotta be the only guy who has any feelings towards me…if there were others I'd wait but…no one's ever going to fight over me. I figure I'm ready for something long-term, and if no one other than James loves me, no reason to consider anyone else."

Josh just stood there in the doorway, gaping at her. She shooed him out and closed the door.

"Josh loves you." CJ said softly.

"Ha! Josh does not love me. That's hilarious! If he did he would obviously have said something by now. CJ, it's funny you even think that's possible!" Still laughing, she added mockingly, "If Josh Lyman turns around and tells me he loves me, then maybe I'll reconsider getting serious with James." She laughed a little more. "Josh and me…the mere thought of it!"

Josh couldn't help but hearing the entire conversation. Donna spoke so loud…it wasn't his fault was it? He sunk into his office chair just as Donna was saying, "K, CJ, see you soon!"

Josh sat at his desk and mulled it over. Donna thought he and her together was a joke. It was silly, really…a boss/assistant couple? Who ever heard of a thing like that? Still, Josh knew he had to do something or lose Donna forever to this James. So he decided he was to tell her the truth. Not in a few months, or in a few years, but now. Today. Josh was going to tell Donna how he really felt. He stood and walked towards her office door.