The evening before the next issue of Time magazine was to be released, and the results of the poll announced, the White House was planning to receive an advance copy. They wanted to give CJ a chance to put together a briefing for the press. Also, the President insisted that he would like to informed of the poll's outcome before the American people. One of the perks of being President, he had said. Late that evening, Amy, the senior staff and the Bartlet family gathered in the Roosevelt room and waited anxiously for the magazine to be delivered. Ten o'clock came and went, and still no magazine.
"Ok, if we're going to be sitting here all right, can we at least order a pizza?" Zoey questioned.
Jed nodded, then looked at his staff.
"One of you go get a few pizzas please"
Toby volunteered.
"Jed, maybe we should just wait and find out tomorrow with everyone else," Abbey suggested.
"No. We are going to sit here until the magazine is in this very room"
Zoey and Ellie rolled their eyes.
"Dad, why is this so important to you?" Ellie wondered.
"It's not"
"Please, I haven't seen you this tense since the Patriots lost the Superbowl, a few years back"
"That was a very upsetting loss, Eleanor"
"Uh-uh, I know." "Here's the thing, though," Zoey began. "Dad's gonna be pissed no matter what the outcome of the poll is"
"Yeah, I can't wait for that," Sam muttered under his breath.
"At least the photo shoot went well," CJ piped in. Jed laughed cynically.
"Yeah, it went well all right"
"It went fine, Jed," Abbey said, sternly. "I'm dying to see it," Ellie said. "Is it going to be included in this issue"
"Should be," Amy answered. "Does it depend on whether or not Mom wins the thing"
"No, it's supposed to be in there anyway. But I guess we'll find out." "So," Zoey said. "Let's do a little survey. Who here voted for Mom"
Everyone automatically raised their hands.
"Everyone voted for Mom?" Zoey asked, in disbelief.
"You're damn right they did," Jed said. "Although I'm not sure if I like that or not." "Nobody thinks Jackie Kennedy was sexy"
Josh laughed.
"Oh, she was sexy all right"
"Watch yourself, J," Amy warned. "All I'm saying is, Jackie was definitely sexy. Mrs. B is just…sexier"
"Yeah, watch yourself, J," Jed repeated, then looked at Amy. "Why do you call him J"
"Long story, sir," Amy replied. "Amelia Judith Gardner, you have known me since the day you were born. When have I not liked long stories"
Amy smiled.
"That's true, sir, you are the master of long stories"
"You flatter me, Amy"
"I try, sir"
"Amy, you're going to boost his already sky-high ego if you're not careful," Abbey said.
"She'll take her chances," Jed said. "Won't you, Amy"
"Absolutely, sir"
"She's just forgetting that it's me she works for, not you"
"Yes, ma'am"
"See, she's just confused," Jed said.
"Guys, stop taunting Amy, will ya?" Zoey begged. "We're not taunting her, Zoey. We're making her feel like part of the family," Jed answered.
Ellie laughed.
"Isn't that the truth"
"Someone should get Liz and Mallory on conference," Amy suggested. "I know they don't want to miss this"
Amy Gardner, Elizabeth Bartlet-Westin, and Mallory McGarry O'Brien had all been best friends since they could remember, despite numerous separations.
"I'll do it. Gimme a sec," Zoey offered.
CJ's cell phone began ringing, startling everyone in the room. She quickly answered it.
"Yeah? Ok. Yeah. Thanks"
She snapped the phone shut. They all stared at her for more information.
"Magazine's here. Toby's got it"
Zoey sat up straight.
"He's got the pizza too, right"
CJ laughed.
"Yeah"
A shiver went down Abbey's spine.
"I'm nervous! Is that wrong"
"Awe, Mom!" Ellie cooed.
"Are you mocking me, Eleanor"
"No! I think it's cute. My mother, nervously awaiting to find out if she's been named the Sexiest First Lady of All-Time. Sweet"
Then, Toby burst through the doors carrying two large pizzas and a manila envelope.
"Thank God!" Zoey exclaimed, snatching the pizza boxes from him. "Give me the magazine," Jed demanded.
Toby complied without hesitation.
"Ok. Ready for the results"