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Margaret, where’s Leo?’ If one more person asks me that, I’m going to scream. His last words to me were: ‘Margaret, I’m gonna be gone most of the afternoon. Call my cell if you need me, okay?’ ‘Margaret...’ That’s it. I shout: ‘I don’t know where Leo…’ I feel my face flush as I see the President in the doorway to my office. He looks shocked at my uncharacteristic outburst. ‘Er, okay. I was just…never mind.’ Oh God. I just shouted at the President. Damn you, Leo, where the Hell are you? ‘Drink boys? On the house?’ I enjoy Josh and Sam’s looks of shock. Susanna and I are circling the room, making sure everyone has a free drink to celebrate the club’s continuation. ‘Er, yeah. What’s going on Leo?’ Josh would have to be the suspicious one. Sam just looks bemused. ‘I’m the new landlord. And Susanna’s lease was just extended indefinitely.’ Suddenly, both boys’ faces light up. I’m pleased at their reaction. ‘You own this place?’ Sam’s wide-eyed shock makes me laugh. ‘Yeah.’ ‘Wow. Great way to get in with Susanna, Leo.’ Trust Josh to think my motives were anything other than…well, they were, but I’m not gonna tell him that. It’s after two and we’re just about ready to drop where we stand. It’s been a long day. Leo is beginning to give up any pretence at helping Mickey clean up, and eventually decides to sit on the sofa between the bar and the stage. I walk up behind him, my hand resting lightly on his shoulder. He reaches back and takes my hand. ‘Ready for the guided tour now?’ His voice is gravelly, tired. ‘Make it quick, I’m not sure I can stand up for much longer.’ ‘Okay.’ I pull him to his feet and call across: ‘Mickey, you okay to..?’ He looks over. ‘Sure. See you tomorrow.’ Leo blinks as his eyes adjust to> the dimmer light after the brightness of the club lighting. ‘You live above the club?’ ‘Well, no-one else would stand it. And it means I’m here if there’s an emergency.’ 'There had better not be one tonight.’ I think Leo’s joking, but I’m not sure.‘There are two rooms Leo. If you’d rather…’ I hope he’s awake enough to work out what I’m trying not to say. ‘I don’t think you should be alone tonight. I mean, you might suffer delayed shock or something. It’s probably safer if I stay with you.’ Apparently he is. And even awake enough to make a joke. I haven’t done it in a while. For no other reasons than I haven’t found anyone I liked enough to ask them to stay the night. But it was worth the wait. For a man who warned me as he kissed me that he hadn’t done it for a while either, he must have a good memory. But as I lay next to him, watching him sleep, I realise two things. One, I’m in love with Leo McGarry. And two, last night he was in bed with his wife. I get out of bed gently, reaching into his jacket where I feel in his pockets until I find his mobile ‘phone. He’s stirring now, and I stroke his cheek until he wakes a little more. ‘What’s her number, Leo?’ ‘One.’ Even after a year, Leo’s ex-wife is still on his speed-dial. I press the button, wait for the screen to light up, press the two buttons, hear the dial tone, and pass him the ‘phone as I walk into the other room. |