Working Relationships
By Heidi H.
March 2001
Disclaimers-These are not my characters and I am
making no money off of them. I do not own The
Breakfast Club or St. Elmos Fire.
Ratings Info-Donna gets arrested, friendship,
Sam/Donna in the end
Spoilers Info- small ones Somebodys Going To
Emergency, Somebodys Going To Jail,
AND.......The Leadership Breakfast AND.........
17 People AND..................
Noel
Special Thanks-Norma, Sheila, Lisa, and Clare for
being great beta readers and helping me find the
bugs and work them out. You guys are wonderful
and deserve tons of praise and thanks.
Feedback-Greatly appreciated and loved.
Archiving-Need my direct approval and that can be
done through emailing me at bugrad2023@aol.com
Note-There will be a sequel to this story that
deals with Josh and his reaction to the couple,
Donna having to talk about her experience in prison
with Sam, and everyone else finding out. So keep
that it mind when you are reading because there
are several unresolved issues.
Donna knew that this was going to be a great day.
The sun was shining by the time that she got to
work at 8 a.m. Josh had told her that she could
come in later, even though there was a 7 a.m.
senior staff meeting. This was the bonus Josh had
promised her for giving up the previous weekend to
do research for the education bill. The White
House senior staffers were all walking through the
bullpen discussing daily business when the DC
Police entered, escorted by the secret service. The
senior staffers, assistants, and other employees
immediately silenced themselves and watched the
scene before them play out. You could hear a pin
drop, it was so quiet.
“We’re looking for Donnatella Moss” Officer
Campbell simply stated.
Everyone immediately turned to look at Donna, who
was sitting at her desk. She slowly stood and
stepped forward.
“I’m Donna Moss” she said quietly.
“Miss Moss, you are under arrest” Officer
Jackson responded.
“What is Miss Moss under arrest for?” Josh and
Sam said at the same time, coming to stand next
to Donna.
“That is between Miss Moss and her attorney”
Officer Campbell said, grabbing Donna’s arm
roughly.
“Hey!! Watch how you handle her” Josh said,
stepping up, after Donna’s face fell.
“What’s your relationship to Miss Moss?”
Officer Jackson snidely asked Josh.
“First of all, I’m her boss and secondly, I am
her friend.” Josh replied, getting the eye from
Leo to be quiet.
Donna kept quiet throughout the whole exchange in
the bullpen. She studied the floor and walls
intently. She couldn’t look at any of her friends or
the people she worked with in the eye.
“Why don’t we move this into an office, so
other people can get back to work?” Leo said, finding
that the rest of the bullpen was more interested
in the police, Donna, and members of the senior
staff, than doing actual work.
Leo opened the door to Josh’s office and the
cops, Donna, Sam, and Josh all walked into the
office.
Sam and Josh took positions behind the desk and
Leo stood behind Donna, who had sat down in one of
the office chairs. They were already into their
fighting modes.
The DC Police stood near the door.
“What is Miss Moss being arrested for?” Sam
asked the officers.
“Again sir, are you her attorney?” Officer
Jackson asked.
“We don’t know what she is under arrest for or
even if she needs an attorney” Sam said, snapping
into lawyer mode.
“Why don’t you tell us what she is under arrest
for, so we can move on” Leo said.
“Fine, just tell them what this is all about”
Officer Campbell said to Officer Jackson.
“Okay. Miss Moss is under arrest for theft and
fraud. We have orders to arrest her and take her
into custody.” Officer Jackson explained.
“What are you talking about? I haven’t done
anything like that.” Donna said, speaking for the
first time and having her voice rise to a slightly
hysterical tone.
Donna sat in the chair and tried very hard not to
cry in front of her boss, her friends, and the
police.
“We can’t discuss this here. We need to take
her into custody.” Officer Campbell said.
“I think that Miss Moss had better get an
attorney to handle her case.” Officer Jackson said.
“I think that Miss Moss already has an
attorney.” Leo said, looking at Sam and then back to
Donna.
“Then let’s get this over with.” Donna said,
resigning herself to what was happening.
“Fine then. Miss Moss, please stand up and put
your hands on your head.” Officer Campbell said.
“Do we have to do this? She works in the White
House. I don’t think she is dangerous or
carrying any weapons on her.” Josh chimed in.
“Well, that’s our procedure. She is a criminal
with a felony warrant out on her. I don’t care
if she works in the White House and 50 yards from
the leader of the free world. We have to follow
our procedure and that demands a regular arrest
and these.” Officer Jackson stated, pulling out a
pair of handcuffs.
The cop roughly grabbed Donna’s arm and pulled
her out of the chair that she was sitting in.
Donna yelped as her arm was pulled on.
“You’d be wise not to try that move again,
officer. There are three very influential people in
this room who would love to go into the pressroom
and tell them about the DC Police and their
procedures and one of those people is her attorney.”
Sam said with a warning tone in his voice.
“Of course. We will treat Miss Moss as any
other wanted felon.” Officer Campbell explained with
a sarcastic tone lacing his voice.
“Does she have to walk out of here in
handcuffs?” Josh asked, hoping to spare Donna the
humiliation and angst.
“Yes, no exceptions.” Officer Jackson said,
with a gleam in his eye that was supposed to
frighten Donna into confessing all of her sins right
then and there. It didn’t work and Donna wasn’t
intimidated yet because her friends were there with
her, supporting her.
Donna looked up at Sam and Josh as she put her
hands on her head. They both caught the deer in
the headlights look that crossed her face. Both of
the guys would trade places with her in a
heartbeat. It was so hard for them to control their
emotions, but they had to because it was what Donna
needed to see at that minute. She needed to see
that someone was in control and there were people
that she could trust to do the right thing. She
felt the handcuffs bite into her wrists and lock
into place. Donna couldn’t meet anyone’s eyes
when the cop patted her down. She was so
humiliated and embarrassed beyond any words that someone
could utter.
“Donna, we will be right behind you.” Sam and
Josh both said, trying to reassure the now
frightened and scared woman.
Donna was led out of the office, through the
bullpen, and out of the White House and into a
waiting cop car. As soon as she was in the car, Sam
and Josh were getting into another car. This was
one of those times where they closed ranks and
defended their own. True, Donna wasn’t a senior
staffer, but she was one of the few assistants who
was with the senior staff virtually everywhere
that they went. She was one of the best assistants
in the west wing and she was very valuable to the
people who mattered.
Donna was just beginning to fill out papers and
answer general questions when Sam and Josh walked
into the station. Sam stopped her from answering
any more questions, by announcing he was her
lawyer.
“We need to book Miss Moss and get things
going.” Officer Beth Lee said, coming up to the small
group.
“What does that mean?” Sam and Josh both asked,
knowing full well what it meant. They were doing
it for Donna’s benefit, so she would know what to
expect.
“She will have her fingerprints taken,
mugshots, strip search, and processed into the prison
system.” Officer Lee explained.
Donna looked up at the mention of a strip search.
Sam and Josh both caught the startled look on
Donna’s face.
“Donna, go ahead and get processed. Don’t
answer any questions about the charges, just give
them name, address, and info like that. I will
answer the legal questions that pertain to the
charges, I’m your attorney, let me handle that stuff.
We will talk with the detectives and get things
straightened out. I promise that things are going
to be a whole lot better when we figure out what
is really going on.” Sam said, giving Donna a
squeeze on her arm and praying that he could back up
his words.
Donna was lead through a door and gave the guys a
last look. She was booked into the system and
was taken to an interrogation room, where Sam was
waiting for her.
“Where’s Josh?” Donna asked.
“He is cooling his heels... Actually he went
to call everyone and let them know what was
happening. He couldn’t be in this room anyway because
of attorney client privilege.” Sam said.
“Sam?” Donna said quietly.
“Yeah?” Sam asked her back.
“How much did you charge a client before you
came to work for the president?” Donna asked him.
“I billed out at $500.00 an hour.” Sam said
without missing a beat, but he knew what Donna
meant.
“I can’t afford you. I will have to settle for
a public defender.” Donna said sadly.
“You aren’t getting a public defender. You
have me and the cost isn’t important, besides the
White House is technically supplying you with a
lawyer. It’s part of your benefits package.” Sam
said.
“What is going on with the charges?” Donna
asked.
“Do you remember a man by Steven Gabriel?” Sam
asked.
“I dated him for a few weeks and then we broke
up when I was at the University of Wisconsin.
What does he have to do with this?” Donna asked,
confused about the whole thing.
“After he dumped you, he used your personal
information to get credit cards and the like. He
most likely went through your mail and stole the
pre-approved, pre-filled out applications and
simply changed Donna Moss to D. Moss and went shopping
on your credit. He never paid the bills and
since everything was technically in your name and
with your information, the companies are coming
after you and holding you responsible.” Sam
explained.
“So how do we take care of this?” Donna asked.
“The detectives are talking to people and
trying to get you off of the hook.” Sam said.
“I won’t have to stay here then?” Donna asked,
suddenly sounding very worried about her
situation.
“We don’t know that yet. It depends on whether
or not they can get to Steven Gabriel and get a
confession out of him. If he confesses, you could
go home tonight. If he doesn’t, we will probably
have to go in front of a judge for a bail hearing
and a trial date.” Sam said, trying to comfort
and reassure Donna at the same time.
The door to the room opened and in stepped
Detectives Amy Kennel and Mary Parks.
“Mr. Seaborn and Miss Moss. We have been in
contact with the credit companies, FBI, and Secret
Service. At this time, Mr. Gabriel has been
arrested and he is being extradited to DC because
Miss Moss is here and one of the crimes was actually
committed within the city limits.” Detective
Kennel stated.
Donna and Sam both couldn’t believe that this guy
had the nerve to commit credit card fraud where
she lived and worked. She was amazed that he had
this kind of nerve.
“Why would you need to speak with the Secret
Service?” Sam asked in lawyer mode.
“Miss Moss is a government employee that works
in the White House. It stands to reason that we
would be interested in their file on her.” one
of the detectives responded.
“What did you find in those files?” Sam asked,
in a superior knowing tone.
“Nothing, because as you already know, the
Secret Service would not release that information to
us.” Detective Parks said.
“Where do things stand for Miss Moss?” Sam
asked, getting back on track.
“Miss Moss is staying in DC police custody
until there is a bail hearing and that is going to be
scheduled for next week sometime. She will be
transferred to the federal maximum security prison
in Virginia tonight with everyone else.”
Detective Parks stated.
“Why maximum security?” Sam asked, wondering
what in the world was going on.
“Several reasons, Mr. Seaborn. First, she is a
government employee that most likely has high
level contacts and I’m sure that any one of those
contacts can provide her with money, passports, and
a way out of the country. We aren’t taking any
chances with Miss Moss not having to deal with the
repercussions of her crime. Secondly, a Virginia
prison is much nicer than a DC one, even if it is
still maximum security.” Detective Campbell
didn’t come right out and mention the dealings in a
federal maximum security prison, but Sam and Donna
both got the point clearly.
“I need some time with my client alone.” Sam
said.
“We understand.” both detectives left the room.
“Sam, explain this to me. I don’t understand
what is going on here. I know that I should know
this stuff because I work around lawyers all day,
but I don’t and I don’t want to be ignorant when
it comes to something this serious.” Donna said,
already panicking.
“Yeah, you work around licensed lawyers, but
that doesn’t mean you would understand the legal
process. It is very complicated and confusing,
even for those of us who have studied the law.
Donna, don’t beat yourself up because you don’t
understand what’s going on. They are saying that
Steven Gabriel is on his way here to Washington and
the trial will be here, if there is an actual
trial. They are keeping you in custody until a bail
hearing. You are going to be in a federal
maximum security prison, unless we can get things fixed
today and we will be trying. At the bail
hearing, we will ask for you to be released from
custody.” Sam explained things to an upset Donna.
“Does that mean I have to stay here?” Donna
asked, sounding very concerned.
“For right now. We will be calling a few
people and seeing if we can move things up. You
aren’t going to have to stay here that long and there
is no way in hell that I’m letting you go to a
federal maximum security prison, no matter what I
have to do.” Sam said and let Donna digest what he
said and what he didn’t come right out and say.
Donna knew that the last part of Sam’s sentence
could mean any number of things, but she didn’t
want to know what he meant until and if things got
that bad and that serious.
“Ok, but what is going to happen when those
detectives come back in the room?” Donna asked.
“They are going to take you to a cell.” Sam
said, without pausing.
Donna got very quiet as she pondered the
possibilities of having to stay in jail. She was pretty,
thin, blond, and a White House employee that had
a high security clearance and knew things that
the average American, let alone prisoner didn’t
have a clue about. She let her mind wander into
areas that she didn’t want it to go.
“Donna, we have already gotten you an isolation
cell here and don’t worry about the other. You
would be a target in the general population
because of your looks and who you work for and what you
know. We aren’t going to put you in jeopardy for
anything.” Sam said, reading what was going on in
her mind.
She was very grateful to Sam for arranging
things. He always seemed to know what she needed at
the right times. It was a comfort to be with a
friend at this time and she needed all of the
support that she could garner now.
The detectives re-entered the room and informed
them that Donna had to go to her isolated cell for
the first time.
Sam gave her a hug and reassured her that things
would get cleared up very soon.
Sam watched as they escorted Donna out of the
room. He was going to do his damnedest to help her
out. Donna was a friend, actually more than just
a friend. The hug she gave him after dealing
with Stephanie Gault had said a lot more to him than
she would ever know. He had had feelings for her
from the first day that he met her in Josh’s
office. Sam had waited for Josh to make a move, but
that hadn’t happened. He wanted Donna to be with
him in every sense of the word. He was going to
fight for her, no matter what and this was a
battle that he wasn’t going to lose.
Donna was taken to her cell. She couldn’t
believe that this was happening to her. She was a nice
mid-western girl whose only trouble was with
guys. Josh had always said that she had horrible
taste in men and it turned out that he had been very
right.
What she didn’t know, was that Sam had already
contacted the senior staff and recruited them to
help out. No one had complained especially when he
mentioned that they were planning on transferring
her to a federal maximum security prison. Leo
was phoning a judge he knew, CJ was dealing with
the press, and Josh was gathering info on Steven
Gabriel. They were going to bring this guy down
for messing with one of their own.
About six to seven hours later..............3
p.m.
Donna was told that her attorney was there to
talk to her. She walked into the room and saw a
happy Sam sitting at the table.
“Sam, what’s going on?” Donna asked because she
hadn’t expected to see him for quite awhile.
“Good news. Steven Gabriel confessed to the
crimes and said that you had no part in or no
knowledge of the crimes he committed in your name.
Your record is going to be wiped clean. You are in
the clear.” Sam told her with a smile on his
face.
“How did this happen?” Donna asked, confused
by what had happened.
“Well, Leo and the rest of the staff talked to
some people and you pretty much can figure out
the rest.” Sam said.
“Oh my gosh. Leo and the rest of the White
House senior staff had to bail out and rescue the
deputy chief of staff’s assistant because she has
terrible taste in men.” Donna said, clearly upset
by the events of the day.
“It’s ok. The president understood that you
didn’t do anything wrong. He couldn’t help out,
but he was very concerned and told us to take care
of this matter. The staff knows that you didn’t
do anything wrong. This certainly wasn’t your
fault and no one thinks that. You are still
employed by the white house. You don’t have anything
to worry about.” Sam said.
Detective Parks walked into the room to escort
Donna downstairs, so she could get changed and
released from jail.
Donna was surprised to see Josh and Sam both
waiting for her. She didn’t even know that Josh was
there.
“Our first stop is going to be taking you home
because you need to take the day after what has
happened.” Josh said.
“No, I need to get back to the office. You
have meetings this week that I need to get you
prepped on.” Donna said, without hesitation.
“Donnatella......” Josh started in, but was
stopped before he said anything.
“It’s the middle of the day and we can still
get a lot done during this afternoon. I’m ok. I’m
going to be fine.” Donna said with a certainty
and finality in her voice that warned the guys to
leave her alone and let her deal with the thing in
her own way and time.
Donna and the guys went back to work. Carol,
Ginger, Bonnie, Cathy, and Margaret all stopped by
Donna’s desk to give her their support for what
had happened that morning. They were all so sweet.
Donna finished getting the used files back to the
right spots and getting out files for the next
day. Even though Josh had told her to go home
hours ago, she felt that she had to stay and make up
for the time that she was gone. Needing a break,
she walked into Josh’s office and sat down in his
chair. Her taste in men was always coming back
to haunt her. Steven Gabriel had dumped her after
she wouldn’t sleep with him and he had literally
made her life a living hell. Dr. Freeride had
taken her for a ride during the time of her life
where she was supposed to be having fun. The tears
started falling and Donna didn’t stop them.
As Donna went into Josh’s office, Sam was headed
for the operations bullpen looking for her. He
was in a great mood because his meeting with
Senator Williams regarding the education bill went
well and wanted to share his victory with her-she
had given up her free weekend to help him and Josh
gather research for it.
Sam heard sniffling sounds coming from Josh’s
office and quietly opened the door. He saw Donna
sitting in a chair crying her eyes out. He felt so
bad for her. Donna had been humiliated beyond
words in the workplace. It would take more than
having the charges dropped to make her feel better.
Donna heard the door open and looked up to see
Sam. She knew that she was a mess, but he didn’t
say anything. He walked over to her, pulled her
out of the chair, and gave her a big hug.
Donna let herself melt into the hug. He was a
friend who understood her. Donna was so thankful
for Josh and Sam today. They hadn’t let her fall
and these were the kind of people who would never
let that happen.
Sam had done much more than be a friend to her
today. She definitely had to show him some
gratitude and thanks for what he had done for her. He
believed in her without even knowing the truth, he
had never asked her or even doubted her for a
minute because Sam knew her so well. That was a
real measure of the friendship that they had. Maybe
she would invite him over to the apartment for a
home cooked meal and talking.
“Hey, do you want to have dinner with me
tonight?” Donna asked through the tears streaming down
her face.
Sam had to pause for a moment. Was Donna really
asking him to dinner? The woman that he had been
interested in for a very long time. Sam knew
that Josh and Donna had some serious subtext going
on in that relationship and didn’t want to
intrude, but Donna had asked him and not Josh over for
dinner. He already knew what the answer was. He
wasn’t going to miss his chance with Donna.
“Sure, I’d love to have dinner with you.” Sam
said and gave her a smile.
“Then let’s get out of here. We will need to
stop at the store and get supplies. My working
weekend didn’t leave time to get to the grocery
store.” Donna said as she grabbed her bag and wiped
away the last of her tears.
“That’s fine.” Sam said and escorted her out
to the parking lot.
“Which car should we take?” Donna asked.
“How about mine? I can swing by in the morning
and give you a lift to work.” Sam said.
“That’s fine.” Donna said as Sam guided her to
his suburban tank.
Donna’s ringing cell phone brought the
conversation to a halt on the way to the grocery store.
“That was my roommate. She wanted to remind me
that I was supposed to pick up cat food at the
store.” Donna said.
“Uh, Donna?” Sam asked.
“Yeah, what?” Donna asked him back.
“You do know that I am allergic to cat hair,
right?” Sam asked her.
“No, I didn’t.” Donna said with a feeling of
dread coming over her.
“Yeah, I puff up really bad and have a hard
time breathing.” Sam said, almost apologetically.
“Well, I still want to make you dinner because
you have been a really supportive friend to me
through everything that has happened.” Donna said,
the tears threatening to fall again at this
disappointment.
“We can always go back to my place. It is
clean, I think and there are no cats around.” Sam
said, trying to lighten the darkening mood in the
car.
“That would be great. Hey, there’s the grocery
store.” Donna said, happier than she’d been all
day.
Sam whipped the car into a parking space and
followed Donna inside. Sam was amazed at the woman
before him. She knew what she wanted and had the
cart filled up with goodies before he knew it.
“Twinkies?” Sam asked with a smile as Donna
began unloading the cart at the register.
“It’s dessert.” Donna said.
“So this is what I get for dessert tonight,
huh.” Sam said with a smile.
“You might just get a little more than
Twinkies.” Donna said, in a joking tone.
“I can pay for the groceries tonight.” Sam
said.
“No way. This was supposed to be my treat.”
Donna said in a firm, don’t argue with me tone of
voice. Sam ignored the tone and continued.
“I’m the guy. I’m supposed to treat the girl.”
Sam said.
“Well, some of this stuff isn’t for you and
that’s why I am not letting you pay tonight, but
next time is a different story.” Donna said with a
smile and turned to talk to the cashier.
He couldn’t believe that Donna said that there
would be a next time. He would definitely be
looking forward to that. Sam watched the woman in
front of him. Yeah, he hoped that he would get more
than just Twinkies for dessert. He was hoping
for at least a full bodied kiss and then some, but
he wasn’t going to force her into doing anything
that she wasn’t comfortable with. She had just
gotten out of jail and was angry and upset, but
trying to hide it. Sam knew that she hadn’t talked
to anyone about the experience and he also knew
that Donna would explode if she didn’t talk about
it. Sam didn’t want to have to deal with another
Josh-like episode coming from Donna. He didn’t
think that anyone would be able to handle the
experience again. Sam was hoping that he could get
her to open up and face the demons inside or at
least suggest that she talk to someone who could
help her deal with the day’s events.
Donna was finished paying for the groceries and
looked at Sam who was lost in thoughts of his own.
He was a great guy who deserved more than just a
thank you dinner for what he had done. He had
never let her lose hope and was type of friend that
would try to help her out in any way that he
could.
Sam loaded the groceries in the back and began
the drive home. He had noticed that Donna had been
quiet on the way over. Sam decided that he would
keep an eye on her and make her laugh that night.
“Where’s the stuff? I’m ready to make you a
dinner that you will never forget.” Donna said.
“I doubt that it will be something I could
forget.” Sam said. laughing.
“Just what’s that supposed to mean?” Donna
asked, waving a wooden spoon at him.
“Josh told me about your brownie making
trials.” Sam said as he lightly bumped into Donna while
he was reaching into a cabinet above her head for
a bowl.
Donna was quite tempted to bump him back and
watch him lose his balance and probably fall, but she
didn’t.
“It wasn’t my fault that my roommate switched
the sugar and the flour canisters.” Donna cringed
at the memory of the brownies she had made for
Josh.
“Of course it wasn’t your fault.” Sam said
with a smile as he reached in front of Donna for a
knife.
Donna decided to get a little even and batted his
hand with the wooden spoon. He pulled his hand
away and looked at her. She gave him her best
innocent look and batted her eyes.
Sam knew that he was going to start something
with this girl, right here and right now. He
grabbed some flour and threw it at her. Most of the
flour landed in her hair, turning the blond strands
into a coated white mess. Donna got her revenge
by throwing lettuce leaves that hit Sam in the
face. Sam grabbed for the nearest thing, which was
a tomato. He looked at Donna, she looked at him,
and then he made his move. He grabbed her around
the waist and started rubbing the tomato in her
face. Donna was giggling and laughing so hard
that Sam tightened his grip on her waist to keep her
standing up. Donna stopped laughing when she got
the clue that they weren’t just having fun
anymore and that the feeling in the room had changed
dramatically. She was the one who called for a
truce and they both cleaned themselves and the
kitchen as best they could and went back to fixing
dinner.
They both worked on preparing this meal having
fun and joking around. Once it was finished, Sam
helped Donna set the table and put the food on the
little card table that Sam used for a dinner
table.
“Here’s to good food and good friends to share
it with.” Sam said as he raised his glass of
root beer.
“Here’s to friends that are there for you no
matter what happens.” Donna said raising her own
glass of root beer and clinking it with Sam’s.
“Let’s eat.” Sam said.
Donna ate, but most of her energy was on watching
Sam. She had never paid attention to how
handsome he was because she had only thought of him as a
friend before. Donna had also never seen him
this relaxed. Most of the smiles and spark in his
eye was from getting Senator Williams to support
the education bill. Donna had never told anyone
that she loved to work with the guys. They always
considered her “one of the guys” and never turned
the tables on her because she was a girl. That
was one of the things she loved about her job and
the guys.
Sam looked at Donna and wondered where she had
been all of his life. He was having more fun with
her than anyone he had dated in the past. Donna
was simple and fun, she didn’t expect fancy
dinners out or tickets to the best shows. Donna would
rather spend time making him dinner than sitting
in a five star restaurant. That was one of the
things that he loved about her. There were no
overblown expectations.
“So should we move onto the entertainment
portion of the evening?” Donna asked with a smile.
“We have entertainment?” Sam asked her back
with a smile on his face.
“We got movies from the store.” Donna said.
“Okay, cause I thought you were going to change
into a Catholic school girl uniform.” Sam said.
“You and Josh can not spend anymore time
together.” Donna said laughing too.
“What are the movies?” Sam asked.
“We got the quintessential 80’s flicks.” Donna
said.
“How old were you in the 80’s?” Sam asked.
“Only a few years younger than you. I got ‘The
Breakfast Club’ and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’. Which
one?” Donna asked.
“The Breakfast Club.” Sam said as he took the
video from her and popped it into the vcr.
Sam left Donna watching the previews as he shut
off the kitchen lights. He sat down on the couch
next to her, leaving space between them.
Donna noticed that he didn’t sit directly next to
her and left some room between them. He could be
so sweet and considerate.
They both watched the movie, shouting out things
about bad hair and unbelievable situations that
the characters found themselves in. Donna
couldn’t remember when she’d had such fun time watching
a movie from the 80’s. Sam couldn’t stop
laughing and even got Donna to join him. She needed
something to make her laugh and forget the
hellacious day she’d had. Somewhere during the movie,
Donna had scooted closer to Sam and he had
positioned them so that he was able to wrap his arms
around her.
Donna felt so safe and happy and comfortable in
his arms. She wondered what he would do if she
turned and kissed him. Donna didn’t kiss him
because she wanted him to make the first move and
didn’t want to screw up what needed time to build up.
Sam sat there in his own little world thinking
about things. Holding Donna in his arms seemed
like the natural thing to do. He wanted so badly to
kiss her, but he didn’t because it had been a bad
day and this wasn’t just going to be about
comfort.
“Hey, it’s time to get you home.” Sam said as
the movie ended.
“Yeah. It’s going to be a long day keeping
Josh from killing Republicans over the education
bill.” Donna said as Sam unlocked the car doors.
“What time do I need be to be at your apartment
in the morning?” Sam asked as he pulled up in
front of her building.
“You don’t have to do that. I can walk to
work.” Donna said.
“What time do you have to be there?” Sam asked
her again.
“At 6:30.” Donna said.
“I will be here at 6:15 to pick you up. There
is no reason that you should have to walk to work
that early in the morning.” Sam said stopping by
the door of her apartment.
“Thanks for having dinner with me, even though
it took a detour and thank you for helping me out
and supporting me today.” Donna said.
“Dinner was fabulous and you don’t have to
thank me for being your friend and believing in you.”
Sam said.
Sam reached over and pulled her into a hug and
gave her a kiss on the forehead.
“See you in the morning.” Donna said as she
let herself into the apartment.
Sam waited for her to go into the apartment
before he left. The dinner and the movie had been a
great way to end a day that could have ended in so
many other ways.
One week
later.................................................
Sam approached Donna’s desk and put on his
biggest smile.
“Hey, Donna.” Sam said.
“Hi. What’s up?” Donna asked.
“I need a favor.” Sam said.
“No” Donna said.
“Please” Sam pleaded with her.
“The last favor I did for you ended up with my
underwear being sent through the mail.” Donna
said, still embarrassed over the whole Karen Cahill
situation.
“I promise this isn’t like that.” Sam said.
“Tell me what the favor is first.” Donna said,
already knowing that she was going to give into
Sam, no matter what he said.
“I have to go party for the Georgetown Economic
Council and I need you to go as my date.” Sam
said.
“Can’t get a real date, huh?” Donna said
joking around.
“Come on, Donna. You will be great and I know
how you love parties.” Sam said with a smile.
“Fine, I’ll go with you.” Donna replied with a
smile.
“Thanks so much. I’ll owe you bigtime.” Sam
said.
“You will definitely owe me big and I will
collect.” Donna said.
Donna watched Sam walk away. She liked the
parties because of the interesting men she got to
meet. Donna wondered what going to a party with Sam
as her date would be like. She already started
planning a lunch hour that would include shopping
for a new dress to impress Sam. She had begun to
develop feelings for Sam that were more than just
platonic and the dinner at his apartment had
pushed those feelings up to the surface. After the
situation with Stephanie, she had come to see him
in a new light-one that was honest and more
respectful.
Sam was happy that Donna had said yes. He
intended to make her a happy woman at this party. Sam
intended to show her off.
Day of the
party.........................................
Donna walked into Josh’s office with a stack of
files for him. He wasn’t going to like that she
had to leave early, but he would just have to deal
with it.
“Here are the reports on the weapons bills and
the accompanying files. I am leaving now and
will see you on Monday.” Donna said and headed for
the door.
“Stop. Halt. Don’t move a muscle.” Josh
said.
“Excuse me?” Donna said and put on her
fighting face.
“Why are you leaving early?” Josh asked.
“I am going to the Georgetown Economic Council
Party Thing with Sam and I need time to prepare
myself for the evening.” Donna said.
“You are going with Sam to a party?” Josh
asked.
“Yes, I am. Can I go now?” Donna asked.
“Yes, but make sure you are here bright and
early.” Josh said and walked out of the office
behind her.
“Where are you going?” Donna asked.
“I’m going to go talk to Sam about a thing.”
Josh said.
“Okay. Bye.” Donna said and they split up.
Josh was on his way to talk to his best friend
about commandeering his assistant for a party date.
He found Sam in his office typing away.
“I heard that you are taking my assistant out
on the town tonight.” Josh said, walking into
Sam’s office.
“Yes, I asked Donna to go with me tonight.”
Sam said, never looking away from the computer.
“You know that she already headed out to get
ready.” Josh said watching Sam.
“So?” Sam asked.
“That means that I have to do all of my work on
my own with no one to bother.” Josh said.
“Aren’t you supposed to be doing that already?”
Sam asked with a grin.
“Not funny.” Josh said with a glare.
“Yes, it is. What did you want?” Sam asked.
“Exactly what are you planning with my
assistant?” Josh asked.
“What are you talking about?” Sam asked,
looking up from the computer.
“You forget that I know your history with
women. Is that why you asked Donna to go because you
can’t get a real date?” Josh said leaving it up
in the air and a smirk on his face.
“I can get a real date, thank you very much.”
Sam said.
“I’ll believe it when you show up at a party
without the hooker, the boss’ daughter, or a
friend.” Josh said with his trademark smirk.
“I’m taking Donna because I have to work the
room. She knows what that is like. She’s done it
enough times with you. Maybe we should talk
about why you take your assistant to parties.” Sam
said, hoping the misdirection worked.
“She is my assistant. I need her at those
parties. How the hell did this conversation get to
be about me. We need to get back to why you are
taking my assistant to this party.” Josh said,
catching onto the misdirection.
“Donna and I are going as friends, nothing
more.” Sam said, wanting to drop the particular
track the conversation was on.
“I don’t want her to get hurt.” Josh said
seriously.
“We are going as friends, honestly.” Sam said
and watched Josh walk out of the office.
Sam thought that Josh would kill him, if he knew
the truth. He had more than platonic feelings
for Donna and was going to act on them that night,
if things felt right.
When Donna was getting ready for her date with
Sam, she took extra care with her appearance
because she wanted to impress him and the people at the
party. The new green dress fit great. It hugged
all the right places and draped on all the wrong
places. The dress was on the summer clearance
rack for less than 50 dollars, but she teamed it up
with a fun green sweater and jewelry for an
amazing look under 75 dollars by the time she bought
shoes.
Donna had just slipped her shoes on and looked at
the clock.
On cue, her doorbell rang at exactly 7 p.m.
“Hi, Come in.” Donna said.
“Thanks. Wow, you look amazing.” Sam said.
“I’m glad that you like it. I hope that this
will be a fun evening.” Donna said.
“I have no doubts that it will be a great
evening, especially when I get to spend it with you.”
Sam said.
Sam waited for Donna to get her purse and then
they were off to the party.
Sam couldn’t believe Donna. She was shining. He
was glad that she was having a good time. Josh
certainly didn’t value his beautiful assistant
enough.
Donna was having a great time and Sam was never
far away from her. He had kept his arm looped
around her waist all night long. Sam was truly a
great guy.
Sam worked the room and found some allies that
the administration didn’t know they had. He made a
mental note to tell Josh and Leo in the morning.
While he was busy working the room, Donna was
talking to people from the administrations office
and asking questions. She had a smile on her face
and looked over to Sam several times and her
glances were met with smiles.
“It was a fun party even though the people were
a bit stuffy.” Donna said unlocking her
apartment door.
“I’m glad that you had a fun time and I thought
that you would be used to stuffy people,
considering who you work around all day.” Sam said as he
followed her into the apartment.
“Josh isn’t that bad.” Donna said with a
smile.
“I was actually referring to all of the
politicians that you have to deal with, but Josh will
do.” Sam said with a cheeky grin.
“Would you like a drink?” Donna asked.
“A glass of water would be great.” Sam said.
Donna headed into the kitchen and got the water.
She was surprised to see Sam standing in the
doorway watching her. She handed him the glass and
walked back into the living room.
“I had a wonderful time tonight.” Donna said
as she kicked off her shoes and sat down on the
couch.
“I’m happy that you had a great time tonight.
You were so amazing with those people. You are a
real charmer.” Sam said with a smile as he sat
down on the couch next to her.
Donna was surprised that Sam sat right next to
her. When they had dinner, he had given her space,
but not tonight. She could feel his breath on
her neck and that’s when she knew that she was
ready to kick this up into high gear.
Sam was sitting so close to her that he could
almost feel her. He was ready to move the
relationship from the good friends plateau to the “I
kissed her and want more” plateau.
Donna shifted so that she was looking into Sam’s
eyes and they both read the unconditional okay to
move forward.
Sam made the first move and gave her a gentle
kiss on the lips that Donna responded to. The kiss
was nice and by mutual nonverbal agreement, they
both participated in deepening the kiss. It was
a lazy, non demanding kiss.
The kiss seemed to last forever, until Donna
pulled away.
“I hope I didn’t overstep my boundaries.” Sam
said watching her.
“No you didn’t overstep, but I don’t want this
to be a one night stand.” Donna said.
“I have no intention of doing that to you. I
want to take this slow and let things build up.
I’m not going to pressure you into something that
you aren’t ready for.” Sam said.
“Thank you for not pushing me. I want to take
this slow too.” Donna said.
“It is getting late and I need to get home. It
seems that you and Josh are the only ones with
Sunday off. The rest of us have to go to work.”
Sam said with a smile.
“Then I will see you Monday.” Donna said as
she gave Sam another quick kiss before she shut the
door.
Monday Morning................................
Donna walked into the bullpen and looked at the
people surrounding her desk. She made her way
through the crowd and saw her desk. Sitting on her
desk was a bouquet of pink roses which were her
favorites. Donna shifted the flowers off of her
desk so she could work.
Josh and the rest of the senior staff were
walking through the bullpen when they noticed the
flowers in Donna’s cubicle. They also noticed Josh
taking stock of the situation and excused
themselves back to their own offices.
“Are these flowers from your latest local
gomer?” Josh asked Donna walking up to her desk.
“No, they are not. They are from a friend who
I did a favor for and this is payback.” Donna
said.
“What’s this guy’s name. What does he do?”
Josh asked.
“I am not going to tell you his name or what he
does.” Donna said firmly.
“You know that I will find out and call you on
it, so just tell me now and save me the time and
work I will have to do.” Josh said.
“No, I’m not going to tell you anything and I
challenge you to find out anything about this
guy.” Donna said with a smile, quite confident that
Josh would never find out anything about the guy
in her life.
Josh walked into his office and sat down. Donna
didn’t know it, but this was a challenge that he
wasn’t going to walk away from and one that he
was sure to win with his many resources.
Sam had heard the whole exchange and prayed for a
miracle. When Josh got something in his teeth,
he didn’t let go for anything. Josh was not going
to be happy when he found out that his best
friend was his assistant’s local Gomorra.
Josh and Sam met up for lunch at McClendons.
After they ordered, Josh got down to business.
“What do you know about Donna’s latest local
gomer?” Josh asked.
“I didn’t know Donna was dating someone.” Sam
said.
“She is and she won’t tell me who. There was
this bouquet of pink roses on her desk this
morning.” Josh complained.
“How do you know it is a guy? The flowers
could be from a friend. She did just go through that
whole legal problem. Maybe someone sent her
flowers to cheer her up.” Sam said wanting to shift
the conversation somewhere else.
“I know it’s a local gomer. Friends don’t send
friends flowers like that. It’s a guy and I
won’t rest until I find out who they are from.” Josh
said determinedly.
“Is this why you wanted to have lunch out? To
pump me for information about Donna’s so called
boyfriend?” Sam asked angry.
“Not totally.” Josh guiltily said.
“Why else did you ask me to lunch?” Sam asked.
“I wanted to talk to you about Mandy.” Josh
said.
“What about Mandy?” Sam asked, having a bad
feeling about where this was about to go.
“She called last night. It seems that Lennox
Chase is opening a new office here and she will be
running it.” Josh said.
“What did Mandy want?” Sam asked.
“She wants to get back together.” Josh said.
“You can’t seriously be thinking about it, are
you.” Sam asked.
“Well, we are going out tonight to see where
things stand between us.” Josh said.
“You need to have your head examined.” Sam
said.
All through lunch, Josh and Sam discussed Mandy.
Sam was happy that he was off the hook about
Donna, but the thought of Mandy coming back into
their lives was too much to deal with. Sam was going
to make it a point to tell Donna about this new
development and see what she had to say about it.
Donna and Mandy never did get along because Mandy
always made sure to put Donna in her place as a
lowly, college dropout secretary.
Josh got back to the office and closed his door.
He was mad at Sam because Sam wouldn’t help him
in the search for information about Donna’s latest
local gomer. He had already started his search
for information. The florist shops hadn’t been
able to give him any information. The man had paid
with cash and there had been no card. Josh was
feeling good. Sam had been wrong. There was a
man involved and now he had to go pump the gossip
sources....CJ and Margaret were the start. Before
the week was over, he would know everything about
the guy Donna was dating. Knowing it was going
to be a long day, he picked up the first file and
started reading.
“Hey, CJ. Are you busy?” Josh asked.
“Not this particular second. What do you
need?” CJ asked.
“I was wondering if you knew anything about the
guy that Donna is seeing?” Josh slipped in.
“No because I didn’t know that Donna was dating
and why are you asking me?” CJ stated.
“I am asking you because you have the pulse on
things in this building.” Josh complimented her.
“Thanks for the compliment, but if you really
want to know, ask Margaret.” CJ walked out of her
office.
“Thanks.” Josh shouted back to her.
Friday
night......................................................
He was a man on a mission to find Margaret and
nothing was going to stop him now. He had meant to
chat with her earlier in the week, but actual
work had gotten in his way.
“Margaret.” Josh addressed the woman.
“Hey Josh. Leo’s not here. Is there something
you needed that I can get for you?” Margaret
asked.
“I needed to talk to you about the guy that
Donna’s dating.” Josh cut right to the quick.
“I didn’t know that she was dating anyone.”
Margaret said.
“Really? I guess I’ll have to resort to other
means then.” Josh sailed out of the office.
Sam’s Apartment.............................
“Josh really has this in his teeth about
finding out who my new man is.” Donna said as she
sipped a glass of wine.
“He needs something to take his mind off of
Mandy.” Sam said and braced himself for her
reaction.
“What do you mean Mandy?” Donna shouted.
“She’s back in town because Lennox Chase is
opening up an office here.” Sam explained.
“But she’s not coming back to work for us,
right?” Donna asked quietly.
“I’m pretty sure that she won’t be back in the
White House to work for us, but I don’t know that
for sure.” Sam chose his words carefully, not
wanting to tell Donna that Josh was seriously
thinking about seeing Mandy again.
“If she comes back, I can’t work with her
again.” Donna stated flatly.
“What is the problem you and Mandy have?” Sam
asked.
“She always treated me like dirt. I know that
I don’t have as many degrees or am as smart as
the rest of you, but that is no reason for her
being so hateful and mean to me.” Donna said.
“You can always come be my assistant.” Sam
said with a smile.
“Oh yeah, that wouldn’t go over real well with
Josh.” Donna said.
“But it would have its perks.” Sam said with a
smile before he leaned over and gave her a kiss.
Monday morning............................
Josh couldn’t believe that there were flowers on
Donna’s desk again. The roses were very
beautiful and fragrant, but he was upset that it had been
a week and he was nowhere close to finding out
who the guy was.
“Donna, you got flowers again. This must be
serious. What’s his name?” Josh badgered her as
she arrived for work.
“Are we gonna go through this every time I get
flowers?” Donna asked.
“Yes or until you tell me his name.” Josh
bantered back at her.
“Whatever.” Donna said and followed Josh into
his office.
Tuesday, lunch
time...................................
“Donna, bring me those stats on the daycare
bill.” Josh yelled from his desk.
“Here are the files that you will need and I
will be back in an hour.” Donna started to sail
out of the office.
“Where are you going?” Josh asked.
“I’m going out to lunch with Sam.” Donna said.
“Why are you going out to lunch with Sam?”
Josh asked.
“He asked and I said yes. I haven’t left this
building in two weeks for lunch. I need to get
out.” Donna explained to him.
“Fine, see you in an hour.” Josh went back to
flipping through files.
Josh just happened to glance up and see Sam and
Donna. They were hugging and then he helped her
put on her jacket. He was very surprised to see
those gestures. Josh knew that they were good
friends, but still. He glanced back at the pile of
files and went back to work.
Monday morning................................
Josh arrived early and saw the flowers gracing
his assistant’s desk. The lavender lilacs added
some color to the drab office space and bullpen
that were his.
“Good morning Josh.” Donna smiled at him.
“Good morning to you too. Your boyfriend sent
you some more flowers.” Josh gestured to the
arrangement on her desk.
“I see that my friend sent me some flowers.”
Donna smiled.
“What is his name?” Josh asked.
“That’s for me to know and you to never find
out.” Donna picked up the schedule book and
followed her boss.
Thursday, lunch
time......................................
“Josh, I’m leaving now.” Donna stuck her head
into the office.
“Where are you going?” Josh asked.
“Out to lunch with Sam.” Donna said.
“You can’t. I need Sam to help me with the
Student Loan Reform Act.” Josh said.
“He brought the notes by on a yellow pad that
are now sitting on your desk. We’ll be back in a
little while.” Donna said.
“Why are you going to lunch with Sam again?”
Josh asked.
“Because he asked and I want to eat a regular
meal.” Donna said.
“Fine, go.” Josh slipped back into his office
to look at the notes that Sam dropped off.
The notes were clear and concise and now he was
searching for the chocolate stash that Donna kept
in her desk. As Josh was rifling through the
makeup, word search books, and romance novel, he
found a florist’s card still in the envelope.
Against his better judgment, he opened the card. The
romantic message was sickening, but the
handwriting looked very familiar, but he couldn’t place it
right then. Josh slipped the card back into the
envelope and put it back where he found it.
Josh returned to the student loan thing and
things started to click into place. The handwriting
on the pad and the card were the same. Donna’s
new man was his best friend, Sam. It was
unbelievable. This was his assistant and friend. Sam
couldn’t have her, she was his. He remembered the
lunches out with Sam. The helpful gestures and
quick smiles. The flowers and Sam’s unwillingness
to help him on his quest to find Donna’s new man.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. He wondered why
they felt the need to sneak around and how they
had gotten by with it for all this time. Josh
didn’t have any idea what to do with this
information. He didn’t have the heart or the desire to
confront them with what he knew. Only time would
tell what he would do.
