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 http://uk.f105.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=bugrad2023@aol.com&YY=28792&order=up&sort=date&pos=0

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.

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