Calling The Question

by: Evelyn

Disclaimer: Aaron Sorkins owns everything, except for Carolyn Moss, but I’d be happy if he wanted to include her in the show.

Category: Romance, Josh/Donna

Rating: YTEEN

Author's Note: Thanks to Shelley for her careful, thoughtful, insightful reading of this story - and most especially for her encouragement.

“Shrimp Kung Pao”

“No, you can’t have that. I’m getting shrimp with asparagus, so you have to get something else Josh. We can’t have two shrimp dishes.”

“But I want Shrimp Kung Pao.”

“Josh.”

“OK, OK, get me Moo Shu Pork.”

Donna shook her head

“No? I don’t want that? Right, you don’t like Moo Shu Pork. OK, tell me. What do ‘I’ want to eat?”

“Chicken with garlic sauce.”

“Fine,” Josh laughed. “But two spring rolls.”

“Why two?”

“Because I’ve never eaten more than a quarter of one since I met you. Just order one for yourself this time.”

Donna shook her head again and smiled, “I don’t think I want one.”

“That’s what you say every time we order Chinese food.”

“No, no, I’m sure I don’t want a spring roll tonight. But can’t I talk you into leaving these hallowed halls and venturing into a restaurant where you actually eat off a plate. I’m so tired of white paper cartons,” Donna pleaded.

“Not tonight, Donna. I’ve got yet another endless meeting with Bruno at 10. But I swear that tomorrow night we can go anywhere you want,” Josh offered.

Donna’s face lit up as she reached for the Zagat’s Guide to Washington, D.C. restaurants.

“Within reason, Donna, and within walking distance of the White House. We’ll still have to come back after dinner.”

“Two hours, Josh. Promise me at least two hours and....and I get to order dessert. Maybe even two,” Donna countered.

“OK, two hours and one dessert.”

“Deal. Pinky swear, Josh?” Donna held up the pinky finger of her right hand.

Josh snorted and said, “Pinky swear, Donna? What are we, in third grade?”

“Pinky swear, Joshua, I don’t trust you,” Donna laughed, still holding up her finger, as she reached for the ringing telephone.

“Josh Lyman’s office.”

Donna’s face fell and she lowered her hand.

“Hi Amy.”

Josh immediately began shaking his head no, mouthed the words, “I’m not here,” and walked away from Donna’s desk.

“Let me speak to Josh,” Amy said without any pleasantries.

“I’m sorry, he’s not available. May I take a message?” Donna asked.

“Right, that’s always so helpful. Have you even given him any of my other messages?” Amy snapped.

“Yes, every single one. I’m sorry, Amy. Josh is really busy with the campaign,” Donna began.

“Save the party line for someone who’s buying it,” Amy replied.

“I’ll tell him you called,” Donna said, trying to keep her voice even.

“Listen, Ms. Moss, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing,” Amy started.

“Excuse me?” Donna answered, her voice rising.

“Cut the crap. Just what kind of work were you doing on Sunday night at his apartment?” Amy’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“As a matter of fact, we were working on the energy initiative,” Donna started to explain, then stopped. “But how did you know..?” Donna’s voice trailed off.

“Funny, we didn’t call it work when I was spending hours in Josh’s apartment. Just have him call me,” Amy taunted and then slammed down the phone.

Donna stood for a second, hands shaking, then replaced the receiver into the handset. She thought for a moment and then stormed into Josh’s office.

“That’s it, no more. Marry her, break it off, do whatever you want to do, but I don’t want to hear from Amy Gardner again. Got it?” Donna yelled.

Josh looked embarrassed and raised his hands in front of his face as if to protect himself.

“I know, I’m sorry. I thought she’d get the message already, but...”

“But you’re waiting for her to break up with you, right Josh?,” Donna continued, her voice rising.

“Yeah,” Josh answered, looking down at the floor.

“Just grow up, Josh. I’m not doing your dirty work for you anymore.”

“I’m sorry, really I am,” Josh said, reaching out for one of Donna’s hands. “I shouldn’t have put you in the middle.”

Donna looked at him in surprise. Apologies were rare from Josh Lyman. She then looked at his face and could tell he was embarrassed and worried that he’d pushed her too far.

“You’ll handle it? Today?” She asked, her voice more normal.

“Yes, I promise after the meeting with Bruno I’ll call her and make it clear that we’re through. I thought things were pretty obvious the night of the First Lady’s birthday party. They certainly were for me. I haven’t seen her since.” Josh hesitated, and then looked at Donna and said, “She never was...I never felt...it was just at that time...” his voice trailed off as he looked down.

“Ok,” Donna said softly. “Just do it, Josh.” Then smiled and added, “I’ll order the food and meet you in the Roosevelt Room in about twenty minutes.”

“Thanks,” Josh let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He turned to get the folders he needed for his next meeting.

“Wait, just one thing. How did Amy know we worked at your apartment on Sunday night?” Donna asked.

“I have no idea,” said Josh, looking confused.

Chapters - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Sequel - Like A Bad Penny

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