Calling The Question

by: Evelyn

“OK,” Abbey said, after 30 minutes of discussion. “We’re agreed on the language that the U.S. representative will use at the Amsterdam conference.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Josh said, looking at his watch for the fourth time since the two women had arrived. “It’s the same language we agreed upon in November,” he added, looking at Amy.

Abbey stared at Josh and Amy, then stood, “Thank you for taking the time, Josh. I’m sorry we interrupted you and Donna during dinner. I know these are long days for both of you,” she said firmly.

“Thank you, Mrs. B,” Josh smiled.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Abbey,” Amy said.

“Call my secretary, Amy. I’m very busy,” and with that Abbey left the room.

Josh waited until the door closed and then hissed, “What the hell was this all about?”

Amy looked at him cooly and said, “You’re not returning my calls.”

“I’ve been busy, Amy. I help to run the country and we’re in the middle of a campaign.”

“Bullshit, J,” Amy spat out.

Josh fought for control. He took a deep breath and then said, “Look, you’re right. I should have called back. I should have told you this just isn’t working. I don’t think it ever did.”

“If you break up with me, Josh, who’ll be your cover story?” Amy replied.

“What the hell does that mean?” Josh asked.

“Oh, please. ‘She’s my assistant,’ you whined when I asked you, ‘What I do reflects on the President’,” Amy imitated Josh’s responses to her questions the first time they met regarding whether the rumors about him and Donna were true.

Josh stared and started to object.

Amy continued, “You dated me so no one would suspect that you’re screwing your secretary. Sorry big boy, nobody makes Amy Gardner look like a fool.”

“I’m not...” Josh started to explain his relationship with Donna, but stopped and chose his words carefully. “You’re wrong about Donna and me, but you’re right about me using you and for that I’m sorry.”

“And you want us to remain friends, right?” Amy asked sarcastically.

“We never were friends to begin with,” Josh said quietly. “I’ve got to go,” and he picked up his folders and walked out of the room.

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

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