~~~~

Stevie sat quietly during the press briefing. She watched as CJ answered
every question and, in some cases, dodged some questions with skill and
grace. The reporters seemed to laugh allot.

There was one reporter, in particular, that caught Stevie's attention. CJ
called him Danny... Danny seemed to watch CJ with more focus and attention
that any of the other reporters. And he smiled at her... a lot.

As soon as the briefing was over, CJ walked toward her. Stevie rose to meet
her and the two walked down the stairs. However, Danny was hot on their heels.

"Hey CJ." He said.

CJ barely glanced back at him, "Danny."

Danny looked at Stevie, "I don't believe we've met, my name is Danny
Concannon."

"Stephanie Blake." Stevie said, shaking his outstretched hand. "Nice to meet
you, Mr. Concannon."

"The pleasure is all mine Miss Blake." Danny said. "And please, call me
Danny."

Stevie decided she liked Danny, "Only if you 'll call me Stevie."

"That I can defiantly do." Danny said, grinning at her. Then he turned his
attention to CJ, "So, how's Gail?"

"Danny..." CJ sighed.

"What? All I asked was, how's Gail?" Danny repeated.

"Danny-" CJ said, shaking her head. "I know what you mean when you ask me
about Gail."

"What do you mean?" Danny asked. "All I said was two simple words ... what
possible meaning could you get from two simple little words?"

"Who's Gail?" Stevie piped up.

Danny turned to her, "Gail is our goldfish."

"My goldfish." CJ corrected.

"We have joint custody of the goldfish." Danny added.

"Oh, I see." Stevie said.

"Do you really?" Danny asked.

"No," Stevie answered. "But, I thought it would be easier to say I do."

CJ stopped suddenly, "You're absolutely right Stevie..." she turned to Danny.
"Don't you have someplace to be Danny?"

"No."

"No rebels to rouse?"

"No, not right now."

"Are you sure?"

"Reasonable sure, yes."

"Why don't you go check your date book and come back later... Like when I'm
not here." CJ said, turning around and walking into her office.

"Okay." Danny said. He turned to Stevie, who had watched their exchange with
interest. He recognized the keen glint in her eyes and knew he had an alley
in his flirting war with CJ. "It has been a pleasure, Stevie."

"Same here." Stevie hesitated for a moment. "Danny, can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Do you always flirt with CJ?"

Danny grinned at the girl, "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering..."

"Yes, I do."

"Why?" Stevie asked.

"Because I like her." Danny told her, honestly.

"Oh, okay." Stevie turned to go in CJ's office. "I hope I see you again,
Danny."

"You can count on it." Danny said, as he turned and walked away.