Chapter 7
"You didn't have to walk me over here," Kelsey said to Toby as they stood outside the Capitol building.
Kelsey had been taken aback when Toby had showed up in her doorway prior to her leaving. She was really surprised when he offered to walk over to the Capitol with her.
"I know," he replied as he put a hand on the small of her back and guided her through the doors.
They walked down a couple of corridors and were standing outside the chamber doors. Toby gave her a few last minute pointers and then turned to leave.
"You're not staying?" she asked, slightly disappointed.
"I'll watch back in Leo's office."
"Oh…okay. Hey, Toby, thanks for all your help."
"Just remember what I told you and you'll do fine. And if you can't remember what we've gone over, speak from your heart. The ball is in your court. It's your turn to shine," he reminded
her.
"Thanks," Kelsey replied and then kissed Toby on the cheek. They were both slightly surprised by this gesture.
"I'll see you back at the office."
"See you then."
Kelsey watched as Toby walked back down the corridor a little sad that he wasn't staying with her. Then she turned and entered the hearing.
Toby returned to the White House and headed for Leo's office. When he arrived, Leo and C.J. were already there along with a woman in a wheelchair. They were all laughing at something the
mystery woman had said.
"Toby, come in and meet Kelsey's mom," C.J. said, motioning him into the room.
"Anne Saufl, I'd like you to meet Toby Ziegler, Communications Director," said Leo as he introduced Toby to the woman in the wheelchair. "Toby, this is Kelsey's mother, Anne."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Saufl."
Toby shook the older woman's hand briefly noticing how much Kelsey resembled her mother.
"I'm glad I finally get a chance to meet the man who's been keeping my daughter busy until all hours of the night," Anne remarked, causing Toby's cheeks to turn pink.
"I assure you, it was strictly business."
"That's too bad. She could use more non-business activities in her life."
Leo glanced over at C.J. who was starting to smirk at Anne's remark. He shot her a warning look and then turned on the television.
"The hearing should be starting very soon."
Toby and C.J. sat down on either side of Anne, while Leo sat behind his desk. Josh and Sam entered just prior to the pounding of the gavel.