"Toby,Sam," Leo stated as he wrapped up the staff
meeting. "Make sure that the President and I get a
final look at the speech. I don't want any more 'as I
look out over this magnificent vista' incidents."
Sam sighed inwardly; he was never going to live that
one down. "Okay."
"That's all for now," Leo replied as he stood and
handed a few papers to Margaret.
Seaborn caught Josh in the hallway just outside the
communications bullpen. Sam had noticed during the
meeting that Josh had said barely two words to him or
anyone else for that matter.
"Josh, everything okay?" Sam asked with concern as the
two stood near the wall.
"Yeah, why?" Lyman replied. He had realized during the
meeting that one of the things that had bothered him
most about the Donna/Sam discovery was that Sam hadn't
told him about it. Josh thought they were friends,
some might even say best friends.
Sam leaned against the wall. "You seemed distant
during the meeting."
Josh shrugged, "You know me,Sam, not enough hours in
the day to include both work and sleep."
Sam nodded and moved away from the wall. "Okay, if
you're sure."
"Yeah," Josh replied quietly as Sam turned and began
to head back toward his office.
"See you at the meeting with Toby," Sam called over
his shoulder.
"What are your intentions toward Donna?" Josh demanded
his question halting Sam in the doorway of his office
and bringing activity in the bullpen to a dead halt.
Sam was more than aware of the sudden quiet as he
turned to face Josh,"What are you talking about?"
Josh closed the space between them but didn't lower
his voice. He hadn't meant to confront Sam about this,
but now that it was out in the open he wanted to
know."I know you two have gone out several times this
week and that's fine. You're both consenting adults,
what you do outside of this office is none of my
business. I love you like a brother, Sam, but I
know your track record with women. If you hurt her
you'll have me to answer to."
For once Sam was at a loss for words. If Josh only
knew how far off the mark he was about this. But he'd
made a promise to Donna that he wouldn't say anything.
So for now Josh would have to be left in the dark.
"You're right, Josh, it is none of your business," Sam
replied tersly before turning on his heel and storming
back into his office slamming the door behind him.
end of part 3 TBC