Apartment        Daylight Series 9/?

By: chipmunk

Pairing: Leo/Margaret

Rating: TEEN  - P&SC  (See Rating Chart Below)

Spoilers: None

This is AU, doesn't matter the year or the situation.

 Beta and Mentor By: Lee      [email protected]

Without Prejudice, the names of all characters* contained here-in are the

property of NBC, WB, Bravo, A John Wells Prod., from TV show, The West Wing.

They are the creation of Aaron Sorkin.

No infringement of these or any copyrights is intended, and are used here without permission.

No monetary benefit is received or anticipated.

They own them; therefore, they do not belong to me.

I only borrowed them, with my humble thanks to them.

*Any Original Characters developed by me and found in this or any of my fics, belongs solely to me.

***  

Note: A 'grateful' and 'enormous' thanks, to the actors and actresses,

who portray these characters 'brilliantly' and bring them to life in my head. 

*** 

Feedback: I would love it hear your opinion!  PLEASE!  It helps to improve my writing!

Archived at: http://www.geocities.com/chipmunkswhimseys/

Summary: Margaret gets a notice that she has to move and Leo wants to add his opinion to the new apartment requirements.  Josh and Donna volunteer to help out.

Note: At this point in the series, it is assumed that both couples are together.  They are casually touching, trading endearments, and swapping spit.  This fic helps it define the relationship within the couples.

 

~ For his wonderful gift to us of Leo, I humbly dedicate this fic to John Spencer.  ~

 

***********   

 

It's 10:15 Friday evening and Margaret arrives at her apartment to find a bright pink notice taped to her door.  The same notice that's on all the other doors of her floor.  After removing the notice from the door, she reads it, as she is unlocking to let herself in.

 

~~Oh, no, not already?~~  Her mind's in a whirl, ~~I can't do this now.  It's a really bad time at work.  We're so swamped.  Leo will chew me so bad for letting this creep up and catch me by surprise.  I can't take my vacation time now for this.~~  She drops her stuff from work on the top of the desk and moves over to flop onto the couch, with a dejected sigh.  A few quiet tears escape and slide down her cheek, as she rereads the notice: 

 

Dated June 1.

'Occupant, this final notice is to advise you, the tenant, that all tenants must vacate their apartment no later than 30 days of this notice.  Prior notice was given at the first of the year.  Prior notice stated that each floor of this building was being remodeled and as each floor was ready to start construction, occupants would be expected to vacate upon final 30-day notice.  All occupants were required to acknowledge and did comply, in writing, to said prior notice.'

 

~~How can it be so soon!  I know that they started with the top floor, but I didn't notice much construction going on.  I've been at work later in the evenings, these last few months, so I guess that the workers were here during the daytime and that's probably why I didn't notice them.  Good thing that Leo is fond of me now, but he may still kill me.  This is the last thing that we need to deal with now.~~ 

 

She starts to review why she didn't tell Leo. ~~First, I didn't tell him about this at the beginning of the year, since we had so much to deal with at work, with all the new people coming into Office in January.  Second, I thought that I'd have more time till they got down to my floor.  Finally, third, I was so happy that Leo was feeling at home here that moving was the last thing on my mind.~~ 

 

She starts to worry at the ramifications of moving.  ~~I'm going to need time off to 'quickly' hunt for a new apartment and to pack up everything, after I find a place.  Not to mention the move itself.  One good thing is that I cleaned out all the closets and drawers at Christmas time, so I could give the things I didn't need to charity.  That should help cut down on some of the packing.~~ 

 

She earnestly sends up a prayer.  ~~Oh, God, help me.  I'm going to need it.  Just 'when' will I find time to pack.  I may have to give up sleeping altogether.~~ 

 

Still looking at the notice, like it'll give her the answers that she's needing, the tears start to slide quietly down her cheeks again and now, she's feeling a little sorry for herself. 

 

She has the worst luck and with the worst timing.  While Margaret sits in her living room trying to figure out a way to accomplish all the things she needs to do, she just gets sadder thinking of the impossibility of this 'ever' having a good ending. 

 

She reminds herself, ~~I found this apartment just by sheer luck, right before we started working in the White House, just after the election.~~ 

 

She sighs, since she's also aware of the fact, ~~That was when there was a change in the administration staff in DC and they were all moving.  Now it's midterm for most of the officials and the chance that an apartment close to my work coming available will be scarce.  Oh, help!  What will I do?~~ 

 

She tries to not be overwhelmed when she thinks of a new obstacle.  ~~I can't move farther out from work or I'll never get to go home and sleep.  I'll have to start sleeping in my car.~~ 

 

She hears a key in the door.  Her heart drops, as she immediately realizes that she's not going to get a chance to form a strategy, for telling Leo this bit of news.  He's walking in her door at this very moment.  

 

Leo steps in and works at shutting the door behind him.  He's having little trouble getting his key out of the door, since his hands are filled with bags of groceries and to get all of it into the apartment.  Leo's aware of Margaret on the couch, but he's not really looking at her in his trouble.  He's not noticing that she has a dilemma. 

 

Leo immediately starts talking, "Hey, Margaret, I know it's a little late for me to fix dinner, but actually for us, 10pm is an early evening out of the office.  I took the chance that you'd be nice and let me use the kitchen to cook." 

 

Leo is sounding like he's doing an imitation of Margaret's rattling pattern of speech, at this point. 

 

Leo continues right on, since she hasn't interrupted him, "If you were planning on catching up on sleep, I'll be quiet, and leave you some leftovers."

 

When she doesn't answer Leo, yes or no, about him using the kitchen, he sets the groceries on the floor and moves over to stop in front of the couch to see what Margaret's looking at in her hand. 

 

He leans over the coffee table to look at her more closely, since she's so quite and that's not natural for Margaret.  She looks up at him with a woe-begotten look on her face.

 

"Margaret, you look like you just lost your best friend," he quietly states like she can't deny it.  He's concerned about what put it there and how to get that look off her face.

 

"No, Leo.  I'm hoping that my best friend just now walked through the door," she hopefully answers him.

 

He smiles, "That would definitely be me then."  He drops a kiss on her forehead.  "So, Margaret, what's wrong, maybe I can help," he wants to take action and fix it now.

 

Leo sits down on the couch next to her, puts an arm around her, and gently kisses her temple to reassure her that he means it. 

 

She leans into him, unable to resist some small comfort and hands him the notice. 

 

After Leo reads it, he knows what's wrong and he gives her a kiss on the top of her head this time.  He can tell that she's really upset by the notice and he wants her to be reassured that it'll not affect their new relationship.  He then tilts her face up and kisses her on the lips to confirm how he feels about her. 

 

Margaret shyly grins in understanding.  She then tells him about the remodeling project the building has to covert all the apartments into two bedrooms.  With three apartments on each side of the floor, they're tearing out the middle apartment, dividing, and adding it onto the two on either side.

 

"So, now you know, Leo.  I have to quickly look for a new place and it's going to be impossible for several reasons."  Margaret is reviewing them in her head. 

 

Leo can see her concentrating to organize them.  Sometimes, he finds it fascinating to watch.  "Wait, Margaret, before you start listing impossible reasons, let's just stop, take a breather and just think about this." 

 

Leo quickly lists, "First, I'll fix dinner, before we starve.  Second, I think 'you' need a quick bubble bath to regroup."  He's used to giving orders and right now he senses that Margaret needs someone else to make the decisions." 

 

To reassure her, he advises, "Don't worry… just soak.  We'll sound out some of the pros and cons…  We'll work out a plan."  He even warns her, "Just don't go off the deep end about moving."  He's sorry. if she took that last remark as a growl.

 

Leo makes this last statement to appeal to her logical thinking, "I know that at work it's crazy right now.  It never gets any better.  We'll work this out.  As the COS office, we do manage to run the whole White House after all." 

 

Margaret really smiles for the first time since arriving home.  "Sounds like a good advice, Leo.  That's my kind of plan, Leo.  You have a plan that involves a bubble bath and strategy.  I don't think you learned that in the Sit. Room," she teases him.

 

"Nah, Fritz won't share his bubble bath soap… not even with Nancy," he jokes to her, happy to see her smiling. 

 

Margaret smiles wider at that thought.  "Oh, Leo, you make me feel so much better.  I'd have been a wreck all night, if you hadn't come over."

 

"Good, I'll go change into my casual clothes, Margaret, while you get some unmentionables from your room."  Leo gets that playful leering look in his eye.  "I could help you with that, Margaret, if making decisions is a problem for you tonight."  He has a hopeful look on his face, at the end of his offer.  

 

"Leo, you're still pushing your luck, aren't you?"  Margaret shoves him over on the couch, onto his side, as he laughs at the fake mad look on her face.

 

Leo stays leaning over, because he's weak with laughter and he knows she's just going to shove him again, but he rises on one elbow to tease her.  "I'll even help you to choose which scent of bubble bath to use and I can scrub your back for you." 

 

She goes ahead and shoves him back down again, as he's earned it. 

 

Staying down this time, Leo adds, just to really finish her off, "Really, I'm good at decisions.  Just ask the President of the United States."  He sounds like that really is a good thing.

 

"If I ask him, he'll just make a Presidential order for you to help me with my entire bath," she's got them figured out already. 

 

"What are best friends for, Margaret?  Him and you 'are' my best friends you know."  He's laughing even more, as she now whacks him with the throw pillow and he catches it to his hip, so she can't do it again.

 

"Yeah, you two can be a real riot… throwing around Presidential perks," Margaret is just letting Leo know that she's not in the dark, where the two guys are concerned. 

 

She's really enjoying the fun that they're now having together.  Leo would never be this open and relaxed in front of other people.

 

Leo confesses, "We have to have some fun at the White House."  At this point, he's starting to sound like Josh again.  Sometimes Margaret wonders if his claiming Josh, as a son, is wearing off on Leo or vise-versa.  She may have to keep a closer eye on Josh and confer with Donna.

 

For good measure, she whacks her hand on the throw pillow that Leo grabbed when she hit him with it, "Yeah, I bet you guys do, and some of them, Leo, I don't even want to know about."

 

She knows it time to move off the couch, "I'm going to go to my room and get my things.  All by myself, I might add.  So, you better get moving and get changed."

 

Margaret puts a hand on the upper side of his hip, to push herself up off the couch, since he's still half lying down. She adds, before walking out of the room, "You promised to fix dinner, while I'm soaking, Leo," reminding him that he's there for a reason.

 

Leo sits up and stands, but only after Margaret is away from the couch and it's safe for him to move.  He throws the pillow to the end of the couch. 

 

Happy and grinning, he then heads to the bathroom to change into his casual clothes. 

 

A short time later, Leo is putting his suit on a hanger in the bathroom closet, as Margaret enters through the half open door.  Neither feels uncomfortable sharing the room, since Leo has his jeans and t-shirt on.

 

Margaret moves to start the warm water in the tub.  She doesn't ask his advice, as she adds her liquid bath soap and the scent of raspberries fills the air. 

 

Leo's now sitting on the stool in bare feet, watching Margaret and smiling at her familiar tasks, while he starts to put on his thick white socks.  "Not in a hurry for your bath, are you, Margaret, or did you change your mind about me helping to scrub your back?"  He knows that his sarcasm will really 'get' to her and will make her blush at the same time!

 

"Leo, you were dressed decent when I came in here and I suggest you remember how to do your magic quick-change trick, as you're just about to get thrown out of here," she warns him.

 

"I'm going.  I'm going.  You're not being any fun about this," he tries sounding disappointed, but the deep chuckle in his voice gives him away.   

 

"Leo, OUT!"  She always seems to need to say that, when they find themselves in the bathroom together.  She has given up worrying about what sentences said here, might slip out at work, since the senior staff knows about them being a couple. 

 

Leo protests, "I said I'm going.  You're giving me the bum's rush again.  The bath is all yours, 'dear'.  I'll just go to the kitchen and see if I can keep us from starving," he's being sarcastic again, but with a grin. 

 

As Leo starts to shut the door behind him, he turns back and offers, "Just yell, if you need any help."  He chuckles, as she throws her bath puff at him, as he quickly closes the door.

 

Leo checks what he bought at the grocery store and is glad that he picked up some ready-cooked, grilled chicken breast.  He knew that he was running late this evening and besides, it's the vegetables that he really likes to prepare.  ~~I'll fix one of our favorite fast pasta meals with the grilled chicken on the side.  She'll be pleased with that, as long as she has the vegetables fresh cooked. ~~ 

 

Leo unpacks the last of the produce and starts to clean and chop them.  Humming to himself, he contemplates how they're going to achieve finding her a new apartment.  He starts to smile big, as a thought accrues to him.  ~~We could look for a bigger kitchen and dinning room in the new apartment.  Now, just for me to convince Margaret that it'll be worth the extra rent.~~ 

 

Leo shakes his head at his next realistic thought.  ~~I swear, she'd live in a cheap cardboard box, if D.C. were in a warmer climate.  Over the years, I have had to watch that she doesn't take her frugal nature too far.~~

 

He scraps a finished vegetable off the cutting board and into the pan, ~~I wonder what else would be nice to have at the new place?~~  He continues to make a mental list, as he fixes their dinner.

 

Margaret is just dressed, when Leo calls from the kitchen, "You done in there, or did you drown?  I get to do CPR, remember, if you do.  Dinner's just about ready for the table." 

 

He pauses before adding, "I won't laugh if you're really wrinkled all over, from soaking so long in the bubbles."  He knows that she won't be able to resist tearing him for that last remark and that it should speed her to the table.

 

Margaret doesn't disappoint Leo.  She arrives shortly with her head in a towel and wearing her short satin floral robe.  The robe that drives Leo crazy.  "Leo, I'll have you know, the only thing on me that is wrinkled is my palms of my hands and the soles of my feet." 

 

Quickly slipping out of her slipper, she raises her bare foot backwards to show him, which just emphasizes how short the robe is.  "See, these wrinkles will go away, not like some of the wrinkles you have," she grins cheekily at him. 

 

He takes a quick breath and gives a soft sigh, as he looks at her bare legs and feet.  He's really glad that he has a steady hand, since he's holding both dinner plates in his hands, on his way to the table.

 

To cover how she's affecting him, he replies to her playful insult, "Ahh, Margaret, you said you liked the lines on my face.  You said that they make me look distinguished."  

 

Seeing his playful pout, she counters, "I do like your wrinkles," she turns and leans in-between the dinner plates, which he's still holding.  "I like this one," she places a small kiss on the side his face.  "This one," and places a small kiss on other side of his face.  "And especially the ones on your forehead," she kisses them also. 

 

She's boldly being a tease to him and he totally loves it.  She knows she's safe from retaliation, since his hands are full.  Margaret slips out of his reach and sets down in her chair, for Leo to set dinner in front of her. 

 

He reaches in front of her to set her plate down, enjoying that she smells like raspberries and has her head wrapped in a towel. 

 

She has a huge smile on her face.  Pay back can be hell for Leo now.

 

Turning the plate to better display his work, Leo accuses, "You did that just now on purpose, while my hands were full." 

 

Leo says with a grin, to get a little dig in at her.  "I really like that short robe you're wearing.  I think I mentioned that the last time I saw you in it."

 

His voices just purrs to her now, "I know you wear it, just to give my heart a work out."  He knows that will get her blush to come out.  He also knows that he loves coming here to spend time with her.

 

It works!  Margaret now is looking at her plate and not at him, with a nice deep blush on her face. 

 

Refusing to grant him a reply, as she'll save the robe remark, for review later when she's alone.

 

Margaret hesitantly starts the dinner conversation, as Leo sits down.  "Leo, you said that we'd talk about finding me a new apartment over dinner."

 

Hearing her concern, he wants to reassure her, "Ok, Baby, lets get some of the facts lined out.  First, this not your fault, but it's going to happen, we just need a plan.  So, what are some of the facts that we need to keep in mind, as we look for the apartment?"  He's letting her know right up front that he's going to help in her decision.  "What's some of the most important factors to you?" 

 

Thankful of his support, Margaret seriously considers, "Well, Leo, due to type of job I have and the hours we put in, I'd say the most important factor would be location."  She points out, "I can't be 20 minutes away, or I'm going to be sleeping in my car a lot.  I got this place, close to work, on a fluke."

 

"You're right, Margaret, that would definitely be a major point for us to keep in mind.  So, location is first."  He starts their mental list, as they start eating their dinner. 

 

After enjoying a few bites of the pasta meal, to keep them from starving.  He continues, "What next do you want to consider Important?"

 

"Well, Leo, you know how I am, the price and security are big factors to me."  Margaret then adds, "Getting a one-bedroom apartment is preferred, because I hate studio apartments.  They make you feel like your living in a shoe box."  

 

"Ok, Margaret, just what do you pay for this apartment," Leo asks, not to be nosey about her finances.  "So that we have something to use a guideline."

 

Margaret knows that Leo can find out what her paycheck is for, if he doesn't know already, so there's nothing to hide.  She takes the question at face value and reveals, "I pay $1400.00 a month and that includes the water, electric and trash."  Quickly adding, "The phone, cable and Internet are optional and I pay for those.  I also have a parking space." 

 

She continues to explain the situation here, "In this building, this apartment is one of the higher one-bedroom apartments, but they have a few higher priced ones with a laundry closet in them.  I have to do my laundry in the basement, at the public laundry."  She wants to give him all the parameters they need to consider.

 

"So, you want something similar to this apartment," he asks, as a statement.  Trying not to sound like he's rewriting a bill for congress, "Do you know features that you want to add?"  He wants her to list what she wants, before he adds in his opinion.

 

"Just the laundry closet, if possible.  It'd save me some time, which we have precious little of after work," she's trying to rationalize the need and the additional expense.  

 

"Ah, Margaret," he pauses slightly, "can I add some ideas for you to consider?"  He holds up his hand, "You can take them or leave them, it's your apartment that we'll be looking for," he decides it's time for him to put in his ideas.

 

"Ok, Leo, I'll try to keep an open mind for you, but I make the final decision.  I'm the one that's going to be paying the rent there," Margaret gently warns him that she's in charge of the final decision.

 

"All right, Margaret, just remember you promised to keep an open mind.  So, don't say anything till I get done," he warns her in return.  Leo then takes a deep breath, before starting, "I think it'd be nice if you got a little larger kitchen and maybe a small dining area, like you have here, that's not in the kitchen."  He quickly adds why, "I like eating away from the stove." 

 

Margaret smiles at his request that's mainly for his benefit.  "I might consider that."  She sees the stern look on his face.  "I'm sorry, Leo.  You weren't done."

 

Reading her face that she is on to him, he confesses, "Ok, I admit.  It's a given that I think a larger kitchen would be nice, but you promised to hold your opinion till I was finished." 

 

He jumps right in with his next suggestion, to see if she's willing to consider it, "I think would be nice to have an extra bedroom in the new apartment." 

 

"Wait," he holds up a hand to halt her reply.  "'Not' for us to be roomies!"  He pretends to be shocked, holding his hand on his chest.  "Don't deny that's what just crossed your mind.  I can read it on your face." 

 

He continues, as she blushes, "For office use, Margaret.  It would also have an extra closet for me to leave my clothes in." 

 

He holds up his hand again to stop her answer.  'Before you complain about the price, I'd like to add, that I'd be willing to pay for the extra room." 

 

Margaret can't help it, she's going to burst, "Leo, you can't pay me rent, the press would have a field day!!!"  She finishes in a stage whisper, like a reporter will hear her.  "It would look like you were keeping me… if you know what I mean."  Margaret studies her plate intently, since she's embarrassed at what she just implied.

 

He laughs at her fear of discovery, "Margaret, the press is not going to know.  I'll just give you cash at work and you can add it to your rent money."  He now pins her to an answer, "But the real answer that I want to know is...  are you willing to look for a two-bedroom apartment?" 

 

She's looking at him out of the corner of her eye, to see if he's serious, while thinking of the pros and cons.  She unknowingly turns sideways in her chair, crosses her legs, and is gently swinging a bare leg, while considering.

 

Leo's mine, eyes, and breathing are definitely distracted.  ~~I bet she's doing that to make me crazy.  It's working.~~

 

She starts thinking out loud now, "Well, the two bedroom apartments are easier to find.  They're in less demand and having your clothes in a regular closet would better for your suits.  We keep wrinkling them," she smiles to remind him about that and notices that Leo's enjoying the view of her leg. 

 

Without stopping her leg swinging, Margaret still wears a small smile, while trying to logically work this out.  "I could put the desk in there with my laptop on it and get a printer stand for my four-in-one-machine." 

 

Dragging himself back to the conversation, Leo now goes for the real heart of his idea.  "Yeah, but the real reason I wanted you to consider it is, so that I could put a daybed in there."

 

He rattles off all the pros for the bed, as he really wants her to agree.  "You know, for me to use on the few nights I stay over and you could use it for guests.  I could pick up one that has drawers under it, instead of the trundle bed, so there would be extra storage.  Just add a small nightstand and the room can be for both uses." 

 

Margaret twirls her fork on her plate, like she's still considering his idea. 

 

He immediately adds, just to sweeten the offer, to get her to go for the two-bedrooms, "Margaret, I'll even chip in for the laundry closet, if you let me do my unmentionables in it."

 

She's looking at him, like 'he doesn't seriously want me to believe that he knows how to do laundry'.

 

Seeing her look, Leo quickly explains why, "I hate the strong bleach the hotel uses and they have lousy softener."  He sees a surprised look on her face.  Smiling, he adds, "See, I do know about normal things!"  He knows he'll get a smile out of her for that remark, as she thinks he doesn't know about anything but politics. 

 

"I do notice, that when I leave my jeans and sweats here, after wearing them, that you have them fresh and clean the next time I'm here."  He nods in appreciation to her.  "Thank you, Margaret."

 

How can she say no to him?  This is the first step that he's taken, of any kind, to establish himself outside of that damn hotel.  Her dreams are starting to come true. 

 

He wants to stake a small area for himself in her apartment and she's thrilled, but does not want to sound too eager.  "Yeah, that does sound nice, Leo.  You really do need to have a regular bed at night.  With your job, you can't afford to have a bad night on the couch, not that you would on my wonderful couch.  ~~If I thought he'd not rest on the couch, I would have traded with him.~~  Leo, you do need your rest every night you can get it," reminding him that he doesn't sleep enough, with work the way it is. 

 

Margaret continues to review the pro and cons of his idea, "You know, Leo, you cheat."  She gives him a pointed look, "You're not even going to let me complain about the cost.  You're wanting to pay for the extra room." 

 

She adds another thought, "The two bedroom apartments are usually a lot nicer set up also, with a separate kitchen not just a kitchen nook."  She's weakening and starting to be swayed to accept his idea.

 

"See, Margaret that might be a nicer option.  As for me sleeping in a regular bed…  I was fine sharing yours, while we cuddled."  He grins at her innocently in remembrance. 

 

He continues, before he gets into 'real' trouble and she digs in her heels against the idea of the second room.  "Like you said, Margaret, you get precious few hours in the apartment during the week, but we really enjoy it on the weekends."

 

Leo drops in his last strategy to tease her with a straight face," I don't see a problem, unless you're ashamed to have me 'seen' coming and going from a two bedroom apartment."

 

'Leo, that comment 'will' get you into trouble."  Like I'd be ashamed of you for any reason," she says that like, 'are you kidding'.  She wouldn't change after all these years.   

 

"I just couldn't resist, Margaret," he's grinning at her.  "Now, for the issue with the press.  They haven't bothered us here," he points out.  'When they find out that we're a couple, they're going to say something about me coming here anyway.  I really 'do not' care," he sounds like he's ready to take them on.  "The press is just going to have to get over it."  He leans over to give her a kiss full on the lips, to show her he means it. 

 

Giving into his opinion of the press, since she's going to let him handle them.  She gets back into the apartment details, "Leo, that adds to our list of location, two bedrooms and a laundry closet.  Most apartments in D.C. now are Internet connection ready, so that would help us for work." 

 

She notices that his expression changes, "Don't give me that innocent look, Leo McGarry.  I admit, you've been trying to keep work away from here, but if it means the difference between you working at the office or working here.  I think 'here' would be more restful for you.  So, long as we don't put in a full second day here, in the evening, I can make the adjustment." 

 

She sets the ground rules, "Just remember, I get to yell at you in the apartment and you yell at me at work."  She grins at him, "Deal?"

 

"Deal," he agrees and adds a condition of his own about working at the apartment.  "Only, if I get to bring over a desk top computer, instead of trying to work on your laptop.  The computer that I need is more secure than yours." 

 

Leo explains, "Ron Butterfield is the one that makes sure that it is secure, so I'll just tell him I need a second one for here and he'll arrange it.  I can have him wait till you get moved to install it." 

 

Leo grins and honestly adds, "Plus, I'm sure that you don't want me messing with your computer and possibly crash it."

 

Margaret asks, with a slightly startled look, "Ron knows that you're regularly spending time here… at my apartment?"  It just seems unusual to her somehow, but she knows that the Secret Service has to keep tabs on Leo, in case of a National emergency.  It just never occurred to her, as a factor in Leo being here so much.

 

Leo nods and answers, "Sure, remember that Abby's detail was here, when she dropped in to see you.  Besides, Ron would check with you first, if he couldn't find me," he states the obvious.

 

"I'll remember to keep my clothes on when you're here then, in case they need to storm the place to retrieve you," she states sweetly, as she looks at him. 

 

He gives her a look like, 'that's not funny, Margaret'.  It kinda puts a dent in his future plans.

 

Seeing his unhappy look with her tease, she relents, "The computer is fine, Leo.  The biggest question right now is where will I start to look for a new place?"

 

She's not hesitant to point out, "When we arrived in D. C. at the start of the administration, you and Jenny already had a place in the area.  I got this place real quick from someone that the previous tenants and I both knew.  So, neither of us has ever looked in DC for a place to rent before."

 

Leo has an idea, "Well, Margaret, I know that Mallory started her search once with Rent.com on the Internet, to get an idea of what was available.  You know, like what the prices and options are.  We could try that too."

 

He sees Margaret yawn, as she considers his suggestion and comments, "It's getting late, and after your 'wrinkle' remark, I need my beauty sleep."  He adds his plan of action for tonight, "Let's clear all this away from dinner, and quickly write out a list of options that you're looking for.  Tomorrow evening, we'll fire up your laptop and see what we can find.  Sooner is better, right?"

 

Margaret agrees, "You're right, Leo.  My 30-day notice ends on the first of July.  I have to be moved in and partly set up at the new apartment by then."

 

She adds to remind him, "You know that the President will keep us tied up, all through the first week in July, with his 4^th of July barbeque.  So, I need to hustle for a place immediately."

 

****   

 

Saturday evening in Leo's office

 

"Margaret," Leo calls loudly.  He wants her to come to his office, but as it isn't work related, he doesn't quite bellow!

 

"You need me, Leo," she asks automatically, not stopping till she's in front of his desk.

 

"All the time, Margaret," he answers with a grin.

 

 She rests the notepad in her hand, on the top of his desk and grins back at him.  "I'll keep that in mind for later, Leo."  She's being subtle about his personal remark in the office.  She then asks, since he's willing to be in a non-work mood,  "You're coming over tonight to look at Rent.com with me, right?"

 

"Yes, Margaret, I plan on it, especially since I get to cook two nights in a row."  He closes the folder he was reading.  He comes up with a different dinner suggestion where he still gets to prepare vegetables.  While he hands her the folder, he shares his idea.  "How about us fixing tacos tonight?  It's something quick and easy.  I can have mine hot and you can be a sissy."  He likes to tease her about the fact that she can't stand the 'heat' in her food and he has a cast-iron stomach.

 

"Fine by me, Leo, I'll set out the antacid tables," she has that 'we'll see' sound to her voice.  "It may be a long night!  I wouldn't want you to suffer, Leo." 

 

"Save them for yourself," he recommends.  "I'll not be needing them," he smirks at her, as in we'll see who can take the heat.

 

He gets back to their plans for finding her a new apartment, "Now, about your problem of having to find a new apartment.  I warned the President that we'd be pulling long days, or nights actually, at your place to deal with this."  Leo looks at the top of his desk like it's really interesting and sounds like he's confessing a bad thing.  "I mentioned that I might redirect some of the workload around, so that we're not here till midnight every night during the next month."  He looks at Margaret to see if she's ready to call the men in the white coats for him.  ~~She must think I'm now out of my mind.  She won't believe I gave up any control as C.O.S.~~ Seeing the slightly shocked look on her face, Leo tries to smooth the look by revealing, "The President agrees.  He says it's about time I let someone else have a try at running the White House and quit trying to do all by ourselves."  Leo looks at the ceiling, as he remembers the delight his friend took in that comment.  "He thought he was being very funny, but I didn't think so." 

 

Margaret grins and agrees, "I just bet he did, Leo, good thing he took it well."  She just has to teases him, "By telling him you're easing off on the workload, you might have scared him," Margaret is happy, since she'll gets more time with Leo.

 

Leo breathes a sigh of relief, now that he broke the news to her.  He's worked out a way for them to have extra time and she took it well, judging by her happy face.  Leo was afraid she'd balk at them rearranging work to help her. 

 

"Monday, I'll inform the senior staff that I'm willing to share the load, just for a little while and I plan on telling them why."  He grins at her and explains with a pleased sound to his voice, "They know, that when you're upset that I'm upset, so I'm positive that they'll be supportive in this," he has a confident look on his face.

 

"Leo, you make it sound like a threat to them, instead of them helping us," she's not sure she wants their help that way.

 

"Just one of my perks, Margaret."  Leo looks like he enjoys this part of his job. 

 

He has another idea that she might like better, "How do you feel about dragging Josh and Donna into helping us?"  He looks at her for approval and he then rationalizes, "We're going to need help at the apartment to accomplish getting you moved in less than a month."  He gives his opinion, while waiting for hers, "I think they'd be 'willing' to help out."

 

She knows he's trying to persuade her, "Yes, that sounds like a good idea to me.  The more help, the easier the move will be," she definitely agrees, especially since Donna and Josh are good friends to them.

 

"OK, next time we see them, we'll ask them."  He gets back to office work.  "What have we got left for the day?"

 

"'Not much, Leo."  She answers him, as she looks at the days schedule clipped to her notepad.  "We're still waiting for Senator Mann to return your call, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening this weekend."  He looks at her, lost as to why she thinks that.  She rolls her eyes and explains, "It's graduation weekend, and the politicians have all returned to their districts to smooze with the voters at Grad ceremonies.  The hill is practically deserted."  ~~Now we're back to the basics again and I'll have to tell him what day it is or what month! ~~

 

(Soda warning!!!  Recommended by my beta reader for the next half page.  Thanks Lee!)

 

"OK, screw the senator," Leo snaps, knowing that she's right and waiting for a call that's not going to happen, is a waste of both their time.

 

With a straight face, she gives him a deadpan answer, "I don't think so, Leo."

 

"Margaret," he roars  "Not like that," Leo looks shocked, as if he can't believe she took him seriously.  Like he'd suggest that she sleep with someone else.

 

"What, Leo?  You said it, not me."  She innocently looks at him like don't blame me.  "I just refused your suggestion, it's not in my job description."

 

"Margaret," he growls.  Leo adds, for her ears only in a stage whisper, "I do 'not' want you to… you know… with anyone."  He blows his breath out like, 'did she really take me seriously'.  He seriously looks at her to gage her mood.

 

"Is present company excluded?"  Margaret asks, sounding so sincere.  "Here I thought that we were getting along so well." 

 

She pauses and doesn't look him in the eye, because she'd never get the next sentence out, if she did, "I guess then that I'll be the one needing that cold shower, one of these days."

 

"Margaret?"  He pauses, "You're going to get some mileage out of this, aren't you?"  He can tell he's just boxed himself into a corner. 

 

Leo decides that since he's a man of action, action is what's called for.  He slowly rounds his desk, his eyes targeted on her and Margaret can see the gleam in his eye. 

 

"Leo, you wouldn't?  Not here!  I said the hill was deserted, not the White House, someone might come into your office."  She abandons her notepad on the desk.

 

Leo just grins at her, time to get a little payback in.  He has her escape route to her office cut off and she's cornered in the sitting area, with just the door to the Oval office available and she's not going to just run in there.

 

"I think I can convince you that present company 'is' definitely excluded."  He gives her his best, crooked grin, "We have a cozy couch right here after all," he reminds her in a playful threat.  "If you're that much in a hurry, Margaret?"

 

"I'm convinced already, Leo."  Looking over her shoulder, to see where she's backing up to.  "I'm not it a hurry.  Just remember, Leo, the last time you got carried away here in your office, the President walked in on us.  He might get mad this time."  She's now past the couch and is backed up again his soft chair in front of the window. 

 

"So what, if he walks in on us necking?  He likes you," he nods quickly to the side, "not as much as I do, but I can guarantee that he'll approve." 

 

Leo smiles softly, "You trust me?"  He reaches for her and she smiles back, moving into his arms.  Their lips join for a much-needed respite from the craziness of the White House and to get lost for just a moment in a world of their own. 

 

"Hey, Leo," Josh, with Donna at his back, bounces in unannounced, as is his bad habit.  "See, Donna, I told you they were hiding in here," Josh is so pleased that he could make Leo and Margaret spring apart. 

 

Leo turns to face the seeming intruders, "Josh, do you have to do that, every time we get a quiet moment around here," Leo growls at him, but he's not really mad at Josh, more exasperated with him.  It's like your kid walking in on you and then making fun of you."

 

"Sure, Leo, it's one of my new perks."  He sounds so pleased with himself.  "I catch you two kissing whenever possible and see if I can make you jump apart."  Josh admits this and just to rub it in. "I'm keeping track, by the way.  I'm up to three times this week now!  Next week I'm trying for four," he lets his anticipation shine on his face, his dimples are really showing.

 

"Well, Josh, I'll try to keep that in mind and see if we can be of any assistance to you," is Leo's sarcastic reply, but he chuckles afterwards, to let Josh know that it would not be a hardship to help.  Leo slips his arm around Margaret's waist and she slips hers around his, under his coat, as she gives Leo a doubtful look.

 

"Great, thanks, Leo," Josh innocently replies, implying that would be helpful.

 

"Ouch!"  The two male voices complain at the same time. 

 

Margaret has just pinched Leo on his side and he grabs at the pain, like he's looking for blood.  With her hand still inside of his coat, she easily managed get to him through his shirt. 

 

Donna is bolder, since she couldn't give the much-needed whack to Josh on the back of his head, she goes for a more tender area and pinches him on the back of his thigh.  Donna probably removed some leg hair at the same time, indicated by the way Josh buckled the leg so quickly.  The women definitely know how to keep the guys in line.

 

The guys both look astounded at their assistants.  Wondering if it's safe to point out that attacking their bosses at work might be a bad thing to try.  The males then look at each other and communicate by eyesight that it would probably go worse for them to point that out.  It can get mighty lonely at home, all by yourself, on a Saturday night. 

 

Leo decides to quickly change the subject.  He's not about to share what he and Margaret were doing when the younger couple walked in.  "Josh, luckily, you two are just the people we wanted to talk to."

 

"See, Donna, he's not mad we barged in," Josh says this, as he moves out of Donna's arm reach.  "What do you need us for, Leo?"

 

"We need your help in finding Margaret a new apartment," Leo announces, like this is going to be fun and easy.

 

"What's wrong with her old apartment," is Josh's dumb question, before he can stop himself.

 

Leo answers him like he might really be a kid, "They're going to remodel it, and Margaret's floor is next."  He let's them in on the best of the news, "The bad part is that she only has 30 days to vacate."

 

"Wow, that is short notice," Donna's amazed at the short time frame.  She knows Margaret must be going crazy about now, trying to move in 30 days.

 

Margaret nods her OK, for Leo to continue with informing Josh and Donna, of her dilemma.

 

Leo explains some of the details, "Well, they did inform the tenants at the first of the year, but the construction crew is ahead of schedule and it caught Margaret off guard." 

 

He continues telling them what plans they have made so far on the apartment search, "We're going to look at Rent.com tonight on the Internet and see what's available for her."  He adds why, "Mallory used it last time she moved and was please with it."

 

"That sounds neat," Donna is impressed and she loves to research on the Internet.  "That way you can weed out the ones you don't want and just look at the ones that fit her needs."

 

Margaret has a great suggestion, "Leo, how about they come over to my place tonight and check out what we find on the apartments.  We can feed them tacos and discuss what we need to do." 

 

She adds the part the females will like best, "Maybe a movie afterwards?  A nice quiet evening with friends really sounds great," she adds this to convince Leo, who really doesn't need convincing, when it comes to movies.

 

"You two game enough to eat what I cook?"  Leo makes it sound like a boastful challenge.

 

"You got hot sauce for the tacos," Josh asks like that's the decision making point.

 

"Yes, of course I do, Josh," he reassures him.  "Margaret has the antacids ready for herself; she's a sissy with hot food," he teases her in front of the other two.

 

"I can tell it's going to be a long night if he's already teasing me."  She directs her statement to Donna, "To be honest, the way he eats hot sauce, he needs a fire extinguisher.  You should see what he does to a Mexican omelet."

 

"Oh, boy, Leo.  My kind of food, blazing hot!!"  Josh whole-heartedly agrees with Leo's food choice.

 

"Not mine," Donna defends her mild eating habits.  "I'm with Margaret.  I don't like to inflict pain on myself."  She glances at Margaret with an understanding look,

 

Margaret shakes her head at the two grinning men, but states to Donna, "They must be related by blood somehow, or it must really be a 'guy' thing?" 

 

Donna voices her own disbelief, "I don't under stand it, Margaret.  Josh's stomach can't tolerate much alcohol, but hot and spicy are just fine."

 

"Well, everyone."  Leo gets their attention, "It's six o'clock now and since its Saturday, how about we call it an early evening at work?  Wrap up what we're all doing and we'll meet you two at Margaret's at 7:30." 

 

Smiling he adds, looking at Donna to tease her, "Tonight is definitely casual attire."

 

"Leo, casual attire?"  Josh can't believe he's hearing correctly.

 

"'Don't worry, Josh," Leo calms him.  " Donna has already seen me in my jeans.  She'll not be shocked and appalled."

 

"Leo wearing jeans," Josh's still amazes at the thought of Leo that relaxed.  "I can't ever remember you in jeans," he looks at Leo with a smile.  "I'm definitely going to be there."

 

"Yes, Leo in jeans and a t-shirt," Margaret confirms for Josh. 

 

Donna smiles remembering the conversation the women had the day she visited Margaret and Leo was there.

 

"He's looks even better in sweats," Margaret can't resist adding, like she's gossiping to Donna.

 

"I get to bring my sweats too then," Josh pipes up.  "Sounds like my kind of movie watching." 

 

"Sure, Josh, whatever you're comfortable in, it'll be just the four of us there."  She smiles thinking ahead to the evening.  ~~Leo and Josh are so alike.  It'll be just like a family night. ~~ 

 

Margaret teases, "Josh, Donna has seen you in less, when you've been sick, so she'll not be shocked seeing you in sweats," she lets him know that he's not safe either, from the teasing.

 

"I wasn't surprised or impressed either," Donna can't resist getting a dig in at Josh's ego.

 

Leo just laughs at the hurt look on Josh's face. 

 

Margaret's proud at the way Donna works Josh.

 

"Donna, I thought you liked my manly physic."  He sounds wounded, so he bends his arm to show his muscle. 

 

"Sure, Josh, you're a real he-man and you won't even move a box of files for me," she rolls her eyes at him and his antics.  It may be a long night for her, she can just tell.

 

"Hey, it's not in my job description," he's making a feeble excuse, which Donna is not buying.

 

"Let's go Josh," Donna turns him toward the door.

 

Josh and Donna head for the door and Donna confirms while pushing Josh out ahead of her, "We'll see you two at 7:30, at Margaret's.  I'll even let Josh bring his sweats.  He has to have his way some of the time." 

 

Just to make Josh crazy she adds, "I'll pack a bag for me, with something nice to wear.  Sounds like fun!!" 

 

Josh turns back to her, with an interested look on his face, wondering just how nice.

 

Leo calls after them, "Hey Donna, bring soda.  Josh won't like the healthy stuff Margaret has."  This earns Leo a poke in the ribs. 

 

He looks at Margaret with at phony hurt look and defends what he recommended.  "Well, it's the truth and he won't drink beer in front of me, even though I told him several times that it's OK."  He rubs the area she poked, "You know, Margaret, I might have bruises now?"

 

"That's OK, Leo, I'll kiss them better," she assures him.

 

"Promises, Promises."  He has a flash of inspiration and with his leering grin on adds, "I better get to your place early tonight to change then."

 

"You're welcome there anytime, Leo, and you do have a key," she reminds him, not a bit worried about his suggestive look.

 

"I'm going to have to take you up on that more often, Margaret.  Late at night worked out pretty well for me one time," he smirks.

 

"You're pushing it, Leo," she has a laugh in her voice, as she warns him.  He tries this tactic all the time.

 

"Yeah, I never know when I might get lucky," he replies hopefully.  At her look he admits, "OK, so it's not going to be tonight either," he states the obvious. 

 

She strokes his cheek tenderly and states, "I don't want you to stop trying, Leo.  You do wonders for my ego!"

 

He lets out the breath he was unknowingly holding at her touch, "Start clearing up the paperwork, and I'll finish my files and check with the President."

 

He moves over to his desk to check what files still need his attention.  "That should take us about 30 minutes and then we can stop at the grocery for more vegetables," is his plan. 

 

"Leo, you brought vegetable last night," she points out.

 

"Those were another type of vegetables" He nods his head slightly, "we need different ones for tacos.  And more hot sauce for Josh, I'm not sharing," he sounds greedy. 

 

"Good, then I want to pick up lots of shredded cheese for Donna's and my tacos," she gives in to the stop at the Grocery store.

 

"Oh, shredded cheese does sound good.  Remember to get enough for Josh and me also," he adds, so the guys aren't left out.

 

"You two would eat the kitchen sink, if there was nothing else left.  We better grab snacks too.  I do need some eggs for tomorrow morning," she adds to the growing list.

 

"Tomorrow, Margaret?  Is that an offer for me to cook breakfast?" he has that hopeful sound again.

 

"We'll see how it goes, Leo.  Depends on how good you are tonight," she half promises. 

 

"I can be real good," he gives her a quick kiss, as she picks up her notepad from his desk.

 

"Leo, get started on your files," she tries to sound stern, but fails, as she's cheerfully heading to her office to get things put away for the weekend.

 

****    

 

* In the car traveling to Margaret's apartment, after stopping at the grocery store.  * 

 

Margaret voices a wish.  "Leo, I really hope the next apartment building has an elevator.  It would be so much easier, with the way you keep loading us down with enough groceries for an army on the weekends."  She couldn't help from teasing him 'again' for the way he goes through a grocery store.  He can fill a cart in no time flat.  He really enjoys buying food, like it's a hobby or a challenge to him.

 

Leo seriously asks, "Margaret, have you ever seen Josh eat in the evenings?  As a teenager, his parents could hardly keep enough groceries in the house."  Leo can remember a lanky kid full of energy.  "I still don't know were, at the time, he put it all."

 

"He was just a typical teenage boy, Leo.  Boys tend to eat their way through high school," Margaret assures him.  "You just raised a delicate girl and not boys." 

 

Just to make his point to Margaret Leo adds, "His Mom even said Josh was so bad, it was like when he was an infant again.  He still had to eat every two hours, the whole time he was awake."  Leo goes back to the Josh they know now, "So, let me warn you, Josh may sincerely be helping us out due to friendship, but it'll cost us in groceries."

 

"Leo, he can't be that bad?"  She laughs, thinking about Josh's eating habits now.  "He's just like you, Leo.  Donna has to keep him fed everyday or he would starve or live on coffee." 

 

Leo just makes a gruff sound, not willing to comment on the truth about himself.

 

Margaret, still with laughter in her voice, "Maybe back in high school, Josh was stocking up for the time he would be working in the White House."

 

"We'll see, Margaret, but I warned you."  Leo decides to reveal his close personal opinion of Josh, "He's always been fond of refrigerators." 

 

Margaret can't help but chuckle delightfully at Leo's comment.

 

Leo is trying to sound serious to her, while listening to Margaret's enjoyment of his statement.  "Josh ranks them just about as important as his home stereo.  He's 'still' a teenager at heart." 

 

She sarcastically, but teasingly, points out.  "That's a great opinion to have about the White House's Deputy Chief of Staff, Leo."  She now adds her opinion, "I'm glad Josh is still like that, after the stress of the White House, but let's not let the press know your personal opinion," She teases Leo. 

 

"Seriously, Leo, with your worry lines," She smiles over at him, "you could take a page from Josh's book on controlling stress."

 

He glances a smile at her and looks back to the traffic, "I'm doing better at relaxing at your place, Margaret."  Remembering the playful fun that they have there.  "Don't you think I am?"   

 

They arrive at the parking lot of Margaret's Building.  Leo turns off the car key and looks hopefully over at Margaret.  "We could neck like teenagers later tonight and work on reducing our stress levels?"  He looks at her suggestively and gives her a quick kiss, to try and sway her answer.

 

"We'd better get you inside, Leo," Margaret suggests, as she scans around outside the car windows.  "We may get an audience, if you keep looking at me like that."  She gives him a pointed 'you know' look, "No necking outside, remember, Leo?"

 

He grins with his answer, "Fine, necking 'inside' works for me and the 'kids' aren't here yet!  We can be alone for a little while," Leo is totally agreeable with her plan.  Since she just talked her way right into his way of thinking.

 

She sternly sets him straight on what they need to do with a new rule, "Kitchen first, Leo.  Necking later, maybe." 

 

She can just see Leo's mind working. 

 

"You may be right, Margaret."  Leo agrees with a smile and he seems in a hurry now to get inside the apartment.  "Josh will need to eat upon arrival," he flips, as a weak excuse for his impatience. 

 

*****    

 

They finally get in the apartment with their load of groceries and after setting them on the kitchen counters, Margaret turns to leave the room, wanting to go change clothes, before the others get there. 

 

Leo grabs her wrist and turns her back to him and wraps his arms around her.  The next thing she knows, he has her locked into a passionate kiss that takes her breath away.

 

Coming up for air Margaret exclaims, "Leo, I thought the necking was on hold, until later tonight?" 

 

"No.  You said, and I quote, 'kitchen first, necking later," he calmly points out to her the flaw in her rule.  "We 'are' in the kitchen and this 'is' later than before."  He smirks a grin at her since he's right.

 

She smiles back at him in her defeat, "Leo, now I know how you got us in the White House.  You can get anyone to agree to your point of view."

 

 He grins with a look that's saying, 'of course'.  "Yeah.  Well, now I'm feeling all the stress again, since you mentioned it."  He pulls her into another kiss. 

 

Margaret breaks again, for air, her heart doing a strange tattoo beat,  "When I said later, Leo.  I meant really later, like in late tonight," she thinks it's time to revise her rule or they won't be stopping anytime soon.

 

"I'm not complaining about the timing."  Leo has an innocent look on his face, while he's gazing at her lips, "I'm willing to kiss you now and later," Leo is in a helpful mood and is still winning his point.

 

"Leo, this is 'not' getting us changed into our casual clothes and getting dinner started, before they get here.  I need to change and so do you," Margaret is trying to get Leo's mind back to the evenings schedule and off the kissing.  She needs to be focusing on something else, also.

 

Leo has her still caught loosely in the circle of his arms, as she pulls back.  "We can help each other to change, if it will make you happy and expedite the process," he volunteers, with a pleased look on his face at his suggestion.

 

"Leo, out!"  She then folds her arms in front of her, between them, waiting for him to comply. 

 

He let's her go.  "Again, Margaret?"  Leo has a hangdog look on his face, "You keep throwing me out of rooms, but this is the first time you've thrown me out of the kitchen." 

 

His head pops up and he tilts his head to the side and points out to her, "Remember, Margaret, you said it was my kitchen when I'm here."  He places his hand, spread wide, on his chest, like he has rights.  "So, you're throwing me out of my own kitchen." 

 

Margaret drops her arms and looks at the ceiling and then at him, "Leo, It's going to be a long night.  I can just tell, since you're in such a good mood.  Right?"

 

Leo starts for the bathroom to change his clothes and he throws back over his shoulder to her, "The longer with you, Margaret, the better."

 

"Oh, Leo.  You say the nicest things when I least expect them."  She softly answers back to him and she watches him leave with a happy smile.  Anticipating the evening that they are going to share with friends and the time that they'll spend together later. 

 

She heads to her room to change.  ~~I'd better move myself.  Leo will be returning any minute, since he's fast at changing.  He'll want to get back to his kitchen.  Yes, I know.  It's his kitchen when he's here at the apartment.~~ 

 

She thinks back to the first time he used her kitchen and at the time, it seemed a dream come true for her.  It still does!

 

Shortly, after changing, they're both in the kitchen getting dinner started, when the doorbell rings.  Leo's stirring the lean ground chuck that he's making for the tacos and Margaret is putting taco shells on a plate to heat in the microware when needed. 

 

She knows better than to touch Leo's vegetables.  He can chop 'his' vegetables when he has the taco seasoning simmering in the beef.  "I'll get the door, Leo.  It has to be them." 

 

Margaret moves to the front of the apartment, enjoying the Kenny G music that she started, before going to the kitchen to help Leo.  Which she knows, he grudgingly lets her help.  He is very possessive of his time in the kitchen.

 

Margaret peeks out the security port in the door and it's Josh and Donna on the other side.  She swings the door wide,  "Hey you two!  We were listening for you to arrive." 

 

Margaret notices that they took Leo at his word.  "Josh, Leo's in the kitchen.  You can take your soda in and put it into the fridge."  She smiles big and jokes with Josh.  "Leo warned me that you check the location of the fridge first when you arrive, so you won't starve." 

 

Josh's grinning and his dimples are in full force, "He knows me too well.  Eating 'is' one of my favorite pastimes."  That may be a statement or a warning.  Either is OK! 

 

"Don't worry," Margaret giggles at his honesty.  "We stopped at the grocery store on the way here and Leo bought enough food for an army." 

 

She rolls her eyes at Donna and they grin at each other, in remembrance of when Donna had to help him in with the grocery bags.  She informs Josh why they are grinning, "Donna has seen the amount of food Leo brings in for a weekend." 

 

Donna confirms, "You won't starve, Josh, believe me, if Leo did the shopping," She notes the pleased look on Josh's face. 

 

"All right, food feast tonight," Josh declares and he heads to the kitchen to find Leo and the fridge.

 

Margaret and Donna just grin at his happy mood.  Josh's needs seem to be simple tonight, food, and friends, plus down time.

 

Donna remarks, "This is a much needed break and will be a really good evening for Josh.  He needs to unwind almost as much as Leo does."  She's sure about this.  "I absolutely forbid him to look at a file folder tonight," she confesses.

 

Margaret peeks toward where the guys are in the kitchen and listens to make sure that they're busy, "Donna, bring your bags.  We'll drop Josh's bag off in the bathroom.  Then we'll go to my room, and you can let me see what you brought to change into for the movie.  You can help me pick out something to drive Leo crazy!"  

 

"Margaret, you 'do' want to live dangerously," Donna cheerfully points out in warning.  "This 'is' Leo McGarry you're playing with."

 

Margaret just smiles sweetly and reveals one of the holds she has on Leo, "Yeah, I know, but I have noticed that he's 'so' into lingerie and I think he really prefers satin." 

 

Donna eyes light up with interest.

 

 Margaret admits further,  "I have a short satin robe that just makes him catch his breath," she confides to Donna with a womanly smirk.

 

"No," Donna's amazed by this unbelievable, but very interesting fact.  Impressed that Margaret's able and daring enough to use this information, to work on Leo.

 

"Really!  I've caught him doing it!  Oh, Donna, its so much fun."  Margaret describes his reaction, "His eyes just smolder, and his breathing gets shallow."  Margaret remembers with a grin and Donna grins with her.  Enjoying the bonding of the Sisterhood that's alive and working well here.

 

Donna digs into her bag and pulls out a pink stretchy, sleep tank top and dark pink swirled satin pants.  "Hey, Margaret!"  Donna asks, "Wonder if Josh likes satin too?"  She giggles and Margaret joins her, enjoying the thought.  They are so bad and payback of any kind to the guys is fair game.

 

"Oh, Donna, I just remembered.  I have satin sleep pants also and the same type of form fitting top, in white.  We can really make them crazy.  The long satin pants will keep us covered decent and the tops will drive them wild." 

 

'I'm game," Donna agrees with her.  "Josh will just drool."  Very confident that she can make Josh have difficulty breathing.

 

"Leo just gives me such a look and I just melt," Margaret anticipates his reaction.

 

The girls laugh at the reactions they know that the guys will respond with.

 

Donna figures Josh has been in the kitchen long enough to be starving, being that close to food.  "We better go check on the guys, before Josh goes ahead and eats without us."

 

****   

 

In the kitchen, while the girls were in the bedroom discussing the guys.  Leo is just adding the seasonings to the beef.  That is after he'd removed the excess grease, which Margaret insists that he do for his cholesterol level.  

 

"Hey, Leo!"  Josh greets him, as he breezes into the room and aims straight to the fridge. 

 

Leo looks over his shoulder with a smile.  He sure has Josh pegged. 

 

Josh explains what he's doing with his head all ready in the fridge, "I brought the soda that you recommend and Donna wanted us to grab some chips and dip for later," he lets Leo know what all he brought.  

 

"Good, since you'll be ready for your next two hour feeding, by the time we get to the movie," Leo teases him with an old joke of Noah's.

 

"I'm not that bad, Leo!"  Grinning he reminds Leo, "Dad just said than when we traveled.  Josh is so happy that he has someone in his life that will remember his family life with him.

 

Just to prove that he can be generous Josh reveals, " I'll be nice tonight and I'll share.  I insisted to Donna on us buying the ex-large tub of dip."  Josh adds to refresh Leo on which one they picked up.  "It's that wonderful dill one that CJ always has when we go over to her place.  The one she gets from Blackburn's deli.  We just got in the door, before they closed for the evening."

 

"Oh, that is great dip."  He looks at Josh with mock threat, "You'd better share it." 

 

Josh looks at the doorway and listens, "Wonder what the girls are giggling about?" 

 

Leo states, "Us, if I know my Margaret and I do."

 

"Yeah, Donna loves to drag me over the coals with Margaret."  Josh lowers his voice to Leo, so he's not overheard.  "When they're talking in the mess, I see the looks the Sisterhood fling my direction, when I pass them." 

 

Josh looks at the doorway again, as he hears the girls laughing.  He does a fake shutter, "Makes a guy uneasy at times."  He adds, "Makes you wonder what the Sisterhood is up to."  

 

"The Sisterhood is a dangerous thing, Josh, but we love to play with danger."  Leo looks at the doorway also, "I guess we'll find out sometime tonight." 

 

Still listening, as he continues to watch the simmering food, Leo warns, "I hear them coming, now."  He hands the large spoon to Josh, "Here, you stir this and I'll get the vegetables chopped, so we can eat." 

 

"Good, I'm starving."  Josh readily agrees to help, before the girls get there.  He doesn't want to look totally useless in a kitchen.

 

****  

 

"Hey, Leo," Margaret protests looking at Josh at the stove, "You're letting him help you and I'm lucky to be allowed in the kitchen."

 

"Well, the way you two women were giggling in your room, I figured I needed all the male reinforcements I could gather around me," Leo defends his decision.

 

Donna grins at Josh and reveals, "Leo, you 'do' realize that Josh doesn't know how to cook?"

 

"He should be OK."  Leo glances at Josh, just to check, "he's just stirring the beef and the seasons around."  Leo now states, "He's not too young to learn how to and if he dumps it on the floor…  we'll fix a new batch," Leo logically points out.  

 

Josh tries to defend himself, "Nothing like a little confidence there, Leo.  You know, I was a Fulbright Scholar and I'm your Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House."

 

Josh looks at Donna and mock whispers, "I'm not an idiot here!  I 'can' do simple cooking."

 

She grins at him, "Yes, Joshua, real simple.  You boil water and everything else goes into the microwave," she gives the short list of his cooking achievements.  

 

Josh smirks, "Works for me," he's confidant that it's more than enough skills.  "Maybe, Leo, will teach me a few tricks about cooking.  Just so that what I do fix, will end up better."

 

"Not, till I'm in the new apartment," Margaret nips that teaching lesson in the bud, as she warns, "this kitchen's going to be packed up and moved first.  Leo will have a fit, if he has to wait to try out the new kitchen."

 

"Speaking of my new kitchen," Leo winks at Margaret, "We need to get this evenings business underway and first we eat."

 

"Good idea, Leo."  Donna points out, "Josh is always in a better mood after he eats," Donna rubs Josh on the abdomen and he grins at her, dropping a kiss on her forehead. 

 

Stepping out of his reach, Donna volunteers, "I'll get our drinks ready."

 

Leo asks, "Margaret, would you get the cold ingredients from the fridge?  I have the onions, lettuce, and some different peppers sliced up. 

 

**** 

Everyone lends a hand and they're soon sitting at the small table and the guys continue in teasing the girls about being sissies.  The girls respond right back at them. 

 

"Josh and Leo, you two are going to be sick.  Eating tacos that hot.  It makes me have heartburn to watch you," Donna admonishes both of the guys, not even considering that now when she's here at the apartment, that both of them are her boss.  Let alone, the first one is known to yell at her and the other growls at her.

 

"You got that right, Donna.  I may have to take the antacids myself after watching them," Margaret joins her in teasing the guys, about eating food that would injure most people.

 

"Well, I, for one, am stuffed."  Leo is enjoying the females discomfort in watching them eat tacos.  "The wonderful searing feeling is still working its way down!

 

Leo decides to torment Margaret, "Want a kiss, Margaret?"  He teases and puckers his lips to her.

 

She immediately snaps back, "No, not till you brush, I don't.  Your mouth is lethal right now!"  She looks at Leo like he's crazy.

 

Leo sits back, chuckling at her shocked look.

 

"How about you, Donna?"  Josh challenges, "Want to tongue tango?"

 

"Not, till you, at least, rinse with soda and it still may be risky then," she's braver than Margaret.  The young usually are.

 

Josh quickly leans over to surprise Donna, who's sitting on his right.  He grabs her behind the neck and plants a big, passionate kiss on her. 

 

"Oh, my gosh, where's the water?"  Donna is trying to drink soda and chew him out at the same time.  "Joshua, I said 'after' you rinse.  You did that just to be cute."  She gives him a warning.  "I'll just have to think of some kind of punishment for you later," sounding like the President.

 

"Sorry, Donna!  When you say punishment, is that a Sisterhood thing?"  Josh sounds worried and looks to Leo, who may have to rescue him.

 

"You bet, Josh.  So, be very afraid," Donna confirms it and gives a wicked little smile. 

 

Josh doesn't know if this is going to be a good punishment or a bad punishment.  He hears her warning, but her smile gives him hope.

 

"OK, you two, time we moved this to the computer and see what we can find on Rent.com," Leo announces, to get everyone into the other room.

 

They all clear the table and take everything to the kitchen.  Margaret suggests, "Leo, you go start the computer and Donna can help me pack away the leftovers."  She winks at Leo, "Josh may want to eat again later."

 

Donna is standing behind Josh and snickers at the truth of Margaret's statement.

 

Josh feeling he's being picked on again, decides to retreat with Leo, "I'll just go see what Margaret has in the way of music CD's," Josh volunteers, always going for the stereo.

 

"Sorry, Josh, no Doobie Brothers, but you're welcome to see what I have that you might like," Margaret approves of his idea to select the evenings music.  ~~This should be interesting.  At least it's my music.~~ 

 

Leo gives her a look over his shoulder as if to say, 'You're sure that you want him running the music.'  Margaret just smiles back reassuringly.

 

****   

 

By the time the girls get to the living room, Leo and Josh are huddled around the computer.  Leo is sitting at the desk and Josh is standing behind him.  Margaret smiles when she hears her greatest 60's CD on.  She loves the surfing music of that era.  It does sound like something that Josh could get into.

 

Josh looks like he's waiting impatiently for them to get into the living room, "Donna, dance with me," he grabs her and starts to gyrate to the beat of the music.  She loves it when he's in a happy mood and joins in his enjoyment.

 

"Margaret," Josh exclaims, "where has this music been hiding all my life?"  Josh's so pleased with her surfer music.

 

Leo gives a dry comeback quietly to the computer screen, "Probably packed away in my stuff.  On an old 8-track," Leo grins, this is his kind of music, but keeps that info to himself.  Josh would just use it against him someday.

 

"So, Leo, what did you find?"  Margaret pulls her attention from the couple enjoying the music and wraps her arms around his neck, while she looks over his shoulder.

 

"Well, Baby, it doesn't seem too hard to navigate.  It wants what city that you are looking to rent in and then you select size and price.  After that, it then gives me a list of places that are renting," he reviews what he did.

 

"Ok, Leo, what numbers did you enter," she wants to know the range limits he put in.  While she's scanning the computer screen, over his head.

 

"That you're looking for a two-bedroom and I left the rent amount pretty broad."  He knows this will get a reaction from her, "From under what you're paying here, to an amount that would make you faint."  He turns his face and kisses her cheek reassuringly, when she drawls a quick breathe looking at his 'faint' number.

 

"Thanks, Leo, but I'm not viewing the higher priced ones, so you can start yelling now.  Margaret is certain that he'll lean toward the nice high priced ones and she might as well put her foot down now, so there's no fight later.

 

"Margaret," he growls softly, "all I'm asking, is for you to have an open mind and we'll review the options." 

 

Josh and Donna then join them at the computer to see what Leo's found, as the conversation sounds like it's getting interesting between Leo and Margaret.  They are both curious to see if the office attitude is carried over to the apartment. 

 

"So, Margaret you decided on two bedrooms this time."  Josh wiggles his eyebrows at her.  "Looking for a roomie?  A male roomie?"

 

"Josh, that's real funny."  Margaret's slightly caught off guard at his teasing.  Her dreams do 'not' need to be said out loud by Josh.  "Leo, where's the list we made last night, maybe we should review it for them and put an end to Josh's insinuations."  ~~Good covering.  Josh is too smart.  She hoping they'll never guess, that he hit the nail on the head with the roomie remark.~~ 

 

"That's no fun, Margaret."  Josh playfully whines, "I was just getting in gear to make this a fun search." 

 

'That's why you get a review, Josh."  Donna wraps her arms around Josh's waist from behind and looks around him, at Margaret 's list. 

 

Margaret continues to explain, "Ok, first we're looking at two-bedroom apartments for several reasons.  First, they're going to be easier to find in midterm.  Second, Leo wants an office/guest room with a closet for his clothes that he leaves here."  She waits to see how that information sits with the other couple.

 

"So, he's leaving lots of clothes here?  This is interesting," Josh still teases Margaret and gets a poke from Donna.

 

Leo turn and gives Josh a look that says, 'mess this up for me, and you 'will' be sorry'. 

 

Josh wisely changes gears now.  "Donna, you won't let me leave my stuff at your apartment and Leo, getting a whole room," he sounds like he's pouting. 

 

"You're a slob, Josh, and if you left your stuff at my place, you'd be right behind it and then I'd have to take care of you and your stuff."  Donna is firm on this point.  "Remember, I have been in your apartment," Donna reminds him.

 

 Margaret adds another reason for the two-bedroom option, "Leo also thinks that the floor plans and kitchen will be better in two-bedroom apartments.  You usually end up with more floor space."

 

Donna points out, "That might be a lot more rent than this one, Margaret.  Are you OK with that?"

 

Margaret is not about to let them know of her and Leo's arrangement.  She jokes, "Well, I may have to live on Leo's weekend leftovers, during the week to save on the groceries, but seriously, it'll be alright.  We hashed this out last night and I agreed to go for it."

 

"Nah, you won't have to live on my leftovers."  Leo growls at Margaret.

 

Margaret and Donna just look at each other to exchange a look, acknowledging that Leo's really being sweet.  A true sign that Margaret's that important to him. 

 

Donna is still amazed that the gruff and tough Leo McGarry is so caring for Margaret here at the apartment, but she thinks it's so nice.  She knows that Josh's so much nicer away from the office, where they have to deal with the stress!

 

To get them back on track, Leo continues on with what he found, "Ok, here's the listings and some even have pictures.  These all have two-bedroom and one bath, unless stated: 

 

**

Barbara of Capitol Hill - $1250-$1500   700-850 sq. ft.  some/Laundry Room    Hardwood   Control access  a/c  Refridge.  Internet   Ceiling fan   garb/disp.  Cable    2.5 miles/10 min. from White House

 

Connecticut Heights- $1795-$2100  950-1050 sq. ft. some/Laundry Room  Hardwood   Control access   a/c Refridge.  Internet   Ceiling fan   garb/disp.  Cable    Micro    Covered parking  Pool   Tennis   Elevator    4.1 miles/17 min. from White House

 

The  Kenmore- $1781-$2100  980-1180 sq ft. some/Laundry Room     Control-access  a/c Refridge.   Internet   ceiling fan   Cable  Micro    Covered parking   Elevator  Carpeting   Walk-in closets  4.8 miles/19 min. from White House

 

Potomac Place -  $1390-$1460   972 sq ft.  some/Laundry Room         Control-access  a/c  Internet  Ceiling fan  garb/disp.  Cable   DishW   Covered parking   Walk-in closets   Fitness center  Balcony/deck   Elevator.    2.9miles/9 min. from White House

 

Latrobe - $1939-$2119   820 sq ft   Laundry Room   Control access   a/c   Internet  Ceiling fan  garb/disp.  Cable   Micro   DishW   Covered parking       Walk-in closets   Intrus. Alarm  Pool    Hot tub   Covered parking   

Dry cleaning   2 baths    .08 miles/4 min from White House

 

Lexington - $2600-$3450   897-1209   Laundry Room  Control access  a/c Refridge. Internet  Ceiling fan   Cable   Micro  Covered parking  Elevator Carpeting  Walk- in closets  garb disp  Balcony/deck  Club house          Fitness center  Ex storage  DishW   1.1 miles/4 min. from White House

 

**

"Well, that's six major ones to consider."  Leo, questions, "Now, are we going go see all of them or weed out a few first?"  Leo's not looking forward to viewing 'all of them' and they really don't have that much time.

 

"Well, Leo, I can tell you right now, the Lexington is out.  It's too rich for my blood.  So, don't even try to change my mind on it," Margaret strongly hints to remind him of their conversation last night.

 

"I think we missed the fireworks last night, Donna," Josh teases them, as he picks up on the non-verbal looks, that Leo and Margaret are exchanging.  He does ask a good question next, "How far away from work are you willing to move, Margaret?"

 

"10 minutes traveling time, tops," is Margaret's quick and firm answer, It's an important factor to her.  If Leo needs her, she sometimes needs to get to the White House in a hurry.  "Too many times I've had to get to work in a hurry or worse, make a fast round trip!"

 

Donna reasons, "Then that drops out the Kenmore and Connecticut Heights, Margaret."

 

Leo now jumps in, "That leaves three and my opinion is that the Barbara of Capitol Hill, even though it's in the limit of 10 min.  It is too inexpensive and doesn't have all the features that Margaret is looking for."  He lists them again, "The options she wants are security, price, two-bedrooms, 10 min. drive, larger kitchen, a possible dining area and a laundry closet."

 

"Ok, so that leaves the closest ones to the White House.  Margaret reviews what's left.  "Potomac Place and Latrobe, they cost more, but they might be worth it.  Wonder if they'll show them on a Sunday?"

 

"It couldn't be that easy, Margaret?"  Donna is in disbelief.

 

"Well, I do have to face the fact that I don't have a lot of time to search the city for the perfect place, as I only have 30 days.  So, I'm not going to be that choosy," Margaret's trying to be realistic about the move.  "I know it's going to cost more, but this one was so cheap, I saved on it and I 'do' know how to stretch a dollar."  Leo growls again at her remark.

 

Leo outlines the new plan.  "Ok, so the plan's to check on these two apartment buildings tomorrow, if they'll let us, and go from there.  If they won't work, we can try again."

 

"Can we go with you to look at them, Margaret," Donna asks hopefully.

 

"You know, that might be a good idea, now that you suggest it," Margaret's thinking out loud.  "If Leo and I go alone, it would look bad if the press spots us.  It'll look, to them, like we're searching for a place to move into together.  But, if the four of us go, as a group, it looks like my friends are just helping me search."   

 

"What do you say, Josh?"  Leo gives him a look of, 'please save me from two women looking at apartments, it's worse than taking them to the mall'.  "Want to spend part of your day tomorrow, looking at apartments," Leo asks, to see if Josh got the message. 

 

"Sure, Leo.  I can be free tomorrow.  If Donna is going, then sure, I'm going.  Besides," He grins at the rest of them, with his dimples at their best, "We wouldn't want it to look like you two are shacking up." 

 

Donna rolls her eyes at that.  Margaret has a slightly shocked look and Leo looks like he 'will' have a talk with Josh later.  Josh just loves the looks he's getting from them.

 

"All right then, movie time!"  Leo decides to change the topic and the activity.  He has plans for Margaret during the movie.

 

"Good," Margaret's ready for some quality time with Leo, "Donna and I will go change in my room, and you guys can take turns in the bathroom."

 

"Josh, I already put your clothes bag in there," Donna informs him before he can even open his mouth to ask her.  She anticipates his needs, almost as well as Margaret does Leo's.

 

"OK, Donna."  Josh then suggests, "Leo, I'll change first and then get the snacks out." 

 

Leo gives him a look to see if he can trust Josh in the kitchen, without him there to oversee him.

 

"What?"  He looks at Leo and then quickly glances to the girls for defense.  "It's chips and dip.  How hard can that be?"  Josh is just replying to Leo's look.  "Like, Hey, I'm not a total newbie in the kitchen."

 

Leo agrees to get everyone in motion.  "OK, Josh, you get the bathroom first and I'll print the info for the two apartments out, while I'm waiting for you to get back,"

 

Margaret gives a cheerful, but teasing promise, "Well, we'll see you guys… later."

 

****   

 

Josh swings by the living room, to tell Leo the bath is free for him to go change now.  "I'm going to the kitchen to get the chips and dip, since the girls are taking their time changing."

 

 Josh rattles around in all the cabinets for two small bowls for the dip and two large bowls to hold the chips.  He spies some napkins in a holder and decides that he might as well take them into the living room now.  ~~Donna will just make me get up and get them later.~~  After filling all the bowls and replacing the leftover dip back in the fridge.  Josh heads to the living room with his first load.  He sets the first set of bowls on the coffee table.  ~~I haven't spilled anything yet, ~~ he notes to himself with satisfaction.

 

Leo arrives to see how far he has gotten and what else is needed.  "We better refill the soda and drinks, while we're still up and before the girls get here."  Leo recommends and Josh agrees just to make themselves look efficient.

 

"I'll get ours, while you refill Margaret and yours."  Josh, then lets Leo know what's left in the kitchen, "I still have one more set of bowls to take into the living room and the napkins." 

 

Leo warns Josh, "OK, but the couch is reserved for Margaret and me.  You two can have the recliner." 

 

Leo then grins at Josh and points out, "That should be cozy enough for you two."  He helpfully adds, "Just pull the coffee table over where we can all reach it for the snacks and to set the drinks on." 

 

"Want to flip for the couch, Leo?"  Josh hopefully challenges.

 

"I'll flip you," Leo threatens.  "That comfortable couch is strictly reserved."  He smiles, as he quietly explains.  "You need to understand, that's usually my sleeping place, when I 'do' get to stay over, so I claim prior rights," Leo puts an end to the debate.

 

"Ok, Ok, you can't blame me for trying that couch looks wonderful."  Josh admits he amazed, "I didn't know you could get one the that large." 

 

"Margaret says it's the one piece of furniture that she really lives on and she didn't care how much it cost."  Leo notes the look of disbelief that Josh is wearing on his face.  Since Margaret's frugal tendencies are legendary at work.  "Now, that's a statement, coming from Margaret," Leo confirms.

 

The guys make the final trip, getting all the needed snacks into the living room and they settle in to wait on the females to arrive.  Leo's surfing the channels looking for news to keep them occupied till the movie starts.

 

*****  

 

The girls soon arrive and they walk in acting casual and innocent.  Watching for the reaction from the guys, on the loungewear they have on. 

 

"Hey, Josh, did you get the snacks in here, without spilling anything?"  Donna asks, really to get his attention, she can see the bowls on the coffee table. 

 

"Sure…"  Josh stops speaking, as he notices what Donna's wearing and she seems to glide across the floor in the satin pants, and tight top.  The room must have just gotten warmer, since he's having a little trouble catching his breath.  With his voice sounding a little unsure, "Nice lounge clothes you got on, Donna." 

 

Josh sweeps a pleased glance up and down what she has on.  "You could have worn them when we were dancing," he makes a belated suggestion. 

 

"Josh, if I was wearing this outfit, then you would have wanted slow music and you were 'so' enjoying the fast surfer music."  She taunts him that he missed the opportunity. 

 

His dimples really appear for her, when he grins at the thought of slow dancing with her in that outfit.  "I may just have to find us some time later, for the slow music," he plans his strategy out loud to her. 

 

"Come here and squeeze in beside me."  Josh reaches out a hand helpfully to her, "I feel the need to hold you and that pink outfit close."  Josh softly whispers to her, as she curls up next to him, "You know that I like you in hot pink the best."

 

Leo is watching Josh drool over Donna, until Margaret stepped into his line of vision.  He clears his throat a touch and mentions, "Ah, Josh, I think you may be right.  I think that I now need to hold Margaret's satin outfit close."  He drops his voice to his best rumbling sound that Margaret just loves to hear.  "I think the after dinner dessert has just arrived."

 

Margaret is grinning and looking at Leo, to say 'I knew you'd like this'.

 

Leo continues talking to Josh to tease Margaret, since he knows she's wearing the satin pants to make him crazy.  "I like the aqua color that Margaret's wearing, its just wonderful for her coloring.  She wears 'her pink' on her face, when she blushes."  He's pulling Margaret down onto the couch with him and she snuggles with him. 

 

Leo moves her flat on her back, instead of spooning together right away, so he can show her how much he appreciates her outfit, with a passionate kiss.

 

Margaret wraps her arms around Leo's neck to fully enjoy his appreciation. 

 

"Well, you two aren't a bit shy!  And Margaret does blush nicely," Josh dryly comments about the couple on the couch.

 

Leo lifts his face from Margaret's.  "I've learned to accept any and every opportunity to enjoy my time with Margaret."  She still has her arms around him and is playing with the back of his neck with one hand, as he continues, "I don't waste time.  It's just not my way." 

 

Leo flashes a grin down to Margaret to see if she agrees.  His next words confirm her opinion with his, "Turn the lamp off, Josh," Leo orders.  "It's a movie-watching requirement here."  Leo returns to where he left off with appreciating Margaret, more than the outfit.

 

Josh readily complies.  He reaches out his arm and snaps off the lamp.  He then wraps his arms around Donna, as she throws her legs over his lap.  Donna is being more relaxed in the dim light of the TV.

 

"All right, making out at the movies," Josh approves of the rule.  "This evening just keeps getting better."  He starts kissing Donna in an exaggerated manner.

 

Leo and Margaret laugh at his enthusiasm.  Leo cautions out loud to Margaret, "We may have to throw cold water on them, before the end of the movie?"

 

"Kissing, Josh, is limited to just during the commercials," Donna informs, as she comes up for air, since Josh isn't losing any time either.  "We 'are' going to watch a movie, you know?"

 

"All right, Donna.  New rule, kissing is just during the commercials.  Snacking is while it's on," Josh is ready to eat again anyway.

 

Margaret, agreeing with Donna, turns on her side, facing the TV, since it's time for the movie to come on and she spoons back up against Leo. 

 

Leo growls his disappointment, but settles for rubbing his hand up and down the side of her leg, enjoying the feel of the satin.

 

****   

 

About the middle of the movie and at the commercial, Margaret announces that she's going to the 'little girls' room and Donna pops up to go with her, which is a disappointment to both guys.

 

"Why, Leo, do girls always prefer to pee in groups?"  Josh's mystified with this female habit.

 

"Just one of the Sisterhood mysteries, Josh," Leo flatly states, since he can't figure it out either.

 

Josh confesses to Leo, "I don't know about you, but tucked into this recliner, cuddling with Donna, is getting too warm for me with sweats on."

 

"I hear you, Josh!"  Leo agrees, "I'm a warm person to begin with and I'm sandwiched between the couch and Margaret.  Margaret doesn't seem to mind, as she's always cold." 

 

Leo looks upward and remarks, "This apartment doesn't have a ceiling fan, to at least stir the air.  That'll be a must in the next apartment," he tells Josh, so one of them can to add it to the list for tomorrow's search.

 

Josh states, "Next time we do this, Leo.  I'm bringing my own long silk basketball shorts to wear.  This is June and it's getting too warm for sweats." 

 

Josh's munching as he thinks, "Besides, Donna likes my bright blue silk shorts," he grins, remembering how Donna couldn't take her eyes off them, at his apartment, when he was home sick.

 

Leo nods, "I agree, Josh.  I didn't bring my satin loungewear pants here, because I didn't want Margaret to get the wrong idea and think that I 'planned ahead' to spend the night. 

 

We agreed to take things slow and enjoy our time together.  She's now more comfortable with me being here and we've gotten a lot closer as a couple." 

 

Thinking out loud, "I think she'd be agreeable to me wearing my black satin pants.  She's wearing hers tonight."  He smiles at the thought of their legs molded together in satin.  ~~Maybe I'll bring the matching robe, too.  That should drive her crazy.~~

 

Leo makes an absolute certain prediction to Josh, "Movie night will be a regular occurrence, if the girls have their way and I've no doubt that they'll get it."

 

 He makes a fair decision, "Then they're just going to have to get used to the notion of my silk pants and your satin shorts.  As they'll certainly be wearing less sleepwear, in the hot summer, than they are now."  They both smile at that coming true.  Leo states for both Josh and himself, "We're not going to roast all summer."

 

****  

 

The women return and as they nter the room, Josh pipes up "Hey, Margaret, is it alright with you, if I take off my shirt?"  He quickly explains, "I'm roasting in this recliner.  Donna's better than any blanket for keeping me warm."  He innocently grins up at Donna, since she's standing in front of the chair. 

 

Margaret answers from where she's standing in front of the couch.  "Sure, no problem, Josh.  I won't be shocked and appalled.  Whatever makes you comfortable?"  Margaret can't resist winking at Donna, who's wearing a pleased look on her face at Josh's request.  "Women like having bare chest men around!"   

 

Leo is still up on one elbow, from waiting for Margaret's return, and in the dim light he's watching the exchange between the other couple.  ~~It's now going to get more interesting between Josh and Donna, if I don't miss my bet.~~

 

While still sitting, Josh whips off his shirt, and promptly tosses it at Donna like a challenge. 

 

Donna gets a mean playful look on her face and throws the shirt right back at his face.

 

Josh easily catches his shirt and stretching an arm out, he drops it to the floor.  With the other hand, he grabs Donna and pulls her to his lap.  "Donna, now you've had it," he quickly starts kissing her rapidly all over her face. 

 

She's laughing and wiggling like it's just killing her and she's weakly protesting for him to stop. 

 

Josh finally relents, "OK, I'll stop for now, but you remember, I won."  He points out, with a smirk on his face and Donna whacks him playfully on the chest.

 

Before Margaret can sit down, after watching the other couple play.  Leo pops up quickly and stands toe-to-toe with Margaret.  He announces that he's too warm also, and starts to tug at the bottom of his t-shirt that's tucked into his sweats. 

 

Leo leers a challenge at Margaret, "You want to help?" 

 

She grins her answer and reaches behind him to pull the back of the shirt out of his waistband. 

 

Leo has a look of total enjoyment on his face, as he raises his arms and rests them on her shoulders, with his hands clasped behind her head to fully enjoy her help.  Since he has her so close, he reaches forward with his lips to gently kiss her.  Leo then breathes a soft, "Thanks," against her lips, before they get back to removing his shirt.

 

 

Margaret smiles innocently and figures that she's safe, while in front of the others.  With their eyes locked on each other, she slides her fingertips under the t-shirt, at his sides with her thumbs on the outside of the material and slowly slides her palms up his ribs, while raising the shirt. 

 

When her fingertips feel his nipples in the soft curls of his chest, she presses her palms more firmly, as she continues to slowly remove his shirt. 

 

Leo growls softly with pleasure, as his eyes smolder.

 

Josh decides on payback time and pipes up, "You two should get a room!"

 

Leo growls out loud and Margaret laughs, as they step back to arms distance, they stop before they break apart.

 

"Hey, Leo?  Is that four times this week for my score keeping or is this number one for next week," he asks, getting brave and teasing Leo.

 

Margaret laughs again and reaches back and flips the t-shirt over Leo's head and down his arms, as he drops them off of her shoulders. 

 

Leo smiles at his own expense and jokingly replies to Josh, "Remind me to stomp your ass at a later time, Josh."

 

They all laugh at the remark, as they hurry to cuddle back up for the movie.

 

Margaret softly comments to Leo, "This 'is' nicer," as he slips his bare arm under her arm and around her waist.  She can now better smells his cologne, radiating from his bare skin.

 

"Margaret, did I mention it's my opinion that your small white top is one step away from a wet t-shirt."  Leo's voice is so soft that it practically sounds like a rough purr,  "And that you're making me crazy tonight.  You know that, right?"

 

Margaret just gives a happy sigh and wiggles closer to him.

 

Leo seriously whispers into her ear. "And quit wiggling, I can only resist just so much, Margaret,"  He pulls her closer to hold her still, blowing out his breath to calm down.  "Now, you're 'the one' pushing it, Margaret."  Leo then warns, "Remember, I'm not too shy either."

 

"Ok, Leo, I'll be good," Margaret promises, but it doesn't sound like it will help him any.

 

He growls, "I just bet you are, but you're not right now."  He's kissing the curve of her ear.

 

She giggles at his comment and the kissing.  She's trying to concentrate on the TV screen.  "Shush, Leo, the movie is back on!"  She's reminding him of the new rule.

 

He growls softly and glances at the couple in the recliner and noting they're in a world of their own.  Happy to be together, no matter what the rest of the world is doing tonight.

 

****   

 

After the movie, the guys are again surfing the channels for news reports.  Leo, always with his cell phone close at hand, has done his last check-in with the President.  The girls are content to just relax, staying tucked in with their guys awhile longer.

 

Donna asks Margaret, so that Josh and her can schedule when they should be back here at the apartment.  "So, Margaret, what time do you want to go check out apartments?"

 

"Well, on a Sunday they probably won't show them till noon, at the earliest," Margaret is being realistic.  "I'm was planning on sleeping in, which means about 8am for me, if you know what I mean?  That's a lot later than the 5 AM that we're all used to, working at the White House."

 

 Donna nods in agreement, "You're right about that.  Three hours extra sleep sounds wonderful."  Donna's a little punchy this late and relaxed, "Why couldn't we have two Sundays in the week, with one in the middle."  They both giggle at the thought.

 

"Now, that would be wonderful," Margaret's in total agreement with Donna's wishful thinking.  ~~That would be two Sunday mornings with Leo also!  ~~

 

Margaret sighs and gets back to tomorrow mornings plans.  She runs through the rest of them for Donna, "After Leo fixes breakfast, I wanted to go look for cardboard boxes to start packing with."  She gives a sigh, "I may need to figure out a plan for getting all this packed up quickly." 

 

"Well, it sounds like you need us here early then," Donna knows Margaret's time is going to be limited.  "We can decide a plan of action tomorrow, while we're out getting the boxes." 

 

Josh has an idea to add to the morning plans, "Hey, Leo, are you cooking enough to feed us also?  I'll be starving in the morning."

 

"Sure, Josh.  We can call you in time to be here for breakfast.  I'll fix plenty, if you're bringing your huge appetite."  Leo just has to remark on Josh's eating habits again.

 

"Leo, if you don't mind?"  Margaret asks with a suggestion.  "If they want, they can sleep here on the couch tonight."  She explains, "They'd just have to come right back here in the morning and staying would save them the time of driving home and back." 

 

Margaret looks at Donna, "Do you and Josh have enough clothes with you?  If not, I'm sure we can loan you both what you need."

 

Leo eyes light up.  He jumps in and agrees, "Sure, if that means, what I think it means?"  He has an eager smile on his face, looking at Margaret.

 

Josh is grinning.  He's figured out why Leo is so willing to give up his couch, "OK, I'll go ahead and ask.  Then just where will you be sleeping, Leo?" 

 

"He'll be cuddling with me in my bed," Margaret boldly replies for Leo and she gently pulls him off the couch, as she stands up.

 

Leo jumps up, with little pulling, and gives a quick, "Night, you two." 

 

He grins at this next dig that he gets at Josh, "Oh, Josh, you're welcome to the couch now.  Pillows and blankets are in the bottom of the bathroom closet."  He helpfully adds, with a smirk in his voice.

 

"Night!"  Josh laughs back at Leo's good fortune.  Happy also, since he knows he's sharing the couch with Donna in his arms tonight. 

 

Donna is blushing in the chair.  She can't believe Margaret is taking Leo to her room or that Leo just arranged for her to sleep with Josh on the couch.  Things are moving right along for all of them.

 

****   

 

In Margaret's room, Leo is helping her to remove the bed throw, as he asks, "So, you're wanting to cuddle with me tonight?  I'm not complaining, mind you, but how am I suppose to be good, with you in that top?"  Leo tries to sound serious, but the laughter in his voice is not helping.

 

"Well, Leo."  She takes deep steadying breath,  "If you're real good, we might invoke the 'waist and up' rule?"  She doesn't look at Leo, because she's definitely blushing and he'll be able to tell it in the light from the bedside lamp.  She's now holding her breathe for his response to her suggestion.

 

Leo is surprised and happy, "The 'waist and up' rule?  Sounds really interesting!"  Playfully, he asks, "You want to explain that to me?"  His eyes are sparkling, as he waits for her to tell him.

 

She tries to sound calm, like 'everyone knows this rule', "It's simple, Leo.  It's our next step up from cuddling.  Touching is allowed from the waist up."  She quickly adds, before she weakens, "You want to climb into bed now?"

 

"Anything you say, Margaret."  He's sitting sideways, on the edge of the bed, looking at her, "Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy.  Let's try out this new rule of yours."  He can tell, by her rapid speech that she's nervous, "Might just have to make it a law.  You know from work that I'm good at law making."  He teases her, to help calm her.

 

"Turn out the lamp, Leo," she orders, after snuggling down in her side of the bed.  "And you can slip out of your sweats, if you're too warm."

 

****   

 

The next morning Margaret smiles, as she stretches out beside Leo.  He's lying on his stomach, with an arm draped around Margaret waist.  Softly Margaret whispers, "Leo…  Leo, it's 7am.  You awake yet?"

 

"I am.  I'm just happy to lie here quietly beside you.  Content, just doesn't begin to express how I'm feeling, when I wake up with you in my arms."  Putting action to words, Leo pulls his shoulder under him to rest on his side and  pulls her into his arms, to kiss her good morning.  Their faces are now lying close together on his pillow.

 

"Me too, Leo," Margaret happily agrees.

 

They lie quietly and listen to each other breathe, enjoying the solitude of the early morning together.  "Can we be serious a moment?  Before the day starts," she asks.

 

"Sure, Margaret, anytime and about anything."  Leo can tell from her voice that she's a little unsure about something.  "That's the only way our relationship will grow," he reminds her.  "I enjoy having early morning talks with you." 

 

"Leo.  I want your honest opinion of how we're doing.  I know we tease, but I don't want to hurt either of us, by 'being' a tease," she sounds worried and almost apologetic.

 

"Margaret," she can hear the smile in Leo's voice, "I hope we have enough history together and know each other well enough, to recognize the difference."  He's just glad it 'is' them that she's worrying about and not a worldly matter, like the press.  He hugs her with a small squeeze to reassure her.  "We both know the teasing 'is' part of the closeness we have.  Don't worry.  Honest!  I don't read you wrong, Margaret.  I'm happy to let you set the pace." 

 

Leo kisses her on the forehead, as she's not looking directly at his face.  "I honesty think we're mature enough, to not jump right to the sex and miss all the special times we can enjoy getting there.  It's our relationship and we can develop it how we want.  There are no required or expected steps to it."

 

Margart smiles as she listens to his calm but rough morning voice.  She loves to hear it next to her for pillow talk. More so this morning, as he reassures her.

 

"I hope you'll tell me your wants and needs, Margaret." Leo reaches to smooth back her hair from her face, enjoying the silky texture.  "I promise to be honest with you and tell you if something feels uncomfortable." 

 

Margaret snuggles into his chest, feeling safe and secure, "Leo, how did you know, just what I need to hear from you."  She sighs happily.  "I 'was' worrying that you might be expecting more from our relationship than I was ready for." 

 

She tries to explain where she's coming from, "I've worried and cared for you a long time, Leo.  You were so important to me.  I believed in you and in what you were working toward."  She confesses, "That now, being so personal with you is taking some adjustment.  There are some ways that I know so much about you and yet in other ways, there is so much to learn." 

 

Margaret can still just smell the faint and lingering scent of his cologne from the warmth of his body, which is a comfort to her.  "I always thought that being together romantically as a couple was impossible for us.  It was a pipe dream that slowly started after your divorce. 

 

She raises her eyes to his and kisses him softly, to let him know that she's so glad that it's not a dream.  She smiles in return to his smile.  She then lets him know that she agrees with his take on their relationship, "Yes, the teasing 'is' just the right way for us to find what we need in each other.  We use it to stretch the boundaries." 

 

She leans on him, to roll him on his back and she rests the side of her face and hand on his chest.  "We seem to use the teasing with each other, to learn to be happy together and enjoy our new relationship."

 

Leo softly strokes her arm that's lying on his chest and he holds her securely close with his other arm across her back.  "There's so much for me to learn about you, Margaret.  I like that each level has different discoveries, for us, about each other and I don't want to hurry through then either."  He kisses the top on her head.  "I want to savor them with you.

 

She smiles at his cooking metaphor for them.  "So, OK, the new level for us is to share more of the new apartment together and to share more of ourselves with each other."  She chuckles at her next comment to him, "I thought you'd like our new level and the new rule."

 

Leo quickly agrees with pleased sound to his voice, "Definitely the new rule.  It opens a whole new way to discover how much we care about each other."

 

She remarks with a satisfied response, "I thought that you would want us to have a way to share a more personal touch, without feeling we were rushing.  The cuddling is so special to us   I wanted a way to expand it and yet not loose the magic of it."

 

"Margaret, you found the perfect way."  He pauses to think, "I'll be honest with you, it just seems that our pace feels right.  He admits and then jokingly adds, "I am male, and I may need a cold shower now and then.  He chuckles softly, "A fact that tells us that it's working for us." 

 

He reminds her of a good example, "Just like last night when I told you to quit wiggling.  I know you could tell that physically I was having trouble with that and you took it in stride" He kisses her at the point where her forehead and the part of her hair meet.

 

"Neither one of us is inexperienced here," he truthfully points out.  "We had a cooling off time then and that worked for us." 

 

She's been lightly stroking small circles on his chest with her index finger, "Oh, Leo, you make me so happy.  What would my life be with out you in it?"

 

"Margaret, I can guarantee that my life would have been a nightmare without you."  He slightly shutters, as his past flows in his mind.  "Certainly not what it is today?" 

 

"You earned your place at the White House and in politics the hard way, Leo.  I was just there to help you keep on track," she states a certainty.

 

"And we have a ways to go, personally and professionally."  Leo predicts, "Together as a team, Margaret." 

 

They just cuddle for a time, thinking on the things that they have said to each other.

 

"Leo."  Margaret now brings up another thought she has about them, "One other thing I wanted to talk about was the daybed and you sleeping on the couch."  She hurries to continue, which clues Leo in that it's going to be something that's important to her and she doesn't know how he'll respond.  "I know you've been comfortable sleeping on the couch, physically and mentally or I would have traded with you.

 

As she gently rubs her fingertips on his bare chest, he interrupts her, "I know Margaret.  You have always taken care of me first, before yourself."  He stops her with a hug, before she can respond.  "I know.  You did it willingly.  That's what makes you special to me now.  Your unselfish outlook, he means it, but he makes it sound like a tease.  "Ow!"  She plucks a chest hair from under her hand for his tease.  Leo tries to be contrite sounding, not an easy thing for Leo McGarry, "You were saying about the couch and the daybed.

 

"Yes, Leo, I think the daybed is a good idea, but when we're by ourselves.  I want you in with me to cuddle.  She looks into his eyes, resting her chin on his chest and seriously adds, "I trust you." 

 

She boldly points out, "So, you'll not actually be using the daybed or the couch, except when there are unusual situations or it can be just be for priority sake."  She reconfirms what she means, "What we do here privately, is our business, and I want you in here.  I'll honestly let you know if, for some reason I change my mind and you're expected let me know also, if you're uncomfortable any night, with the understanding that it wouldn't be thought of badly of, by the other.  Your job may be reason enough at times."

 

He chuckles softly at her long sentence, to get it all said, "I'm OK, with that, Margaret."  Leo is amazed that she would be that considerate, but she has always been that way with him.  "I think our relationship is ruled just as much by our heads, as by our hearts."  He nods his head to the side even while lying down and gives her that small knowing smile of his, "We're just that kind of people.  It comes with our political profession." 

 

He pauses a moment reflecting on what they have together.  "Thank you, Margaret, for so many things."  Leo lists a few.   "Your trust means a lot to me.  You 'do' know my weakness for cuddling.  You're teasing back at me.  It keeps me humble, well sort of, as much as I can be.  Ask Josh, it's hard for politicians."  He chuckles at the truth of that and continues, "You accept my sexual teasing in the manner it's intended.  I just can't help but make you blush.  Your blushing shows that I mean enough to you, for you to blush at what I say."

 

"Leo, how do you know so much about me?"  She can't understand yet how they read each other feelings so clearly and so soon.

 

"I had years to learn your ways, Margaret.  We have a good solid background together and our time together is just blooming now."

 

"That's so sweet, Leo" She'll remember his words forever.

 

"Anytime, Margaret," he promises.  He rolls her onto her back for some quality time.  He kisses her passionately with his hand now caressing her breast.  The sleep top covering it, isn't daunting him any. 

 

He chuckles, when he pauses for air, "this new rule adds a whole new dimension to necking."

 

"Leo, It's 8 am now, maybe we better get Josh and Donna up and get the day rolling," she hates to end their private Sunday morning time together, but real life has a way of continuing on.

 

****   

Leo goes past the living room on his way to the kitchen to make coffee.  He knows Margaret will be right behind him looking for it.

 

He peers over to the couch and finds Josh on his back with one of his arms lying curled up over his head and Donna is curled on her side against him facing out and he can see Josh's arm extending out from under her neck with his hand hanging out in mid air.  Leo smiles and tells himself, ~~Well, his arm is going to really hurt, when the blood returns to it.  I can hear Josh complaining now.  ~~ 

 

"Josh, Josh, its 8am and I'm going in to fix the coffee.  You two can jump start you brains now, it's daylight."  Leo then points out to Josh, who's wiping his face with his free hand to wake up.  "Oh, Josh, if for some reason you feel like you've lost an arm, just wait till it wakes up for you."  Leo loves to taunt him. 

 

"Thanks, Leo, it's real nice of you to mention that.  Now, I don't know, if I want to wake Donna up or not."  Josh continues with a mumble, "When she sits up, it's gonna hurt like hell."

 

"Well, Josh," Leo smirks with no sympathy, "that's the price your gonna pay for having a female to hold all last night."

 

"Yeah, but that kinda makes it worth it anyway."  Josh admits and is smiling to himself.

 

"I'll be in the kitchen."  Leo adds over his shoulder to Josh, but he knows someone will be able to hear him in her room.  "You don't want to see the wrath of Margaret, if she gets there and its not at least dripping," Leo warns Josh of Margaret's need for coffee upon rising. 

 

Today Margaret might be better, since they did talk and wake up first.  Leo is not going to risk it and hurries to get the coffee maker working.  ~~Hope Josh is getting Donna up soon.  After I get the coffee going, I'm going to cut through the living room for my paper out in the hall, whether they're awake or not.  I want my puzzle!  ~~

 

With the coffee maker working, Leo heads back to the living room and notices that Donna is now sitting on the side of the couch, looking like she's asleep sitting up.  Donna's hair looks like a high wind came through there during the night, since she's wiping it out of her face with both hands, looking for the opening, before opening her eyes 

 

"Morning, Donna!"  Leo greets her with a cheerful tone.  "Coffee is on.  You look like Josh was a restless sleeper last night," he grins at her disheveled state.  He continues to open the door and retrieves the paper.

 

"Morning, Leo," Donna answers as Leo recloses the door, "No, Josh was dead to the world, once he actually when to sleep," she admits," but he fell asleep with the TV on, so I slept with my head under the blanket to get away from the light." 

 

She gives Josh a look like 'say something cute now'.  She explains to Leo more of the trying night she had, "I finally found the remote under him at about 4am this morning.  He seemed to like me looking for it.  Then I almost killed him, since I wanted to go back to sleep."  Donna might not have really given this much info to Leo, if she had been more awake.   

 

Leo was smiling, noticing that Josh was totally quite, but smiling with half open eyes, during Donna's explanation. 

 

Josh is just trying to get the feeling back into his arm.  He's not awake either, just sitting half up and half still lying down, in the corner of the couch.

 

Leo can't resist asking, "So, how long did you two stay up watching 'movies'?"  He wants to get a little payback to Josh for the 'get a room' remark the night before.

 

"We're not telling that, we don't kiss and tell any more than you do," Josh replies with a smirk.  He quits really quickly, when Donna makes a threatening gesture at his painful arm.  Josh pulls away from her.  He knows that she means her threats in the morning. 

 

Leo chuckles at that and lets him know that dig didn't work, "I'm not being a dirty old man, Josh.  But it 'is' 8am, usually you both are at work at 7am and the two of you are still half asleep," he counters, since he can out-think Josh this morning. 

 

"You have 'always' been a disgusting morning person, Leo," Josh growls, this debate is just too much without coffee.  "Alright, it was probably after 2am when the horror movie went off."

 

"I didn't make it that long," Donna pipes up, "it's just that my sleeping was short lived."

 

"Yeah, she was sawing logs way before me," Josh is foolishly teasing her.

 

Donna now flat out warns him with a loaded question "Josh, do you want to get hurt this early?"

 

"Leo, I think she needs coffee more than I do and that's saying something," Josh knows that now is a good time to retreat.  He pulls his knees up to his chest, to swing his bare feet out and down to the floor to sit up, without disturbing Donna where she's sitting in the middle of the couch.  He leans over to her face and gives her a peck on the forehead through the tousled blonde hair.  "I would bring you some coffee, but I only have one working arm this morning."  He laughs, as Donna playfully punches his good arm, but then she leans her head on it, while rubbing the spot that she punched. 

 

Leo is enjoying watching the younger couple trading digs, while they're still practically asleep.  Neither one ever, ever gives an inch.

 

"Did someone say coffee?"  Margaret has joined the others in the living room and she loops her arms around Leo's waist.  He has opened the paper, now that the fun is over with Josh and Donna.  Margaret leans forward against Leo's bare back, resting her chin on his shoulder and glances at the headlines he's scanning.

 

Josh notices the newspaper and puts in his bid, "I want the sports section first!"  He grins and adds, "Since we all know Leo goes for the crossword puzzle, after the headlines."

 

"Good," Margaret tries to swipe the back half of the papers from Leo hands, with a sneak attack from underneath of what Leo's reading.  "Donna and I will scan the rent ads.  Just save me the Grocery flyer that came with the paper, for later."  As the middle sections fall to the floor, she starts her quick getaway to the kitchen.

 

"Woman," Leo roars in mock anger, "I haven't checked that part of the paper."  He warns that this could get serious, "It better not have my puzzle in it!"  He lunges for her and the paper that Margaret's hurrying to the kitchen with.

 

Josh pops off the couch to dig in the mess on the floor for the sports section.  "We better get in there, Donna.  We may need to referee them."  Josh remarks to Donna with glee, "You know, it might just be a fair fight between the two of them.  Leo is wiry, but Margaret has determination.  This could get good and we don't want to miss it," he pops up in triumph with his sports section, ready to catch up with the other couple.  He flashes Donna a happy smile, as he hears Margaret let out a small shriek from the kitchen and then silence. 

 

When they get to the kitchen, they find Margaret cornered at the far end by the pantry and Leo is cheating with a passionate kiss.

 

Margaret, by this time, is losing her hold on the paper.  Her mind is totally on enjoying his tactics. 

 

Leo may be busy kissing her, but he never forgets the main task at hand.  Getting the paper back.  He breaks the kiss to grab her paper and turns his back to Margaret, keeping her from snatching it back.  "Ah ha," he boasts, as the victor. Leaning foward, out of her reach, he's still pressing her into the corner with his hips, his elbows out to block her from escaping on either side of him. 

 

She's now trying to reach around him and at the same time shoving at his hips to move him over, so she can get around him. 

 

They now are both laughing, almost too hard for either to achieve any logical purpose to this activity.  Neither is really trying very hard at it either, enjoying the early morning fun.

 

"Told you, Donna, that this was going to be good," Josh's look at Donna is jubilant, dimples showing, since he 'is' right.  "I know Leo well enough to know he won't stop, till he wins and it seems neither will Margaret." 

 

Josh throws the sports section he's carrying on the counter and crosses his arms to lean back on the counter, to watch the action.  He announces out loud, "Heck with the sports section, they look like two basketball players now.  Margaret has some reach!"

 

Donna's waits to enter the kitchen right now, it's a small area and she doesn't want to be caught up in the fiasco going on.  She never dreamed that Leo and Margaret would actually wrestle in play.  This just doesn't seem possible for someone as serious and powerful as Leo, to be so normal here at the apartment.  This is something that Josh would pull with her and as she looks at Josh, he's not a bit surprised at the horseplay. 

 

Donna knows that Leo and Josh have a close history.  Not quite father and son, as Josh had a wonderful Dad, but they're almost that close.  It's an undefinable close bond.  They have been acting like 'just guys' hanging out together here. 

 

Donna also knows that Josh respects and strives to never disappoint Leo at work.  She's amazed they can turn it on and off at the entrance to the White House. 

 

This overnight stay has been a learning experience for her with Leo and Margaret.  A fact, she knows, which has been an honor granted to her, that was not given lightly. 

 

It is also a discovery to watch Josh with "almost" family members, in a homelike setting.  He's known Margaret, practically since she first started working for Leo, through his Dad.  This is how Josh interacts with family, a side she has never experienced with him. 

 

It's something even closer than the family unit of the Senior Staff.  Sam's the only other person in the DC area that's near family to Josh.  They're practically brothers.  Josh seems to carefully pick whom he lets into his life, but once he does, it's with his whole, trusting heart.  Donna smiles, since she's now aware of how special his 'caring for her' really is. 

 

Donna's thinking all this, while she watches the enjoyment of the others.  Distanced, but belonging at the same time.  It almost brings tears to her eyes, the importance of her revelation of how much these friends and Josh now mean to her. 

 

She's definitely going to find some quite time for her and Josh today, to let him know that she 'gets it'.  Donna feels that she really belongs now and wants to share this happiness with him. 

 

Donna slips into the kitchen, past the paper fight.  She notes that Margaret is weakening, as the aroma of the coffee finishing is starting to call her.  At Josh's side, Donna gently clasps her hands around his upper arm, just to be able to touch him and she rests her head against his bare shoulder.  She smiles at thefun and laughter in front of her.

 

"All right here, Margaret.  I have my puzzle now," Leo surrenders most of the newspaper back to her, but it's in sad shape. 

 

Margaret gives it a skeptical look, wondering if there's enough of the classifieds left or will she need a new paper.

 

"All that just for your puzzle, Leo," Donna can't resist asking with a smile.  She's getting more comfortable with teasing him.  She's glad that in the apartment, he never reminds them that he's the COS of the White House.  Realistically, she knows that Leo and Josh both have cell phones turned on and that Leo checked with the President late last night.

 

"Nah, that was because she stole my paper."  Leo grins at Margaret and then looks back at Donna.  "That was a clear challenge and she knows I love a challenge. 

 

"Your paper, Leo?  It was outside my door," Margaret defends her ownership rights and moves to the coffee maker.

 

"Margaret, what 'is' the title of the paper?"  Leo asks, like he's making a cross examination of her, with his hands resting on his waist, one still holding his puzzle section.

 

"The New York Times, Leo."  Margaret calmly answers over her mug of coffee.

 

"That makes it my paper by domain rights."  Leo challenges, "If it's anywhere near where I am, it's mine."  He straightens out his puzzles' wrinkled page.

 

Josh points out, just to join in, as he sneaks a mug of coffee, before Donna. "That's some theory there, Leo.  Getting kinda territorial with the newspaper aren't you?" 

 

"Sure!" Leo pauses to point to Margaret.  "That's why she stole it."  He smiles, "But I got it back."  He smirks, just like Josh, "I won. "

 

"Wait till next week, Leo," Margaret cheerfully warns, not intimidated at all by Leo's accusations.  "I'm going to work on my strategy between now and then.  You cheated!"

 

"Tactics, Margaret.  Just superior tactics," Leo boasts and safely tucks his paper under his arm. 

 

"OK, what's everyone hungry for this morning," Leo asks, while he pours a mug of coffee for Donna and one for himself.  Since Donna's been stealing sips from Josh's mug and Josh keeps checking the level of coffee in his mug, after every time she hands it back.

 

"Please, don't make Mexican omelets, I don't think you two guys should have hot sauce, two meals in a row," is Margaret's logical opinion.

 

"How about ham and cheese omelets, then?"  He's already heading for the fridge, to check the contents.  "We can have toast or bagels with them, to help fill Josh up."  He turns to look at the others, looking especially at Josh, as if he's judging how much food it'll take to fill him up.  "I did remember to get half a gallon of orange juice yesterday at the grocery store." 

 

Everyone's agreeable.  Margaret just snickers at Leo's judging look at Josh.  She remembers Leo's remark about feeding Josh. 

 

Josh looks mock offended, but smiles, as Donna pats his stomach, reminding him that she knows that Leo is right.

 

Leo announces, "Then lets get started, people.  I'll chop the ham and cheese."  Leo's not the COS for nothing.  He assigns everyone a task, efficiently.  "Margaret, you're in charge of getting the eggs ready for the skillet.  Donna, you and Josh can set the table and by that time, you'll need to make more coffee and pour juice.  Josh, you're in charge of the toaster."  Leo looks at them to see if that's also agreeable with everyone.  "Good."  They all move to get breakfast going.

 

Donna can't resist teasing Josh about his cooking, "I can keep an eye on Josh, so he doesn't burn anything, including the apartment."

 

"Donna," was Josh's exasperated remark, as he follows Donna to set the table.  Leo and Margaret share a knowing smile, pausing in their tasks.

 

Breakfast is soon on the table and Josh is enjoying the huge steaming omelet on his plate and comments, "Leo, I'll admit in front of witnesses that you 'do' know how to cook. This is wonderful."

 

"Thanks, Josh."  Leo looks at him with a smile.  "I may need you to verify that someday to Jed.  He thinks he can still out cook me.  What?"  He notes the surprised looks he's getting from Josh and Donna.

 

"You just called the President, Jed."  Donna answered for both of them, "I've never heard you call him anything, but Governor or Mr. President."  She's a little nervous admitting this. 

 

Margaret's smiling, since she was surprised the first few times Leo used the President's first name to her.  She still has trouble realizing that she's now in that same circle of family and friends that can.  Just not at work. 

 

Leo laughs at her observation.  "Well, I do like to annoy Jed in his company and always call him Mr. President.  It's really getting to him."  Leo's showing his enjoyment with this dig to his best friend, "Here at the apartment, I call him Jed.  We're still working on Margaret calling him Jed in private company, but she dodges it, by not calling him by any name.  She's warming up to calling Abby by her name, when they're out of the public eye." 

 

Donna has eyes as big as saucers, when she looks at Margaret's face to confirm this reality,  "I never thought of how many adjustments this means for you, Margaret."  She continues, "I just couldn't do it myself.  He's the President." 

 

Josh chuckles and remarks, "Donna, the First Couple are old friends of Leo's and Margaret is privy to that now."

 

She looks at Josh, "It's enough for me to adjust to Leo teasing and being playful, in private, but to be at ease with the First Couple would be beyond me." 

 

Donna now looks at Margaret in awe and sympathy at the same time.  Realizing the monumental scope of adjustment that she's making to be with Leo.  He deals with the world daily. 

 

Donna looks at the other couple and is amazed at her friends and that they care about her.  Her blessings are countless at times.

 

Leo reaches out and places his hand on her hand, "I guess we all need this talk.  Donna, I can read your face.  Josh and I know that sometimes in the world of politics, that 'all' of us deal with, that it can be overwhelming at times.  Just remember that friends are friends, no matter what the job they have, be it powerful or supportive.  Just the fact that Margaret and I asked for your help, should tell you how much we enjoy your friendship.  Enough to want you, as a close friend and that we feel we can ask." 

 

Addressing Josh with her, "All of us are going through a transition time that redefines our perspectives of each other and yes, which includes the First Couple.  As you and Josh are more in my personal life, you'll both be making adjustments, the same as Margaret. 

 

All of us will be in situations where we're privately in the company of powerful people, both from the nation and the world, while we're in office.  They'll be just regular people at the time and I'm confident that we'll be comfortable with them.  Adjustment will be easier than you think among friends.  Even with or without that big lug you have with you.  He's getting better at it."  He flashes a grin at Josh. 

 

Margaret has reached over to Leo's arm and is stroking it to reaffirm what he's saying about the friendship the four of them have developed.

 

Donna is smiling at Leo, now more at ease.  "I appreciate that you explained it up front with me, Leo."  She covers his hand with her other hand.  "I guess I needed to hear it.  You're right.  Friends are friends and should be enjoyed and cared about.  That must be how you're able to have a best friend as President."  

 

"Exactly.  In here" Leo points to his heart.  "He's still Jed, the same best friend I've had for years."

 

"Yeah," Josh addresses them all, with the sparkle of happiness in his eyes, "years from now, we'll look back at the White House years and be amazed at what we were able to do and the people we met and knew on a personal level.  The best will be the ones we call friends."  He leans over and gives Donna a kiss on the temple.  Josh is happy that he's closest with her. 

 

Margaret now takes charge and stands, "Time we get the ball rolling with getting me a new apartment."  She lists first, "Everyone needs to shower and get dressed.  Josh, you go first."  Looking at Leo with a knowing and accepting look, "Leo can be next, after he checks in at the White House and at he same time, I'll call the rental offices of Latrobe and Potomac Place."  She then finishes with, "To save time, Donna and I can use the bathroom together."

 

"Good, cause I was afraid you'd demand that I share with Josh."  Leo jokes, "I'm not that close to him."

 

"Very funny, Leo."  She gives him a squinted eye look and then turns to speaks to all of them, "After everyone's done, we need to go hunt down some boxes this morning and while in the car we can make a plan of action, to get this place packed up."  She explains her hurry, "I want to get started this week. I can live out of boxes, till the move."  She looks at the ceiling, as if in prayer and then back at them, "If we find a place soon, I need to be able to move in as fast as possible."

 

"OK, I'm going first," Josh states, as he heads to the bathroom.  "I know, don't use all the hot water."

 

"I'll clean the table, while you and Leo make your calls," Donna volunteers.

 

"Thanks, Donna," Margaret agrees to the help and heads for the phone.

 

****   

 

One hour later, all four are ready to go box scavaging.  Needless to say, the guys decide to ride in the front, Josh calling shotgun.

 

 Donna points out with their jobs, "Maybe you shouldn't say that too loud, Josh.  If you mistakenly do it at work, they'd have Leo and you flat on the floor and you'd both be covered over by at least two agents."  Everyone chuckles, as Josh sadly agrees with her. 

 

The girls are fine with this arrangement, since they're going to plan the moving strategy, while they're riding around. 

 

Margaret is directing from the back seat and suggests to Leo where they should try first.  "Lets try the super grocery store first."  She tells them her logic, "With this being Sunday morning, they should have boxes emptied from restocking the shelves after Saturday's customers.  Hope no one else is there before us to claim them.  Leo, if we need more boxes, I can direct you to a few other stores in the area, in a round trip route back to my apartment."

 

Leo agrees with her, "Sounds good to me, 'Dear'.  I'll drive and you can hang over the seat and pick-out which pot holes I should dodge on the way," Leo's being sarcastic, figuring he'd 'nip in the bud' any back seat drivers.

 

"Just suggesting a starting point, 'Sweetie'."  She knows what he's doing and she's not letting him get away with it. 

 

Josh comments, "Donna, I get the feeling that the endearments, 'Dear' and 'Sweetie', don't mean the same thing to them, as they do to us.  Must be the hint of something in their tone of voice," Josh loves ribbing them. 

 

"Yes, it does, Josh," Donna assures him.  "I just use different words than they do.  They're being polite about it."  She shoots Josh down, without breaking a sweat or a nail.

 

 Leo and Margaret can't help it and they laugh at the look on Josh's face, waiting for the comeback.  He doesn't make them wait long. 

 

Josh smiles and looks back over the seat and answers, "Yes, 'Dear', I know," to Donna.

 

"Oh, Josh," she swipes a hand at him, but can't reach him, due to her seat belt. 

 

Leo even ducks, while he's driving.  He can see Donna's swing in the rearview mirror, since she's sitting right behind him.  He doesn't want to be the recipient, when she misses.

 

Leo suggests, getting them back on track.  "OK, everyone, while we're traveling, lets decide how we can achieve the packing in the shortest amount of time."  His job talents come in handy at times.

 

Josh, adding his part about helping, suggests, "The most logical way, would be to divide up what's needed to be packed, by areas."  He further explains his plan, "That way we're not falling all over each other, trying to move back and forth through the apartment, and falling over boxes."  

 

"Good idea, Josh," Leo agrees.  "How about we assign rooms and that way everyone knows what they're responsible for?"  He pauses to see if anyone pipes in. "That way we're not double guessing what each other has packed and what's left." 

 

"OK, then I would like to suggest the room assignments."  Margaret states, "Leo packs up his kitchen and I'll take my room.  Donna can handle the bath, plus the dining area.  Josh, you get the living room with the electronics and media, since that is your expertise and can best decide how to pack them."  She figures that's the logical way to divide, by what each of them knows best.

 

"I definitely can do that!"  Josh promises, "Margaret, rest assured, the entertainment equipment will arrive at the new place in excellent condition, and I can reinstall it when we get it there."  He looks around at the others.  "You know, that's probably going to be the best plan anyway.  For each of us to unpack our areas at the new apartment."  He's pleased with his assigned area.  "This is going to be the fastest move on record!" 

 

"Sounds great to me!"  Donna likes the assignments too and suggests a time frame.  "That way, if any of us get off early or has extra time during the week, we can go over and pack, since we'll know our assigned area."  She continues, "Margaret, you can just let us know what few basics you really need left out and we can pack everything else." 

 

Leo adds his opinion, "Well, you know I'll agree.  I'm happy knowing I get to pack the kitchen.  Plus, I'll know what basics to leave out for her to use and I can save a small box to pack them up last and unload them first."  He continues, "That's decided then," he pauses to look at Margaret in the mirror, "Margaret, we got out of the apartment so fast, I didn't get to ask you how you did with the rental offices.  What did they tell you on viewing the apartments?"  He has a hopeful tone to his voice.  He wants to get it settled 'where' she's moving to, as fast as possible, since Margaret is going to be a nervous wreck, till she knows.

 

"We're in luck, Leo."  She smiles cheerfully, "They both did have two-bedroom apartments for rent and are available immediately."  Donna and her then exchange a smile at her good fortune, "I told them that I worked at the White House and was limited on time to move.  I might as well use all the strings that I can."  She adds, since they're in for a surprise, "I just didn't tell them where in the White House I worked, but they may guess it with you two guys in tow."  She lowers her voice like she's spreading gossip; "They thought it was terrible what my landlords were doing to the tenants on short notice.  Even if we did get an initial notice at the first of the year."  She smiles again, "They both are nicely willing to have someone show us the apartments this afternoon.

 

"So, what times did you agree on?"  Leo asks as he quickly glances back over the seat to her.

 

"At Potomac Place, I told them 1pm and at the Latrobe, I asked for 2:30pm."  She reviews the time planning.  "That should give us an hour at Potomac and since they're close together, we can be over at Latrobe in time.  One apartment is south of the capital and the other is north of it."

 

"Excellent scheduling there, Margaret."  He then gets a small grin on this face, "Maybe you should get a job doing that.  Somewhere that you're appreciated for your skills."  Leo just can't resist teasing her.

 

"Sure, Leo, very funny."  Margaret's dry wit is coming into play, "Maybe one of these days I will, but right now I have this tyrant that I work for and he won't let me quit.  He has me tied to my desk!"  She's really rubbing it in.  She likes to take the opportunity on the weekends, when he blindly walks right into it.

 

"Ouch," he takes the verbal hit.  "You got that right!  Your tyrant boss would be so lost in paperwork.  He'd be buried under it, till halfway through the next Republican President."

 

"That's bad, Leo!  Really bad," Josh can't help voicing his displeasure at the thought of a Republican President.

 

*****     

They arrive at the huge parking lot, but it isn't packed today.  The girls finally emerge from the back seat of the car and all four gather at the back end of the car, where Leo soon has the trunk open and Josh is helping him to rearrange the contents to allow more space for the boxes.  "Hey, Leo, I found your bungie cords.  If we stack the boxes inside each other, we should get quite a few in here."

 

"Yeah, but if they're willing to give us a lot of boxes, we'll need to take a load back to the apartment and make a second run, after we view the apartments."  Leo regretfully suspects they may need a quite a few, before this is over.  "Maybe we can do it on the way back?" 

 

"Good plan, Leo!"  Donna agrees that more may be needed, remembering the last time she moved.  "Times like this makes me wish more of us had big cars.  Yours is the biggest car, Leo.  Margaret's and mine are little economical types and Josh's is a two seater, with practically no trunk area." 

 

"Hey, Cutie!  You like riding in my small convertible."  He grins at Donna, "Beside, it's cool," Josh defends his car.

 

"It may look great, Josh."  She point out to him, "But it isn't very practical for moving purposes."  She wraps her arm around his waist and grins at him, "I'm Cutie, now?"

 

Leo, reminds them that, "We just need to transport the empty boxes."  He then decides now is a good time to voice his overall plans and firmly declares, "I'll pack boxes, but I'm not moving furniture.  I want to walk upright the next week.  We 'are' getting a moving crew on moving day.  I'll even pay for them."  He's looking intently at Margaret.  He knows she's going to balk big time at this.  He bravely reminds himself that she hasn't taken a swing at his head, yet!  That may change, so outside is a good place to let her know.  Plus, to stay out of arms reach.

 

"No, Leo," Margaret loudly protests with a pointed look at Leo.

 

"Yes, I will, Margaret," he firmly states.  "You can give me your, 'Leo, your wasting money again' look all you want.  A crew 'will' be there, if I have to sit on you, while they haul the furniture and boxes out."  He says this as no idle threat.

 

"We'll just see, Leo!"  Margaret's sizes him up and is not backing down.  "First, I know you'll get the most expensive crew in the District."  She starts to lists the faults of plan.

 

Josh and Donna are leaning on the closed trunk looking like they're enjoying a tennis match, as they shift their faces back and forth, between Leo and Margaret.  The fireworks are getting better.

 

"Margaret," he growls, as he leans toward her, almost nose to nose, so by-passers will not hear what they're saying.  "As long as they're on time, careful with your things and efficient."  He growls out, "'screw' the cost."  His eyes are daring her to comment on his using the word 'screw'.  "Hell, I even throw in a bonus, if they send extra men and are done in half the time," He's really going to make her blow a gasket. 

 

"Leo," she practically stomps a foot, as she tries to keep her voice to a normal level, since they are in public.  Though the public is scarce right now.  "You'll 'not' throw money around like that.  I won't allow it."

 

"Don't 'Leo' me!"  He retorts, "You know that we're in a crunch for time and if money talks, this time it's gonna to sing."  He points out the pluses they have already achieved, "We're already doing the packing and then the unpacking." 

 

Leo pauses, while looking her straight in the eye, head tilted, to read her eyes.  "That's as far as I'm compromising."  He still lists the best points to her, "You have us packing your stuff, to keep it private and packed up safely."  He decides to try being firm again and he jabs a pointed finger to the ground at his feet, with his keys still in his hand, looking at her face, "This is the part that I get to decide." 

 

Leo is still looking at her face to judge if she sees just how serious he is.  "That's what I do best, Margaret.  Define the job.  Analyze the best way to get it done… and also be done right."  Their eyes are locked, still silently debating without words.

 

Her shoulders slump just slightly, "Leo."  Margaret now has the slightest plead to her voice, as a part of her knows he's making sense, but the other part doesn't want him footing the bill. 

 

"Margaret, I know this goes against your grain, but you're not injuring your back again.  Period!"  Leo switches tactics, since he knows that she never worries about herself.  "I 'need' you with me at work in the coming weeks."  Switching again, since he can tell she's swaying in his favor.  "You're important to me and I take care of those who are to me.  It's just my way."

 

"Margaret," Josh puts an arm around her, "Sorry, but that clinches it.  You lost this round.  Might as well concede graciously, now."  He gives her a squeeze, "When Leo gets that tone, we know we've lost."  He speaks from experience.  "The President can't even stand up to that argument, so neither can we."

 

"OK, I surrender, Leo.  How can I argue with you, when you're doing it to help me?"  She steps out of Josh's arm and wraps her arm around Leo's waist.  "Let's get inside and grab some boxes.  We don't want to be late for the first appointment and we'll have to feed Josh lunch, before we go, or he might starve right before us," she jokes again. 

 

Josh comments back to them, as he's starting to the store with Donna already.  "You know, being with you two is nice.  You feed me at regular intervals!"

 

"Just getting you fattened up for the work week, Josh," Margaret answers and Leo smiles, since he knows that they really do have to feed Josh.  At work he's going, all the time, at 90 miles an hour, so that he forgets to eat, but during down time, he makes up for all the lost meals.

 

 The four of them walk through the parking lot to the store entrance in pairs.  Josh and Donna have an arm around each other's waist, walking in sync, and are just happy with the day together.  Leo leans over and gives Margaret a kiss on the temple.  "Thanks, Margaret," he whispers, while his head is near hers.

 

"Leo, we're not suppose to kiss in public," she cheerfully scolds him, glad that the storm between them has blown over.

 

"I keep trying to remember that, Margaret," he chuckles to let her know he's not trying too hard.

 

At the entrance the girls and guys split up, "Leo, you and Josh try the produce section and Donna and I will try the snack aisle."  She looks pointedly at Leo, to ensure that he hears what she says next, "Do 'not' buy any produce.  I mean it.  We have enough now to feed an army or Josh, which ever comes first."  She looks at Josh, "Restrain him if necessary and try for boxes with handles cut in them, like the ones for bananas or apples."  She finishes with, "We'll meet you up front, shortly."

 

"OK, Margaret, no more produce today."  Leo looks disappointedly at the produce to the left and at Josh, knowing Josh is under orders.  "I'll agree, since we're in a hurry." 

 

As the two group start on the separate ways in the store, Leo, gets in a quick, last minute dig at Margaret.  "You know, we could've gotten really nice boxes from the moving company." 

 

"They charge you for them, Leo," she just couldn't resist getting in the last word. 

 

They meet shortly outside the front door.  Both groups have boxes loaded into shopping carts.  They get these to the car and are systematically packing them in to the trunk.

 

"Leo," Donna suggests, "Margaret and I got some boxes that are a little smaller that we could nest together and set in the back seat with Josh and me.  It'll be fine, till we get to the apartment."

 

"Good idea," Leo agrees.  "You girls sort them out, while we get ours in the trunk and then we'll see what we can do with what you have left."  They manage to get all 20 odd boxes into the car and shortly are at the apartment. 

 

All four of them are loaded with boxes as they awkwardly maneuver out of the hall and in the door.  "Leo, why don't you and Josh go fix us some sandwiches and chips for lunch?"  Margaret is looking at the pile of boxes in the middle of the living room.  "Donna and I will sort what size boxes are needed in each room.  That way we can sit down and eat, before we need to leave again."  Margaret has a plan going again.

 

*****    

 

Leo and Josh take off for the kitchen, "OK, Leo, what first?"  Josh is waiting for orders in Leo's kitchen.

 

"First, Josh, to save us time, grab the bread and lay out about half the loaf in a line on the counter".  Leo then tells him, "I'm going for the sandwich spread and a small spatula."  Josh has a happy look on his face, as he understands the plan.  Leo confirms the idea, "This is going to look like poker night, and I'm the dealer."  The guys just grin at each other.

 

"Cool!  I'll keep the sandwich makings coming at you from the fridge," Josh adds to the plan.

 

They look like they have practiced this technique before.  The girls arrive in time to see some of the finals items applied, like an assembly line.  "You know, Donna.  The Pep boys of Detroit have nothing on the White House Senior Staff, when it comes to getting something accomplished in a hurry."  Margaret can't resist making fun of the way the guys are making the sandwiches.  "Leave it to a couple of guys to get mechanical with something so simple as making sandwiches and love doing it." 

 

Donna adds to the teasing, "Do you guys go to a class for that technique or is it a natural instinct?"

 

"I think it's a fraternity system for survival.  That's where Sam and I learned it," Josh explains where he found out about it. 

 

"I got it from the guys in the military, before I even went to college," Leo tells his source for the deal a sandwich technique.

 

The females look at each other and say together, "A guy thing!"  Like that explains it totally.

 

Donna volunteers, "We'll just get the drinks and chips out to the table and when you get done building the Dagwood sandwiches, we'll be at the table waiting."

 

****   

 

After lunch, they climb back into the car and head to the capital area to view Potomac Place.

 

"Leo."  Josh is sitting beside Leo in the front seat again, "Margaret said that Potomac Place was south of the capital.  What's the address?"

 

Leo answers, after hesitating to see if Margaret will answer, but the girls in the back seem to be busy with something else.  "Its 800 4^th Street, Josh, just a couple block south off RT 295," He's just letting Josh know how he's getting them there.

 

"Just how close to the White House is it?"  Josh is trying to visualize 4^th street and see if he remembers Potomac Place.  "I think 4^th street wouldn't be too far from work and Margaret said that she wanted close." 

 

"It's not too bad of a drive."  Leo tries to visualize the map that rent.com showed with the listing.  "About 3 miles and she should be able to drive it just under her 10 min limit."  

 

Margaret explains from the back seat, "The 10 min limit is so that if I need to run home and get something, its just a 20 minute round trip of driving and if you add another 10 to park and get up to the apartment, I'm at a full half hour trip."  Margaret wants to give them the full picture of what it is like, to race home and back, before she's needed again.  Hinting to the back of Leo's head, in the front seat. 

 

She now continues to explain it more to Donna, since she knows that the guys will either overhear her or will just tune her out anyway.  "I've had a terrible time with the location that I'm at now.  You can guess yourself how many times; I've not even tried to make the trip, since I would be almost 45 min to an hour if I hurried."

 

"Good Grief, Margaret, when would either of us have a full hour during the day," Donna remarked in amazement.

 

"It definitely was not worth it."  Margaret agreed with her and then lowered her voice to add, "That's why I changed a lot of times at work."

 

Leo can hear the lowered voices and knows that's a sign that the guys are being talked about, "OK, Margaret, give us the highlights again on Potomac Place."

 

She gives him a glance, knowing he's redirecting the conversation away from boss bashing, "Checking with my wish list, it says the building has controlled access and covered parking.  Good idea, so you don't have to clean snow off the car in the winter, plus a/c for summer and some apartments have laundry rooms.  For Leo's benefit it has an elevator for packing in his groceries."  She gives a quick glance to the rear view mirror to catch Leo glance back as he understands her comment.  "He'd also have in the kitchen a dishwasher and garbage disposal.  For me in the bedrooms, walk- in closets."  She smiles at Donna.  "It also lists a balcony or deck, but I don't care much for either of those."  She scrunches her face up not really able to explain why.  "Josh being in charge of the entertainment center can note that all the apartments have a ceiling fan, cable and Internet.  Plus, there's general access to a fitness room."

 

Donna rolls her eyes and reminds her, "Like you're going to have time to use it anymore than you can the one at the White House."

 

 "Now, to add a note on rent.  Keep in mind that it does cost less than the Latrobe," she points out, looking at Leo to see if he gets her meaning.  "A lot less."

 

"Thank you, Margaret," Leo sweetly throws over his shoulder, being a little sarcastic.  Her price checking is not lost on him.  He then addresses them all.  "We can review the options for Latrobe when we go to it.  Just keep an open mind that we're going to check both places."

 

"Well, Donna," Josh turns to look over to the back seat, sounding serious, "who's your favorite to win in this little adventure?  You know that they're going to disagree." he states it like a given.  "Pick now, before we get there," he rushes her like it's really important.

 

Donna, being cautious when Josh tries to hurry her with a decision,  "What do I get if I pick correctly in the end."  She figures it'll really be something for him, just that he'll make it sound good for her.

 

"Ok, a movie in the theater and you choose, but not a chick flick like the last one."  Josh warns and sounds like the last one, was like going to the dentist,  "If I remember, it was something crazy about a wedding?"

 

Donna is insulted, "That was 'Runaway Bride', and it was sweet!"

 

"Exactly my point," he exclaims.  "No chick flick, or you can take Margaret, as your date," he's leaving himself a loophole, just on the outside chance.

 

"Ok, I agree.  I'm still sticking with the Sisterhood and pick Margaret gets her choice."  She smirks at Josh up in front.  "I know I'll win.  It's going to be her apartment."

 

"Deal!"  Josh asks.

 

"Deal!"  Donna answers.

 

"Now," Josh reveals what he has in mind, if he wins, "If I win, I get a personal back rub from you!  A Long one!  With that wonderful lotion you have, the Vanilla one," Josh has that small satisfied smile on his face that pulls out the dimples, as he looks at Donna to see her reaction.

 

Donna is thinking before speaking, "Agreed, but at my place, not yours."  She quickly adds to remove that happy smile, "That's only if you win, Josh."

 

"Margaret," Leo has a disbelief tone to his voice, "Do you feel that they don't have any faith in us picking out your apartment and being civil about it?"  Leo is trying to lighten the mood.  He suspects that Josh may be right and he really wants the best for Margaret that he can get her to agree to.

 

"Well, Leo, I promised to keep an open mind and we do have a list to keep us on track," she seriously remembers their talk.

 

"Here we are."  Leo announces, as he pulls off the street into the front visitors parking.  The building looks like a modern 10 stories high rise, with a red and white-checkered appearance from the patio doors and the balconies across each floor.  "Let's go find the office," Leo encourages, as they exit the car.  He's not too thrilled, but since he's staying at a hotel, after having a home for years, he admits to himself that he doesn't have that much experience apartment shopping.  Mallory wanted to do hers for herself.  He did also promise to have an open mind.

 

After a nice, but short exchange of pleasantries at the office, the manager escorts them to the backside of the seventh floor to view the available two-bedroom apartment.

 

The manager unlocks the door and still standing in the hallway the manager smiles and invites them to go on in with a hand wave, "Here you are, take your time, and be sure to familiarize yourself with the brochure and look over the apartment.  I'll be in the office for the next hour, if you have any additional questions.  You just drop by on the way down." 

 

The foursome step into the apartment and the manager leaves.  Josh reaches over and closes the door that was left standing open, so they can have some privacy.  They want to check out the pros and cons of the apartment without sightseers. 

 

They find themselves in a small foyer or hallway that leads to the living room.  Leo steps to the left and finds the kitchen.  The girls, after a quick peak in the living room entrance, check the door to the right and find another foyer for the bath and sleeping areas that has a laundry closet.  The bath is the typical small size with all the fixtures lined up on one wall.  Margaret moves to the back larger bedroom and Donna checks the front one next to the bath.  Both have large closets along the adjoining wall with sliding doors that are 'not' walk-in.  The back bedroom where Margaret is has one wall that's 2/3^rd patio doors, which lead to a balcony. 

 

The front bedroom that Donna's quickly checking is medium size with one window.  Donna soon joins Margaret in the back bedroom, to find her looking out the patio doors.  She also notes the view is of the back parking lot.  "Well, Margaret, we're to take notes pros and cons for the sleeping areas, we can review everything later," Donna tries to reinforce the open mind policy.

 

"I know, but all this glass in the bedroom and no walk-in closets."  She sighs, "Not a good sign.  Even for my frugal heart."  She seriously looks at Donna agreeing face, "Leo, may be right and you may be giving Josh a back rub."

 

"Remember the cheaper price in your judgment."  Donna reminds her, seeing the discouraged look on her face.  "Lets go see what the guys have found in the other half of the apartment."

 

They find Josh out on the balcony and Leo's at the patio door looking out.  "Leo, we're done looking in the sleeping area.  You guys can check it out and we'll check this side."  Margaret recommends.

 

"OK," he glances at Margaret with a disappointed look that speaks volumes to her.  One of those 'we'll talk later' looks.

 

Shortly, the guys are back in the front hall to find the girls in the kitchen.  The guys stay in the hall, as four people may not be able to fit in the kitchen. 

 

Josh asks the hanging question, "Ok, girls, what's the pros and cons with this apartment?"

 

Margaret flips open her pad of paper in her hand, "OK, Leo, go ahead.  Give me the cons that I can see running past behind your eyes and I can read from your frown." 

 

"Margaret," Leo growls and gestures with both hands out and waist high in front of him, trying to defend his opinion, "I'm trying to be fair, but the kitchen's barely bigger than the bath and I grant that the living room is good size, but with the sleeping area closed off by itself, it feels like a really small apartment."  He looks toward the sleep area,  'I guess you could prop the connecting door open all the time, to feel you have some room to move around."  He tries to show logical reason, "I just feel with all of the foyers you loose a lot of usable space."

 

"Donna, what's your opinions," Leo asks, hoping for reinforcements.

 

"My complaint, Leo, and I think Margaret agrees with me, is we found that neither of the two bedrooms have a walk-in closet that she was hoping for." 

 

Margaret is nodding her head in agreement, not looking at Leo for fear he'll smile and she'll have to do bodily harm to him in front of witnesses. 

 

Donna continues with what she found.  "The bath is small, but you probably give up bath space to have the extra bedroom.  Which is good size, usually the second one is really small, like for a child."  She pauses her thinking, "It did have the laundry closet in the foyer, that's on Margaret's list."  Donna tries to find at least one thing that is a pro.

 

Margaret is writing down all the comments for later, when they'll debate the two apartments.

 

Leo wants to get everyone's input in, while they're still in the apartment, more like evidence from what they're finding in this apartment.  "Josh, your turn."

 

"Well, I agree, Leo, with what has been mentioned, but they use the balconies as an incentive and then the only view you have is the additional parking lot out back."  He has a second problem to mention, "You know with all the foyers that it has, it is sorta like a maze and getting the furniture through all the doorways will be fun for the movers."  Josh adds his items to the list.

 

Margaret lastly gives her opinion, "Well, here's a surprise, everyone."  She waits, as she knows that they're anxious for her comments, "I'm not really fond of balconies, since I'm never home to use them and they can be a security risk."  She attaches a logical reason.  "The worst thing about them here is that there are two of them and the heating bill in this place, in the winter, with that much glass would be an outrageous cost."  Her frugal side just cannot tolerate the thought.

 

Josh points out on the same line, "The a/c in the summer will be a killer, also.  This building runs north to south and you'll get a whole wall of either the morning sun or the afternoon sun."

 

 "Ok, everyone," Margaret announces, "I have noted all the comments.  I also added that it does have a coat closet by the front door that I don't have at my place now."  She waves the paper from the Manager, "We also have this nice brochure," with a smart-alecky tone, since he was so briefly helpful. 

 

Leo's now trying to keep things moving, "Well, let's return the key and then head over to Latrobe and see if we can see it a little early."  He hopes that going straight over will make a better impression on Margaret.

 

*****    

 

In the car again, Margaret is sitting in front with Leo this time and she pulls out the notes that Leo printed out, the night before, on Latrobe.

 

"The address is 1325 15^th Street NW."  Leo pipes in the location, before Josh can ask this time, "It's the one north of the capital." 

 

"How close to work is this one?"  Josh asks again.

 

"It's 'under' one mile and takes less than 4 min. to get there from work," Leo's voice has that 'can you believe it' quality.  He continues talking to the others, but really is directing it to Margaret, "Which sounds good to me.  Margaret might go home and sleep more?" 

 

Margaret makes an unladylike snort at his last comment. 

 

Josh and Donna both chuckle together, as Donna lays her head on Josh's shoulder.  They both are thinking that's not going to happen, unless she drags Leo home with her.

 

Leo looks in the rear view mirror at the pair chuckling at his expense.  "You two 'are' wearing seat belts, right?"  He pauses to check the mirror and see the innocent looks they give him, "You're getting really cozy back there's that's why I'm asking."  He teases them now, "No back seat fooling around!  It's still broad daylight!" 

 

This really cracks Josh up and Donna gives him a firm pat on the chest for his trouble, but she still snuggles into him.

 

"Just watch the road, Leo.  The back seat is 'our' business."  Josh tries to redirect they're attention, "You and Margaret can just keep discussing the next apartment."  Josh then tilts Donna's chin up with his hand and does the tongue tango with her, whether Leo is watching or not. 

 

Grinning, Leo flashes a smile across the seat from him, "Margaret, we may have to separate them or trade places."  He pauses to rethink what he just said, "Nah, Josh isn't driving my car.  He'd wreck us for sure."  Leo explains with at dig at Josh, to see if he's really listening to him and for the fun of distracting him from Donna,  "He's so used to that tinker toy he calls a car that he doesn't know how to drive a full size car anymore."  Leo knows that you do not insult Josh's car and get away with it.

 

Josh is sounding offended, "First, you guys tease me about my eating, then my cooking skills, now my driving and my car.  Sheeesh!"

 

"But, Honey, what are friends for?"  Donna asks him sweetly.  "That's our way of letting you know how much you mean to us."  She perks up with, "Plus, it's fun when you always take the bait."

 

"Thanks guys, I can really feel the love," he's being sarcastic.  Then, to get even he gives Donna another kiss to prove he's just kidding.

 

"All right," Margaret breaks in and teases them now, "Before you two fog up the back window, I'll read the options for Latrobe." 

 

Josh and Donna turn forward and are still leaning together, now ready to pay attention. 

 

"The Latrobe has some of the same features as Potomac, like controlled access, covered parking, a/c and plus, an intrusion alarm for extra security."  She likes the sound of that.  "It doesn't state that it has an elevator."  She looks at Leo on this.

 

Leo answers her look,  "If it's a large building, it'll have an elevator, Margaret.  It's not like the place you have now, yours is only four stories.  This one looked like ten stories from the picture"

 

"We'll check," she notes that on a new page.  She reads more of the notes out loud, "In the kitchen at the next one they list a dishwasher, microwave and garbage disposal.  It states walk-in closets, so I hope it does."  She smiles at Donna, who has her fingers crossed this time.  "Some apartments have laundry rooms.  All of them have a ceiling fan, cable, and Internet.  Plus, get this guys, access to a pool and hot tub."  She sighs after reading this.  She adds, "A fitness room was shown in the pictures!"

 

Margaret pauses from listing the items.  "It 'does' cost more than Potomac Palace, about 25% more and 30% more than my old place."  She says this like it's going to be a sinful amount to pay and will be painful.  She does admit glancing up from her notepad to Leo, "It does have some nice features, I hope it's not going to a disappointment like Potomac seemed to be." 

 

Leo smiles and tells the couple in the back, "The one item that she did not mention, the best feature included, and the one that 'is' raising the price."  He pauses for effect, "Is that the two-bedroom apartment has two bathrooms, one for each bedroom."  He smiles at the mirror and is satisfied with the knowing look Josh gives him back. 

 

Margaret quietly adds, because she knows it's going to another feature he'll like, "It also has valet dry cleaning, but I'm not planning on using it often, just maybe for my gowns.  You have it at the hotel already, Leo."

 

Josh tries to reason with her, "Margaret, you can look at the higher cost in two additional ways, not just what you mentioned last night about taking what you could find on short notice."  He lists them for her, "First, is that you will be getting your money's worth with the extra features and second, the sad fact is, that the prices have gone up on everything."  He seriously adds looking at Leo in the mirror, "One of the things we're working on at the White House with the economic package."  

 

They arrive and Donna is impressed, "Margaret, this is so much better looking than the Potomac."

 

"I agree with Donna," Leo's real pleased with the look of the building, "Now, if we can just get her to consider the extra price.  He exaggerates a wink at Donna.  "This looks like a nice place with all the warm brown brick."  Leo turns the charm on to Margaret, "You're close enough to practically 'see' the White House and the monuments!"  He's still charming her, now with logic, "Considering the advantages of locations and class look of the place from the outside, the 30 % more might be worth it."  He grins encouragingly at her, "Let's go inside and see what they have to show us."  While walking to the front of the building, Leo removes his sunglasses and notes to the others, "If I remember right, the two-bedroom apartments have that bay window in them, you can see them over there on the side of the building." 

 

"A bay-window, Leo?  Like in a real house?"  Margaret has a happily surprised sound to her voice.  "You may have just sold me on it."  She's teasing Leo in a serious voice, "I don't really eat much.  I could save more that way."  Leo flashes her a dark look, but doesn't growl at her comment, since Margaret's starting to agree with them about the looks of the Latrobe.

 

Josh is holding the lobby door open for them as Donna slips inside, in front of them.  Josh takes his sunglasses off with a flourish all his own, as he follows them in.

 

Leo reminds Margaret with a tone low in his throat, while he puts a hand at the small of her back to escort her into the building.  "Margaret, I know what you make and you can afford the apartment.  You'll just not be able to save as much as you'd like to." ~~Penny pinching be  damned! ~~   Leo's remembering the deal that they made, the night before last, about his paying for the extra bedroom.  He figures he can get her to agree to 1/2 of the extra cost, over what she was paying now.  She's already expecting to pay more rent for a new apartment. 

 

Just inside the lobby, they notice the clean waiting area and a bank of elevators, behind a glass wall with an electronically controlled door.  Leo smiles, "See, I knew that elevators would be available.  Check one item off the list."  They find the Management office located just to the side of the lobby.  The Manager is waiting to give them some basic info and a brochure.  Next, he's happy to show them around the general access rooms, after taking them through the secured doorway.  They tour the pool and hot tub area and then walk through the fitness center. 

 

Margaret notes where the recycling room is located, right next to a freight elevator for furniture moving.  The Manager's now telling them, "The last part of our tour, before I show you the apartment, is at the lounge and meeting room.  We have a residents meeting once a month and a charity benefit group that helps organize ways that the residents can volunteer to help organizations in the area.  We're a very nice community and try to preserve a pleasant atmosphere here." 

 

Standing in front of the elevators he continues with the buildings visitor security information, "Out in the lobby where we started," he's now pointing through the glass wall as they wait for the elevator to arrive.  "We have phone access, for your visitors to call you on the intercom in the apartment and you can buzz them into the elevator area or they can wait in the convenient lobby."

 

At the apartment, he opens the door and ushers them inside, even bare empty they can tell this is so much better than the other apartment they viewed earlier.  The carpeting is in soft neutral colors and clean.  The walls are of interesting designs and pastel coverings.  The apartment opens into a nice size foyer with a closet and slightly ahead to the right, is the living room with Margaret's bay window.  The kitchen is directly to the right from the foyer and is good size with a double pass thru window to the living room for serving.  Leo was really impressed. 

 

To the left off the foyer was a small bath that's also connects through to the second bedroom.  The main entrance to the second bedroom is directly off the left side of the living room.  Walking from the living room to the right was the master bedroom with an identical separate small bath and the hoped for huge walk-in closet, containing an over and under laundry pair in one corner of it.  The apartment is spacious and just flows.  The manager decides to leave them to discuss the merits of the apartment.  " Mr. McGarry."  He turns and nods, "Margaret.  I'll be down in the office, if you'll just stop by to return the key and I can give you a listing of the fees."  He then leaves them with a smile.

 

"Well, Margaret, he must be a democrat?  He knew who Leo was."  Josh is tickled that the manager unknowingly let it slip.  "I, for one, think you should take this place, Margaret.  For the rent you're going to be paying, this is a bargain for what you'll be getting."  He teases her back now, "You only live once, and with our jobs, we 'all' deserve a nice place to regroup."

 

"Yeah," Donna agrees, "If you can afford this place, I say go for it."  She also tries to persuade Margaret.  "This is really nice and has all the options you wanted."  She jokingly adds, "Just remember to add us to your visitors list.  I'm going to visit you real often, if you move in here."

 

"Come on, Donna," Josh suggests, as he grabs her by the hand.  "Lets go back into the Living room and check out where I can put the entertainment center.  I need to see where the connections are located."  They both know that Leo and Margaret need a few minutes to privately discuss Margaret's decision.  

 

Margaret and Leo have moved into the nice kitchen and they are standing face to face, with arms looped around each other's waists ready for serious decision time.  "Leo, I can tell by your smile that you already have me moved in here." 

 

"I want you to be happy with your decision to live here, Margaret."  He looks her in the eye for her to see he's serious.  "This will be your home and you need to be comfortable here.  If you're agreeable, then lets go down and talk to the manager and see what he has to say, when you tell him that you're serious in wanting to rent here." 

 

Leo nods his head to the side and continues, "He can tell us the deposit, getting utilities and tell you what references that you might need."  He pauses and has a small smile, "but I think your friends with you and where you work might be enough references."  He's really smiling now.  He can tell from her face, as she looks to the living room, out the pass-thru window at the bay window that she's hooked. 

 

"OK, Leo."  Margaret grins back at him, "I'm going to go out on a really thin limb here and go with your opinion."  She looks him in the eye this time, "So, if this doesn't work out, remember you get to move me back out of here and no complaining."  She gets the last word and is happy to surrender with valor.  

 

"Thank you, Margaret."  He kisses her quickly and happily, as he knows she's really trusting him on this one. 

 

Margaret really knows that Leo will feel better with her in a nicer apartment building and so close to him at work.

 

"Come on, guys," Leo calls to the others, "she wants to go talk to the manager again."

 

They reach the lobby and Josh is bouncing with energy, ready to pack and move the entertainment center.  He just anxiously waits for when Margaret is given a key.  He knows Margaret is going to take the apartment by the way that she and Leo are holding hands.  They don't even have to tell them that they have decided in favor of the apartment.  "Leo, give me your car keys.  Donna and I'll wait in the car, while you talk the manager about the details."

 

"Sure," Leo digs into his pants pocket and hands Josh the keys.  "Feel free to play some music, but don't change the radio buttons, like you did last time for a joke!"  Leo reminds him of the time Sam and he were left to wait in his car.

 

They then enter the manager's office.  Margaret smiles at the Manager, "Hi!  I think I'd like to find out the details for renting the apartment, if you can do that today, with it being Sunday?"

 

He smiles back at Margaret and Leo, "Yes, I'd be happy to help you with the arrangements today.  I would assume that you two have very little time during the week."

 

Leo answers for them, "You're correct at that, in fact we work most hours of the the clock.  Since you did recognize me, you probably guess that we have to discuss a serious factor.  I'll be here visiting Margaret and we might get a surprise visit from the Secret Service now and then, due to my job and with Margaret being privy to some information that's not for everyone to know.  Security is sometimes an issue.  One of the reasons Margaret and I like it here is your buildings safety measures."

 

The Manager, not surprised, agrees, "I understand that and we have had to deal with unusual residents before, with us being this close to the capital."  He now tries to assure Leo, "You just let us know how we can make it easier for you and we'll see if it can be arranged." 

 

"If Leo is OK with that part," Margaret's ready to get down to business and asks, "Then can we discuss the rental agreement and the financial aspects for the apartment?" 

 

"Right, I have an application here that is short and simple.  It asks for references, but if you list your friends that you have here with you, I can guarantee that we'll not worry about that.  Due to the fact we already know that all employees of the White House are security cleared and that's good enough for us."  He hands Margaret a form that has three layers, "Here you go.  If you like, you can take a few minutes to fill it out now and I can answer any additional questions that Mr. McGarry can think of."

 

"Thank you," Margaret replies.  "That would be helpful, if I could fill it out now.  Time is a little short for us this coming week."

 

Leo now redirects the manager's focus back to him, "I did see that the rear door has a pass card lock.  Is it the same as for the security door here in the lobby?" 

 

"Yes, it's the same."  The manager explains, "The rear door is for the residences only and anyone they're escorting in with them, so they can enter from the covered parking.  Anything else I can answer for you?"

 

Margaret lifts her head from filling out the application and has a question on the security cards  "With the door security cards, how many cards am I allowed to have?"  She looks at Leo to let him know she's thinking of his habit of arriving at her apartment after she does.

 

"One per listed occupant and that 'is' confidential."  He adds to reassure Leo, "We have had foreign residents that the various law agencies wished to remain confidential."  He boasts, "We have been a close and handy location to the Capital in such situations."

 

 "Then, if I list Leo on this application, as one of the occupants, I can have a security card for him?"  She just wants to confirm it, not trying to move Leo in or anything permanent.  But who knows the future?

 

 Leo follows this train of thought, "If that's possible, then the next problem may be that the secret service will want one".  Leo smiles and adds why, "That's if they need to quickly secure and retrieve me, as Margaret kindly puts it."

 

The manager knowingly returns the smile, "That'll not be a problem, as they've had one in the past.  Our other residents deal very well with the inter-workings of the political DC area.  As most are of political or business occupations."  

 

Leo now shows signs of relaxing.  He was worrying that after getting Margaret to agree that there might be other obstacles blocking her renting here.

 

Margaret grins and hesitates with pen over the from, she remembers to ask,  "Now, as you might have guessed, our friends want to know your rules on visitors." 

 

"We are pretty flexible, but try to retain the security of the other residents.  You may have guests 'accompany' you to any of the general rooms with you.  Overnight guests are fine, unless they need to stay more that 2 weeks.  Then we ask you list them temporarily on the rental agreement."  He smiles at Leo, "That's not including anyone on the rental agreement, as you indicated you would be.  They get full resident privileges, same as she does.  I hope I have covered any questions you have on that, Margaret, but you can always call down and ask us."

 

Leo wants to be up front with the Manager, "Yes, Margaret is right.  I'll need a security key card."  He smiles at her and she flashes him a smile back, comfortable with his honesty and knowing he's going to explain, "Margaret and I are a couple, as well as working together at the White House's COS office.  We work long and unusual hours and we'll be coming and going at odd hours." 

 

Leo jokes with him, "You may have to sometimes point us to the elevator, as we might be asleep on our feet." 

 

He leans forward toward the manager, like a conspirator and teasing Margaret at the same time.  "That's usually when Margaret finally give in and goes home to sleep."  She blushes, but still gives him a look that says, 'I go home, when you go home'.  That's the way that is, always has been!

 

Margaret has another question she needs the answer to before they leave, "On another topic, I believe I mentioned to you on the phone that I have to move quickly and we need to know how soon and what arrangements we need to make.  My current landlords are firm on the date to be out of my current apartment." 

 

He's happy to be able to give her a positive reply, "You can move in as soon as I receive payment for the deposit and first month's rent.  We allow furniture moving on weekday 8 to 8 and on Saturday, but discourage any furniture moving on Sunday.  It's the one day that most residents have as a quiet day here."

 

"Sounds agreeable to us."  Leo remembers this morning's quiet talk they had on a Sunday morning, "Now maybe you can help us, we'll need a moving crew in about a week.  We could start on small things during the week and they could move her big furniture in on Saturday." 

 

"That would work."  He agrees with Leo, "The apartment is ready for immediate occupancy."

 

Margaret now hands the rental forms back to the manager, "I think I have all the information on here that you need."  She glances to Leo and back to the manager, "Would you like us to sign now and leave the deposit or would you like to wait till you approve my application," she asks wanting to finalize the agreement.  

 

"I think we can finish this up now, since you both have reached a mutual decision."  He hands the form back to Margaret after reading it over, "Just sign across from your name and have Mr. McGarry list his name and sign to receive his own key card.  You'll be the apartment renter, Margaret, and Mr. McGarry will be the secondary, with full occupancy privileges."  He looks at Margaret and then glances to Leo, "If this is agreeable I can take your deposit check and issue the keys to the apartment and the security key cards."  He continues with more information, now that the agreement is being signed, "Your apartment number is 525 on the fifth floor.  It is halfway up the building and has a nice view of the city at night, but the upper floors are a little more expensive due to the greater view of the DC area." 

 

"That is fine with me."  Margaret sounding like she's not really impressed, "I see the historic sites up close and personal everyday."  She adds, "Including the President."  She wants to let him know that selling point for her, "I do love the bay window and the pleasant atmosphere here.  It is what we're looking for to recuperate after work.  A nice retreat."

 

"Thank you, Margaret."  He's very pleased at this point, "We appreciate your opinion of our community, and we're happy to welcome you."  He opens a drawer and removes a small envelope with her new apartment number on it.  "Here are your keys and two security cards, plus a new resident folder with lots of information on our facilities."  He adds before they leave, "The number on the key card is also the number of your parking space.  This way you will each have a space that you'll arrive at, from the rear of the building. 

 

He opens another drawer and hands Leo a security card, "Here, this is the Secret Service card.  It's the red one and is a master pass card without a number."  He now goes over to the side table in the room and brings back a pamphlet, "Mr. McGarry here's list of recommended movers for our area that have worked well here and I hope will help you.  Call if you need any assistance at all.  We're available at all hours."  He knowingly smiles, really doesn't need to say it, but he does, "It's just the way with the DC area."

 

Outside Leo takes her hand in his, as they walk to the car and he gives hers a little squeeze in appreciation.  She smiles, as it's now a relief to know where she's moving to and is happy with their selection.

 

Leo slips his sunglasses on, but he notices that Josh and Donna are in the front seat of the car.  Josh is slumped down and enjoying the music that they can hear he's playing, when they get near the car.

 

"Hey guys, you get all the details?"  Donna asks, as they arrive at the side of the car.

 

Margaret holds up her new keys

 

"You took the apartment!  That's great, Margaret!"  Donna is pleased for her and jokes, "You ever throw Leo out, let me know and you can twist my arm to be your roomie."

 

"Sorry, Donna," Margaret softly assures her, "I'll never throw Leo out, he's grown on me after all these years."  Leo has his arms wrapped around her, as they talk outside the car.  Margaret, to prove what she said, "I even got Leo his own key card to the new apartment."

 

"Great!"  Josh agrees from the driver's seat window, with his arms folded on the window ledge.  He winks at Leo and looks at Margaret, "Congratulations are now in order, Margaret.  Now lets go somewhere for a quick meal and celebrate." 

 

"Fine," Margaret agrees, "As long as you two cut out afterwards."

 

Smiling, she quickly adds, "I'm not trying to run you off, but I know you both have things you need to take care of on your day off, at your own places."

 

Margaret continues to happily rattle off plans.  We can talk over dinner about the packing time schedule and you wouldn't believe when Leo told them we're moving in the furniture.  Hope you two can start tomorrow evening.  Leo has already warned the President that we'll need extra time off next week and we are really going to need it."

 

At dinner, Josh and Donna admit that they both won and agree to both the movie and the backrub.  Both could get interesting.

 

http://www.rent.com/property/432966/2/

 

*****      

 

At the old apartment Margaret's closing the door behind Josh and Donna, as they leave, after retrieving their clothes.  They're still discussing when they'll pay up on the bet.  Margaret smiles, while listening to them debate, as they continue down the stairs. 

 

Leo is now rattling in his kitchen.  He volunteered to make them some of her decaf tea and she smiles knowing for sure that he's in there also planning his attack for packing the kitchen.  Margaret stops at the doorway to the kitchen.  Smiling still, since she can see that Leo has most of the cabinets' doors open for his inspection, while he waits for the microwave to ding with the tea water.  

 

"Leo, are we crazy?"  Margaret questions the giant undertaking that they set for themselves. 

 

He looks at her and grins widely, "Of course we are, Margaret!"  He sounds like that is a good thing and cheerfully lists why.  "Crazy in believing we could get a dark horse elected President and is now in the White House.  Crazy enough to believe we make a difference with the work we do there.  Crazy enough to blow off the restraints this city tries to enforce on us, telling us whether we can make ourselves happy together or not.  Yes, crazy to think we can have you moved in one week!"

 

Margaret can't help herself, she chuckles with tears shining in her eyes, "I guess, Leo, that when you put it that way, maybe moving in a week is not too crazy."

 

"Nah, just another challenge and we thrive on challenges.  Our friends will help us.  They always do when we need them, whether we need to ask or not."  He steps to her and he can't resist the tears in her eyes.  He pulls her close for a hug and a peck on the lips.  "You just need a plan of operation.  That's your expertise."  He drops another kiss on her again, "You tell me what schedule we need to follow to get this accomplished and the next thing you know, it'll be Friday evening and you'll be spending your last night here." 

 

"OK, Leo, I can do planning.  You get the tea and I'll get my notebook and lets figure out what free time we'll have available and start a schedule.  Meet me on the couch."  She kisses him a thank you, as she agrees with him and willingly grabs the chance to start getting something positive accomplished.

 

They're cozily sitting on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table and Leo has his arm around her shoulders, as he looks at the notepad she's writing on.  "Margaret, I think that during the next week we should all work at packing 'after' we get out of the office in the evenings. 'No' morning packing for you, my dear."  He wanted to add that rule at the beginning or she'd work practically around the clock and burn out rapidly.

 

She gives him her pointed look, like that's going to help. 

 

"Really, Margaret, I have warned the President and the Senior Staff that we're taking early evenings this week."  He cranes his face around to look her in the eyes, "Everyone says they'd help us." 

 

Leo continues and teases her slightly, "Since this place is not 'big' enough for all of our friends to fit in here to help us pack, they're helping by covering for us at work."  

 

"Ok, Leo, so what time can we hope to leave the office?"  She wants a time frame to work with.

 

He lays his head on her shoulder and wrinkles up his forehead, as he considers what would be a realistic time, "I'm thinking after the 7pm briefing.  I'll check one last time with the President and the four of us will sneak out before 7:30."  He chuckles, as he predicts, "It'll be Wednesday evening before the rest of the Senior Staff catch on."  He lifts his head to see if she agrees.

 

Margaret gives a smirk at that, knowing that his comment would get some feathers ruffled.  She can just see Toby bluster at that one.

 

Leo reminds her of the arrangements made earlier that evening, "Like we discussed at dinner, Josh and Donna will swing by their places to change and should arrive here by 8pm, with takeout food for dinner." 

 

Margaret's voicing her doubts again, "You don't think that's a lot of work, for so little time to work here, do you Leo?"

 

Leo reveals how he expects the evenings to progress, "I have clothes here that I can change into, that'll save me time.  After dinner, all of us can pack for a couple of hours."  She looks at him like, 'that's just the point'.  He reads her look and reassures her, "I know this 'is' a little apartment, but it'll still take 'some time' to pack and transport everything." 

 

She nods and agrees with that. 

 

He now suggests, "The last thing we can do each evening is take a load to the new apartment of what is packed.  Josh and Donna can even help us deliver it on their way home."  He has a lighter tone, as he states, "That should have them home by midnight, just a normal day for us."  He jokes, as he wraps up the plan that's in his head.

 

"Speaking of your clothes being here."  Margaret adds to the week's list of 'things to do'.  "That reminds me that you need to go and purchase your daybed and furniture for the other bedroom."   

 

"Well, we could try to go during lunch tomorrow or Tuesday," he definitely wants her to be there and add her opinion on what he purchases.  "We could set it up for them to deliver the stuff, as well, on Saturday."  He nods his head to the side, "Might as well have everything arrive the same day."

 

She quickly rattles a plan she has,  "Leo, if everything goes as planned.  I was going to ask Donna to come back over here on Sunday for a couple of hours and help me clean a little.  I know that they're going to tear it apart to remodel, but I can double check for anything we missed and make sure that things are relatively clean.  We can do some of it, as we pack."  She gets a gleam in her eye, "I want my deposit back!"

 

"Sounds like a good plan for you ladies".  Leo readily agrees, "Josh and I can work at the new apartment."  He rolls his eyes at the next statement he makes, "Josh will probably be working on the entertainment equipment.  He won't quit till he thinks its perfect.  Josh said something about mounting the extra speakers for surround sound.  He loves the size of your new living room." 

 

She smiles in appreciation. 

 

Leo is thinking out loud now, "While there, I can finish working on the kitchen.  Since Saturday, I'll be lucky to get just enough boxes unpacked to cook a quick dinner for us." 

 

"Leo, you're going to cook after moving in all day."  She's looking at him, like he's crazy. 

 

"Yes, Margaret."  He pauses and then tells her sweetly, "I'm not waiting a whole week to try out the new kitchen."  He grins at the incredible look she's giving him.

 

 She knows he really 'is' going to try out the kitchen.

 

"Leo, sometimes I think you'd have a hard choice between cooking and having sex," she's looking at him deadly serious. 

 

Leo bursts out laughing at her statement and has to set his tea mug on the coffee table to keep from spilling it.  "Margaret, that's one of the things I like about you best.  I never can predict what you'll say." 

 

He looks at her with a leering smirk, "To answer your question, I guess you'll just have to wait till we make love, to make an informed opinion."

 

He lowers his voice to a soft rumble, "Just for your information.  I don't have sex.  I make love.  Never doubt that, Margaret."  He reaches up and cups the back of her neck, as he slips his other arm around behind her, to pull her into a passionate kiss, as a preview.

 

When they come up for air, Margaret has a soft grin on her face, "I never doubt you, Leo."

 

Leo catches his breath and his voice is a little shaky, "That'll have to wait, till a better time." 

 

"Maybe, we better get to work packing some boxes tonight and get our minds off fooling around," she gives him a knowing look.

 

"Now, we're both being spoil sports," he jokes and reluctantly agrees.

 

"I know, Leo.  I'm just too practical for my own good sometimes."  She looks at him sadly.

 

He cheerfully volunteers, "I can work on that fault for you, if you like?"

 

"Leo," she has to get stern with him, "you have a kitchen waiting on you, and the cabinets are hanging open in anticipating." 

 

"That's a low tactic you're pulling, Margaret.  Making me choose." 

 

He hesitates to decide on a rational reply, "But, to be a gentleman, I'll withdrawal to the kitchen.  Your virtue is safe tonight."  He softy adds, "In fact safe this whole week."  He kisses her again, like he's afraid he's has to store them up.  He perks up and plans, "After that, I may have to regroup with my strategy.  So be warned, Margaret, I have lots of tactics to win your heart." 

 

"Leo," she sarcastically states, "lets be honest here, you have my heart, you're just working on the rest on me now!"

 

He kisses her, as he gets up, "Your too smart sometimes, Margaret, I really have to work to stay ahead of you!" 

 

"Keep working, Leo."  She teases him about the on going battle, "That's one way to keep you in shape, since I give up trying to get you to eat right at work."  She calls, as her parting shot, knowing he's now lost in his kitchen.

 

She switches gears to thinking ahead of the evenings amount of packing time and stops by the kitchen on the way to her bedroom, where she needs to start the packing of her assigned room.  "Leo, I was thinking and wanted your opinion."  She hesitates, before asking, "I know we've been on the road all day, it seems, but do you think we could take a load of my winter clothes over this evening to the new apartment.  If we are quiet and use the back entrance, we shouldn't disturb anyone."

 

"Sure, Margaret," he quickly considers the trip, "going tonight is a good idea, we need to get as much done, ASAP.  That would get one big load done now."

 

"It wouldn't take long for me to take my clothes, which are on hangers, to the car and you could grab my comforters that are in the zipped bags.  That would remove a lot from my packed closet and give me space to work." 

 

She suggests for him, "You need to first put shelf liner down in the kitchen cabinets, anyway.  We could stop at the superstore on the way and run in to grab a few  rolls."  She logically explains, "Going over this evening would give me a chance to see what I need for curtains.  We can check if the fridge is plugged in and things like that."

 

"Margaret, I'm right in thinking that this is the point where women get all domestic," Leo determines with a slight whine in his voice.

 

"Yes, Leo."  She happily confirms his coming misery, "We women enjoy making our nest.  I 'am' generously letting you pick out what you need for the spare room."  She also lets him know a change in the plans that they discussed before about the spare room, "I'm thinking, maybe you should see if you can fit a small computer desk in there and I'll put my desk out in the foyer."

 

He resigns himself to his fate, "I can see we need to check some measurements, to see where things will fit and what we need to purchase."  He looks at the satisfied look on her face, "And yes, this evening does look like the best time to do it.  Lets both grab the clothes and go!" 

 

"That's Ok, Leo, the bedroom is my area to pack and I'll take them to the car.  You need your time in here.  You can pack up the smaller pans and cookware.  We'll take them with tomorrow's load.  The big boxes we'll leave for the movers."  She throws a promise back to him, since she's already going to her bedroom, "I'll come tell you when I have everything ready to go.  I won't be long."

 

"Ok, Margaret, you're running the schedule."  He answers with a fading voice, as he's already planning what to box up first, "I'll keep working on my room then."

 

After four loads to the car, she's ready to go grab the comforters.  She stops by to inform Leo she's ready and finds him surrounded by lots of boxes.  "Do I need to send in a search and rescue party to find you, Leo," she asks jokingly.

 

"We definitely have to take this load tomorrow or you won't be able to 'find' the coffee maker, let alone food," he warns in a flip manner.

 

"Well, then I'll send the S&R for the coffee maker and you can fend for yourself," she sounds heartless and he knows she's serious about her morning coffee.

 

"Your warm concern is so touching, Margaret," he returns mockingly.  "Let me find a path out of here and we'll go to the new place."  He climbs over and around the boxes that are on the small floor space.  "That kitchen is small, but the cabinets are bottomless pits."  He teases her with a dig; "You better keep the S&R on speed dial."

 

She retaliates with, "Better yet, I'll tell Ron Butterfield I lost you and would he 'pretty please' come over and find you."  She says this, as she picks up a comforter bag and her purse, still moving to the front door.

 

Leo grabs the other comforter bag and follows her, continuing the conversation, "You just give up those 'pretty' thoughts, and Butterfield can keep out of your apartment."  He closes the door and locks it. 

 

Leo is right behind her down the stairs and keeps the debate going.  "You know, I'm beginning to think it might not be safe, for Butterfield to ever be here.  You might just tackle him down and have your way with him." 

 

She calls his bluff, "Sounds like you'd like to be him, in that personal fantasy you got going there."

 

"Oh, Margaret, be still my heart."  Leo holds a hand to his chest, "My fantasy, for right now, is being here with you, and I am happy to have that."  He grins at her as they're walking, "Everything else would be 'beyond' fantasy." 

 

She looks at him to see if he's serious or not.  She decides to keep it neutral, "You're getting punchy early this evening, Leo.  How tired are you," she asks, as they get into the car.

 

"I'm OK, Margaret," he gives his quick, automatic response that he's answered her with for years. 

 

She raises her eyebrows, when that answer blows right by her, it was said so fast.

 

He tries to  answer again,"Sorry, Margaret, I said that out of habit.  I not really tired, just relaxed."  He leans over and kisses her cheek.  "I've spent the last 48 hours with you and that makes my weekend wonderful."

 

"You might change your mind, before this week is over, Leo."  She makes a slight prediction, "You may go hide at the hotel,  or we both might go screaming into the night, after this coming Saturday."  She laughs, as she visualizes that scenario in her head.

 

He laughs with her and adds, "If it gets that bad, Margaret, 'Honey', I promise that I won't run out on you." 

 

He pauses and grins at her, "I'm sure there'll be a small 'convenient' crisis somewhere in the world that the President will 'desperately' need me for."  He sarcastically remark, since she knows he'd not wish a problem on anyone in the world.

 

"Leo, you're terrible!  You know that?"  He just chuckles wondering if she's just now figuring that out.

 

After a short drive, they arrive at the superstore to make a quick stop for the paper. 

 

"Margaret," Leo makes an observation, "I've noticed that since I started going to your apartment, I get out in public more and get to be a normal person.  Before, it was politics 24/7, unless I went and visited Mallory or maybe she and I did lunch." 

 

He puts his hand at the small of her back, as they walk the parking lot, "Going places with you is so refreshing.  You're so good for me!"  He completes his thought with, "I feel that I'm the one getting all the benefits." 

 

They enter the store, "Lead on, Margaret, this is your turf in here."  He looks back and forth at the rows of merchandise, "It looks like a jungle to me." 

 

"Don't be afraid, Leo.  I'm here to protect you," she grabs his hand and enjoys the freedom they have now to do so.  

 

"That's an understatement."  He comments in a lowered voice, "You've been doing that for years!"

 

"Well, remember that tomorrow at work," she playfully requests.

 

"Nah, I get to go back to bellowing for you at the White House," he doesn't relinquish any of his turf.

 

She ignores his bravdo.

 

"OK, Leo, we've got what we need from here," she remarks after selecting a few rolls of shelf cover and she remembers to grab a can of disinfectant spray on the way to the checkout.  "Lets get to the new apartment," she gladly requests.  

 

At Latrobe, they have no problem finding Leo's new parking space and Margaret's space is beside it.  "Leo, grab the store bag and the small toolbox. I put it on the floor of the back seat," she directs him were to find it and adds, "I'll get a load of clothes."

 

"Ok," Leo being a gentleman offers, "Then I'll get the doors for you.  I do have my keys with me."  While waiting for the elevator to arrive at the main floor, Margaret has her load of clothes resting against the wall and Leo's looking in the store bag at her purchases.  "Why the spray, Margaret?"

 

She smiles at him and reveals her 'work plan' for him this evening.  "That's for you to spray in the cabinets before you put down the shelf paper.  I know it looks like a cleaning crew has been in and cleaned, but I want anywhere we put food or where we touch to be disinfected.  We can't be too careful," she gives him a serious and knowing look.

 

They get off the elevator on the middle of the fifth floor and head down the hall to the end.  Leo replies, "OK, I agree with your reasoning.  Just my luck it's my area to unpack, so its my job."  Leo grumbles, but with a grin.  He unlocks the apartment door and steps aside for Margaret to precede him in.

 

"Poor, Leo.  We know it's your favorite room and you won't be happy unless you do it yourself."  She shows no sympathy and continues to the master bedroom and hooks the clothes over the closet rod.

 

Leo follows right behind her in case she needs help with the bulky load.  "You're probably right.  You know me too well, Margaret."

 

"Bet your ass, I do," she flips back at him, as a fact. 

 

He pulls her into his arms and locks her into a passionate kiss, which she enjoys immensely.

 

"Couldn't wait, could you," she mischievously asks him.  "Getting romantic in an empty room." 

 

"Wait?"  He asks sounding like he can't believe she said that, "I've been patient all day.  It doesn't look like we're going to cuddle tonight or any night this coming week.  So, be warned, I'm in stealth mode."

 

"Oh, I like you in stealth," she assures him.

 

He chuckles at her reply and goes to get working in the kitchen. 

 

She grins and calls after him.  "I'll check the windows for the curtain measurements, while you spray the kitchen.  When you're done with the spray, let me know, and I'll spray the doors and the bath." 

 

She can hear Leo humming, as he opens the cabinets to tackle the job lined out for him.  Smiling at the happy sound, she then gets started by removing a tape measure and a small notepad that she will need from the toolbox.

 

Leo later takes Margaret home to her old place and he heads to the hotel to call and check in with the President, before getting some sleep.  The days are going to be long this week.

 

****   

 

Monday evening, all both couples  are able to work on the apartment.  Tuesday, Josh stays and staffs the President at the White House.  Wednesday, both the guys attend a meeting and the other assistants stay over, to cover for the girls, so they can continue working toward moving day. 

 

Margaret and Donna are

able to get out early enough to hopefully go hang curtains in the new apartment.  They first stop to grabs some salads and go to the old apartment that is starting to resemble a disaster area. 

 

"Margaret, you're really roughing it this week."  Donna voices her opinion of the living conditions she sees, "Trying to live here with part of your things packed and part of them at the new apartment." 

 

"I'll manage, as long as you leave out my daily stuff in the bath and I can find my bed.  I know I'll survive this week."  She rolls her eyes, conveying that it has been an experience, "I saved enough outfits here for this week, and I'm packing everything else."

 

"Planning out the week, are you," Donna approves of her thinking ahead.  "This would drive me crazy!"

 

Margaret clues Donna in on some plans "Friday night is going to be interesting with an apartment full of boxes.  Leo is going to stay over and help me early Saturday morning, with packing the trunk of the car with my personal papers and valuables.  I want to do it last and take them over myself.  I definitely want to have them out, before the movers arrive, so they don't get misplaced."

 

 "So, should we call before we come over, so you can roust Leo out of bed, before we get here," Donna teases. 

 

"I'll have him awake, never you mind.  No matter where he sleeps."  She looks at Donna smiling mischievously, "I may end up on the couch with him."

 

She then reminds Donna, "He always gets up first and makes coffee."  Margaret seriously speculates, "That's if he can find the coffee maker on Saturday?" 

 

She has a bright idea knowing Donna is the person for the job, "Maybe you should bring some rolls and muffins on your way Saturday?"

 

Donna agrees, "Ok, sounds like a good idea and Josh can pick out what he likes and not complain." 

 

She continues, "On Saturday morning, the last jobs in your room will be, stripping the bed and packing the laundry hamper.  I'll pack the last of the bath after Josh and I get here.

 

He'll be having kittens, till the entertainment center is loaded and then unloaded.  I think he's going to personally guard all the boxes he packed.  Josh is really insistent that nothing is going to be broken." 

 

"Good, that's why I wanted him to do it."  Margaret stands and comments, "We better get a load to the car and get over to Latrobe and hang the curtains."  Margaret wants to get the curtain hanging done.  It will make the apartment start to feel like home to her.

 

Thursday, it works out that all of them were again packing at the old apartment.  Leo arrives a little later than the rest.  He states to Josh, as he comes in the door, "I finally got away from the office, after I reminded the President what we were up to this week." 

 

He's weaving his way through the boxes that Josh has all over the living room floor and keeps searching for Margaret, he can hear the girls in the bedroom.  "Is it safe to enter, Margaret?" 

 

"Maybe not Leo, we may need the S&R team in here yet."  Margaret jokingly warns him, "We have lots of boxes stacked in here, also."

 

"I meant are you girls decent," he tries to explain why he asked, before entering.

 

"Well, yes, we were raised to be decent females," she can't resist now being sarcastic with him.

 

"Very funny, Margaret," he gets sarcastic back at her.  "I think I'll throw Donna out and just show you what's not decent."

 

He finally makes it to Margaret's side and kisses her like a thirsty man.  "I've needed that all evening."  He then reaches up and loosens his tie in relief.

 

"I'm going to go check on Josh."  Donna volunteers.  "You two are going to steam up the windows in here and I know Leo is going togo ahead and change clothes soon."

 

Leo chuckles at Donna's ease at teasing him at the apartment now.  This might not be a good thing for him, she has no fear of Josh at either place, and now to have both females teasing him here could be dangerous.  He informs her, "I change in the bathroom, Donna.  I wouldn't want to scare you two sensitive ladies.  I'm a gentleman."

 

"Then give 'gentleman' lessons to Josh, he changes wherever he is, he's not a bit shy.  Donna recalls the number of times he's changed clothes in his office.  She usually is the one to close his door for his own privacy.  "Margaret has just been lucky and has not been shocked and appalled by Josh yet."

 

"No," Leo agrees, "he's not shy around family, be it biological or adopted." 

 

As Donna leaves, he looks at the door where he can hear Josh singing softly to the music he's playing, while he packs, "I'm sure Donna knows by now that Josh believes underwear is dressed."  Leo tries to rationalize it,  "I think dorm life ruined him."

 

Leo gives Margaret another kiss, "I better climb my way to the bathroom and change.  Then we can get together and decide what we need to do tonight, so we'll be ready to finish up tomorrow night."

 

"Just yell when your done changing,Leo, and I'll fight my way to the living room.  If I don't show up in a reasonable amount of time, come looking for me." 

 

She just can't resist, "Hey Leo, you could always call Agent Butterfield to come rescue me," she teases Leo.  She's smiling and knows Leo is never going to leave her alone with Ron Butterfield again.  Just in case.

 

"Right, Margaret.  I'll just do that," he growls back at her, knowing she's just saying that to get a dig at him.

 

After a quick change, Leo is soon in the living room.  "Margaret, can you come in here now," he calls back to her bedroom.

 

"Keep talking, Leo, and I'll follow your voice," she's really getting punchy tonight.

 

"Funny, Margaret, it's not that bad, yet," he's wondering what he's going to do with her, if she keeps this up all night.  He might have to find a dark closet for them.

 

He returns to the business at hand, "Team meeting, we need to regroup and see what's left to be packed."

 

"I'm in charge of the schedule, Leo.  You get to be a little worker ant this week, remember?"  Margaret asserts her role.

 

"Yes, Dear.  Anything you say, Dear," Leo remarks sarcastically to get a rise out of Margaret, in return for her comments before about Butterfield.

 

It does! 

 

"Dear is it?" Margaret kisses him and pinches his rump.

 

"Ow, that's going leave a mark," Leo rubs the seat of his jeans,

 

"Just remember that, Sweetie, when you sit down tomorrow."  She smirks and adds, "Calling me 'Dear' in that tone of voice.  You earned it."

 

"See, Donna," Josh pipes in, "They're doing it again, with the Dear and the Sweetie."

 

"Well, it's a better sounding name than what the first lady calls the President," she lets him in on the little known fact.

 

"What name?"  Josh can't resist asking.

 

"Jack ass," Donna replies sweetly.

 

"No way," his face is priceless, with a look of disbelief.  The others just smile at Josh to confirm it.

 

"Cool!  Even the President gets in trouble," Josh marvels.  "I don't feel so bad now!"

 

Leo turns to look at Margaret, as time is limited, "All right, Margaret, what's the plan now?"

 

She starts right in," Tonight, we finish packing what we can and then we take a load of small boxes to the apartment.  We each take our usual two loads each. 

 

Tomorrow night is organizing the boxes into the living room and checking that they are labeled by rooms." 

 

She previews the Saturday schedule, "The movers will first take the rest of the boxes into the moving van and then take the furniture out last, to be unloaded first at the new apartment.  Then we'll just follow the movers and lock up this apartment till Sunday.  All in favor," she asks.

 

The other three respond with, "Aye"

 

"Let's move everyone, we stop at 10 pm to load the car," Leo dismisses the troops.

 

****   

 

Josh is in Leo's office late afternoon on "Final Friday", as Josh calls it.  " How are we all going to get the day off tomorrow?  On a Saturday, Leo," Josh has serious doubts. 

 

"Easy, we're going to come over to the office in the afternoon and check on the world and if it's still turning, we go back and help the girls unpack," Leo calmly reveals his backup plan to his male counterpart.

 

"You mean skip out on the girls?"  Josh voices the inconceivable question.  He then positively predicts, "They'll kill us!" 

 

He also asks Leo in the next breath, "What about me unpacking and setting up the entertainment center." 

 

"Yeah," Leo has that 'I've got a plan' grin on his face and admits, "we skip out, and depending on how the unpacking is going, we decide how long to be here.  If you get my drift, Josh." 

 

Leo nods to the side, "If the unpacking gets ugly, I'm looking for the nearest bomb shelter." 

 

He seriously looks at Josh, "Let me remind you, Margaret has red hair for a reason.  I get the feeling she can get as scary as Abby, if she tries."

 

Josh grins in admiration, "You know, Leo, you're sneaky."

 

"Self-preservation, Josh," he boasts to the younger man.  He then reveals, "Here's how I see it.  If we stay all day at the apartment, we get ordered around and then get growled at, when they get tired." 

 

He pauses for Josh to picture this, "We disappear for a little while.  Telling the girls, to take their time.  Assuring them, we'll be right back.  Everyone gets to regroups and get a second wind.  Sound good so far," he asks Josh. 

 

He continues with the best part of his plan, "We return with their favorite ice cream and we become the rescuing cavalry, plus get to be the heroes."

 

"Leo, I'm impressed," Josh is amazed at Leo's underhanded male strategy.

 

"Stick with me, Kid, and you'll learn something," is Leo's cocky boast.

 

"That or get killed by Donna," Josh predicts, if she find out their plan.

 

"Life's risky, Son," Leo imparts.  "Just trying to keep up with females has its hazards.  Rumors from the Sisterhood have hinted at a few.  I have found out from experience that ice cream will cover a lot of sins."

 

Leo now backhandedly gives Josh another hint at 'Leo's plans' for Saturday, "Tell Donna to pack a swimsuit.  We'll be agreeable with the girls to a midnight session in the hot tub."  He reflects back to the tour, "You saw it the other day.  The thing's as big as a small lake, so even if others residents are enjoying it that shouldn't be a problem.  We can just 'out stay' them."  Leo winks and Josh's face lights up in understanding.

 

"Leo, you really know their weakness and how to use it to your advantage."  Josh states with pride.

 

"That's the plan," Leo agrees.

 

****   

 

Friday night at the apartment, Leo and Margaret make it in later than they hoped, around 9pm.  Josh and Donna are expected soon.  A pizza is already ordered and on it's way.  They both hurry to change, before everyone arrives at the door.

 

Leo is closest, when the door bell rings and he lets Josh and Donna in, "Better put your bags in the bathroom closet for safekeeping.  We're packing anything that doesn't move tonight."  Leo warns. 

 

With in minutes of their arrival, the pizza arrives and Leo calls, "Pizza's here, you girls better hurry, Josh is dying in here.  We better feed him soon."  He's not kidding, as Josh is already attacking the pizza box, just like he would at home.

 

The evening goes smoothly and everyone, especially Josh, is happy with the night's work.  He  has the media equipment organized and packed for the movers tomorrow and is smiling and trying to make his own music. Donna and Margaret are making fun of his songs, since he can't remember all the words. 

 

The last thing of the night, the foursome makes a trip to the new apartment.  Using Leo and Donna cars, since they would hold the most.  After a quick two loads by everyone, both couples part to catch some sleep and regroup at 7am, as the movers are due at 8am.

 

*****    

 

"Hey, Margaret, we made it!"  Donna softly calls from the doorway.  She sees Margaret walking in from the kitchen with the folded newspaper in her hand.  "It's 7am and I see your dressed, but I not sure you're awake, Margaret.  Didn't Leo make your coffee or is the coffee maker lost?" 

 

"Yes, I'm awake and no the coffee maker isn't lost."  She then admits the reason she not really wake, "Actually, I let Leo sleep in, he was on the phone, with a foreign problem that flared up after we got back, till 3am.  I'm sure he'll fill Josh in later, but he said it worked out fine, whatever it was.  Anyway, I was letting him sleep, till you guys arrived and I was just going in to wake him."

 

Josh smiles and shows his dimples at this information.  "Hey, Leo, you're late!  Get your sorry ass out here," Josh shouts from where he's standing in the living room with the girls.  "I just couldn't resist, for all the many times that he's tore me for being a few minutes late for staff meetings."  Josh just grins a satisfied payback grin.

 

Leo appears at the doorway to the bedroom, "I'm up, Kid.  You just wait, Monday's coming and I'll remember you for this."  Leo taunts back at Josh for the rude awaking.  He's rubbing his hand over his face, as he hangs onto the door casing with the other.

 

Josh is not deterred from getting another dig into Leo, while the opportunity is present.  "Rough night, Leo?  You look like a horse that was rode rough and put away wet.  Maybe we better warn Margaret to be more careful with you.  It could be bad for your health."

 

Leo is still half asleep, wearing black and gold, ring patterned, satin lounge pants, and nothing else.  He puts his hand on his bare chest and looks down at his bare feet.  "I'll awake, my feet are on the floor and you can ask Margaret, I feel fine.  She said so last night."  He gives them a sleepy satisfied grin, shooting down Josh's comment.

 

"Leo," Margaret growls at him.  Letting him know that they all got his double meaning.

 

Margaret moves over close to him, just keeping out of his arm reach and he watches her approach with a sleepy look.  She now gives him a pointed suggestion.  "Leo, coffee's on and you better get to the bathroom and dress before the movers get here.  Donna needs to get in there to pack the last of the bathroom stuff."

 

"I'll go now, Baby.  Wouldn't want Donna to be shocked by coming in and finding me still in there."  He surprises Margaret by quickly grabbing her and stealing a kiss from her and moving on to the bath.

 

"Stealth, Leo?"  Is Margaret's happy question, but more like a statement.

 

"Yeah, Margaret" is his happy answer.

 

****   

 

Soon Leo, now dressed and shaved, joins the others for coffee and rolls at the table. 

 

While everyone is eating, Donna is curious about the shopping adventure that Leo and Margaret had at the first of the week.  "Leo, what furniture did you buy the other day for the spare room?"

 

Leo looks at Margaret to see if she's divulged the adventure and if this is some kind of trap, while he's waking up. 

 

She just smiles back at him and doesn't have a guilty look, so he feels safe to answer Donna.  He grins and wants a little payback, "Well, I assume what you 'really' want to know is: how did the shopping itself go?  As you could plainly see earlier, there were no telling marks left on my body from the adventure."

 

He explains why he needed to be checked, "I tried to simply go in and point at what I liked and tell the sales clerk to go ahead and deliver it.  I could've been in and out of the store in twenty minutes."  He looks at Josh for support, "I thought Margaret was going to kill me right there in the middle of the store."  He now sounds like he's sharing how she did bodily harm,  "She hissed to me in very small words and with a tight grab on my arm that she was taking charge of the financial negotiations.  I was only to talk to the sales person, to give a yes or a no on whether I could live with the pieces Margaret decided were the best buy for the quality." 

 

He then sarcastically remarks to Donna, with a dig at Margaret, "I did really well, after I got the hang of furniture shopping.  The man just nods in agreement and at the end, he pulls out the credit card."  He grins at Margaret, who has that look women get when men try to explain shopping: 'you really expected to have a choice in the matter'. 

 

Donna's smiling that 'Sisterhood' look at Margaret.

 

Margaret stands up, "Well if we're done with the coffee and rolls, we better get the last minute things done, as the movers are due here shortly."

 

"What are the orders, Margaret?"  Josh asks like a soldier on a mission. 

 

Margaret's ready with a list in her head, "OK, here's the plan.  Donna, you pack the last of the bathroom.  Leo, you finish in the kitchen, with the last of the cold food and coffee things.  Josh can help you by refilling our coffee mugs with the last of the coffee and then he can take the trash down.  I'm going to go strip the bed down and pack the bedding and the last of the laundry." 

 

They all nod in agreement, except Josh.  He has that 'I've been had' wide-eyed stare he gets.

 

He comments to Leo when they are in the kitchen, "Why didn't I guess that I'd get to take out the trash?  Feels like I'm a teenager at home again, Leo."

 

"Don't we all wish we could be teenagers again, Josh."  Leo wears a remorseful small smile and softly comments.  "Man, the things we'd change."

 

"I know you would, Leo."  Josh knowingly replies, "but I'm pretty happy right now, with how things have worked out for me," he glances toward the bath, were he can see Donna moving around by way of the mirror.

 

Leo notices when Josh stops and looks, "Yeah, my life's been a rough road, but it really has ended up well for me, too."  Leo agrees with a soft grin and Josh knows whom Leo's thinking about.

 

The door bell rings and Josh sprints off to let the movers in, ready to start the day.  He hopes it'll end up like Leo predicts.  He pops back in to inform Leo that Margaret's supervising the movers, "Leo, I think Margaret has the wrong job career."

 

"What do you mean?  She's my Margaret and she's not changing jobs."  He doesn't even want to joke about it.

 

Josh grins at how fast Leo tacked on the last part of his sentence.  "Well, you better not let Fitz see her ordering around a bunch of men under her command.  He'll steal her," Josh warns Leo with a happy smile.  "There must be six guys out there and 'no one' is standing around looking for something to move."  Leo smiles at that.  "She has them moving the boxes out of the living room, as we speak."

 

Leo is grinning broadly now at the vision of Margaret muscling around six burly movers with a look and a pointed finger.  He could have saved his mention of a bonus for fast and efficient service.  They don't stand a chance of doing otherwise with Margaret in charge. 

 

Leo agrees, "We'd better get out there.  This is going to be entertaining and I want to get my money's worth."  Leo tells Josh why, "Just to be watching her giving orders to someone else for a change."

 

They hurry out to see what looks like a revolving line of ants.  Giant ants. 

 

Leo whispers to Josh who's standing beside him, "We have trouble feeding you, but these guys look like they could eat hay."  He smiles at his redhead in the middle of them.

 

The giant foreman, who supervises the packing of the truck, enters the living room, to check out how many pieces of furniture is going to be loaded.  He has factors to consider, for the load to be stable.  Mostly, he wants to see 'who's' bossing his crew like a steamroller.  He's impressed by the results at his end and struggling a little to pack the truck at this fast pace.  He walks over to Leo and Josh, deciding that the men must be in charge.  "Who's the renter of the apartments?  I need to see what needs to go," he asks down to the weaker looking men with a macho attitude. 

 

Leo and Josh read him like a book and both smile.  They both point to the redhead standing in the middle of the floor giving orders, "Her."

 

The foreman is taken aback to realize that a female is getting 'real work' out of his crew.  "Her," he asks to verify that they mean Margaret.

 

"Yeah, her name is Margaret.  You can ask her what needs to go and when," Leo tries to warn him, as he assures him 'who' is in charge.

 

"Hey, Lady, are you the one who hired my crew," he asks, as he step a little too close to Margaret, trying to intimidate her with his presence.

 

"And you are?"  She pointedly asks and doesn't step away, but looks him up and down, like she's sizing him up.  She heard parts of the conversation he had with Leo.

 

"Bennings is the name."  He snaps back and quickly fires off questions, "What goes, and what stays?  You stated you wanted it fast for a bonus, so there's no time for female interference."

 

"Mr. Bennings, I hired you and you work for me."  She states the basic facts in small words, "That's the way it is.  I pay the moving bill."  She points across the room to the guys, "Leo, offered you the bonus, but believe me, if I'm not happy, he's not happy and then no bonus."  She pauses to let this sink in, as it might take a few seconds with his thick skull.  "You got me?"  She looks him dead in the eye. 

 

"Yes, miss, I read you loud and clear."  He pulls one thick eyebrow down with an unhappy look and notes she's serious.  "Your way or no bonus.  Got it," he growls out, like that's going to impress Margaret.

 

"Hey, Bennings, where ya want the next roomful of boxes?"  A crewmember calls into the apartment, "We can't load them, till you show us where in the truck." 

 

"Your job is to pack the truck?"  Margaret looks at him like a hooking playing boy.

 

"Yeah," he answers with a boast, not reading her look.  It's lost on him.

 

"Then get down there," she commands the fool, "your holding up the flow of boxes."

 

"'I' need to decide what furniture is next," he jabs his thumb back into his chest.

 

"Not a problem," Margaret informs him, "I'll decide for you and you'll find out my decision, when it arrives at the truck for you to pack."  She sarcastically assures him.  "I do know enough to send the mattresses first." 

 

He gives her a pissed look, but doesn't say anything, not wanting to loose any pride in front of his crew, who are moving in and out of the room.

 

"Go, now," she prompts him.

 

He stomps back to the truck.

 

Leo whispers to Josh again, "See why I have a getaway plan."  He continues to be fascinated by Margaret, "God gives strong women like her red hair for a reason.  It's a warning to us males."  Leo states, with a note of pride, "Redheads don't take crap from anyone."

 

Josh is amazed at Margaret's ease of backing down the foreman.  "So, what keeps you safe, Leo?" 

 

He does a quick nod with his head to the side and then smiles, "I'm lucky and she likes me," he pauses remembering work and adds, "mostly."

 

Josh considers Leo's theory, "I wonder if Donna was supposed to be a redhead, she won't take crap either."

 

"Maybe, Josh."  Leo adds after thinking a moment, "Guess the women need it, to keep us in line at the White House.  Weak women just wouldn't be able to handle the chaos of our work."

 

The rest of the loading went without a hitch, after Margaret straightened out the chain of command.

 

"Leo, they're ready to go to Latrobe now.  The truck is loaded."  Margaret informs Leo when she finds him in the kitchen, getting the last box of cold food to take to his car.  Margaret then adds," Josh and Donna better go on over and park in the visitors parking and I want to follow the truck."  She's not letting the truck out of her sight, with that crew.

 

"OK, Margaret," he smiles at her knowing that she nervous, "I'll go just a little ahead of them, and have the apartment door open for Josh and Donna.  Josh will need to be in there, to tell them where to put the entertainment center." 

 

Josh arrives back, he'd followed the last load down and pipes in with, "Yeah, it was loaded last and it will be unloaded first.  Margaret, I told them you ordered them not to leave, till you say it was OK." 

 

Leo continues, "Donna can direct the guys where to set the boxes in which room and I'll be right back down to the parking lot to watch you supervise the unloading."  He smiles at the look she gives him, as if there was any doubt where she'd be.  She says so much to him with her eyes, a communication skill they've developed together.  "The movers will be using the freight elevator.  I'll just keep an eye on how they get the large pieces into it."  She's fiddling with a list in her hand. 

 

"Take a deep breath, Baby."  He kisses her quickly to reassure her, "We should have all the bases covered."

 

Josh and Donna grab their bags and go to their car.  Leo and Margaret walk through the empty apartment remembering this was where they started their relationship adventure.  Leo kisses her soundly at the door.  "It only gets better now, Margaret."  Leo closes the door.

 

At the Latrobe, the movers are as anxious to get the moving done as the foursome.  They're working too hard this morning.  They have a taskmaster watching every move at the truck and her accomplices at every stop along the route to the apartment.  They are so glad that they'll soon be done. 

 

Margaret follows the last of them up to the apartment and is quickly approached by Bennings, "Lady, your stuff has been delivered and it was fast."

 

"Yes, it was thanks to me."  She doesn't give him an inch and looks at the big men setting down the last of her boxes, "You've got a good crew, they just need guidance."

 

"I'll remember that, Lady," he says slightly sarcastically on the 'Lady'.

 

Margaret lowers her eyebrows to a pointed look at his tone.

 

"Leo," Josh gets his attention, "You better go separate Margaret, and the foreman, or we may need to sell tickets."

 

Margaret looks around the living room at the job the movers have done.  "Has the bed been reassembled and the mattresses put back on it," she questions the foreman, without looking in her bedroom.

 

"Lady," he again uses the tone.  "We just deliver." 

 

She points out to him the obvious, "You disassembled it at the apartment."

 

"We don't set up the furniture."  He now flings back at her, "You wanted fast.  You got it and nothing is damaged."  The crew's grinning, thinking he's winning this match.

 

"You 'will' put it back the way you found it or I'm not happy."  She knows he gets her meaning when his eyebrows rise.

 

"No problems are there, Margaret," Leo asks innocently, as he approaches the two.

 

Not taking her eyes off the foreman she sweetly answers, "Mr. Bennings has just informed me that my bed will 'not' be assembled and that they're done."  She looks at Leo with a smile, "I just informed him, I'm not happy." 

 

Leo accepts this statement from Margaret, "Too bad, Benning, I'm not happy either."  He looks seriously at the foreman.  "Send us the bill."

 

The foreman jerks up straight, "Hey, you said a bonus for fast."

 

"You heard the 'Lady'," Leo says the word sweetly.  Then adds with his best COS warning tone.  "She's not happy!"

 

"So what are we suppose to do."  He snaps back.

 

"Fix it or forget it," Margaret answers firmly. 

 

"Grrrrr," the foreman grumbles under his breathe and commands, "Boys, assemble the bed," he then adds sweetly, which is a scary thing, "and don't scratch it."

 

The bed is fixed in short order with six men assembling it at once.  They get ready to depart, as Leo hands some bills to the foreman, "Nice doing business with you!"  Leo pleasantly states, knowing it's been a learning experience for the movers.

 

"Right, glad to be of service," he counts the bills with surprise.  The foreman adds, "Looks likes more than 'just lunch' is on you today, Mister."  He struts out past his crew and they follow him out.

 

Margaret calls after them, "Thanks 'boys', I really appreciate your generous help today."

 

Leo gives her a hug in appreciation for her management skills.  "Leo, don't get too happy to be here."  She imparts the bad news to him, "Now the work starts, and the spare room furniture will be here at noon."

 

"That's all right, Margaret," he agrees.  "I'll just go find a path into the kitchen." 

 

"Leo," she uses a tone that freezes him his tracks.  "Just turn around and go check what needs to be done to the spare room, before they get here with the furniture."  She informs him of the priorities, "Then, you can go to your precious kitchen."

 

"Yes, Baby, whatever you say."  He sweetly answers in a teasing tone.  Leo ducks his head, as he passes her.  He's hoping she doesn't slap the back of his head for his answer.  He has seen and been the recipient of a few from Abbey and he knows Donna does the same to Josh.  He figures it is just a matter of time before Margaret lets him have it and today she just might snap.  The escape plan is sounding better, all the time, to him. 

 

Margaret smiles at his ducking.

 

Josh is not doing much better.  "Josh, can you move these boxes over to the other side, so I can get to them better."  Donna explains why at the look of disbelief that Josh gives her.  "I have to divide up the bathroom items into two bathrooms now and I need to spread them out, to do it."  

 

"Sure, Donna, anything else."  He really isn't volunteering.  "What if I bust a gut or drop a box on my foot, who will fetch for me then, Donna?"

 

"Josh, quit whining and just move them.  OK?"  She charges right in and informs him, "After you get done with that, I need you to help be put the table over against the wall by the kitchen.  I'm getting tired of walking around it."  She know whose fault it is, "The idiots left it in the middle of the floor."  Josh is definitely ready to have Leo put his plan in motion.

 

An hour later, Josh finds Leo in the kitchen surrounded by boxes.  He looks back around the room corner at Margaret's bedroom and can hear the girls.  "OK, Leo, when's the plan going to happen?"

 

Leo glances out the pass thru window, "After the bedroom furniture gets here.  I'll give the President a call and have him call my cell phone back." 

 

Remembering Josh's appetite, "Why don't you take my pass card and go get some burgers for lunch and we'll eat before we take off." 

 

"Margaret," Leo bellows, "is it all right with you girls, if Josh goes and gets some burgers, before the furniture store delivers the things for the spare room?"

 

"Sure, Leo.  Sounds like a good plan."  Margaret grants permission, "I'm starting to get hungry and need a break."  Then she adds, "We'll work till he gets back."

 

"See, works like a charm."  He smiles at Josh; pleased he knows how Margaret thinks.  "Here's some money.  Take off now.  We want to eat while we have the chance."

 

*****    

 

After a quick lunch, Margaret wants to get right back to unpacking.  She's been busy setting up her bedroom.  She has the washer and dryer going already, happy to do the loads in the apartment.  Donna just keeps cutting back and forth from one bathroom to the other, keeping an eye on Josh and his media equipment.

 

Leo answers the intercom when the furniture arrives downstairs.  "Margaret, I'm going down to let the delivery guys in the back door, so they can get to the freight elevator.  I'll be right back with them."  He calls in to her, not really waiting for her answer.

 

"Sure, Leo.  Whatever you say."  Margaret's tired already and lunch just seemed to make it worse.  

 

The spare room furniture is quickly brought in and the delivery guys are fast to assemble the day bed.  The computer stand was pre-assembled, with the hutch top quickly attaching to the base.  Leo signs the delivery slip and the furniture moving is complete.  Except for the unpacking part.

 

Margaret finds Leo still in the spare room, "Leo, here's the new dust ruffle for the day bed.  It will take two of us to get in on under the mattress."  She hands him a plastic packet and he looks at it like a foreign object.  Margaret continues like she listing his schedule at work,  "I washed the sheets first and they are in the dryer now.  Do you think you can get them on the bed when they are done?  I think you better get the transportation tape off all the drawers before it marks the finish."  He sighs and moves to help her with the pleated dust ruffle. 

 

After that, she heads to her room to check the dryer and returns.  Leo is carefully removing the tape for the chest of drawers.  "Don't forget the nightstand drawer and your computer center."  She reminds him and quickly leaves for her side of the apartment.  Leo finishes the tape removal, agreeing with Margaret, it needs to be removed immediately.

 

He can hear Donna in the bathroom next door.  Leo watches out the bedroom door for her return to Margaret's side of the apartment.  Then he slips his cell phone out of his pocket and speed dials his best friend to rescue Josh and him.

 

Needless to say, Leo's phone rings a few minutes later and Leo can be heard talking.

Listening to the murmur of Leo's voice, Margaret is standing in the doorway to her room.  Looking past Josh, who's very busy with the stereo and trying to look innocent. 

 

Leo enters the living room and crosses to Margaret.  He's returning his cell phone to his pocket.  "Sorry, Margaret.  That was the President and he would like Josh and I, to run over for a short meeting with Ron Butterfield, on the security setup for the library dedication next weekend."  He innocently continues, "He said to come as we are, since it's just an in-house meeting and a Saturday." 

 

He kisses her forehead, as she looks unhappy.  "We'll be right back.  Why don't you girls take a breather?  Sit and rest while we're gone.  Just regroup."  He gives her a hug, as Josh kisses Donna a quick good-bye.

 

They guys are pleased with the getaway and their luck holds.  They actually do talk to Ron about next week, just to cover their story.  They then check things like email and office correspondence.  Leo touches base with the President, for a short while.  About mid- afternoon, the guys are leaving the White House.  "Hey, Leo, you've got to quit scaring the security agents and the other staff at the White House by wearing jeans and no jacket.  They keep looking for Candid Camera."

 

"Yeah, the President is still razzing me, about if it's really me or an impersonator."  Leo has a pained look in remembering.  "You should have heard him with Butterfield in there.  Ron even smiled."  

 

Josh remembers the best part, "I thought Carol was going to have a heart attack, when she looked up and the guy standing in front of her desk wearing snug jeans was you."  Josh really has laughter in his voice, "She looked like CJ's goldfish."  He says in confidence, with the joy still in his voice, "I think she was checking out the jeans and when she got to your face, it was just priceless."  Josh was incredibly pleased about the whole thing.  Donna is going to be thrilled to get this bit of news.

 

"Helped my ego," Leo grins at Josh. "Maybe, I should be nice to her on Monday or she'll avoid Margaret and me the whole week."

 

"That or you can start wearing baggier jeans," Josh recommends.

 

"Nah, Margaret likes me in these."  He grins at Josh knowingly.

 

******   

 

The guys stop at the grocery to purchase four pints of Hagan Daas, in the favorite flavors they all enjoy, knowing the girls will not be in the mood to share.  The girls' flavors are primarily variations of chocolate.  Leo also picks up some supplies for dinner.  They walk into the apartment and the girls are fuming at their extended absence.

 

"Leo, you just had to meet with Ron for two full hours?"  She cuts off one avenue of excuse, "You can't even plead long driving time from here."

 

"Missed you, too, Margaret" and he hands her the ice cream.

 

She readily accepts it, as her due, "Is it my flavor?"

 

"Of course and I found it at the first store," he wants to impress her.  

 

She mellows, "Good, this is just what I need."  She grins and says sweetly, "I changed my mind."  He waits for her to explain, "I won't kill you for being gone most of the afternoon on moving day."  He hugs her in thanks and she holds her ice cream away, not trusting his motives.

 

Josh holds out his peace offering to Donna.  She accepts it with a grab, "Go get spoons, Josh, and you better have you own ice cream, because I'm not sharing."

 

"Donna, I'm hurt.  I always let you eat from my food," he looks at her with a fake hurt look. 

 

She's not buying his look, "You heard me, Josh.  It's my ice cream and I'm not sharing.  Not today."  She 'will' defend her ice cream, even if he did buy it.

 

He returns with four spoons.  "No problem, Donna," he smirks.  "Leo and I are way ahead of you girls today."

 

Leo reaches over and accepts the two spoons from Josh and hands one to Margaret.  "Yeah, and we didn't even get a thank you or a kiss, for being so thoughtful in bringing you ice cream, to make you feel better during a tiring day."

 

Leo guides Margaret to the couch to sit, as usual, slouched down with their feet up and to enjoy the ice cream.  Josh and Donna drape themselves over each other in the recliner to eat and trade bites of each other's ice cream.  They just don't seem to know how to eat without tasting what the other is eating.  It's just the way they are.  They're a sharing kind of couple.

 

"Thank you, Leo.  I did need the ice cream to restore my good humor."  She kisses him, tasting of chocolate ice cream and he enjoys the novelty of the flavored kiss.  He's also satisfied with getting away with his plan.  Everyone is happy again.  He still knows in the back of his mind that if Margaret ever finds out, he's dead.  

 

They rest for the better part of an hour and then get back up to tackle their assigned areas. 

 

Josh is still hooking up speaker wire and cable connections. 

 

Leo is happily rattling around in his kitchen. 

 

Margaret's busy working on both bedrooms now, enjoying the added space. 

 

Donna has pretty well finished with the bathrooms.  She has spread a floral cloth on the dinning room table and is unpacking Margaret's good dishes.  Placing them back in the glass cabinet Margaret keeps them in. 

 

Leo keeps switching from humming to mumbling and back to humming. 

 

This just tickles Donna to hear him, as she adjusts to Leo's calmer moods in the apartment. 

 

They work contently for most of the early evening, amazed at how much is getting done. 

 

"Hey, Everyone, is it time for me to start making dinner?  I found the stove and some clear counter space," Leo jokes, as he has most of the kitchen organized by now.

 

"You know my answer, Leo."  Josh calls from where he's sitting cross-legged on the floor.  "I'm always hungry." 

 

"Fine by me, Leo.  I'll be ready to sit down by the time you have it ready," Margaret gives her vote from the bedroom.

 

"Me too, Leo," Donna adds last.  "Let me know if I can help.  I seem to be almost done here.  I can go ahead and set the table."  She pauses and then dreamily adds, "We can sit and eat like civilized people, after a week of paper plates and take out."

 

"Sounds like a good plan, Donna," Leo agrees.  "I'll call you later when I need help."

 

Margaret agrees as well, "Donna that sounds like heaven and we deserve to spoil ourselves after today."

 

It seems like no time at all, when Leo calls for Donna to get their drinks ready.

 

Donna advises Josh, "You better go wash before you eat, with all the dusty wire and cables you have been working with."

 

"Sure, Donna.  Will you check both the tops and the palms of my hands, before I sit down," Josh sounds like the little boy he used to be.  He heads for spare bathroom and chuckles, as he hears Donna next remark.

 

"Yes, Josh and do I need to smell them for soap, too?"  She joins in on his joking.

 

Margaret adds to the teasing, "I'll wash also, Donna.  I don't want Leo sending me from the table to wash up."

 

Donna helps Leo to transport everything to the table, via the pass through window over the table.  "Leo, this might just be the best step-saver this apartment has."  Donna declares, as she takes a plate from Leo.

 

"You might be right, Donna."  He expands on why, "It also lets me still be included in the conversations, while in the kitchen.  I'm not left out, because I'm cooking."

 

They get seated and Leo has prepared a nice meal and one of Margaret's favorites.  Creamed pasta with grilled chicken strips, tossed salad and warm roll.

 

"Leo, a person could get used to you commandeering the kitchen," Donna compliments him.  She adds to the others, "We'll need to remember that at Christmas time for dinner parties.  Margaret certainly has the apartment for it now!" 

 

"That's going to a nice bonus at this apartment."  Margaret adds happily, "I now can have guests over for dinner and get-togethers.  I need to repay CJ for some nice evenings at her place." 

 

They savor the home cooked meal in comfortable quiet, all pleased with the days accomplishments and are tired to prove it.  After dinner, they all help to clean the table and load the small apartment size dishwasher.  They retire to the living room, to catch the evening news and relax after their nice dinner.  Leo is channel surfing and Josh is directing the channels to watch.  If this keeps up, Margaret may have to get another TV to avoid any difference in opinions, about which news to watch and which male gets the rights to the remote.  The girls just snuggle into the males and smile.  Nothing will change them on news watching.  It's the football game scenario for politicians.  After the news goes off, Leo makes a suggestion.

 

"Now, that we've recovered from dinner and before we stiffen up from all the moving today.  I suggest we change and go check out the hot tub.  What do you girls say?" 

 

"Great idea, Leo."  Donna confesses then, "I brought my spare suit for just that reason.  I'm leaving it here for when I visit Margaret later."

 

Margaret happily agrees, "Just what I need, Leo, with my back."  She starts ordering again, "You guys go change on your side of the apartment.  Donna and I will meet you back here in 10 minutes.  The hot tub awaits," she declares, as she shuts the door to her room.

 

They get lucky when they arrive at the hot tub room.  A couple is just leaving and it's late enough that no families are using it.  They have the hot tub to themselves.  All of them kick off their sandals at the door. 

 

Margaret and Donna shed their terry robes that are over their suits.  Donna has on a bright coral colored, textured tank and Margaret is wearing a sky blue lingerie strap top and high waist bottomed tankini. 

 

The guys drop the towels that they have draped around their necks and peel their t-shirts off.  Their swimwear matches their personalities.  Josh has on a long leg, bright multi-color topical design trunks, while Leo is in a basic suit of mid-thigh length, in forest green. 

 

The sound of sighs is mutual, as all four sit on the bench circling the hot tub.  The warmth and the soothing jets start to work on tired muscles. 

 

Donna is the first to comment on the enjoyment, "Margaret, this is worth the price of the rent all by itself.  Just to be able to hop in here any night, will be heaven.  You might have me as an evening guest more often."

 

Margaret is agreeable, "Good thing you plan of leaving your suit here and the guys might as well leave theirs also!"  She reminds Donna, "We have the old apartment to clean tomorrow." 

 

Josh finally brings himself to speak, "I'm not moving, till I wrinkle."

 

Giving a chuckle at Josh's comment, Leo then requests, "Wake me, when it's time to get out."

 

They stay a good half hour and  it gets to the point that they might nod off asleep and drown.  They agree to give up the warmth and go get dried off.

 

Donna shares Josh's towel for her legs, "Come on Josh, after we change, we're leaving and getting some sleep.  After this hot tub, I could sleep ten hours straight," she sounds like that is exactly what she plans to do.

 

Josh smiles softy, as he watches Donna dry off, "Good idea, Donna.  Sleep sounds wonderful."

 

Margaret and Leo are sharing his towel and Margaret voices a new thought, "Now, I know why they don't have a hot tub at the White House," Leo looks at her relaxed and takes the bait.

 

Smiling at her, "Why, Margaret?"

 

"Because, we would never leave then," she teases them, as they would be the ones to get the humor of it.

 

Leo chuckles at the truth of that, "You might be right."

 

"Donna," Margaret comments, "no hurry on coming over tomorrow.  Go ahead and sleep in.  We've all earned it after this week."  She quickly adds sincerely, "I really appreciate all the help you two have been this week."  She grins and adds, "I sure owe you two a lot of trips to the hot tub now!"

 

Donna hugs her around the waist, "Glad we could help, Margaret."

 

Josh knows a good offer, "Yeah, and we'll take you up on the hot tub deal."

 

They all part for the different rooms to change, when they reach the apartment.

 

Before Josh and Donna leave, Josh lets Leo know, "While the girls are at the other apartment, I could use some help with the surround sound speakers.  I want to mount some on the opposite wall.  It is going to sound awesome in here."

 

"Sure, Josh."  Leo is agreeable, "I'll heckle, I mean, help you tomorrow." 

 

"Thanks, Leo."  He catches the dry wit from Leo, "But you'll appreciate it, when it's done.

 

Leo concurs, "I know and it'll be great for our next movie night."

 

Donna grabs Josh's arm and heads for the door, "Come on, Josh, I'm asleep on my feet, after the hot tub."

 

Margaret being the cautious one reminds them.  "You two be careful and don't fall asleep driving on the way home."

 

"No fear of that," Donna explains to them, "Josh just cranks up the volume on his car stereo."

 

"See ya, tomorrow," Josh calls, as he leaves behind Donna.

 

"Thanks," is Margaret's parting remark, as they close the door behind them.

 

"Leo.  Bed."  Margaret orders and then adds, when he glances at the spare room.  "My bed, remember the new rules.  It doesn't matter that you have a new bed here."  She softly reminds him, "We're here alone, Leo, and that means we get to cuddle."

 

"Did I mention how much I like your new rules?"  He pulls her into a passionate kiss, before taking her hand and moving them to the bedroom, switching off the table lamp, on the way out of the living room.

 

Leo and Margaret are lying together in her bed, in her new bedroom, in her new apartment, with a content weariness from the day's activities.  They wrap themselves together, happy to be finally cuddling.

 

"Margaret, there's something I've known for awhile."  He pauses, his desire great to find the words he needs to properly convey his sincerity.  He continues in his soft rumbling voice,  "Something that has been like an essence between us."  He snuggles her closer, "It just 'is', softly in the background and never has been expressed before." 

 

"Mmmm, what's that Leo," she's relaxed and cozy lying in his arms lulled by the sound of his voice in the darkness.

 

 He kisses her gently.  "That I love you, Margaret."  He kisses softly again.

 

"Oh, Leo, I may cry," she curls her head onto his chest and listens to his heart talk to her, while quiet tears wet his chest.

 

"As long as it's happy tears, Baby."  He kisses the top of her head.

 

"Yes, Leo, they are," she softly smiles in the dark, as she hugs his chest.  She raises her head up to kiss his mouth.  "I do love you, Leo.  Seems like I always have."  She softly voices it finally from her lips.

 

He agrees, "Does seem like always, and now, forever."

 

They cuddle in for the night.

 

The end

*****

p.s. now the new adventures begin!

Thanks for reading my first series!

 

~ In memory of John Spencer ~

~ Thanks for the hugs, John! ~

 

Betty Lou Riley

Originally posted - 22nd June 2003

[email protected]

Rating System!

·1  CHILD - suitable for all ages

·2  YTEEN (younger teens) - some content may not be suitable for children

·3  TEEN - suitable for teens and above

·4  MATURE - suitable for mature readers

·5    ADULT - adults only

·6  P - Profanity

·7  SC - Sexual Content

·8  V - Violence

·9  GV - Graphic Violence

·10  GS - Graphic Sexual Content

·11