TRUST ISSUES
Donna went home two hours later, she discussed the upcoming two weeks with the First Lady. They had two galas, one fundraiser to promote ‘Cure Autism Now’ and a state dinner for the French President; also there was a speech for the organization ‘Women in Arts’ and of course, the vote. Donna felt a bit relieved that she did something to help Josh, although she still had her reservations about meddling. Josh got home well after midnight, Donna was already in bed.
“Hi, stranger,” Donna teased him when he appeared in the bedroom door.
“You are still up?” Josh asked her, and Donna thought she heard relief in his voice.
“Yup, I was waiting for you,” she answered.
Josh took off his suit jacket and crossed the room to the bed in three strides. He bent down and kissed Donna gently. He sat down on the edge of the bed and took Donna’s hand into his. He caressed her knuckles with his thumb and stared into space before speaking up.
“I had a pretty bad day, Donatella,” he told her.
“Yeah, I gathered that much,” Donna said, sitting up. She encircled his waist from behind and rested her chin on his right shoulder. She leaned her face onto his, caressing him with her cheek. “Go, take a shower and then come to back to bed, sailor.”
“Okay,” Josh said, not standing up. Donna gave him a gentle nudge, indicating that he really should move.
While shedding his clothes in the bathroom, he asked Donna about her day.
“It was okay,” Donna answered him. “I was in the Residence after you were called into the Situation Room. We went over the next weeks’ activities.”
“Sam said he was over too.”
“Yeah, we’ve talked about the bill. But we are okay, we agreed that we’ll work on it until the vote,” Donna hurried to reassure him, he really didn’t need the vote on his plate right there. She stepped into the bathroom because she wanted to talk to Josh while he showered. “Josh, let’s go away for the weekend after the vote,” she suggested after taking seat on the rattan hamper.
“Where do you want to go?” Josh asked, surprising Donna. She thought he would be reluctant. She thought kicking and screaming would be involved. The change in demeanor worried Donna even more than the defeated look she noticed him sporting over the last week.
“I was thinking about Connecticut,” Donna said.
“It’s pretty cold there this time of the year, Donatella,” Josh said, sticking out his head from behind the shower curtain.
“Yeah, I know. We would bring our coats and boots,” she teased him.
“Did you have a place in mind or you want to cruise around in the Nutmeg State?”
“Well, I was thinking Westport,” Donna said in a whisper.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you,” Josh stepped out of the shower, fastening a towel around his waist. “Did you just say Westport?”
“Yes. I mean you never took me there. I want to see where you grew up. And you have been to Madison,” Donna defended her decision and handed him his clothes.
“That’s true,” Josh said while putting on his boxers and T-shirt. “Okay, I’ll talk to Rodney and see what he says.”
“Good. And now, to bed with you, handsome,” Donna said with a grin.
“Donatella, when you grin like that I forget that I’m exhausted,” Josh said, returning her grin.
“No sex tonight, Josh, you are tired, and I am tired, too. Sleep is more important right now,” Donna said irrefutably.
“But necking is allowed?” Josh asked, his voice bordering on whining.
“Yeah, necking is allowed,” Donna agreed.
“Okay,” Josh said happily, and grabbing Donna’s hand he led her back to bed. “I love you, Donatella,” he said before climbing into bed.
“I love you too, Joshua,” Donna returned his confession, and then they cuddled together under the covers. Josh kissed her gently on the top of her head, and soon Donna heard his breath even out. ‘So much for necking,’ she thought, a smile crossing her face. She hoped that he would get a few hours’ sleep without interruption. She hoped that whatever kept them in the Situation Room was resolved and Josh would sleep through the rest of the night. Her prayers were heard and Josh awoke somewhat refreshed, although the black circles under his eyes were not to miss.
GO TO PART FOUR