|
Take My Advice Summary: A sort of prequel to my series, but it can be by itself and is not necessary to said series. Anyway, it's how Donna and Brooke meet and become friends. Rating: G Category: General Author's Note and Disclaimer: I don't own anybody except Brooke Markenson, don't sue, blah-dee-blah-blah. This takes place during the campaign; Brooke's POV. I glanced up as the door to the restaurant opened. At first I didn't recognize the man who'd walked in, but then realization dawned on me and I jumped up and walked over to him. "Hey, Josh!" I called. He looked over and grinned. "Brooke! Hey, how're you doing?" Josh asked. We chatted casually for a few moments before I noticed a shy-looking blond woman standing a little behind him. Josh winced slightly and half turned to her. "Sorry, uh, this is my assistant Donna." Donna smiled and shook my hand. "Josh!" Someone shouted for him across the restaurant. Josh groaned, turned around, and waved weakly at some people. They indicated that he should come over. Josh had enough sense to turn around again before grimacing. "Donna, why don't you talk with Brooke? I've got to go be nice to these people." "Why?" "They can vote." Josh walked off, making another face before plastering on a fake, forced smile. Donna and I walked back to my table. I asked her if she wanted anything; Donna shook her head. "So you're Josh's assistant?" Donna nodded. "You have my sympathies." She laughed and asked, "How do you know him?" "He came and spoke to our poly-sci class about eight years ago. We started talking, hit it off, and have been keeping up a correspondence friendship ever since." "You've known him for eight years?" "Yeah, and based on my experience, I'm going to give you some advice." "Only show Josh as much respect as he shows you?" I looked up at Donna. "Yeah, something to that effect. Where'd-" "Leo McGarry." "You're working for Leo McGarry?" Donna shrugged. "I volunteer for Josh, and he works for Leo, so indirectly, yes." I shook my head. "Wait, wait. 'Volunteer'? You're not on payroll yet?" Donna shook her head, and bit her lip. "My funds are running a little low. I'm hoping he'll put me on payroll soon." "I'll talk to him." "No, no, you don't need to-" "Donna, another thing about Josh- it takes him forever to figure out anything of importance. I'll call him later." "Don't tell him I'm low on money." "Don't worry, I won't. I'll just tell him you mentioned that you were still volunteering, and that I was impressed by you and that he should start paying you." "Okay, but you really don't have to-" "I'm going to." We sat in silence for a few moments before I asked, "So, what's it like working for Bartlet?" Donna grinned. "He's- he's astounding. The Governor is different from most politicians. He's honest." "I know. I'd love to be working for him, but I'm tied up in Senator Welsh's campaign for governor in Michigan." "You couldn't quit and jump on board?" "Not when I'm her campaign manager and Chief of Staff." I glanced over at Josh, who had his chin resting on his hand and looked suicidal. He looked over at us and gave us a very pained look. I gave him a thumbs-up and grinned. He sighed and looked back at the eagerly talking students. "So you and Josh have just been friends for eight years?" Donna asked. I nodded. "Why?" Donna nodded in Josh's direction. Three giggly college-age girls had walked over to him and were chatting with him. "Not only do I have to keep track of his schedule, but I'm expected to know who his weekly girlfriend is," she said with a laugh. I grinned. "We tried dating for a while, but it didn't work out." Donna nodded. We both looked back at Josh. He stood, shook one of the student's hands, and practically ran across the restaurant. "You don't want to talk with those eager young minds more?" I asked with mock innocence. Josh grabbed the back of Donna's chair and pulled it out. We both stood. "They're borderline Republicans," Josh said. I laughed. "I'll call you later." Josh nodded. "Sure, Sam and CJ and you and I could get together sometime." "CJ?" "I'll introduce you. See ya!" I shook my head and laughed as they left.
|
|
|