“Take your places, everyone. For those of you acquainted with modern dentistry - this will be as quick and painless as the early stages of tooth decay.”
The reporters rushed to their seats as Carol finished distributing summaries.
“The US, together with the European Union, are joining the protests that arose at the UN climate discussion last week, when no conclusion has been reached in attempts to choose an efficient way to keep the global warming problem to a low minimum. Senator Gerard Downey will be joining Mike Gottfried on Capitol Beat tonight to talk about this issue, as well as to take a look at the latest polls on coal burning in Arizona and Tennessee.
Our newly appointed Supreme Court Judge Roberto Mendoza will be giving an interview to those of the press corps who can find it in their hearts to stick around for another seven hours. Lunch, I might add, will be served, so tell your families you’re not showing up for dinner tonight.
Another highlight of the day is our own Deputy Communications Director Samuel Seaborn, who has been invited to a private lecture hall at his alma-mater Princeton University for a quick look at a day in the White House. He will be leaving in about twenty minutes and I’d like to be there to see him off so, if no one objects, I’ll take some questions now.”
***
SAM’S OFFICE, 10:30 am
“Cathy! Where’s my pager? I can’t find my pager!”
“Just a sec, okay? I’m on the phone here with five people!”
“Take messages and help me. I’m on my way out!”
“I hope they don’t make you talk about the White House. You stink at talking about it, you know.” Josh appeared in the doorway as Sam threw up a heap of papers from his desk and they circled the office, landing slowly. “You can talk about a day at the White House, but please don’t tell the naïve and adoring Princeton undergraduates the Mural room is named after Chris Mural who does the paper route at 6:30 am every day."
“Also, please keep in mind that the Oval Office is not made oval so that Mrs. Landingham can never make the President stand in the corner,” C.J. pushed Josh inside and took his place.
“Sam, I need you back here immediately after you’re done. If only to explain to you the difference between the Roosevelt presidents and how only one of them, and mind you, not a different one depending on what day of the week it is, is credited with naming the White House… well, the White House.” Toby was quick to add to the excitement.
“Which one was that again? No, wait, just in case they want to know… Toby!”
“I’m here, what is it?”
“Help me find my pager, will you?”
“It’s sitting on your belt,” said Cathy very, very quietly.
Laughter ensued.
“Oh, just kill me, why don’t you.” Sam turned red as a beat and left the office.
“Happy now?” Cathy said dryly as everyone watched him leave, stunned. “Has it occurred to any of you to ask Sam what kind of day he’s having? All you do is bring him down. You should be ashamed of yourselves. If you’ll excuse me, this is an area where people work and belittling your colleagues is no longer in fashion. Out, all of you!”
“Party pooper,” said Toby, as he was gently ushered outside.
“I’ve got my therapist’s number on the speed-dial, Cath,” said Josh.
“What’s wrong with Sam? Is there anything we can do?” said C.J. and was answered with a closing glass door. Behind it, Cathy sighed hopelessly and went about her business.