"Ginger, have you seen Sam?" Toby asked after seeing Sam wasn't in
his office.
"Yeah, he grabbed some things and said he was taking the rest of the
day off."
"Did he say he was going home?"
"He didn't say where he was going."
"Did he say when he was going to be back?"
"I asked him, but he didn't answer. He just looked at me. He looked
different."
"Different?"
"He looked like he was crying. I've never seen Sam cry before."
Ginger said. "What did you do?" Ginger smiled shyly.
"I didn't do anything you brat. Find him!" Toby said sarcastically.
"Yeah."

Toby went into his office and sat down. He couldn't help but be
worried.

"Hey." Josh said coming into Toby's office. "Did you find him?"
"No, Ginger said he took off for the day." Toby slammed his fist on
his desk. "What the hell is wrong with him?"
"You don't know?" Josh asked.
"Know what?"
"Sam's mom died this morning. Apparently she was battling with
cancer. She never told him."
"God, the poor kid." Toby sat back in his chair stunned. "He was
close with her, wasn't he?"
"Yeah, she didn't tell him because she didn't want to worry him."
"I should find him, he shouldn't be alone." Toby said while getting
up and grabbing his jacket. Josh stood and put his hand on Toby's
shoulder.
"He told me that he would be leaving tomorrow morning. He wanted to
drive there."
"Where's there?"
"California."
"He's driving from DC to California? Why doesn't he just fly?"
"Because he wanted time to digest everything before he got there. He
wanted to be strong for his sisters."
"Ok, I'll tell Leo. He's probably going wonder where his Deputy
Communications Director is."
"Toby?" Josh said before Toby left.
"Yeah?" Toby turned to look at him.
"Do you think he should have to do this on his own. I mean." Josh
stopped for a moment and looked down. "When my dad died, I hated
having to go through it alone. I mean, I had my mom, but no friends
to talk too. It hurt, and I don't think Sam should have to go through
this alone."
"What do you think we should do?" Toby asked seriously.
"Maybe we could help him. We can be there for him to lean on." Josh
looked up at Toby.
"I think that's a good idea." Toby smiled and patted Josh on the
arm. "Let me go talk to Leo, and you tell Larry and Ed that there
going to be promoted for a week or two."
"Yeah. Should I call Sam and tell him?"
"No, let's make it a surprise. I think if we tell Sam, he'll tell us
no and leave early without telling us. You know Sam, he thinks he can
do it all." Toby joked.
"Yeah, he learned that from his mentor." Josh smiled and patted Toby
on the back.
"I really hope Sam doesn't take after me. If he does, god help him."
Toby smiled before heading to Leo's office.

"Are you kidding? This administration can't be run without its
communications director and his deputy, and without the deputy chief
of staff! Why the hell are you three leaving anyway?" Leo bellowed.
"Something happened and Josh and I have to help Sam."
"I'm not agreeing until you tell me why!"
"Sam's mom died. He's going to drive home for the funeral and we
didn't think he should go alone."
"We being you and Josh?" Leo calmed down.
"Yeah."
"Ok, get Larry and Ed. I'll have Bruno help me with Josh's stuff."
"Yeah."
"Give Sam my best." Leo said while opening the door for Toby. "You
and Josh take care of that kid. He's got a good spirit."
"Yes sir."
"I'll tell the President. You go tell CJ."
"Yeah." Toby said while walking out and down to the pressroom.

"Ok, I'm calling a full lid before I kill all of you." CJ joked while
walking out. "Toby, are you going to make it a habit you watching me
handle the press everyday."
"What can I say, it turns me on. But that's not why I'm here." Toby
said pulling CJ into her office and shut the door.
"What's up?" CJ asked.
"Josh and I are going on a little trip with Sam. I'm not sure how
long we will be gone. Sam may be gone two or three week. Josh and I
may be back in a week."
"What happened?"
"Sam's mom passed away and he is going to the funeral. Josh thought
it would be a good idea if we were there to support him."
"You guys need me?" CJ asked.
"I think we will be fine. Larry and Ed are moving up until I get
back. I need you to keep me notified with everything going on."
"I can do that."
"Thanks."
"I think it's good what you guys are doing Toby." CJ smiled.
"I don't know why, but I like the kid."
"He looks up to you, whatever you say, he's going to believe."
"Yeah." Toby smiled.
"Take care of him."
"I will. I'll call when I can. Keep Larry and Ed in line please. We
all know how they can get."
"I will. Maybe they will watch me handle the press like you." CJ
joked.
"That's my job, and my job only." Toby smirked.
"Go away now." CJ smiled.
"Thanks." Toby said while walking out.

"Hey, I'm thinking that we should meet at Sam's house around five."
"In the morning?" Toby groaned as Josh came in.
"He said he was leaving around six."
"Ok, I'll be there." Toby grabbed the rest of his things and got
ready to leave.
"He might not like this at first." Josh mentioned.
"I'll talk to him. He needs us."
"Yeah." Josh smiled.
"I'm going home. You need a ride?"
"No thanks, Donna's taking me home."
"When is your car going to get fixed?"
"When I can afford it."
"Yeah." Toby laughed.
"I'll see you in the morning."
"Yeah, good night." Toby said before leaving his office.
"Good night."

*****

Toby got there first. He decided to wait for Josh, so he stayed in
his car watching Sam's house. H could see the lights were on, but
didn't see Sam. He couldn't sleep much the night before. He kept
remembering the time his father died. How he didn't have anyone to
talk to that was close. He promised he would never let a friend feel
the pain that he had felt.
"Toby." Josh came up to the driver's side window and knocked. Toby
didn't even see him and jumped.
"Jesus Josh! Give me a heart attack." Toby yelled as he got out of
the car.
"Sorry. You ready?"
"Yeah, let's go." Toby said as he gave Josh a glare. Toby walked a
little in front of Josh, but he could tell Josh was smiling.
"Your head still hurt?" Josh asked as they got to the door.
"No Josh, it feels like a million bucks. Ring the damn door bell will
ya!"

Sam quickly opened the door with a confused look on his face.

"Morning Sam." Toby smiled.
"What are you two doing here at five in the morning for?"
"We came to take you away." Josh smiled.
"Look, I have plans." Sam said going back into his home to finish
packing.
"So do we." Toby said.
"Good, then go do them."
"We are." Josh answered. "Are plan is to take you to California."
"What?" Sam stopped and looked at the two of them. "I can get there
on my own, but thanks."
"But…" Josh started but was hushed by Toby.
"Can you give us a minute?" Toby asked Josh.
"Sure, you want me to get your bags?"
"Yeah, here." Toby handed Josh his car keys. "Thanks."
"Sure." Josh smiled and walked out to Toby's car.
"Look, Toby…"
"Let me talk Sam. This is not a time to be proud. This is a time for
grief. Josh and I had to go through our dad's passing away with
hardly anybody. We felt the pain that goes along with loosing someone
you love, and it's a time to be with friends who care about you."
Toby put his hands on Sam's shoulders. "Let us be those friends and
take you to where you need to go. This is not the time to be alone.
Ok?"
"Thanks." Sam felt the tears run down his face, but brushed them off.
"Let the tears go Sam. It helps. Trust me." Toby said while hugging
Sam.

"I got the bags." Josh came in and saw the two men. "Oh, it's a
moment." Josh joked and walked over to them and joined the hug.
"The three musketeers right here." Josh joked.
"Yeah." Sam smiled shyly.
"Let's get going, shall we." Toby said.
"Yeah, let's go." Sam smiled and grabbed some bags. "What car are we
taking?"
"Probably yours. Toby's car won't fit all three of us, and my car
doesn't run."
"How did you get here?" Toby asked.
"Donna."
"That woman. I swear, she needs a raise for taking care of your sorry
ass."
"She'll get one when I get one." Josh joked. "Let's go."

Sam drove, Josh sat in the passenger seat, and Toby sat in the back.

"Do you have any idea how long it's been since I went on a trip?"
Josh mentioned.
"We go on trips all the time." Toby said.
"I mean non-work trips." Josh smiled. "Look at us, three men, two
good-looking men, and another one." Josh smirked.
"Funny boy." Toby smiled sarcastically. "I think I am very good-
looking."
"Yep." Josh and Sam laughed.
"Who made it in the People magazines sexiest men issue? Me. Sexiest
politician if I remember correctly." Toby smirked. He knew it was a
soft spot for Sam and Josh.
"I still think you paid them for that." Josh smirked.
"Still jealous, are we?" Toby joked while hitting Josh in the arm.
"Yeah, yeah." Josh smiled and brushed it off.

"Look." Sam pointed as the sign that said, now leaving Washington DC,
appeared.
"Well, we are officially on the road." Toby smiled.
"Yep. Feels good." Sam smiled.
"Yeah it does." Josh agreed. "Can we eat now, I'm starving."
"We're going to be hearing this the whole trip aren't we?" Toby
groaned.
"I'm a growing boy Tobias. I need my food." Josh smiled.
"Your forty one years old Joshua. I think your done growing."
"That's what you think. One of the greatest things about traveling is
to experience different foods." Josh said. "Look, there's a diner."
"That's a truck stop." Sam said.
"It's a truck stop diner place." Josh said sarcastically.
"Where did you go to school again?" Toby asked.
"Look, it's still breakfast time. How can someone mess up eggs? Pull
over."

Sam parked and all three of them got out. They were dressed pretty
nice. All had slacks on and nice sweaters. They all looked like they
just came from a Calvin Klein photo shoot. When they walked in,
everyone in the diner looked at them, and all conversations they were
having stopped.

"Yeah moron, we really fit in." Toby told Josh while hitting him.
"We do." Josh whispered as they began to walk to an empty booth.
"Josh, everyone in here are truck drivers." Sam whispered while
sitting down next to him.
"Well, we knew it was a truck stop place."
"Shut up." Sam got out before the waitress came over.
"What can I get for you boys?" The young woman said.
"What's good here?" Josh smiled.
"Well, you came at a good time. I'd rather eat the breakfast here
then the lunch or dinner. I'd try the early bird special. You get
everything." She smiled.
"I'll get that then." Josh smiled.
"Me too." Sam and Toby said together quickly.
"It'll be right up." The waitress winked at Josh before walking away.
"She's cute." Josh mentioned.
"Anyway." Toby said sarcastically while giving Josh a glare.
"Thank you." Sam said quietly while looking down. Josh and Toby both
looked at him.
"For what?" Josh asked.
"For coming. It really means a lot to me." Sam smiled. Josh put his
arm around Sam and squeezed a little.
"What are friends for?" Josh smiled. Just then Josh looked over to
the counter and saw a man looking at him. Josh nodded, and then the
man blew him a kiss. Josh let go of Sam and moved closer to the
wall. "Ok, we need to get out of here as fast as humanly possibly."
Josh said. He looked over at Toby and saw him laughing.
"You're irresistible Josh." Toby barley let out.
"Shut us asshole, he might hear you."

Just then the waitress came back with their food.

"Here you boys go."
"Thank you." All three said together.
"You know, you guys look so familiar. What is it you guys do?"

The men looked at each other and smiled.

"We're singers." Sam let out. Both Josh and Toby smiled.
"Really? Wow, for what band?"
"Well, we're just small time. They call us the…" Sam tried to think
fast.
"The senior staffers." Toby helped.
"The senior staffers, that's so cool."
"Yeah, they are saying we may be the next beetles." Josh added,
smiling at her.
"I can see why. Three good looking guys like yourselves, why not."
"Exactly." Josh winked.
"I hope to see you guys in concert soon. Have any dates picked out?"
"Not yet, but give me your phone number and I'll make sure you get
the VIP treatment." Josh smiled.
"I'll go write it down." She grinned and went to write it down.

"The senior staffers?" Josh laughed at Toby.
"What the hell, you guys didn't help any." Toby couldn't help but
smile. "Shhh, she's coming back." Toby said quickly when the waitress
came back.
"Here, I'm Sarah by the way." She put handed Josh the card.
"I'm J…" Josh stopped. "Erik Spencer." He said while shaking her hand.
"It's very nice to meet you Erik Spencer." She smiled. "Be sure to
call me."
"Oh, I will." Josh smiled as she walked away.

They ate the rest of the food in silence. They could see everyone was
staring at them.

"Can we go now?" Toby said as he finished.
"Yeah, allow me to pay the bill gentlemen." Josh smiled. Sam got up
to let him out of the booth.
"Let's go wait out in the car." Toby said while pulling Sam with him
out the door.

"It was nice meeting you Erik. I hope to hear from you." Sarah
said. "Breakfast is on the house." She smiled.
"Why thank you kind lady. Till we meet again." Josh said taking
Sarah's hand and kissing it.
"Yes." She blushed and watched as Josh, or Erik, walked out the door.

*****

Sam and Toby waited for Josh out in the car.

"Does he flirt with all woman?" Toby asked.
"Who Josh? I've known him for 15 years, and he has always flirted
with any woman in the room."
"Yet he's still single."
"Well, I never said he was good at it." Sam smiled.
"Yeah." Toby laughed. "Here he comes." Toby pointed as Josh came out
with a smirk on his face. He got in the car and shut the door. Then
he noticed Sam and Toby staring at him.
"What?"
"What, you're not taking her with us?" Toby said sarcastically.
"Shut up! You might have made sexiest politician of the year, but I
still make the cutest politician of the year." Josh joked.
"Whatever." Toby snorted.
"When was the last time you got a date oh sexy one?" Josh said while
turning around looking at Toby.
"I've had many dates." Toby barked.
"When was your last date?" Sam added while pulling away.
"What is this, gang up on Ziegler day? Leave me alone!"
"I'll make a deal with you Toby." Josh started.
"I make it a habit never to deal with the devil Joshua." Toby smirked.
"Hear me out." Josh said while hitting him. "I'll show you how to
pick up woman, if you show me how to keep them." Josh said seriously.
"What the hell Josh, that makes no sense!" Toby yelled.
"You married Andy, and you stayed married for quite awhile, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I can pick up any woman, but I can't seem to do things right
to keep them. Apparently, you know how to treat a woman to have her
stay around for a while. I want to know how you do that, and I'll
teach you how to pick women up."
"Josh, Toby and Andy are divorced." Sam added.
"Yeah, but it was nothing about the romance or love. It was their
work. Right?"
"So?" Toby added.
"This trip can be a learning trip. I'll teach you and you teach me."
Josh put out his hand. "Deal."
"Fine, but I don't like it." Toby shook Josh's hand.
"I'm sorry, but this is something I'm going to like seeing." Sam
smiled and laughed.
"Shut up!" Josh and Toby said together.

6:00 PM

"Ok, dinner time." Josh let out.
"Here we go again." Toby said to himself.
"There's a nice hotel about ten miles ahead. They have a nice
restaurant. We can stop for the night there."
"That's good. Oh god!" Toby said.
"What?" Josh turned around quickly.
"I can't feel my butt." Toby said.

Sam and Josh laughed.

Sam pulled into the hotel parking lot. And all three men got out and
stretched.

"How's your butt?" Sam smirked at Toby.
"I can't feel it, so I don't know. I'll go get the rooms, you guys go
get a table at the restaurant." Toby said while walking over to them
check in.
"Yeah, we'll meet you over there." Josh said.

"Nice place Sam."
"Yeah it is." Sam looked around.
"How are you holding up?" Josh asked.
"I'm ok. Having you guys there is really helping me."
"I'm glad we could come." Josh smiled. Just then the waitress walked
over.
"Good evening, my name is Steph, can I get you guys a drink?"
"Yes, I would like a scotch please." Josh said.
"Ginger ale is fine." Sam said.
"There will be someone else joining us, I believe he would want a
scotch as well." Josh added.
"Yes sir." The waitress smiled and left.
"I'm surprised, you didn't flirt with her." Sam joked.
"I'm too tired right now. Besides, I liked the Sarah better."

Sam laughed as Toby came in and sat next to Josh.

"Here, three rooms." He handed each one a key.
"Thanks, I ordered you a scotch." Josh said.
"Thanks." Toby said as Steph came back and handed out the drinks.
"Hi, my name is Steph and I'll be your waitress." She said to Toby.
"Hi." Toby smiled.

The three of them ordered and Steph went off.

"We should get an early start tomorrow." Sam said.
"Sure." Josh nodded.
"You want someone else to drive tomorrow?" Toby offered.
"I'm ok." Sam smiled.

TOBY'S ROOM

"Oh." Toby said as he fell willingly on his bed. He was exhausted. "I
need more sleep then this." He said to himself. Toby reached over and
grabbed the phone and put it on his stomach and put the receiver up
to his ear. He dialed the number and laid there waiting for an answer.

"CJ Cregg." CJ answered.
"Hey." Toby groaned.
"Hey, I guess he let you guys go along."
"Yeah, Josh and I were persuasive."
"Yeah right. Sam just has a soft spot for you guys. How's it going?
How's Sam?"
"He's good. Well, you know. We seem to be having a good time."
"What about you?"
"I'm good. I think we're really helping Sam."
"You are, trust me."
"Yeah." Toby smiled. "Have Larry and Ed been good?"
"Their driving Leo nuts, but that's to be expected. But everything is
going fine here; you just keep your mind with Sam right now. We can
handle it for a week without you guys here."
"I know you miss me." Toby laughed.
"Actually, I'm getting a lot more work done now that you're gone."
"That's because I'm not there to distract you with my good looks."
"Yeah, yeah. Tell Sam I'm thinking about him."
"I will."
"Be good."
"Yeah." Toby smiled as he hung the phone up and put it back on the
table.
"Sam will be fine." Toby told himself as he dosed off to sleep.

JOSH'S ROOM

"He's doing good Leo. I think he's glad we're here." Josh said into
the receiver.
"What about Toby?"
"We're having a good time."
"Toby doesn't have good times."
"Well, I think he's willing for Sam."
"Yeah, he loves the kid."
"We all do."
"Give him my best, and keep me informed."
"I will." Josh said and hung up the phone. He is usually still at
work at this time, but he was here. And he liked it. He needed a
break, and this was it. He fell to the bed and shut his eyes, he
didn't realize how tired he was until he did. He smiled to himself.
"Sam will be fine." Josh told himself as he dosed off to sleep.

SAM'S ROOM

Sam laid on his bed staring up at the ceiling. He could remember all
the good times he had with his mom and dad when he was young. He
remembered the water park, swimming, and he remembered the stories
his mom used to read to him every night before he went to bed. Sam
felt the tears run down his face, and he went to go wipe them away,
when he remembered Toby telling him it's ok to cry. It makes you feel
better.

"I love you mom." Sam said when he started crying. "I miss you."

Sam laid there and cried. Remembering the way his mother looked and
her smile. She always told him that if something happened to her. He
would have angles with him to guide him. Sam smiled and thought about
that.

"Thanks for the angles mom." Sam said about Josh and Toby.
"I will be fine." Sam told himself as he dosed off to sleep.

*****

"Hello." Sam said as he picked up the ringing phone.
"Mr. Seaborn, this is your wake-up call." The voice said.
"Thanks, did you call Mr. Lyman and Mr. Ziegler?"
"Yes sir, but they both hung up on me."
"Thanks." Sam smirked and hung up the phone. He got up and started
the shower. He decided just to let Toby and Josh wake up on their
own. They needed the sleep.

TOBY'S ROOM

It was noon, and Toby was still sleeping. But was woke by knocking on
the door. He groaned and got up to open the door.

"What?" Toby said while swinging the door open. "Oh Sam, sorry."
"It's ok. I was going to let you and Josh sleep in, but it's noon.
They want us out of here or their going to make us pay an extra
night." Sam smiled.
"It's noon?" Toby said with his eyes still shut because of the
sunlight.
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry, you wanted to leave early." Toby ran in and started to
get some clothes together.
"It's ok. Listen, take a shower and meet me in the restaurant for
lunch. I'm going to wake Josh up."
"Ok, thanks Sam." Toby smiled. "I'd hug you, but it would be a little
weird because I'm half naked here." Toby joked.
"Thank you for that." Sam smiled and closed the door to go wake Josh
up.

Toby looked at the clock and saw it was really noon.

"I haven't slept till noon in over twenty years." He said to himself.
Then went to take a shower.

JOSH'S ROOM

Josh was still fast asleep. He was always a droller, maybe that's why
he couldn't keep a woman. Josh woke to the knocking on the door. He
got up and opened it, but couldn't open his eyes.

"Hello." Sam said as Josh opened his eyes a little.
"Hey, you ok?" Josh asked.
"Hotel management is kicking us out."
"Why?" Josh asked confused.
"Because it's after noon." Sam smiled.
"Yeah right." Josh smiled and walked back to the bed.
"Look." Sam pointed to the clock in the room.
"Oh god Sam, I'm sorry. You wanted to leave early." Josh started
running around trying to find some clothes.
"It's ok, calm down. Look, take your shower and meet me and Toby at
the restaurant for lunch."
"Yeah, is Toby pissed?"
"No, I just woke him up too." Sam laughed. "We'll meet you there."
"Ok." Josh said as Sam shut the door.

"Noon." Josh said to himself. "I haven't slept till noon since
college."

RESTAURANT

Sam was sitting at the table when Josh and Toby came running in.

"Sam, we are so sorry." Josh said while sitting.
"Don't worry. You guys needed the sleep." Sam smiled.
"Did you get some sleep?" Toby asked.
"A little. I'm good."
"Good." Josh and Toby smiled.

The three men ate their meal and got packed up.

"I'll drive if you want?" Toby offered.
"I'm ok, you can drive tomorrow." Sam smiled.
"Ok." Toby smiled back. "I talked to CJ last night, she told me that
she's thinking about you."
"Tell her thanks."
"Leo said the same thing." Josh offered.
"Tell them thank you for me." Sam smiled and got in the car. "Let's
get going."
"I call shot gun." Josh smiled.
"How old are you?" Toby said sarcastically and hit him. "I mean
really."
"Mentally are physically?"
"Shut up." Toby got in the back.
"I think if we don't make any stops, we may make it to Indiana
tonight." Sam said as he drove off.
"Making good time I must say." Josh smiled. The he started going
though his bag.
"What are you looking for?" Toby asked him.
"A tape so we can listen to some music."
"Oh god." Sam said to himself.
"Found it!" Josh smiled and put it in.

Next thing they know, they hear a familiar song. Josh smiles and
starts to sing it.

Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'

Then all three sing.

We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you

"Take it away Sam." Josh smiles. Sam nods and starts.

Buddy you're a young man hard man
Shouting in the street gonna take on the world some day
You got blood on yo' face
You big disgrace
Wavin' your banner all over the place

The all three sing.

We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you

"Go Toby." Sam smiled as Toby started.

Buddy you're an old man poor man
Pleadin' with your eyes gonna make
You some peace some day
You got mud on your face
Big disgrace
Somebody betta put you back in your place

They all three sing.

We will we will rock you.
We will we will rock you.
Alright
We will we will rock you
We will we will rock you.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Senior Staffers!" Josh joked.
"I say we give up politics and go on the road." Sam smiled.
"Yeah, we could get jobs singing after popular bands to clear the
place out." Toby cracked.

Just then, Sam's cell started ringing.

"Hello."
"Sam, it's Maggie."
"Hey, what's wrong?" Sam asked worried.
"How far are you from here?"
"I should be there in three days."
"Please hurry Sam, we need you here."
"I'll be there as soon as I can."
"I love you Sam."
"I love you too." Sam said then hung up.
"Everything ok?" Josh asked.
"It was my sister, she's wants me there." Sam said quietly.
"Will get there, why don't we take turns driving, will only stop to
eat." Toby mentioned.
"You guys don't have to do that…"
"Sam, we're here for you. Now you drive for another hour and then let
me drive. Josh will drive after me." Toby said. "Don't worry. We'll
rest once we get to California."

*****

They have been driving non-stop for the past two days. They stopped
here and there to gas up and eat. Josh and Toby wanted to get Sam
with his family, and they were willing to do so.

"Welcome to California, look at that." Toby smiled. "I told you two
days Josh."
"The way you drive Toby, damn. Going 120 miles per hour will get us
anywhere in two days."
"I wasn't going that fast." Toby said.
"Yes you were." Josh and Sam said together.
"Well, I got us here didn't I!"
"Thank you Toby. We should be in LA in about two hours. I would like
it if you guys stayed over night, to rest." Sam said.
"Sam, I think we can do that" Josh leaned from the back seat near the
front.
"Toby."
"I would like that." Toby smiled. "LA here we come."

They stopped once they got to LA so Sam could drive to the house.

"It's different being here without a motorcade." Josh joked.
"Shut up." Toby said sarcastically.
"Yeah, yeah."
"There it is." Sam said to himself as they pulled down the street.
They could see all the cars and people that were outside. Sam pulled
over and parked.
"We can wait here Sam, go ahead." Josh said.
"No, you guys came this far with me, come on." Sam said while getting
out of the car. Josh and Toby looked at each other, and then got out
with Sam.

"Sam!" Maggie screamed and ran to her brother.
"Maggie." Sam smiled and hugged his sister. "I came as soon as I
could."
"Thank you." She smiled and wiped the tears from her face. "Hi." She
said looking as Josh and Toby.
"Hi." They said together.
"Maggie, you remember Josh. And this is my boss, Toby Ziegler."
"Josh." She said shaking his hand. "And Toby, I heard so much about
you. Sam really looks up to you."
"Maggie!" Sam yelled.
"It's ok, he's a great deputy." Toby laughed.
"Thank you for coming with him."
"Sure." Toby smiled.
"Dad's waiting for you Sam." Maggie said. "He's inside."
"Thanks Maggie." Sam looked over and Josh and Toby.
"Go. We'll be fine." Josh smiled.
"Yeah, go." Toby offered.
"Thanks for coming you guys. It really meant a lot to me." Sam said
with tears coming down his face.
"We're friends Sam, we're there for each other." Toby hugged Sam.
"He's right. We are always going to be here." Josh smiled and joined
the hug. Sam didn't care that he was crying, he was just glad they
were there.
"I don't know how long I'll be…"
"Don't worry, we're going to go out some place. You just stay with
your family. Call us later on the cell if you want." Josh said.
"I wanted you guys to stay, I have a…"
"Don't worry, we're grown men." Toby smiled. "We'll be fine. We'll
come by tomorrow before we go."
"Go?" Sam asked.
"We should get back to the White House. Don't worry, we're taking a
plane." Toby smiled. "Now you have family. Spend time with them.
Think about the good times. Ok?"
"Ok, thanks for everything guys." Sam smiled.
"We'll be back tomorrow. Take care Sam." Josh smiled.
"I will." Sam hugged the men once more and then walked into the house.
"You think we should leave him?" Toby asked.
"I think he's going to be just fine." Josh smiled. "Now come on."
Josh started walking.
"Where are we going?" Toby followed him.
"It time for us to have our teaching lesson." Josh said.
"Great." Toby said sarcastically.

SAM'S HOUSE

"Sam." His dad walked over and hugged him. "I'm glad you came."
"Me too dad." Sam smiled, but couldn't hold back the tears. "I miss
her."
"I miss her to son." The two of them embraced each other; morning
over their lost loved one. And loving each other. Hoping it wouldn't
end.

*****

"Please tell me what the hell we're doing here?" Toby yelled over the
loud music.
"Well, it's time you learn how to pick up woman." Josh smiled.
"Josh…"
"Sam and I used to come here all the time. It's a fun place. Music,
singing, and most of all, beautiful women." Josh smiled as a woman
walked past them. "I call that one."
"I'm leaving. I have to make a call."
"To CJ?" Josh smirked and took a sip of his scotch.
"Why do you say that?" Toby asked as he noticed a woman looking at
him from the table next to them.
"You've called CJ every night since we left. I was just thinking it
was her."
"That's what you get for thinking." Toby said quietly staring at the
woman.
"Someone you know?" Josh said while looking over to the woman.
"No." Toby shook his head and looked back at Josh. "Look, just
because I have called CJ every night, it doesn't mean anything."
"I didn't say it did." Josh smiled. "Sorry, I didn't know CJ was a
touchy subject." He laughed.
"She's not." Toby finished his drink. "I'm getting another drink." He
stood and walked over to the bar.
"Yeah." Josh smiled.
"Scotch please." Toby said when he got the bartenders attention.
"I'll have the same." The woman that had been looking at Toby came
over and smiled. "Does a body good." She smiled at Toby.
"Yeah." Toby said shyly.
"My name's Allison." She held out her hand.
"Toby." He shook her hand and smiled.
"Nice name." Allison smiled.
"You too." Toby said as the bartender gave them their drinks. "I
should get back." Toby motioned over to Josh.
"Yeah." Allison smiled. "It was nice to meet you."
"You too." Toby smiled and walked back to the table.

"What?" Toby asked as he saw Josh smirking.
"How the hell do you do that?" Josh smiled.
"What?"
"Make the women come to you. She followed you to the bar, eyeing
every little move you made."
"Shut up." Toby growled.
"She's going to be your test. Now, what you want to do it…"
"Sit here and enjoy my drink." Toby finished.
"I thought we were going to teach each other."
"Josh, what do you want to know?" Toby yelled.
"How to keep a woman. The longest relationship I ever had was 6
months. And that was in high school."
"It's not hard."
"It is for me." Josh said seriously. "Tell me what I need to know.
Please."
"Look." Toby looked around and moved in closer. "You don't need any
fancy one-liners for one. All you have to do is accept who that
person is. You have to be able to compromise with her. No one is
always going to be right all the time in the relationship. You have
to make sure she knows you love her. Tell her things that make her
fell important."
"What did you say to Andy?" Josh asked.
"I told her everyday that she was my life, because she was. I fell in
love with her life. It fascinated me. Every move she made, everything
she said, it made me love her even more. We both new that we couldn't
be with each other because our work had control over us. It didn't
mean we loved each other less. It just meant we couldn't be with each
other. I still love her, I always will." Toby looked up at
Josh. "Josh, you can't make yourself stay with someone just to see if
you can. You have to find that one person that you love, and learn to
live with her. You have to learn to love before you can be with
someone for a long period of time."
"Yeah." Josh looked down. "So I need to quit being a playboy and find
that one person out there that I can love and that I can live with."
"Exactly." Toby smiled and took a drink.
"I think I understand now." Josh smiled.
"Good. Now will you leave me alone?" Toby said sarcastically.
"Don't you want to know how to pick up woman?" Josh smiled.
"No, I think I do pretty good on my own." Toby grinned.
"Why didn't you hit on that one woman at the bar?"
"Trust me, I wanted to." Toby smiled. "But something was holding me
back."
"Does that something start with a C and end with a J?" Josh laughed.
"What is this obsession you have with me and CJ?" Toby yelled.
"I see the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you." Josh
smiled.
"She doesn't look at me any different then she looks at anyone else."
Toby yelled.
"Whatever man, she's got a thing for you. And I think you have a
thing for her. But hey, it's only my opinion."
"Yeah, only you." Toby gave Josh a glare and then looked over at the
woman. "Excuse me." Toby said as he got up and walked over to her.
"Toby." Allison smiled as he walked up to her.
"Can I be honest with you?" Toby said while standing in front of her.
"Sure." She smiled.
"I don't know how to pick up a woman. I don't have fancy one-liners
to say to you. I'm leaving tomorrow and I would like to have a good
time tonight. Would you care to join me?" Toby said while looking
into Allison's eyes.
"You know what, no one has ever been that honest with me." She
laughed. "I would love too. As long as we can get out of here." She
smiled.
"Of course." Toby smiled and helped Allison put on her coat. They
both walked over to the table Josh was sitting at so Toby could get
his jacket.
"I'm leaving." Toby smiled.
"Where are going?" Josh asked.
"He's going to show me a good time." Allison smiled while hanging off
of Toby's shoulder.
"Yeah." Toby smiled and nodded as Josh gave him a grin.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Josh yelled as Toby and Allison
went out the door.
"Great, now what an I going to do?" Josh said to himself.
"Excuse me." A young woman came next to Josh. Josh looked up and
smiled.
"Yes." Josh stood up.
"I came with the woman that just left with your friend, she was
taking me out so I could relax." She smiled. "Since she left me, I
was wondering if I couldn't sit here with you. You know, since your
friend left you too." She laughed.
"Josh Lyman." Josh shook her hand.
"Becky Samson."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Becky Samson, please, have a sit." Josh
smiled. He decided to try Toby's idea and not use any one-liners.

*****

"So, where are you from?" Allison asked as the waiter gave them their
food.
"Washington DC."
"Wow, the land of the politics." She smiled.
"Yeah." He smiled.
"I used to be married to a politician, he was a jackass." She smiled.
"Who was that?"
"You probably never heard about him, he's name is David Rosen. He
told me that he only married me so he could have a pretty woman on
him arm at fancy functions. Bastard."
"Playboy David." Toby said quietly, yet Allison still heard him.
"You know David?" She asked.
"Yeah, I met him a couple years ago during the election."
"What election?" She smiled.
"The Presidential election. I stole his job." Toby smiled.
"He was up for communications director..." She smiled. "Toby
Ziegler!" She said loudly.
"I don't think they heard you in DC." He joked.
"Sorry." Allison smiled. "I always wanted to meet the man who made
David feel like shit." She smiled.
"Well, now you have." He smiled back.
"I must say, you look much better then I thought you would have." She
smiled and ate a little.
"How did you think I looked?" He whispered in a flirty voice.
"I always imagined you as an old, grouchy man." She smiled."
"I am old and grouchy." He teased.
"No, you look good." She winked.
"So do you." He said while looking and smiling at her.

THE BAR

"So, you live here in town?" Becky asked.
"No, I live in DC."
"I always wanted to visit there. I heard it was magnificent."
"Yeah it is."
"What do you do there?"
"I work in the White House." He smiled.
"Yeah right." She laughed.
"I do. See." Josh took out a card and handed it to her.
"Deputy Chief of Staff." She said shocked. "Sorry, I had no idea."
"Yeah." He smiled.
"Wait, Josh Lyman. Weren't you shot about two years ago?" She asked.
"It was more about a year and a half ago." He smiled.
"God, I'm sorry."
"Don't be, I'm fine. Don't I look fine?" He laughed.
"You look better then fine." She smiled.

Josh looked at Becky and smiled. They couldn't seem to take their
eyes off each other.

"I'm only here for one night." He whispered.
"We can do a lot in one night Josh." She smiled while moving closer.
"Maybe we should go."
"Maybe."

Josh grabbed Becky's hand and they both left quickly. Josh hailed a
cab and they both got in.

"Where too?" The cabbie asked.
"Safari inn." Josh said while smiling at Becky.

RESTAURANT

"Well, thank you for dinner Toby. I must say, you are a very
interesting man." She smiled.
"I had fun." He smiled.

They walked out and walked to the curb.

"Let me get you a cab." Toby said while waving one down. Just then,
Allison walked up and kissed Toby on the lips. It was enough to make
Toby stop waving. She moved away a little and smiled.
"What was that for?" Toby said in shock.
"For just being a nice guy. It's been way to long since I met one."
She smiled.
"Yeah." Toby didn't really know what to say. He looked and saw that a
cab had stopped. The cabbie was giving him a glare because he was
waiting there. "I got you a cab."
"I hate to see the evening end." She smiled. "You said you were
leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Then we probably won't see each other again." She said shyly.
"Probably not."
"Then why don't we have some more fun?" She smiled and took his hand
"But I won't be here tomorrow." He said softly.
"Toby?" She wrapped her arms around him.
"Yeah." He wrapped his arms around her.
"Are you really looking for a serious relationship?" She grinned.
"Not really."
"Me neither. Why not just have one great night together before you
go." She kissed him.
"Get in." Toby smiled and tilted his head towards the cab.
"That's my boy." She smiled and got in.
"Finally." The cabbie said. "Where to?"
"Safari inn." Toby smiled and looked at Allison.

SAM'S HOUSE

"Sam, are you going to get some sleep?" Maggie asked as she saw him
in the kitchen.
"I will. I was just getting something to eat. Go on, get some sleep."
Sam smiled and kissed Maggie on the cheek. "I love you."
"I love you too Sam." Maggie said before heading off to bed.

Sam sat there and looked at some of the pictures on the walls. Then
he heard a knock at the door. He looked at the clock and saw that it
was midnight. He walked over to the door and opened it, shocked by
who he saw.

"Lisa?" Sam said quietly. "What are you…" Sam felt the tears forming
again; he was hushed by Lisa's hand.
"I'm so sorry Sam." Lisa lightly glided her hand across Sam's face.
"I've missed you so much." Sam started to cry as Lisa hugged him.
"I've missed you too Sam." Lisa felt the tears fall from her
face. "I'm here for you, for whatever you need." Lisa said looking
into Sam's face.
"I need you." Sam put his forehead on hers.
"I'm here." Lisa kissed Sam lightly. Sam grabbed Lisa's hand and led
her down the hall to his bedroom. "Sam." She said as he laid her down
on the bed.
"It ok." He laid next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I just
want someone with me."
"Ok." She smiled and kissed him again. She held him tight through the
night, making sure he knew she was there.

*****

"Can I ask you a question?" Allison asked resting her head on Toby's
chest.
"Sure." Toby said wrapping his arm around her.
"Who's CJ?" She smiled.
"What?" Toby asked surprisingly.
"Well, I over heard you and your friend talking about a woman named
CJ. Your friend thinks there's something going on there." She laughed
at Toby's nervousness.
"It's just someone we work with, she's no one."
"Oh really, your friend was pretty sure of himself." She smiled.
"Josh is a moron. He thinks everyone had a thing for everyone. It's
nothing."
"So you don't have any feelings for her?"
"No, just friends."
"Ok." Allison couldn't help but laugh.
"What is so funny?" Toby asked.
"You're lying. But it's ok." She laughed.
"Why do you say that?" He couldn't help but smile at her. She raised
her head and looked into his eyes.
"It's in your voice. And now I see that it's in your eyes." She
smiled and kissed him. "Must be a special lady."
"She doesn't like me that way."
"But you like her that way." She smiled.
"Maybe."
"Told you." She laughed and kissed Toby again. "Tell her she has a
great guy waiting for her, will ya?" She smiled.
"I probably won't, but oh well." He smiled as she hit him.
"What brought you here anyway?" She asked while kissing him.
"I had to make sure a friend got here alright. His mom died." He said.
"I'm sorry." She rubbed his cheek with her finger. "Is he here?"
"He's with his family, Josh and I thought he would be better there."
"You're a good friend." She smiled.
"Not that good."
"Don't sell yourself short. I've never met a man like you before.
You're sweet." She smiled.
"You don't know me." He grinned.
"Yes I do." She laughed. "You know. If you weren't so hung up with
this CJ, I might just kidnap you and never let you leave." She smiled.
"I think the President might have a problem with that one." He kissed
her.
"Damn." She looked at him. "Thanks for the greatest night of my life
Toby Ziegler."
"Thank you." He smiled and kissed her again.

JOSH'S ROOM

"So, you're leaving tomorrow huh?" Becky asked while wrapping her
arms around Josh.
"Yeah, have to get back to work." He kissed the top of her head.
"That's right, big White House guy." She joked.
"Yeah." He laughed.
"So you came out here for business?"
"No, I had to help a friend get here."
"Really? The one you were with at the bar?"
"No, we both had to bring our friend Sam out her. His mom died and he
was coming out here to be with his family. That's why Toby and I were
at the bar."
"I'm sorry to here about your friend." She kissed Josh on the cheek.
"Thanks." He smiled and looked down at her.
"You're a sweet guy, you know that?" She smiled.
"I'm not that sweet." He grinned and kissed her.
"So, this is a one night stand huh?" She smiled and hit him playfully.
"I think so." He looked at her again. "Does that upset you?"
"No, I'm glad we had this night. Really glad." She smirked.
"Me too. It's been a long time since I had a night like this."
"Me too."

Josh kissed Becky again.

"I'll tell you what. If you want, we're coming out here in a few
weeks on business. I can look you up." Josh mentioned.
"I would like that. I'll be your LA stay, if you know what I mean."
She laughed.
"I like that." Josh laughed and kissed her again.

SAM'S HOUSE

"Thank you for coming." Sam whispered to Lisa.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner."
"I just got here today. I drove."

Lisa sat up and looked at Sam.

"You drove from DC? Alone?"
"No, Josh and Toby came with me." He smiled.
"That must have been fun." She smiled.
"It helped."
"Where are they now?"
"They thought I should be with family."
"Their right." She smiled and kissed Sam.
"What happened to us?" He asked holding her hand.
"Bad timing I guess." She rubbed his cheek again.
"What about now?" Sam looked at her.
"I love you Sam, you know that. Do you honestly think that we could
be together now?" She smiled weakly.
"No." Sam smiled a little and looked down. "I just wish it could
happen."
"Me too." She leaned over and kissed him. "Now, lets get some sleep."
Lisa shut Sam's eyes with her fingers. She watched him as he fell
fast asleep. She smiled and thought about the times they had
together. He was the best man she had ever known. And she knew that
was never going to change.

*****

"Leaving so soon." Allison rose from the bed as she saw Toby getting
dressed.
"Check out is in a half hour. Josh and I wanted to see Sam before we
left."
"Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?" Allison joked.
"No, I was going to wake you. I just wanted to be dressed when I did.
So I wouldn't be temped." Toby winked.

Allison got out of bed and walked over to Toby. She put her arms
around him and kissed him.

"Don't temp me." Toby grinned.
"I wouldn't dare." Allison joked. "I'm going to go get dressed."
"Yeah. I'll wait for you." He said while giving her a kiss. Then he
watched as she walked into the bathroom.

JOSH'S ROOM

"Time to get up." Josh whispered into Becky's ear.
"No it's not." Becky smiled.
"Sadly." He kissed her and walked over to brush his hair.
"You're dressed already." Becky smiled.
"Yeah, Toby and I wanted to see Sam before we left."
"That's nice."
"Yeah. I never thought I would say this, but you better get dressed."
Josh grinned.
"Yeah, maybe." Becky got up and walked over to Josh and kissed him.
She could tell he was looking at more then her face. "Down boy." She
joked.
"You make it too difficult." He smiled.
"Will you wait for me while I get dressed?"
"Of course." Josh smiled as he watched her walk into the bathroom.

SAM'S HOUSE

Sam had been awake for a while, just looking at Lisa. He remembered
the good times and the bad times. He knew they couldn't be with each
other because of their jobs. He just wished one day they could be
together.

"Morning." Sam said as he felt Lisa move above him. She popped her
head up and looked at Sam.
"How long have you been up?" She asked while smiling.
"Not long. You sleep good?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Yeah." He smiled and kissed her.
"Good." She smiled.
"Thanks for being here." Sam smiled.
"Anytime Sam." She smiled and got up. "I should get going."
"You can stay. If you want."
"I can if you want me too."
"I do." Sam smiled.
"Then I'll stay. Come on." Lisa pulled Sam out of bed.
"Where are we going?"
"I'm going to cook some breakfast."

Toby, Josh, Allison, and Becky all waited outside for their cabs.
Finally one came by.

"You guys can go first." Becky said.
"It's ok, we still have time. Go ahead." Josh said. "It was very nice
meeting you Becky." He said while kissing her hand.
"It was nice meeting you too Josh. Hope we can do this again." Becky
kissed Josh on the cheek and got in the cab.
"Remember what I said Toby Ziegler." Allison pulled Toby towards her
by his shirt.
"What?" Toby smiled.
"Tell CJ she has a good guy waiting for her. A very good guy."
Allison smiled as she kissed him.
"Get out of here." Toby said playfully.

Allison smiled and got in the cab with Becky. Toby and Josh both
waved as the cab took off. Both men had a smile on their face.

"So, have a nice night?" Josh asked then laughed.
"I did. And you?"
"You better believe it." He smiled. The two men smiled at each other
as their cab pulled up.

SAM'S HOUSE

Sam and Lisa sat and ate their breakfast. It felt like old times. It
was nice.

"It's good." Sam said with a smile.
"You can't mess up eggs that much." She joked.
"Sam." Maggie came into the kitchen. "Josh and Toby are here."
"Thanks." Sam looked at Lisa.
"Go ahead, I'll clean up here."
"I'll be back." Sam kissed Lisa and walked out.

"Hey guys. You didn't get in that much trouble did you?" Sam joked.
"Not really." Josh smirked.
"Are plane is leaving in an hour. We wanted to make sure you were
ok." Toby said.
"I'm ok. Lisa came by last night. She's going to stay for a little
while."
"That's good." Josh said.
"Thank you guys, for everything. It meant a lot to me." Sam hugged
both of them.
"We're always going to be here Sam. Don't forget that." Toby smiled.
"Will you call when you get back? Here's the number." Said asked
handing Toby a piece of paper.
"I will."
"Take care Sam, we'll been waiting for you." Josh smiled.

Sam nodded and hugged them once more before heading back to the
house. Josh and Toby watched as he walked in.

"I guess we have to go back to work." Josh moaned.
"Don't start moaning." Toby warned as he got back in the cab.
"Maybe we should eat before the flight."
"I swear Josh, don't start on the food thing again." Toby yelled as
the cab drove away.

*****

"I don't understand how you could you have brought up CJ when you
were in bed with another woman." Josh laughed.
"First of all. I didn't mention CJ. Allison did. She over heard your
sorry ass talking about it at the bar." Toby said while hitting him.
"I was right." Josh smiled. "Even she told you to go after her."
"No she didn't."
"She told you to tell CJ that there is a great guy waiting for her.
Excuse me, but does that not sound like her pushing you to CJ."
"You know something. You're an idiot." Toby yelled. "Now shut up.
We're about to land."
"CJ and Toby sittin in a tree…" Josh started quietly.
"If you continue, I'm going to throw you out of this air craft."
"Yeah." Josh sunk in his chair.

SAM'S HOUSE

During the funeral service, Sam stood next to Lisa and Maggie. Each
woman holding his hand. Sam felt the tears fall down his face again,
but he didn't care. He listened to the final words being said. When
everyone was done, Sam laid some flowers down next to him mother.

"Goodbye mom." Sam whispered and blew a kiss to the sky. "I love you."

Sam walked back to the car and next to Lisa.

"You did good." She said.
"Yeah." Sam looked at her again and hugged her. "I loved her so much."
"I know. We all did Sam." Lisa rubbed Sam's hair to calm him down.
"Yeah." Sam kissed Lisa on the cheek. "I know you should be getting
back to work."
"I can stay."
"It's ok. I'm going to spend the next few days helping my dad and
sisters clear out moms house."
"Sam…"
"It's ok. I've had so much help in the past week. I thank you for
coming Lisa. You will never know how much it means to me."
"Take care of yourself Sam." Lisa kissed Sam on the cheek. "I'll
always be here if you need me."
"I'll call." Sam smiled.
"You better." Lisa joked.
"Goodbye Sam."
"Goodbye Lisa."

Sam watched as Lisa walked back to her car and drove off. He felt
like he was going to get through this. He knew he was going to be ok.

WHITE HOUSE

"Well, I wonder how many people missed us." Josh smiled as they both
walked in the White House.
"I doubt many." Toby joked.
"Josh!" Donna bellowed from down the hall.
"Hey Donna."
"You have a meeting in twenty minutes." Donna said while handing Josh
some papers.
"I just got back." Josh wined.
"Bruno heard from Leo that you would be back today and told me to
tell you to take the meeting because he's tired of doing your job."
Donna said quickly.
"So much for relaxing." Josh said harshly. "Can you excuse me for a
minute Donna?"
"Hurry." Donna said while taking off down the hall. Josh then looked
at Toby, who was smiling.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Better be nothing." Josh warned. "Look, I just wanted to say that I
had a good time."
"We didn't just get off a date Josh." Toby joked.
"Shut up!"
"I had a good time too. It was fun."
"Yeah." Josh smiled. "Now if you excuse me, I have a meeting." Josh
moaned as he walked off.

COMMUNICATIONS BULLPEN

"Hello," Toby said to everyone as he walked in.
"Oh thank god." Ginger followed him into his office.
"Miss me that much huh?" Toby said.
"Actually, Larry and Ed were driving me crazy." Ginger moaned.
"I drive you crazy." Toby looked up at her.
"Yeah, but I'm used to you." Ginger smiled and handed Toby some
messages. "How's Sam?"
"He's going to be fine." Toby smiled
"The President wanted to see you and Josh tonight before you guys
head home."
"Yeah. Thanks."
"Anything else?" Ginger asked before walking out.
"Yeah, where's CJ at?"
"She's just finishing up the briefing."
"Thanks."
"You want me to get he for you?"
"No, thanks."
"Ok. Welcome back." Ginger smiled.
"Thanks." Toby smiled as Ginger walked out.

JOSH'S OFFICE

"Donna, why do I have to do this meeting?" Josh wined.
"You know, I didn't miss your wining when you were gone." Donna
smiled.
"But you did miss me." Josh smiled.
"Bruno was driving me crazy. He was pissed he had to take all your
meetings. And he let all his anger out on me."
"You want me to take care of him?"
"I put him in his place." She smiled.
"That's my girl." Josh smiled.
"How's Sam?"
"He's going to fine I think."
"It was sweet to you and Toby to go with him."
"I think we all needed a little break."
"Yeah." Donna smiled. "Meeting in five."
"Yeah, yeah." Josh moaned. "Thanks."

PRESSROOM

"I'll have an answer to that…" CJ started and then saw Toby in the
back of the room. "Uh, I'll have that tomorrow. That's it for now,
I'll see you all again later." CJ smiled and walked out of the room,
running into Toby.
"I new I felt your eyes on me." CJ smiled at Toby. "You just get
back?"
"Yeah." Toby followed CJ back to her office.
"You didn't call for the past two nights."
"We got home late last night." Toby said.
"And the night before?"
"We were, uh, contained." Toby looked down at his feet nervously.
"Yeah, sure." CJ smiled. "How's Sam?"
"He's good. I think he's going to be fine." Toby smiled and looked
back up.
"That's good. I'm glad your back." CJ smiled.
"Yeah, me too."

CJ and Toby just looked at each other for a moment.

"You look different." CJ mentioned to Toby.
"Like how?"
"I don't know. You just do." CJ smiled.
"I'm the same old Toby." He smiled. "Look, I wanted to say something."
"What?"
"I…" Toby stopped and looked in CJ's face. "I'm supposed to tell you
that the greatest guy is waiting for you." Toby smiled nervously.
"And who is that supposed to be." CJ asked confused.
"You'll find out when it's time I think." He smiled. "I should go and
fix mistakes I know Larry and Ed must of made. You have plans
tonight?"
"Not really."
"Want to go out for pizza?"
"Sure, as long as you're buying." CJ smiled.
"I always buy, why should I break the habit." Toby joked.
"Go away now." CJ threw a pen at him.
"Yeah, yeah." Toby laughed as he walked out.
"What the hell was he talking about?" CJ asked herself and went back
to work.

*****

"Can I take another trip please?" Josh moaned as he got out of the
meeting.
"Sorry, I'm next." Donna smiled. "The President wants to see you and
Toby before you leave tonight. And Leo wants to see you now."
"Yeah." Josh put down some papers on his desk and started to walk
out.
"You ok?" Donna asked as she followed him to Leo's office.
"Yeah, I'm tired for some reason."
"Josh, you're always tired." Donna smiled.
"Go away." Josh grinned as he got to Leo's office.
"Hey Margaret."
"Hey Josh, welcome back. He's in there with Toby, go on in."
"Thanks." Josh smiled and walked in.
"Hey, welcome back Josh." Leo said as he walked in.
"Thanks."
"So tell me, how's Sam?" Leo asked the two men.
"I think he's going to be ok." Josh said.
"Me too. He's strong." Toby added.
"That's good to hear. Listen; tell him to take his time. I know how
much you need family at times like these."
"We will." Josh nodded.
"Good. How'd the meeting go?"
"Same old same old." Josh smiled.
"Isn't it great to be back." Leo smiled.
"I don't want to answer that." Josh and Toby said together.
"Go back to work." Leo smirked.
"Yeah." The two men said and walked out.

"Did you talk to Sam last night?" Josh asked Toby.
"Yeah, he said he was going to try to get back next week."
"He said that to me too. Did you sound ok to you?"
"Yeah, he did."
"Yeah, I thought so too." Josh smiled and started walking away.
"Josh." Toby stopped him.
"Yeah."
"I asked CJ out for pizza tonight after work." Toby said.
"It's about damn time Toby."
"Don't start. I just told you this so you will get off my back."
"But Toby, it's so fun." Josh laughed as he literally jumped on
Toby's back.
"Get off of me you lunatic." Toby tossed him off.
"It's right you know." Josh said.
"What?"
"You and CJ."
"Yeah, yeah." Toby patted Josh on the back and walked away.

OVAL OFFICE

"Hey Charlie, he wanted to see us before we left." Toby said as he
and Josh walked in.
"Yeah, I'll tell him you're here." Charlie walked in and told the
President. "Go on in." He said walking out.
"Thanks." They said together and walked in.
"Toby, Larry and Ed were killing me." Jed smiled.
"Yes sir, I think that everyone felt that way." Toby smirked.
"And I don't even want to start on Bruno." Jed looked at Josh.
"Yes sir." Josh laughed.
"Have a seat. I just want to tell you how proud I am at you two." Jed
smiled as they sat down. "I know how much it meant to Sam that you
two were there."
"It meant a lot to us too sir." Toby added.
"I bet it did."
"Yeah, it felt good to help someone close to you." Josh said.
"How's he doing?"
"He's doing good. He's had a lot of support." Josh said.
"Yeah, you tell him he's in my thoughts, ok?"
"Yes sir."
"Now go home and get some sleep. You two look exhausted." Jed ordered.
"Yes sir." The said together and walked out.

"Sleep huh?" Josh smiled. "Not for you." He laughed.
"Shut up. Its just dinner."
"Yeah." Josh looked down. "Can I ask you a question?"
"What?"
"Do you feel different at all?"
"Like how?"
"I don't know, just different. I feel more light."
"Yeah, I fell different too and I can't place why."
"We helped Sam." Josh said.
"Yeah, we did." Toby smiled.
"See ya tomorrow." Josh said while walking off.
"Hey Josh?" Toby yelled.
"Yeah."
"Why don't you come with me and CJ."
"What? On your date?"
"It's not a date smart ass. You can bring Donna."
"Sure." Josh smiled. "Thanks."
"Yeah. Hurry, I'm hungry."
"Oh, now you're starting on the food." Josh joked as he went to get
Donna.

Toby watched Josh leave and he looked around. Josh was right.
Something had changed. Maybe it was the way he looked at life. Or the
way he was looking at things differently then he did before. But he
knew that he would never forget the trip. After all, they were
the `Senior Staffers'.