"So tell me about Donald." Caitlin said to Donna the next day as they sat at Donna's desk.
"He's nice. We go out every now and then."
"Uh-huh. C'mon Donna, this is me. You can tell me more than that. Remember all those long nights on the campaign trail talking about the two you know who's."
"Yeah, tweedle dum and tweedle dummer. Donald's fine, he's just not..."
"Josh." Caitlin finished for her.
"Caitlin, I don't have feelings for Josh...anymore" she said softly.
"Oh no of course not." She lowered her voice and looked around as she continued, "And I've never said the words 'Caitlin Seaborn' just to see how they sound together."
The two women started laughing just as CJ Cregg walked by.
"What's so funny?" CJ asked."Uh, nothing." Caitlin replied clearing her throat.
"Oh-k. Caitlin do you have a minute?"
"Sure CJ"
"DONATELLA MOSS!!" Josh bellowed from is office.
"WHAT!" Donna yelled back.
Josh stuck his head out of his office. "Could you kindly come in here---NOW!!"
"I'm comin' hang on."
"Stop being such a tyrant Josh." Caitlin cut in. Then quietly to Donna "sure you don't have feelings for him" then she continued loudly so all could hear "show him who's boss Donna."
"Stop distracting my assistant Caitlin. Some of us work around here."
"And some of you don't" Caitlin replied smiling at Josh.
Josh smiled back after Donna entered his office.
Caitlin and CJ began walking towards the pressroom.
"I'm going to announce that you've come home to the press and..."
"Slow news day, huh?" Caitlin said with a smile.
"Hey, you're big news now girl. Anyway, they will probably ask what your plans are." CJ paused waiting on Caitlin. "So, what are your plans?"
"Sleep, lot's of sleep."
"I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that. Anything beyond that?"
"Tell them that at this time the President's highly qualified and motivated daughter will be looking for employment and a place to live. In a year or so, she will be applying to law school. In 3 to 5 years she will be getting married and starting a family. Anything else the inquisitors should know?"
"I think that should hold them for today." CJ replied with a laugh. "Thanks."
"Anytime. Hey Danny." Caitlin said as she saw the familiar red head walk up to them.
"Two beautiful women, must be lucky day."
"I'm busy Danny, if this isn't work related..." CJ began
"Actually CJ," Danny interrupted 'I was hoping to speak with Caitlin."
"Oh." CJ answered a little dejected.
"But if you're really disappointed I can make a special trip to your office later. You know, to visit Gail." Danny replied with a smile.
"Hmm. The President's daughter doesn't speak to the press, Danny." CJ countered.
"CJ, it's ok." Caitlin interjected, watching the interchange closely, amused.
"CJ, I just wanted to welcome her home."
"Oh, ok then. Caitlin, if he starts to bother you, you know you have the power of the Secret Service now." CJ said as she walked off.
"I love a bossy woman." Danny said at CJ's retreating back.
"Danny, you can not be covering my homecoming. I thought you were bigger time than that." Caitlin said jokingly.
Danny turned to her seriously. "Caitlin, I need to talk to you." Danny took her arm and gently led her to a quiet corridor. "I have a source in England, with the Scotland Yard. he told me about what has happeed the past couple of weeks."
"So much for keeping it quiet." Caitlin said lowering her voice.
"Caitlin, does anyone here know?"
"No, and I'd like to keep it that way. It's not that big a deal."
"Yes, it is Caitlin. You need to tell your parents."
"Danny, I know how they will react. It's over, there is no need to drudge it up."
"Listen to me. I won't break this story. I am just telling you as a friend. But I am not the only one with sources in the Scotland Yard. This story will break. The White House needs to be prepared."
Caitlin paused for a moment and watched Danny. He was serious. "Thanks, Danny. I'll think about it."
"Caitlin, go now, tell your Dad. Let him make sure it's no big deal" Danny said, then smiled sympathetically and walked towards the pressroom for the briefing.
Caitlin paused for a moment, then turned and headed for the Oval Office.
TBC