TITLE: Non Sum Qualis Eram (I Am Not What I Once Was)
Pseudonym: Ecri
E-mail:
[email protected]Category: Episode Related, 20 Hours in America through Red Haven's on Fire
Rating: PG
Summary: Sam finds himself and discovers there are things within him that he can no longer deny.
Spoilers: Potentially everything up to Red Haven's on Fire
Warnings: Some of this is slightly AU. In this universe, Will Bailey and Elsie Snuffin stay in California to run Sam's campaign.
Sam sat in his office working on the President's next stump speech. The rest of the world had ceased to exist for him. He did not even consciously register the click clack of the keyboard as the words came to life dancing across the screen, moving at his command.
He'd spent most of his time recently doing just this. Polishing speeches, writing memos, crafting position papers, working out answers to any question the staff thought might come up in debate, and making the final plans for the debate camp Toby was planning.
The Convention was in a few days, and it seemed they were spending a lot of time rewriting the President's speech accepting the democratic nomination. They continued to tweak it as Ritchie's people continued to try to make issues where none had existed a moment before.
He continued typing, his fingers flying across the keyboard so quickly they could almost keep up with the thoughts in his head. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he failed to notice he was no longer alone.
"Sam, we're going to need" CJ cut herself off when Sam nearly fell out of his chair. She almost dropped the memo she carried, her lips quirking in a wry smile. "Sorry, Sam, I didn't mean to startle you."
"No. It's good. I'm fine." Sam righted his chair and sat forward slightly trying to slow his pounding heart. As bad as it was being interrupted when he was so lost in his work, he thought, it was nowhere near as bad as being startled from a sound sleep. He was glad that didn't happen often. "What did you want?"
She lifted the papers she'd been carrying and threw them on his desk. "The Press is asking what the President thinks about Ritchie's statement that kids in college should pay their own way by working part time and rely less on loans, their parents, and grants, disposing of the need for financial aid."
"He did not."
"He did."
Sam grabbed the memo she'd thrown on his desk and began to read. "It's time we stopped babying our children and let them learn that things don't come handed to them on silver platters. The hard work of the American people is what made this country great. And if they can't pay their own way, well, college isn't right for everyone. We should allow our kids to choose not to go to college if that's what's best for them. After all, having no formal education didn't hurt the founding fathers.'"
Sam stared at the paper, then slowly found the strength to look up at CJ. "This is a joke, isn't it? He didn't really say this?"
CJ shook her head sadly as if disappointed in him. "You have really got to stop saying that every time I bring you a memo. Have I ever said, No, Sam, you're right. I was just kidding?'"
"No."
"Then let's assume this is real, too, okay."
"He's not even considering education as a right for all citizens. If we followed this plan only the rich would go to college."
"Yep."
"And thisnone of our founding fathers graduated from college?"
"Not according to Governor Ritchie."
"John Adams graduated from Harvard, Thomas Jefferson graduated from the College of William and Mary and James Madison graduated, in 1771, from the College of New Jersey."
"And you know the year he graduated from this apparently defunct college, why?"
"It's not defunct. Its name was changed to Princeton University."
Her eyes widened. "Oh, God, this is like the Notre Dame thing all over again! You're gonna make me learn the Princeton fight song, aren't you?"
Sam seemed to consider. "No, but I might make you learn the school's motto."
"Sam"
"In Latin."
"Sam!"
"I'll have something written in 15 minutes. Thirty if Toby finds out and demands to see it, so don't"
"CJ, why are you bothering my deputy when he's writing speeches. Get out!" Toby bellowed from the doorway, practically in CJ's ear, making her jump.
"I needed" She saw Sam shaking his head and quickly tried to change directions. "Nnnothing. I needed nothing, and I will now go."
Toby rolled his eyes, but still managed to see Sam trying to hide the memo CJ had given him. "What is that?"
Sam tried to shove it in a drawer, but Toby deftly snatched it from his hands.
Toby read it as CJ left the office, ignoring Sam's silent pleas for her to wait.
"Of all thehow can hehow stupid" Toby continued to sputter taking the memo with him as he went back to his own office.
"Okay. Toby, you take that one." Sam said to his now empty office as he focused again on the speech he'd been typing.
**
CJ made a beeline for her office.
"Carol, I'm gonna need information on Princeton's" she stopped when she noticed that Carol was speaking quietly with Ron Butterfield. Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled the last time he'd been in her office. "Ron, hi. Did you need something?"
Ron managed to look uncomfortable yet professional at the same time. "Can we go into your office?"
She nodded and gestured for him to follow her. Once inside, he closed the door.
CJ moved to stand behind her desk, glancing briefly at the paperwork stacked in her inbox. It was the first time she'd ever looked at paperwork with longing. "I" she paused and cleared her throat. "I guess you're here aabout thething."
Ron nodded. "My superiors notified me. I wanted to arrange an escort."
"Escort? Is that necessary?"
"Procedure."
"Oh. And are we sure this is going to happen this time? It was postponed the last two times. I was beginning to think it would never happen."
"The judge says he will tolerate no further delay." He paused. "I know how difficult this is"
CJ raised a hand waving away his concern. "No. Not at all. I shouldmeet you here?"
"Yes. My agents and I will take you there. We will be with you the entire time. At no point will you be alone with the man. We've got him. You don't have to worry about him escaping."
CJ snorted. "Escaping? No. It's him being set free that's got me worried."
"It's not gonna happen, CJ. Judge Matthews is notoriously hard on this type of crime. That's why the defense attorney keeps postponing. The hearing will happen this time, and, I can almost guarantee that Judge Matthews will find cause to hold him over for trial"
"Almost?"
"There's also a chance he might be held over for psychiatric evaluation. Either way, he's not seeing the light of day anytime soon."
She nodded. "Okay." Her voice sounded flat and detached to her own ears. "I'll see you in a week."
Ron nodded, and looking as though he might want to say more, he left.
Carol poked her head in. "Everything okay?"
"Sure."
"Good. You have Senior Staff in 10."
"Yeah." She nodded and, once Carol had returned to work, added in a whisper, "And a court date with my stalker in 7 days."
**
Ainsley Hayes looked into Sam's office, and, seeing it empty, glanced through Toby's door. Toby sat typing furiously and punctuating the quick tapping of the keys with an occasional curse, grumble, and non-verbal sputtering.
"Not going there." She whispered under her breath. She approached Ginger's desk. "Excuse me, do you know where Sam is?"
Ginger looked up at Ainsley as if surprised he wasn't in his office. "Oh, yeahI think I saw him heading towards Josh's office."
Ainsley thanked Ginger and headed towards Josh's. Before she got there, she saw Sam heading her way. She waited for him to look up and notice her, but he looked distracted. As he walked by, she called out to him. "Hey, Sailor, going my way?"
Sam, startled, awoke to his surroundings, and seeing her, smiled. "Why is it you can say stuff like that without some intern jumping out from behind a copier to tell you how demeaning it was?"
Ainsley smiled sweetly. "Because you are a sailor. Everyone knows you've sailed. I am only asking if you're going in the same direction I am. What did you think I was asking?"
He stood still, staring for a moment, then turned as though they hadn't spoken and headed towards his office.
She laughed, and followed.
"Were you looking for me?"
"Sure was."
"Why?"
"I wanted to know when you're leaving for the convention."
"Day after tomorrow."
"Okay."
"What?'
"What?"
"When you said okay, it was like you wanted to say something else."
"Sam Seaborn, I don't know what you mean!"
"You do, cause for a blonde Republican sex-kitten, you're pretty smart."
She sighed. "My father wants to meet you."
Sam stopped walking. "What do you mean?"
She shook her head. "You know what I don't understand? For a drop-dead gorgeous Democratic boy toy, you're pretty smart, too, yet the thought of meeting my father has you stopped in the White House corridor like a deer in headlights."
He ushered her into his office not saying a word until they were inside. He looked at her for a moment, and she realized how frazzled he was. His eyes were wide, probably from the idea that her father, a Republican from Carolina, was coming. She realized only now that it was less the Republican from Carolina thing, and more the girlfriend's father thing that bothered him.
"Ainsley, I'm not at my best right now."
"You're kidding, right? You're in top form."
"But my attention ison other things. I can'texcuse meI mean" He stopped speaking for a moment, then finished helplessly, pleadingly. "Your father already doesn't like me."
"How can you say that? You've never met him."
"Yes, I have been spared that."
"You wanna try that again?" Her eyes flashed.
Sam held up his hands in a sign of surrender. "I'm not ready for the whole meet-the-parents' scenario. I've got so much going on right now with the campaign, the speeches, the conventionbesides, fathers never like me. Not Lisa's, not Mallory's"
"Leo likes you."
"Asyou knowa Senior Staffer, as a speechwriter, possibly even as a person, but as a man dating his daughter" Sam shook his head. "No. No man likes the guy his daughter dates. It's the way of the world. The sun rises in the east, birds fly south, and fathers hate their daughter's boyfriends."
She laughed at him. "You realize you will have to meet him someday."
"Someday is my favorite day."
"Sam."
Sam sighed, slumping in defeat. "Okaywhen, where"
Ainsley smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'll let you know the details. He'll be here later today. Maybe we can do lunch."
Sam nodded, wondering when he'd be able to take a lunch. He'd pretty much gotten used to choking something down at his desk. A feeling of dread settled like a knot in Sam's stomach. He had a feeling that, somehow, this wasn't going to be as easy as Ainsley made it sound, but, hearing Toby bellowing for him in the distance, he didn't spare it another thought.
**
Josh's Office
Later That Day
"so if we just cut the Medicare proposal, we can allocate the funds"
"Excuse me. I don't want to interrupt" Sam stared at Josh wishing he did not have to say this again. "We aren't seriously cutting Medicare."
Josh shook his head. "No, Sam. We're not cutting Medicare. We're cutting the proposed increase of funds to be allocated to Medicare. Medicare will still get an increase of 10%"
"which we know can't sustain it. I can go over the numbers again. The percentage of people who depend on Medicare"
"We don't need the numbers, Sam." Josh let his exasperation show. "Do we need to go over this again?"
"And again and again!" Sam tossed his pen down on the desk. "Josh, I'm sure we can find a way to do this. Let me work on it."
Josh knew he should say no. He knew the President already liked the proposal as it stood, but somehow, he heard himself saying just the opposite. "Sure, Sam. If you can come up with something feasible, we'll present it to the President." He cautioned Sam as the younger man grinned in triumph. "Remember, I have to meet with Leo and the President about this next Wednesday. That gives you five days, including the weekend."
"Absolutely. No problem."
It was then that Josh realized that Sam had likely been working on something already, lacking only the chance to fine tune it and present it. He was sure it would be brilliant. He was sure it would practically be emblazoned with the words "The Right Thing to Do!" across it, and he was equally sure, as legislation, it wouldn't stand a snowball's chance in a D.C. summer of making it past the President. He watched Sam leave his office wondering if a good friend would let Sam do all that work for nothing, or stop himcut off his ideals now before they bloomed and became harder to hold back. Lacking any way to make that call, he decided to do nothing, knowing he could regret that choice as well.
**
Old Ebbet's, The Same Time
Ainsley watched as her father checked his watch again. She resisted the urge to make another excuse for Sam's lateness, and instead asked something she hoped would be more innocuous. "So, how's everything back home."
"Funny you should ask. Alan's been asking about you."
Inwardly, she groaned. "Alan? How's he doing."
Her father beamed. "Just made partner. He's moving up fast. There's talk of him running for City Council."
She nodded, feigning interest.
Her father noticed her distraction. "Ainsley, I think we've waited long enough."
"Dad, he's really busy. He's a Senior Staffer, an advisor to the President, and one of the President's chief speech writers"
"I know. I understand what all that means. The Hayes family has more than a passing familiarity with politics, but you shouldn't be making excuses for him. He didn't want to meet me in the first place, and he's using his job as a shield."
"He is not. You can't know that!"
"Ainsley, honey. He's ademocrat."
She laughed, long and loud. "It's not a dirty word, Dad! Do you have any idea how many times I've heard that? And the she's a Republican' line didn't work on him, either."
"Ainsley"
"No, Dad. I'm with Sam. We're still working things out, but I am with Sam! We may never see eye to eye on things like gun control, minimum wage, and Social Security, but we respect each other enough to separate the politics from the person. We can get through the partisan politics, but we won't invite it into our private lives."
Mr. Hayes stood, throwing some cash down on the table to cover the cost of their meals and tip. "That, my darling, might be a more convincing argument if the word love' had been mentioned even once." He turned and walked towards the door.
Ainsley stared into her drink for awhile trying to figure out what had happened, and how she would tell Sam.
**
The White House
Office of the Chief of Staff
Leo McGarry stared at his deputy. "You didn't."
"He really needs to do this, Leo."
"It's a waste of his time, not to mention the President's time!"
"I already told him he could do it."
"For the love ofthis isn't high school! We don't get to spend extra time on our pet projects!"
"Come on, Leo. He really needs to do this."
Leo didn't like it, but he knew Josh had a point. Begrudgingly, he agreed. "Okay. But he's gotta keep it brief and focused."
Josh nodded.
"Anything else?"
"I'm fine, Leo. I'm gonna get back to work."
"Will wonders never cease?"
**
The Next Day
Deputy Communications Director's Office
Sam typed furiously looking only briefly at his Medicare notes. He knew this stuff inside out and backwards. He finished his paragraph, then stopped. He needed to gather his thoughts for this next section. He was treading carefully, because, despite what Josh and Leo seemed to think, he did know when to tone things down. He knew this couldn't be exactly what he wanted it to be and still be accepted by both parties.
As he sat deep in thought, his phone rang. He snatched the receiver. "Sam Seaborn." He listened for a moment. "Yeah, thanks for returning my call." He frowned as he heard the reply. "When?" He listened for another moment. "Who's the defense attorney?" Sam scribbled something on a scrap of paper. "The judge?" He scribbled again. "That's good. Okay, thanks."
He hung up, sitting with his hand on the receiver for a moment as he digested the news. His mind was already working on several different tracks. He took up the scrap of paper he'd been using and wrote for several minutes. Rising, he took a step towards the door. "Ginger?" He handed the paper to the woman. "I need someone to get this stuff from Legal. If we don't have it internally, send an intern to the library. I need it right away."
Ginger looked at the list. Frowning, she looked back at Sam. "What's this got to do with Medicare?"
"Absolutely nothing. Right away, okay?" He slipped back into his office, as she cornered the nearest intern.
**
Office of the Associate White House Counsel
Several Hours Later
Ainsley reread the brief, wondering if a first year law student had written it. She was getting a headache and her stomach was decidedly empty. The knock on her door wasn't unexpected, but she'd hoped for more time. "Come in." She shuffled some papers, and still looking through them, addressed the newcomer without looking up. "I'm almost through, I just have the last brief to do, but that will be ready in"
"I'm sure that's really interesting, but I come bearing gifts."
She looked up to see Sam standing in the doorway, a paper sack in his hand. She smiled at him. "I thought you were my boss."
"People often mistake me for Oliver Babish."
"What's in the bag?"
"I'm sorry about lunch"
"I know. You said that. What's in the bag?"
"A peace offering." He put the bag on her desk and reached into it.
"That's totally unnecessary. You didn't have tois that Kung Pao Chicken?" She asked as the familiar aroma assailed her.
He nodded. "And" He reached into the sack, pulling out an entire Lindy's New York Style Cheesecake.
"Cheesecake!"
"Chocolate Cheesecake. Am I forgiven?"
"You were forgiven before."
"So this can carry over to the next time?"
"The next time you stand up me and my father?"
"Let's eat, shall we?"
She laughed and let him get away with the remark. She hadn't really been mad at him, and he knew that, but it was a nice gesture. She had a feeling he was more than a little pleased he'd managed to avoid meeting her father. If only he knew how persistent her father could be.
**
The White House, The Next Morning
Donna hurried down the corridor, trying desperately not to look like she was hurrying. When she was asked for the third time where the fire was, she took the hint and slowed to a sort of a race walk.
Finally, reaching Sam's office, she knocked on the doorframe. "Sam?"
"Donna? Did you need something?"
"Josh said to let you know that the Medicare meeting has been moved up to Tuesday at 4:30."
Sam sighed. "Thanks. Tell him I saidthanks."
She laughed.
"What?"
"Nothing, really. You just don't look like you're all that grateful for the news."
He smiled. "No. I'm not. It's okay. I'll handle it."
"If you need a hand, let me know." She'd already taken several steps away from his office when she heard him call her back. Poking her head in the doorway, she answered him. "You need me?"
"Donna, have you talked to Carol?"
"About something in particular or do you just wonder if the assistants socialize?"
"Forget it."
"No, I won't and yes, I have."
Sam thought about her answer for a moment. "No, you won't forget it, and yes you have talked to Carol?"
She smiled. "You do this better than Josh."
Sam chose to ignore that comment. "Do you and Carol talk about CJ?"
She laughed. "What is this? Trying to figure out if we talk about our bosses? Did Josh put you up to this?"
"No. Look, forget it."
Something clicked in Donna's head then, and she realized what he was asking, or, rather, what he was trying not to ask. "This is about the court thing, isn't it?"
Sam didn't acknowledge it, but the look on his face confirmed her guess.
"She's a little reluctant to go."
"Wouldn't you be?" Sam was sorry he'd asked the question. The moment he'd said it, he'd seen Donna shudder as if putting herself in CJ's shoes. "Donna?" Sam whispered, his tone inquiring as to her frame of mind.
She smiled at his concern, but waved it away at the same time. "Yeah. I guess I would be."
Sam nodded, not entirely sure he believed her. "Really, thank Joshand on your way out, ask Bonnie to clear my afternoon. I have a lot to do and not a lot of time for any of it."
"So what else is new?" Donna laughed and left Sam's office. He watched her go wondering if her laughter had always so closely resembled music.
**
That Weekend
Democratic National Convention
The room, devoid of the crowds that it would hold later, still seemed oddly charged with its own anticipatory energy. President Josiah Bartlet stood by the podium looking out at the empty seats, imagining the room filled to capacity.
He saw the Secret Service agents discreetly standing around the room.
He noticed that CJ, clipboard in hand, was consulting with Leo, and he scanned the area for the rest of the staff.
He caught a glimpse of Josh and Donna and wondered if they were working or just chatting. Sometimes he couldn't tell even if he could hear what they were saying.
Toby was seated in one of the chairs down front and appeared to be in a heated debate with Sam. Whatever it was about, he could see they were both getting frustrated. He thought about breaking it up, but he was still savoring this. The quiet. The calm before the storm. It was at times like these that the line between his current career and his previous infatuation with the priesthood blurred. He could feel the same pervasive reverence that he felt when he attended Mass on those rare occasions when he was able to immerse himself in the word of God. Even when he went to mass these days, all too often he found himself concentrating on myriad affairs of state that would, inevitably, roll around in his head. Mass would end, and he would feel as if he'd missed it, which he supposed he had.
He concentrated on that feeling now. Peaceful, yet with an underlying confident expectation. He put all of his attention, his focus, on it. This would be a big night. He knew, of course, that he was getting the Democratic nomination. The evening was unlikely to hold any surprises, but this would be his moment to bring his campaign to the forefront. This night he officially embarked on his journey to maintain his role as President. He recalled fondly the night he'd read Sam's eloquent answer to the question that had so plagued CJ. Why do you want to be President? Somehow, Sam had completely captured a truth Bartlet himself had not consciously recognized. Bartlet smiled, and glanced over at Sam, who, though still sitting with Toby, was busily typing away on his laptop while Toby read over his shoulder. Sam was destined for great things. Jed thought it likely that the young man hadn't fully realized that. If he had, chances were he'd have moved on by now.
**
Hours Later
CJ Cregg walked across the stage towards the podium reveling in the growing applause. She couldn't decide if this were better than the first time, so she decided to enjoy it and sort it out later.
She gestured for quiet, which somehow had the opposite affect. She smiled, indulging the audience, and herself, in a few moments of unadulterated joy, then she began speaking, knowing they would instinctively quiet down to hear her.
"I guess you know why I'm out here," she stated, smiling broadly while the room erupted once more. She took a step back, gesturing for them to go ahead and have their fun.
**
Sam Seaborn watched from the wings as CJ demonstrated once again how good she was at her job. A gesture, a word, a change in inflection; it was like watching a figure skaterpart athlete, part artistboth inspiring and inspired. He shook his head in admiration of her grace and poise.
"She's good, isn't she?"
Sam, startled, glanced to his right to find President Bartlet standing beside him also admiring CJ.
Sam followed his gaze. "Yes, sir, that she is."
Bartlet smiled at Sam. "She deserves to keep her job for a little while longer." He paused. "You all do."
"Thank you, sir."
For a moment, Bartlet looked as though he would say more, but CJ had finally begun to introduce him. The President smiled at Sam, and stepped out onto the stage to the sound of thunderous applause.
**
Vice President John Hoynes watched the President speak while he contemplated plans for his own Presidential campaign. He knew some might think it early, but, assuming he and Jed won another four years, his own campaign would be beginning in, at the most, two years. He had a lot of numbers to crunch and polls to tabulate if he wanted to be sure of winning the Oval Office.
At one time, he'd thought he'd be approaching a second term of his own by now, but the Bartlet for America Campaign had derailed his carefully laid plans. He wasn't sure what had cost him the election, but he was going to find out.
He'd done some research already, and he'd spent precious little time worrying about what might have been. He was Vice President now. He hoped it strengthened his bid for the presidency.
The President's speech was winding down, and he motioned to the wings for Hoynes to join him. John walked out onto the stage to the roar of unbridled applause. He and the President stood, arms raised in victory for several moments, before their wives joined them on stage. The flash of the cameras and the calls of the reporters turned the moment into a flood of light and sound.
**
Sam pulled his tie off and tossed it on the bed. It had been a good night. They'd known, of course, that the President was going to get the nomination, but the wheeling and dealing had still been hectic. The President's popularity had recently increased, and many of the other democrats running for office were hoping for help with their campaigns. They'd made a fair amount of deals and agreements throughout the evening, and Sam was glad it was over.
A blinking red light on the hotel telephone caught his eye. Groaning at the thought that, even though it was nearly dawn, he couldn't go to sleep, he reached for the phone and listened to the message. He checked his watch as he hung up. The message had been short and demanding. He sighed, stood, wishing he could just crawl into bed and pull the blankets up over his head. Instead, he laid out a change of clothes and headed for the shower.
**
Richard Hayes checked his watch again. He expected Sam Seaborn to be late. He'd tried to meet the man his daughter claimed was so important to her on several occasions, but each time, he'd canceled. At the last attempt, lunch with Ainsley just two days ago, he hadn't bothered to show up. Ainsley insisted it was unfair of him to insist on meeting so close to the Democratic Convention, but he didn't see much point in waiting.
He was a man used to getting what he wanted, and he wanted to meet this man, this democrat, who seemed to have some sort of hold over his daughter. Ainsley was his youngest child, and his only daughter. The thought of her working for a democratic White House had nauseated him. The idea of her dating a democrat had left him speechless. He had to know if this was a serious relationship.
He glanced at his watch again, just as a man in a dark suit approached his table.
"Mr. Hayes, I'm Sam Seaborn"
Richard stood, taking Sam's proffered hand. "Mr. Seaborn. I'm glad you could make it."
Sam wasn't positive, but he thought it probable that Ainsley's father had only just been able to prevent himself from adding the word finally' to his greeting. "I'm glad you suggested it."
"Mr. Seaborn"
"Sam."
A waiter approached offering coffee, which Sam gratefully accepted. He was feeling a bit off from lack of sleep, and caffeine sounded like a good idea.
Richard Hayes shook his head. "Mr. Seaborn, my daughter seems to have feelings for you. She says you have them for her. Is that true?"
"Yes, sir." Sam couldn't tell if his answer pleased the man or not. "Ainsley and I"
"I don't like your President."
"With respect, sir, he's your president, too, and he has nothing to do with my relationship with your daughter. Ainsley and I"
"He has everything to do with it. This has branded her. Republicans look at her as though she might be a traitor."
"Pardon me, Mr. Hayes, but Ainsley dating me isn't exactly consorting with the enemy'. She and I disagree on almost everything"
"And you don't think that's an unhealthy foundation for a relationship?"
"No, sir, I do not. Disagreement is good. When we argue politics or policy, we have to think about our arguments. We have to defend our positions to someone who believes wholeheartedly the exact opposite of what we believe. We're forced to think, and to form coherent, persuasive arguments. It helps us see the other side."
Mr. Hayed nodded, deep in thought. "I'll admit I hadn't thought of that, young man. I've been too against this from the beginning. The problem is, Ainsley has given up a promising career in politics by taking a job with this White House."
Sam considered the man's words, but whether from an inherent stupidity on his own part, or from the lack of sleep, he couldn't quite follow how accepting a job at the White House could be a bad move for someone looking for a career in politics. He shook his head to clear it. "I don't think she's given it up, sir. I think she's just taken a different road than you expected."
Mr., Hayes leaned forward. "Maybe, but it's a road I didn't want her to take."
"We can't always get our children to do what we want them to do."
"We?" Mr. Hayes sat back in his chair, a look of disbelief on his face. "We? Do you have children, Mr. Seaborn?"
"No, sir, I was just"
"Ainsley should have married by now. She should be a partner at a law firm, or a senior staff member for a prominent, Republican politician. So far, I'm not impressed with what she chose to pursue over that. Not impressed at all."
"Mr. Hayes, forgive me, but it seems you had your mind made up before you met me that you would be against this. Why bother to meet with me at all if you've already cast me in the roll of the villain who stole your daughter away from the life she should have led. Ainsley and I are"
"Do you love my daughter?"
"What?" Sam hadn't expected that question.
"Do you love Ainsley, Mr. Seaborn? I've heard her talk about you. I've heard her tell me what a wonderful man you are. I've heard her tell me I should be more open-minded about your relationship. I've never heard her say she loves you. So I have to ask you, do you love my daughter."
Sam opened his mouth to speak, closed it, then sighed. "Mr. Hayes, Ainsley and I are attracted to each other. I don't think it odd that we haven't committed"
"And I do think it odd. She's not herself when she's with you! If she were, she'd never have taken a job with your White House! She would have stuck to her own kind."
"Her own kind?" Sam stared in silence for a moment. It finally occurred to him that there was no winning in this situation. He pushed back his chair and stood. "Mr. Hayes, your daughter and I have only just started dating. We don't know where the relationship is going, but we intend to find out. If you have a problem with that, or if you think she's better off with her own kind' then I doubt there's much I can say to change that. I'll be seeing your daughter until she tells me otherwise." He left some cash to pay for his coffee, and, biting his lip, managed to keep any further comments to himself. As he walked back to his room, he wondered how he was going to explain all of this to Ainsley.
To Be Continued