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Josh knocked tentatively on the door before easing it open and edging through the crack, closing it carefully behind him.
“Josh Lyman, come in,” said Evelyn Baker Lang, standing up from her desk and closing the brief she had been reading. She walked around her desk and extended a hand. “I was surprised when they told me you’d be dropping by.”
“Madam Chief Justice,” Josh replied, taking her hand and shaking it. “Always a pleasure.”
“So, what brings the White House Chief of Staff to my chambers today? I do hope the White House isn’t trying to throw its weight around on Harrison v. Bremmer. I’d hate to see the independence of the judiciary threatened, no matter how strongly you feel on this issue.” She smiled as she gave him a challenging look.
“No,” Josh stammered. “No, we wouldn’t, it’s, ah…..this isn’t about that.”
“Well in that case, won’t you sit down?” She gestured to a couch set up against one wall next to a coffee table strewn with binders, blue and green file folders, and the odd magazine.
Josh picked up one of the magazines as he sat down, the corner of his mouth twitching up into a smile. It showed a photograph of the First Lady at a girls’ education benefit thrown by the Women’s Leadership Coalition on behalf of CAMFED earlier that month. Donna stood next to Helen Santos, smiling as the First Lady greeted the head of the organization.
“She’s done well so far on her first policy initiative,” the Chief Justice said approvingly. “I hear Ms. Moss is doing a heck of a job running her office.”
“She’s phenomenal,” Josh said absently, still looking at the photo. “She was actually the one who gave me the idea to put both you and Mulready up for the bench.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, she worked in my office at the time, and she told me this - ah, I mean, she often sees things I don’t,” he covered quickly, suddenly realizing what he had been about to say, and deciding that perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to tell the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court that he’d figured out how to put her in that position because of a story about how Donna’s parents couldn’t agree on which cat to adopt.
“You must be proud of her,” she smiled gently before changing the conversation. “So, if you’re not here for executive interference, what did you come here to discuss?”
“Well, um, actually, it’s sort of personal,” Josh said, blushing faintly. “I, ah…..I wanted to ask you where you got your shoes.”
“My shoes? Josh Lyman, do you have a secret to share?” the Chief Justice teased, one eyebrow raised.
“It’s for Donna,” he cut in quickly, blushing further and running a hand through his hair. “It’s her birthday next week, and obviously I haven’t had a lot of time to get her a present, but I want to surprise her, and, well…” he trailed off, feeling embarrassed.
Evelyn Baker Lang chuckled kindly. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Josh.” She grabbed a pen and a notepad from the table. “Here’s the name of a boutique I often go to in Georgetown, on M Street. Sue’s Shoes. Ask for Carla, she’ll help you. And don’t forget her size.” She tore off the page and handed it to him.
“Thank you,” Josh accepted, folding the note and placing it in his wallet. “I just, ah, I think Donna would admire your taste, so, ah...thank you.” He stood up and buttoned his jacket.
“I’m happy to help, Josh. And thank you for the compliment,” she winked, as though she understood that he also admired her taste. She stood as well, and they shook hands once again before Josh headed for the door.
“Oh, and Josh?” she called as he opened the door.
“Yes, Madam Chief Justice?”
“Give Ms. Moss my best wishes for her birthday.”
“Of course, Madam Chief Justice. I will,” he assured her, nodding quickly as he turned and walked out.
Evelyn Baker Lang laughed as she walked back to her desk and picked up her glasses to resume her reading. Never had she imagined that a man so famed for his tenacity and ruthlessness would come into her chambers and blush as he asked about her shoes.