Ohhhh Jack!! (Insert smiley face shaking its head in disapointment!!)

You had me giggling away like a 5 year old as I read your last couple of posts - this is a wonderful story!!

Oh, Terie, this is wonderful! Humor is what everyone needs to brighten up their day - thank you. I can't wait for more.

Christine

Here is the next installment. Enjoy and may it bring a smile to your face!

Part 4

To continue the torture, he went to the next step: picking her up, flowers in hand. He arrived on time. He didn’t want to appear too eager. He brought her a lovely bouquet of wild flowers that reminded him of her and to really make a splash, he had a dog treat for Levi tucked in the bouquet. Why didn’t he leave the dog treat wrapped in the container? He barely made it in the door before Levi made a dash at the bouquet. The next thing he knew, flowers were strewn everywhere and Levi was on the floor happily chomping down on his treat.

He couldn’t even pull together the words for an apology because when he looked at the lovely woman who was to be his date tonight, his brain shut down - completely. He stared at her with his mouth hanging open trying desperately to command his jaw to work and close together. She was a vision. She had her hair down just the way he liked it and she was wearing the cutest little black dress with the most delicate sandals he had ever seen. How in the world was he going to talk to her all evening. He had no speech memorized, which was probably for the best as he would not have been able to recall it anyway. He had to get himself under control or his body was going to finish the date with a lingering kiss before it had begun.

Swallowing hard several times he managed a strangled “Hi” and “Sorry about the flowers” before she took pity on him and smiled her brightest smile yet. She commented on the thoughtfulness of remembering Levi and then scolded Levi for his bad manners. She turned Levi over to Lucy whom he noticed for the first time and then they left for the restaurant. Somehow he had managed to stumble down the stairs to his car, dropping his keys twice before getting the car started. So much for being smooth and charming. He hoped there were other qualities Sue liked in a date because his abilities were growing smaller by the minute.

Dare he even think about the next step: romantic, candlelight dinner. The restaurant was lovely and the atmosphere was romantic. The lighting was soft but bright enough for lip reading. Since his tongue didn’t seem to be cooperating, he tried to interject some signing into their conversation. It actually did help to express comments with his hands better than to get his tongue around impossible words like: how lovely you look, you smell wonderful, what would you like to order. He had hoped that signing would put her at ease as it seemed to do for him. Since he had to think of the signs, he could focus on that and not the lips that smiled so softly at him. The conversation was going so well with words interspersed with signs and then it happened. The waiter tripped bringing out their food, spilling both hot dishes on their table and on them. Spaghetti and marinara sauce clashed heavily with the little black dress and rice pilaf did nothing for his suit. His only consolation was that he was not the one who tripped the waiter. What a mess. Since they really could not comfortably clean up in the restaurant, he suggested they head back to Sue’s place. The horrified manager offered to pay the cleaning bill on their clothes and a free meal the next time they came back.

On the way back, he spied a hot dog stand and offered to at least provide something for her to eat. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realized what a stupid suggestion he had just made. How could anyone be content with hotdogs after being promised a fancy meal at a restaurant? She just smiled and said a hot dog would be fine. Stopping for two hot dogs and soft drinks, he had tried to wrack his brain for something to make this evening better. Not paying attention to the side walk, he tripped on the curb, splashing cola all over a waiting Sue. In between extreme mortification and embarrassment, he felt shooting pains up his ankle. He could not move.

Looking up at a now drenched and sticky Sue, he managed to say sorry as his twisted ankle made its presence known. She just smiled softly, knelt down and looked at his ankle. Remaining calm, she managed to get him to his car and drove him, under protest, to the nearest emergency room. After a three hour wait which included eating dinner from the hospital vending machines, an exam, and x-rays he was told to keep off it for a day, ice it, and take something for the pain. By then, Sue had called Lucy who had met them at his apartment so she could take Sue home after Sue had driven him back to his place.

There was no sense reviewing the next step as it never happened. There was no opportunity to express pleasure in the date and ask for another, nor was there a moment for a lingering goodnight kiss. If he wasn’t such a tough guy he would probably break down and cry right now.

He could not even begin to make another plan. Forlorn, Jack eased back against his headboard, a bleak look on his face.

i feel so sorry for jack, the poor guy is tyrying so hard, probably too hard but at least sue hung in there with him

cath

And I'm here rolling on the floor laughing so hard that I have tears coming down my cheeks while poor Jack is so miserable

I cannot wait for Sue's version of the evening!!!

I'm right there laughing with you Marlene!!!

Me, too. Poor Jack. It was one of those times when nothing would go right.

I think EC posed an excellent question. What is Sue's version of all of this? That could be very interesting.

what a stroke of bad luck...but I have a feeling I know what Sue is thinking about the evening...

I feel so bad for JAck he worked hard and all that suff happened but the thing is I can't stop laughing.

Oh poor Jack ,it started so well too, maybe Sue could give him a goodnight kiss to cheer him up

Oh, poor Jack... Murphy just grabbed hold of every aspect of that date and fouled it up completely!!! But I agree... I so want to see Sue's perspective on the evening! This is fabulous, Terie!!!

So funny I am loving this story and I can't wait for the next part. And I think it's the perfect opportunity for Sue to take some action with Jack because he has to stay off his foot. He's going to need something to do that won't require standing

Em

kmfakl uiortqeio

Okay I have finally stopped laughing, oh poor Jack ( ). Great post Terie

Have to ask what was Sue's take on this??

Sam

I hope Sue's plan goes better. Looks like strike 2 for poor Jack

Kim

You know, that sounds just like the kind of date I would have! why am I laughing?

kav

This sounds familiar to me too, but I havent been blessed in having a date in 2 years. Wait that isnt a good thing.

o my god this is the funniest thin i have ever read, i think we all had date disasters but hahahah poor jack...this was just not his day.

It sounds like a date that many children and grandchildren will love to hear about in years to come! You are so funny Terie - so glad you are feeling much better.

The fact that Jack is injured will work very well for Sue I think!

Side to Janet: The Murphy bit caught me off guard, took me a minute to figure out you weren't talking about my dog.

Jack, that date was classified as a nightmare
It's a good thing Sue is in love with you
and I can't wait to see Sue's version of that date either.

Dianna

I know I'm supposed to feel bad for Jack and everything but this is too hilarious, terie!!

Fabulous post!

At least it was a truly memorable first date...


gracie

I am so glad you all are enjoying this. Thanks for all the wonderful comments. Since you all asked so nicely here is Sue's version.

Part 5

Sue was happy! Not supremely happy but quite happy all the same. Her assertiveness had really paid off and she had gone on a date with Jack Hudson! It probably did not rank up there with the smoothest date in the world but it was a date none the less. Lucy, being clueless about the whole thing until Jack’s arrival that night, demanded details. After a hot shower, Sue pulled ice cream from the freezer and happily told Lucy all that she had accomplished from last week to what had occurred tonight.

Sue began by telling Lucy about reading over her diary entries and deciding to become assertive in her interactions with Jack. She told Lucy how she had practiced with a picture of Jack. She had spent time looking at it and being direct in her eye contact without blushing. She had practiced conversations where she put herself forward a little and responded to Jack in a flirtatious manner. After three days she had finally had an opportunity to speak to Jack alone and it had worked so well. He had asked her out and even though he stumbled in his words, she could tell he was thinking date. She stood close to him, looked him in the eyes, and even asked a question to let him know she understood his unspoken meaning. She had suggested Friday so as not to appear too eager all the while her insides had been melting. When he had told her to dress up for the evening she knew it was going to be special, and it was.

He was punctual and so thoughtful, bringing her beautiful flowers and a treat for Levi. He didn’t even get upset when Levi grabbed the flowers from him to get the treat. Wasn’t that so nice of him? She just had to give him one of her best smiles. He didn’t complain when he tripped over that bad step out front and dropped his keys, only remarking that he was a little clumsy. Nothing could be further from truth.

He had chosen a marvelous restaurant, making sure it was bright enough for her to read his lips. Then he spent time conversing with her in sign language. She knew it was a real challenge for him to do that but he was so gallant about it. When the waiter spilled all that food on them, he never lost his temper. He was so kind and compassionate to the waiter and the manager.

The topping for the whole evening was when he played the knight in shining armor, suggesting he take her home so she could get cleaned up and then stopping to get food for them on the way back. She had been horrified when her need for food caused him injury. She was definitely going to call the city and complain about the broken curb. Someone, who is not as graceful as Jack, could get seriously injured. She insisted on looking at his ankle and then taking him to the emergency room to be checked. Being assertive gave her two whole extra hours with Jack than if they had just gone to eat and came home. The only thing that would have made the evening better would have been if he had kissed her goodnight and her one concern was that he didn’t ask for a second date but she felt assertive enough that she just might ask him.

As Sue’s tale of the evening unfolded, Lucy stared in horror at what to her seemed like something out of a disaster movie. “Sue, in your assertiveness tonight, did you happen to mention to Jack how you felt about his actions throughout the evening and that you enjoyed being with him?”

“Well, I smiled a lot, was patient with everything, I took care of him when he was injured, and made sure he got home safe,” replied Sue. “I certainly didn’t complain.”

“Sue, honey, I don’t want to send you into a panic but I don’t think Jack took the evening in the same stride you did. In fact, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say he is probably sitting in his home feeling mortified and depressed.”

“Now why would he think that? We were together, we talked, and it most definitely did not feel like an after work pizza night.” Sue stared at Lucy in confusion.

“Sue, it looks to me like Jack was trying to impress you, to give you a special night, maybe even one you would want to repeat. He wanted to come across smooth and charming and it sounds like he came across as a klutz in need of a class in Dating 101. Instead of confident Special Agent Jack Hudson, it sounds like you went on a date with Howie Fines. On top of that, your response to the evening while nice and very kind, was the response you would give to anyone you were with, even Howie. Then with me being there at the end, there was no time for special conversation, setting up another date, not that Jack will be trying to repeat this night in his lifetime, and maybe even that kiss goodnight.”

“But Lucy, Jack doesn’t have to do anything to impress me. He makes me feel special just by being him. Believe me, I did not feel like I was out on a date with Howie Fines. I feel just terrible at the thought that Jack might be upset about tonight. I wonder what I can do?” Sue thought a moment, “Maybe if it had ended like you thought it should, he would be feeling better. I think I know just how to fix this. I just need to remember my mother’s words to be assertive!”

That's the way to do it, Sue. But you might want to make sure Jack understands your communication stratgey. He doesn't seem to be on top of his game at the moment when it comes to reading all the "signs".

Kim

Why, when this should make me very excited with happy thoughts that they'll get the wonderful end to their evening, does it instead make me cower in fear that things are going to get even worse? :hide:

It cracks me up that Lucy is reading Jack like a book and Sue is clueless.

And I'm with Janet, I don't think Sue's new plan will see the desire effect ... which should be funny to read

This is so cute. Being assertive when it comes to the guy I like is inmidating. Go Sue!!!!!!! Cant wait for more.

Obviously Sue sees the glass as half full, while Jack sees it smashed on the floor in a million pieces, dripping all over both of them and creating a dangerous puddle on the floor.

It's all in how you look at it.

because they both have a plan everything is going to be a disaster isn't it well i can't wait....i can't believe sue didn't think about jack..and how he could feel she was just so happy hahaha

Sue being assertive is good. Now assert yourself right back over to Jack's apartment and kiss him goodnight
Jack maybe you need to practice talking to Sue's picture keep it next to your white board of previous dating disasters. Just make sure no one sees it or they might think you have lost it.

Dianna

I have to agree justme!

Sam

Sue is so funny and Lucy's comment on Dating 101! A very big chuckle!

What a difference in perspective!

Men and women do seem to come from different planets...

It seems like Sue was seeing that date through rose-colored glasses and Jack was seeing it through smoke-colored ones. :wipe glasses:

I totally lost it here -- realizing that Sue was doing exactly what Jack was doing, only he was trying to fend off her smile!


Oh -- I wish Jack knew what Sue was thinking about!!!! this is hysterical!!!!

The poor man was completely tongue-tied!

My sides hurt, I'm laughing so hard. Honestly -- jack needs to hear this version. You need to send it to him, terie!!! For pure humanitarian reasons.

I now feel like I have just done 100 crunches. Ow ow

That would be me -- can I join the class -- especially if Jack is in it!!!!!

kav

i think sue needs to assert herself and get over to jacks & tell him how much she enjoed the experience before he decides not to continue with the dating disasters

cath

or just kissing him senseless should be assertive enough

Sue please go and tell him how you feel

Thank you everyone for all your comments on this story. They have been such an encouragement. I am so glad I was able to put a smile on faces here. Some of you indicated you see more disasters coming near but alas due to my desire to keep this in the short story category and the fact I love Jack too much to keep him in his misery, the fuzzies come and the story ends. I do have ideas for several stories and will look forward to posting them in the future and Jack and his white board could be in one of them. Thanks again, Terie


Part 6

Jack had just finished showering and was getting himself a drink in the kitchen when he heard the knock on his door. Who would that be at this hour? Hobbling to the door in only his dark blue silk pajama bottoms, he opened it to see Sue standing there. She had showered too and looked adorable in jeans and a tank top. “Sue. What are you doing here?” he exclaimed as he ushered her inside and closed the door.

Sue was in shock and trying hard not to look at his bare chest. Looking up, she locked on his beautiful brown eyes. Oh no! What a problem to have. What body part does a girl look at when talking to Jack Hudson in this situation? Mouth, Sue, look at his mouth. Focusing now on lips she wished were on hers she replied, “Well, you see Jack, in all the confusion we never finished our evening together properly. Since I know you are a stickler for details and believe in finishing anything you plan, I was worried you would not be able to sleep. I thought I’d come over to make sure all of the details were taken care of so that you would be able to get the rest you need.”

In a slight daze over what Sue had just said, Jack responded. “Well, Miss Thomas, what details were you referring to and how would you like to proceed?”

“I want to start by saying thank you for a memorable evening. I had a great time and I hope we can go out again sometime. You made me feel very special in spite of the mishaps during the evening.”

A slow grin began to appear on Jack’s face as Sue was talking. When she had finished, his grin broke into a huge smile and he stepped closer to her. “I had a wonderful time also Sue, because I was with you.” He moved a little closer and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. “And I definitely want to go out with you again.” He leaned down close but still far enough for her to read his lips. “But, my details go one step further.”

“Oh” was all she managed to say.

“Yes, I have one more detail that I need to take care of right now.” His head bent lower and his lips lightly brushed across hers once, twice, three times before they settled firmly on hers. His hands drew her closer as he tilted his head to fit more firmly on her lips. Sue’s hands found their way up his bare chest to around his neck, sinking into his thick, dark hair. Sue felt his tongue gently run across the seam of her lips and a soft moan escaped from her mouth, giving Jack the opportunity to gently glide his tongue inside. She tasted of mint and Spring and sunshine. She was melting and was so glad Jack’s strong arms were holding her up, otherwise she would be a puddle on the floor. When the need for oxygen became imperative, Jack lifted his head but did not release her.

When she could form the words, Sue looked at Jack and with an assertive air said, “I do like a gentleman that is very detail oriented.”

Jack just smiled and said, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

The End

That couldn't have gone any better. They certainly had each made their plans, but it seemed like it was their determination to share their feelings with each other that really won out.

Great story, Terie. Please write more soon.

i so loved this story.... i'm sorry it ended.
maybe very very very soon you can make a story a gain with lots of lots of these kind of fuzzies. ( alott of angst right now on this board so my hope is on you to make it right no pressure )

Wonderful!!!! I can't wait for more of your stories!

Kim

Yes, Jack, the plan worked You can thank Sue for it

Great story Terie !!!

Great job, Terie! I loved Sue's version of the date. Too funny. And you wrapped it up nicely at the end.

Forget Sue melting, I know I have. There final lines were perfect too. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was awesome. Thanks for writing such a fun story. Try and do again.

Enjoyed the story I am glad that Sue went to see Jack.
See assertiveness works very well

Dianna

Great story Terie!!

Loved the ending!

Will be looking forward to more of your stories!!

Sam

I wonder what details she is hoping for? Great story, Terie and I can't wait to read your next one.

kav

Terie that was great! I'm glad to see the storm did not hamper you from posting. I will definitely look forward to more from you!

I'm going to everything. I loved this story and I can't wait for you to write more!!!!

Em

Wonderful job, terie!

Please, please post another story soon...


gracie

cath