Author's Note: This is to prove that I can write a 'short' story (I hope)...

Just to let you know (especially those who haven't read my story "He's Tough") I'm still going to stick to the same Wednesday/Saturday posting schedule since that works the best for my work/personal schedule. If I have extra time here and there to 'sneak' in a post, I'll do that too.

The story is set just after "He Said, She Said" in the first season.

Hope you enjoy.

- RSL

******
Splash of Spring
(Spring Showers 2008 Challenge Story)

Rain on the grass;
Rain on the tree;
Rain on the housetop,
But not on me!

A reluctant smile made its way to his lips as he listened to the childish chant, punctuated with shrill giggles and the occasional squeal when a cold raindrop managed to penetrate the big golf umbrella that dwarfed the tiny body happily splashing in the puddles.

“Come on Daddy! You won’t melt!” A small hand reached out from beneath the sheltering nylon and beckoned to him.

Such innocence! Her happiness was almost contagious. Almost, he thought grimly as he plastered a smile on his face and loped off the verandah, wincing as the cold rain pelted against his body. He was drenched in the seconds it took to cross the lawn but that didn’t stop his daughter from standing up on her tippytoes, trying to stretch as high as she could in an attempt to offer him shelter beneath the huge umbrella. Rivulets of water dripped down his face as he hunkered down beside her. She beamed up at him, his little ray of sunshine and he suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

“Stick out your tongue, Daddy so you can catch the drips.” She instructed him. “Like this.” She tilted her head back and stuck out her tongue to demonstrate what he should do.

He chuckled and followed her example, sticking out his tongue.

“I love the feel of the rain on my face.” She told him as she closed her eyes and kept her head tilted back so that the rain soaked her little face.

He laughed at her and shook his head. Then suddenly grabbing her he swung her up into his arms amidst squeals of surprise and tossed her into the air. She laughed and squealed in childish delight until he finally stopped his teasing assault and settled her in his arm. “You ready to go in?” She shook her head and he tickled her sides through her raincoat. “Come on. I’m sure Mommy has some fresh baked cookies ready by now. What do you say we go have some and some hot chocolate?”

“Okay!” She readily agreed, wrapping one arm around his neck while she clung to her umbrella with the other one. “Let’s go.”


As Mark Thomas looked at the photograph in his hand he found it hard to believe that almost thirty years had passed since that day. His little girl was all grown up and had moved to Washington D.C. He didn’t know why but he was feeling very nostalgic all of a sudden. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Carla had decided that it was time for him to clean out the junk that had built up in the attic. He looked around himself at all of the boxes and other odds and ends that cluttered up the small space. Most of it had been forgotten about years and years ago.

He smiled when he spotted the old wooden rocking horse that the kids had used when they were younger sitting in the corner of the open space. Their grandfather had made it when his oldest grandson, Michael Jacob Thomas was born. It had then been passed on to each other the other Thomas children right on down to Sue. Mark really should have given it to Mike and Karen when Marissa was born or at the very least Carter. But now both of his grandchildren were too old for the wooden horse. He’d have to try and remember it for future grandchildren.

His eyes turned back to the photograph that he still held in his hand. Lifting it he examined it more closely, focusing on Sue’s grinning face as she clutched the big golf umbrella in her hand. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead and droplets of water were evident on her cheeks. “My little princess.” He whispered to himself, a tender smile on his lips and a slight tug at his heart. “I still can’t believe you’re all grown up with a life of your own.” He was incredibly proud of his only daughter and what she had managed to accomplish with her life. Working for the Surveillance Unit of the FBI. Who knew when Carla was pressuring Sue to learn how to read lips and to speak that those skills would come in handy in helping to keep their country safe? Mark was so glad that Sue had found a job that made her feel useful, as well as friends that appreciated her for the fine woman that she was.

Mark had greatly enjoyed meeting all of Sue’s friends when he and Carla had gone to D.C. for Christmas four months before. The team she worked with seemed like a wonderful group of people – intelligent, funny, caring, courageous not to mention incredibly loyal to one another. He had been greatly touched to see some of them even learning how to sign. Lucy Dotson, the team’s rotor had been the most skilled at the silent language. However seeing that she was now Sue’s roommate that hadn’t really been a surprise. The one that he had to say that truly surprised him the most was Jack Hudson, the team’s leader and Sue’s training agent. For having only known Sue for a couple of months Mark had been surprised at how many signs the young man had picked up. It was certainly more than the rest of the team. According to Sue he was always asking her how to sign this or that. She claimed that his favorite sign seemed to be the one for ‘hungry’ as that was the one he used the most.

Mark thought back to the day that he had met the dark-haired agent. He and Carla had gone into the Bullpen with Sue and Lucy their first full day in D.C. to see where Sue worked. She had proudly introduced them to her friends one at a time: Bobby, Tara, Dimitrius, Myles and lastly Jack. But Mark had to admit that there had been something a little different about the way she had introduced Jack. It’s not so much what she had said, but how she had said it. And the look that had appeared in her eye when she had said it. If he didn’t know better he could have sworn that his daughter was interested in the handsome agent.

However when asked about it she always denied any special interest claiming that they were co-workers and friends. Lucy, on the other hand had other ideas. She claimed that there was definitely a mutual attraction thing going on but that both of them were too stubborn to do anything about it. The way she had said it, with a look of complete exasperation, had caused Mark to laugh and tease her about playing matchmaker. Lucy had just smiled and said that she knew a good match when she saw it and that Sue and Jack were definitely a good match. She just had to convince them of it.

A sudden ache for his absent daughter overtook Mark’s heart. It had been four months since he’d seen her and probably about three weeks to a month since they had heard from her. Maybe it was time for him and Carla to take a trip into D.C. They could go for a long weekend. Maybe they could even surprise Sue and just show up. The idea certainly was worth considering. He would discuss it with Carla once he finished with the attic.

Suddenly with a feeling of renewed ambition Mark attacked the other boxes that surrounded him.

*****

Sue & Lucy’s Apartment - Washington D.C
Friday, May 2nd, 2003 – 6:45 p.m.

Lucy Dotson let out a weary sigh as she collapsed on the couch in the Living room of the apartment that she shared with her roommate Sue Thomas. She had the apartment to herself at the moment since Sue was out on a date with her new boyfriend, David Palmer, which was a turn of events that Lucy hadn’t expected. For some reason it suddenly seemed that all of her matchmaking dreams for her roommate and a certain dark-haired special agent were being thwarted at ever turn.

First Jack has a heart attack, which instead of throwing him and Sue closer together, lands him in the arms of an old girlfriend, Allie Richardson. Then, to make matters worse, earlier this week Sue met what seems to be a really great guy by the name of David Palmer while walking Levi in the Dog Park. This was not the way that Lucy had intended things to go. As far as she was concerned for things to be right with the world it should be Sue and Jack out on a date tonight not Sue and David. But the world never listened to her…and neither did Sue and Jack.

The sound of the doorbell ringing caught her attention. Wondering who could be at their door she quickly moved across the apartment to check. Surprised filled her as she looked through the peephole before pulling the door open.

“Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, what a surprise!” She greeted with a bright smile of welcome. “Come in, come in.”

“Hello, Lucy.” Carla Thomas gave the young woman a warm hug before stepping into the apartment. “I hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

“No, I was just taking it easy.” Lucy assured her after giving Mark a warm hug. Then looking from Carla to Mark and then back again she asked curiously. “But what brings you to D.C.? Sue never mentioned you were planning to visit.”

“We decided to surprise her.” Mark told her as he closed the apartment door behind himself.

“Oh?” Lucy’s nodded, secretly wondering whether or not Sue would view the surprise as a welcome one or not.

“We hope you don’t mind.” Carla added, with a hint of apology in her tone. “We thought about calling you first and making sure that it was alright but we only decided this morning that we were going to come and by then you would have been gone to work.”

“No, it’s fine.” Lucy quickly assured the couple. “Please, come in. Make yourself at home.”

“I’ll just put our bags in Sue’s room for now.” Mark told the young woman. “We’ll sort everything out later.”

“Fine.” Lucy acknowledged and then watched as Mark disappeared down the hallway. Turning her attention back to Carla she noticed the older woman looking around curiously. “So where is Sue? We had expected to find her here.”

“Actually, Sue is out on a date at the moment.” Lucy replied as she led the way to the couch and sat down, sitting sideways so she could face Carla easier. Carla mirrored her position.

“A date?” Carla repeated an excited look on her face. “With whom?” Before Lucy could answer Carla reached over and grabbed Lucy’s arm excitedly. “Is it that handsome team leader of yours? The one with the gorgeous eyes?”

Lucy chuckled softly at Carla’s choice of words to describe Jack but shook her head sadly. “No, I’m afraid its not.”

“Oh?” Disappointment filled Sue’s mother’s face. “Who is it then?”

“Someone she met earlier this week while walking Levi at the Dog Park.” Lucy explained. “His name is David Palmer. He’s originally from San Diego, California and he owns his own landscaping business here in D.C.”

“A landscaper.” Carla repeated with a thoughtful look on her face. “What’s he like?”

“I haven’t actually met him yet.” Lucy admitted. “Sue only met him a few days ago and this is only the first time they’ve officially gone out, if you don’t count the times they ran into each other at the Dog Park with Levi and Nakita.”

“Nakita?” Carla questioned.

“David’s dog.”

“Oh.”

There was a slight pause before Carla shook her head slightly. “But I don’t understand. What happened to Jack? I could have sworn when we were here in December that there was something between them. He seemed so taken with her and she with him. Did they have a fight?”

“No.” Lucy sighed deeply. “No fight. Just a lot of denial and dancing around the truth.”

“Who’s dancing around the truth and the truth about what?” Mark asked as he joined them, settling in the armchair near the couch.

Carla looked at her husband and explained. “Your daughter is out on a date with her new boyfriend, who isn’t Jack by the way because apparently she and Jack are in denial and dancing around the truth about how they feel about each other.”

“Who’s the new boyfriend then?” Mark asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“His name is David Palmer.” Carla told him. “He’s a landscaper in the area. Sue met him at in the Dog Park earlier this week.”

“Well if she only met him earlier this week than he can’t be her boyfriend yet.” Sue’s father remarked practically. “It takes more than a couple of dates for that to happen.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Lucy commented feeling a little better about the situation.

“So tell us, Lucy.” The older woman sitting on the couch next to her prompted eagerly. “Exactly what did happen with Jack and Sue.”

“Nothing.” Lucy groaned slightly.

“Nothing?” Carla repeated.

“Absolutely nothing.” A deep sigh of frustration rushed past her lips before she said. “And here I thought that when Jack had his heart attack last month…”

“Wait a minute!” Carla interrupted with a look of worry on her face. “Jack had a heart attack?”

“Yeah.” Lucy nodded, then looking from Carla to Mark and back again she asked. “Sue never told you?”

“We haven’t heard from Sue in about a month.” Mark told her.

“Around the first part of April Jack had a mild heart attack which landed him in the hospital for a few days.” Lucy reported.

“He’s kind of young for a heart attack isn’t he?” Carla asked. “How old is he?”

“He’ll be thirty-four later this month.” Lucy replied. “He had an arrhythmia.”

“What is that exactly?” Carla questioned with a worried frown on her face.

“It means that there was an irregularity in the rhythm of his heart.” Lucy explained. “At least that’s what the doctor said.”

“Is he going to be all right?” Sue’s mother asked with concern.

“The doctor says he’ll be fine.” Lucy assured the couple. “However he’ll have to take medication for it.”

“So he’s back at work and everything seems fine.” Carla pressed.

“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Lucy grimaced. “At least with regards to Jack’s health. His personal life is another story.”

“What do you mean?” Mark asked curiously.

Lucy took a deep breath before relating. “When Jack had his heart attack I sort of secretly hoped that it would finally bring him and Sue closer together. I mean Sue was with him when it happened and she was really worried about him.” She quickly added. “Don’t get me wrong, we were all worried about him, the entire team, but Sue seemed even more so. And I sort of hoped that the fact that Jack and Sue had been out together at the time that maybe, just maybe this might catapult them from ‘just friends’ to something more.”

“But it didn’t?” Carla remarked.

Lucy pulled a face. “If anything it’s had the opposite effect.”

“How so?” Mark asked.

“Well, while Jack was in the hospital an old girlfriend of his showed up. Allie Richardson is her name. From what I understand she and Jack go back a long way…as far back as the fifth grade to be exact.”

“They started dating in the fifth grade?” Carla asked with a frown on her face.

Lucy smiled and shook her head. “No, they met in the fifth grade and became good friends. They started dating in High School.”

“Oh.” The older woman remarked. “And now?”

“Apparently they’ve been on-again-off-again for several years.” Lucy said. “I first met her a few years ago when she and Jack were ‘on again’, but then I didn’t see her again after that. They’re not exclusive because I’ve known Jack to have other dates during the time I last saw her until now.”

“So are they ‘on again’?” Carla asked after a moment’s pause.

“That seems to be the question of the hour.” Lucy replied with another sigh. “I had Bobby sort of snoop around to see what he could find out from Jack about his relationship with Allie but all Jack would say was ‘who knows…timing…we’ll see how it goes’.”

“Not a very informative response.” Carla complained.

“I know.” Lucy sighed again. But then perking up slightly she added. “However, according to Bobby both before and after he said it Jack was staring, unblinkingly at Sue.” She grinned excitedly. “I was standing beside Sue at the time and happened to look up and noticed him staring. He even raised his eyebrows at her when she looked at him.”

“So is he still with Allie?” Carla prompted.

“I don’t know.” Lucy shrugged. “For now Allie’s gone back to New York, but as for how long she’ll be gone who knows?”

“What’s she like?” Sue’s mother pressed as she settled back into the couch and folded her arms against her chest.

“Allie?” At Carla’s nod she replied, a thoughtful look on her face. “She’s actually very nice. I have to admit that she’s not a bad person. She’s smart and funny and pleasant. The only bad thing that I can say about her is that she’s dating Jack.”

“And that’s not exactly a terrible failing.” Mark commented. “Just bad timing.”

“I guess you can add ‘good taste in men’ to her list of positive qualities.” Carla added on a positive note.

Lucy smiled. “I suppose.” Then picking up a throw cushion she dropped it on her lap and gave it a frustrated hit. “It’s just so annoying. Here I thought I was finally making progress and now I’m right back where I started six months ago when Sue first joined the team.”

“Maybe not.” Mark told her soothingly. “After all, they now have a six-month-old friendship under their belts.”

“For all the good it’s doing them.” Lucy huffed sarcastically.

“Don’t write them off yet.” Mark said practically. “It’s springtime and you know what they say about love and springtime.”

“What’s that?” Lucy asked expectantly.

“’In springtime, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head’.”*


* ~Emma Racine deFleur

*****

See you Saturday...

- RSL

This is a wonderful beginning.

I'm with Ivory....an excellent start.
It should be interesting with Mark and Carla joining MatchMakers, Inc. with Lucy!
Lynn

Hi there!

I like the beginning, was cute and funny. Maybe Sue's parents help Lucy with the matchmaking thing

Ready for the next

Tere

Very cute beginning. And I love the fact that Carla and Mark think Jack is better suited for their daughter than David. Of course, David was never that bad of a guy, he just seemed to get in the way of the Jack/Sue thing happening.

Poor David -- he likes dogs! How can you not like someone who likes dogs? Of course Jack likes dogs too and he has brown eyes and he's drop dead gorgeous and he's perfect for Sue! I wonder if the two will feel ganged up on this weekend with the both Mark and Carla joining Lucy in the matchmaking business. And shame on Sue for not calling her parents in over three weeks. Honestly!

kav

Oh boy! Another RSL story! Great beginning!!!

Donna

Welcome to the challenge, Emma!! What a great start!! You have me thoroughly intrigued!!!

It looks like Sue's parents were both hoping for a relationship between Jack and Sue!! Anybody can see they belong together!! Maybe with Mark, Carla and Lucy on the case we'll get somewhere!!!

Kav, it is hard to not like David!! Not only does he love dogs, but he is also a landscaper!! He could give you pointers on your garden!! You're right though, his biggest problem is that he is NOT Jack!!!

Joy

great another story from you and Im hooked already just hope sues dads right as im not a great David fan lets hope its sue and jack cant wait for saturday

Lin

Author's Note: Here's one of those 'snuck in' posts...probably the only one before Saturday. Hope you enjoy.

- RSL

PS: I forgot to mention before my first post...Italics denote emphasis and bold denotes ASL. (If bold appears with quotation marks, the person is signing and speaking. If no quotation marks appear, the person is only signing.)

*****

Sue & Lucy’s Apartment - Washington D.C
Friday, May 2nd, 2003 – 10:05 p.m.

“…And Jack and Bobby arrested him and that was that.” Sue Thomas told David Palmer as they were walking up to her apartment door. “Now the whole world knows that Pete Hadley is a liar.”

“And that you were telling the truth.” David added with an encouraging smile.

“I hope so.” She replied a hint of sorrow in her eyes. “But I’m afraid that people will always wonder if I did make a mistake.”

“Some might.” He told her realistically. “But the important people won’t. Including those on your team, who put their lives in your hands on a regular basis without question. Right?”

Sue hesitated for a moment thinking of a few times over the last six months that the lives of her friends had indeed been saved because of her ability to read lips. “I guess so.” Then giving him a warm smile she added. “Thank you for making me feel better about this.”

“You’re welcome.” He returned.

A broad smile broke over Sue’s face. “You remembered.”

“Yes.” He smiled back.

“I really had a good time tonight.” She told him sincerely as she pulled her keys out of her purse.

“So did I.” He echoed and reached for her hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze he asked. “Are you free to do this again tomorrow night?”

Sue gave him a regretful look. “I wish I was, but Lucy, Tara and I have a ‘girls day’ planned.”

“That’s okay.” He assured her. “What about Sunday?”

Again Sue looked regretful. “Actually our plans last for the entire weekend.”

She noticed David give her a scrutinizing look for several moments before asking. “Are you sure this isn’t some subtle way to tell me that you don’t want to go out with me again?”

Sue hesitated for a moment, uncertain whether or not he was teasing her. Once she established that he was teasing she gave him a coy smile and said. “Trust me, if I didn’t want to go out with you again you would know.”

He laughed and said. “I’ll remember that.” Then after a pause he asked. “So, can I call you later in the week and make plans for next weekend? Or are you washing your hair that night?”

Sue laughed and gave him a thoughtful look. “I’ll have to check my calendar, but I think I might be able to squeeze you in somewhere.”

He chuckled. “I hope you can.” Then his expression sobering slightly he squeezed her hand again and said. “I really did have a nice time.”

“So did I.” She assured him.

“I’ll talk to you later.”

“Later.” She acknowledged with a slight nod.

Leaning in he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. When he pulled back he said. “Good night.”

“Good night.” She returned and watched him as he repeated the sign before heading back down the hallway.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she leaned against the wall for a moment, resting her head against the smooth surface. She liked David, he was a very nice man and he had a very good knack of making her smile, which was something that she had really needed this week. She found him to be intelligent, funny, caring and good humored. He was also a good businessman, his landscaping operation being a very good success. He also showed no concern or reservations when it came to her deafness. He had even learned a few signs during the couple of days that she had known him. So why wasn’t she happier with their budding relationship? Why didn’t her heart skip a beat when he kissed her or touched her? She let out another sigh. She knew exactly why and it had nothing to do with David and everything to do with a certain dark-haired agent at work.

Things had been going so well between them. She knew it had only been six months since they had met and started working together, but they had developed a very close friendship. In fact Sue had come to look upon Jack as one of the closest friends she had ever had. She knew he had gone to bat for her more than once since he had recruited her for his team. One time had been when Ted Garrett had first transferred to their unit as Supervisor and then again this past week when Pete Hadley was trying to make her the scapegoat for his own mistake. She knew Jack valued her both as a colleague and as a friend and she had hoped as even more.

She had been so sure that he was going to tell her something like that when he had been in the hospital after his heart attack. The nervous look in his eyes when he had spoken to her that night of how he had been thinking about all of the things he had been doing with his life…or more specifically all of the things he hadn’t been doing with it. That along with the way he had caressed her hand after she had squeezed his in reassurance had all sent her signals that he felt more for her than friendship. But then Allie had shown up and he had pulled away both physically and emotionally. At first she had been embarrassed, figuring that she had merely read more into his actions than was really there. Later she had felt hurt and keenly disappointed. She had been even more disappointed when Jack had insisted on explaining his relationship with Allie that day the two of them had stopped by the Bullpen after he had been released from the hospital. Why he had felt the need to do so was beyond her. Perhaps she had let too much of her feelings for him show that night in the hospital and it was his subtle way of telling her that he wasn’t interested, that she had read more into his words and actions that night. In any case, she had managed successfully to swallow her disappointment and hurt feelings and had allowed their friendship to continue as it had before. However her heart still longed for more from him. To be able to have the right to take his hand like she had that night in the hospital whenever the notion struck her and to have him feel free to do the same with her. To be able to have him hold her in his arms, to have him run his fingers through her hair, to have him kiss her…

She let out a deep sigh. No matter how much she longed for those things it didn’t make him any more willing to give them to her. So she knew she needed to move on with her life. And this David Palmer seemed like a good possibility in that department.

Looking down at Levi she said sadly. “I just have to put Jack out of my mind. I have to keep telling myself that Jack is just a co-worker and a friend, nothing more.” She paused for a brief moment before adding. “And you like David, don’t you boy? I mean he’s given you presents and everything. And he has Nakita, which is someone for you to hang around with. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

When Levi merely continued to look up at her without responding she heaved a weary sigh and she pushed herself off of the wall. “You’re not helping me, buddy.” She then turned towards her apartment door, slipping the key into the lock before pushing the door open. She stepped inside quietly just in case Lucy was already sleeping. However knowing her roommate the way that she did Sue was certain that she would still be up waiting for details of Sue’s first real date with David.

Sue spotted Lucy curled up in the armchair when she first stepped into the Living room. “I thought you’d be up.” She said with a smile before her eyes fell upon the couple sitting on the couch. Surprise filled her as she gasped in disbelief. “Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?” She faltered slightly and amended. “I mean, I didn’t expect to see you.” She gave her father a hug as he approached her. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” She then gave her mother a hug before pulling back and looking at the couple expectantly. “What are you doing in D.C.?” She faltered again. “Not that I’m not glad to see you…I’m just surprised.”

Her parents exchanged an amused look before looking back at her and smiling.

“We got lonesome for you.” Her father replied, stepping closer to her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “We haven’t seen you in four months or heard from you in about a month, so we decided to come down for the weekend and see how you are doing.”

Sue gave them both a broad smile as she slipped an arm around her father’s waist. “I’m glad you came. But why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have made sure I was home to greet you.”

“It was sort of a spur of the moment decision.” Her mother said, shooting Sue’s father a mildly amused look. “Your father was feeling nostalgic and just had to see you.”

When Sue looked at him in confusion he gently pulled away from her, reaching into his back pocket as he explained. “Your mother had me Spring cleaning the attic earlier this week and I came across this picture.” He pulled out the snapshot of him and Sue that day in the rain.

Sue took the picture and smiled warmly at it. “I remember that day.” She said, her tone wistful. “I was playing in the rain, splashing in the puddles and I called you out to play with me. By the time you got to me you were soaked, but you were a really good sport about it.” She looked at him and added. “I believe I showed you how to catch raindrops on your tongue.”

“And you also told me that you love to feel the rain on your face.” Mark added with a tender look at his only daughter.

“I still do.” She admitted. “I still love to walk in the rain.” Her face sobered as she remembered the last time she had said those words. It had been a few weeks ago while she and Jack had been walking back to their cars after going for pizza. It had turned out to be the night that Jack had had his heart attack.

She felt a hand on her arm and looked into her father’s concerned face.

“You okay?” He asked, carefully searching her face.

She nodded and gave him a slight smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She handed him back the picture and then asked. “So how long are you planning on staying?”

“Just until Sunday afternoon.” Her mother said as she reclaimed her seat on the couch. “We figured we’d drive back after lunch, that way we’d be home before too late.”

“That’s an awful lot of driving for only a one day visit.” Sue commented as she perched on the arm of Lucy’s chair.

Her father shrugged as he sat down beside his wife. “It’s worth it to be able to spend some time with my baby girl.”

Sue’s face suddenly looked concerned. Looking at Lucy she asked. “Our plans…”

“No problem.” Lucy assured her. “We already have everything arranged. I called the spa and they were able to fit your mom in with us tomorrow morning and then she’s going to come to lunch and shopping with us afterwards.”

“What about Dad?” She looked at her father, worried that he was going to feel left out.

“Don’t worry about me, princess.” He told her with a warm smile. “Lucy called Bobby and he, Jack, Myles and I are going to get together tomorrow for lunch and then some pool. Then we’ve all planned something together for supper.”

“At a really nice restaurant.” Lucy added eagerly after getting Sue’s attention. “You Dad made reservations at Occidental.”

Sue gave her father a look of surprise. “That’s quite a fancy place.” Feeling Lucy squeeze her arm she looked at her best friend who said excitedly.

“We get to play dress up. We’ve decided on formal attire.”

Sue raised her eyes in surprise. “And the guys have agreed to this?”

“Actually they did.” Her roommate assured her. “And surprisingly without too much complaining.”

Sue was impressed and said so.

Lucy chuckled and echoed. “So was I. Guess they don’t mind getting all dressed up once in a while if they get to enjoy a gourmet meal as well.”

“Or have some good looking girls on their arms.” Mark added, giving the three women a mischievous wink.

Carla, Sue and Lucy laughed at him and then Lucy said. “Tara said that she would bring an air mattress and sleeping bag so that we can still have our ‘girls night’ as planned afterwards.”

Sue looked at her parents and asked uncertainly. “Is this all okay with you? Because I can change my plans if you want to do something different.”

“Not at all.” Her mother assured her. “As a matter of fact I’m looking forward to joining you for your ‘girls day out’.” Then giving Sue an uncertain look of her own she asked. “Are you sure you don’t mind me joining you girls? I mean I know when you planned your day you didn’t expect your mother to tag along with you.”

“No, it’ll be fun.” Sue quickly assured her while secretly hoping her words were true. She knew that her mother meant well and that everything she had done over the years had been for Sue’s benefit, but even so she still found it hard to feel completely comfortable with her mother. Sue had hoped that that would have changed once she had moved out of her parents’ house, and it had to a certain degree, but not to the point that she had desired. But maybe the more time they spent together as ‘friends’ instead of just ‘mother/daughter’ would help.

Changing the subject Sue looked at her parents eagerly and asked. “So what’s new in Youngstown? How are Mike and Karen and the kids and Brian and Cindy?”

Mike and Brian were the two oldest of Sue’s three brothers. Both of them had settled in Youngstown, not far from their parents, while their youngest brother, Nathan lived about two-and-a-half hours away in Columbus where he worked as a Police officer. Mike was married to a really nice woman named Karen and they had two children, Marissa and Carter age eight and six respectively. Mike worked as an accountant for a modest-sized accounting firm.

Two years ago Brian had married Cindy Wilson, a fourth grade school teacher who had grown up just outside of Youngstown. Brian worked as a lawyer for a local firm set right in the heart of downtown Youngstown. At this point Brian and Cindy didn’t have any children.

“They’re all doing fine.” Her mother told her. “Marissa and Carter are growing like little weeds.”

Sue noticed her father sit forward in his seat and say. “When I was cleaning out the attic the other day I found that old rocking horse that your Grandpa Miller made for you. Do you remember it?”

Sue nodded. “Actually I have a picture of Mike, Brian, Nathan and I with it.”

“I remember that picture.” Carla mused thoughtfully. “You were all dressed like cowboys. You were sitting on the rocking horse and the boys were standing around you straddling hockey sticks they were using as make-shift horses.” She paused for a moment. “You must have been about three.” Giving her daughter a small smile she added. “You looked so cute in your little cowboy boots and hat.”

Sue smiled and looked at her father. “I didn’t realize that you still had that old rocking horse.”

“Actually I didn’t either.” Mark admitted. “I probably put it up there about thirty years ago when you got too big for it and never thought about it again. If I had have I would have given it to Mike and Karen for Marissa and Carter.” He winked at her and grinned mischievously. “I guess I’ll just have to save it for my future grandchildren.”

Sue gave him an amused smile understanding his hidden meaning. “I think that Mike and Karen or Brian and Cindy are your best bet in that department since neither Nathan nor I are married.”

“Maybe not, but I understand that you are both seeing someone.” Her father commented.

Sue was surprised when she didn’t blush at her father’s unexpected reference to David. “How did you know that?” Then looking at Lucy she smiled in understanding.

Lucy merely shrugged and said innocently. “It may have come up in conversation. After all you weren’t here when they first arrived so naturally they were wondering where you were.”

Feeling a hand on her arm Sue looked back to her father who said with an eager look. “So tell us about your new young man. What’s his name? How did you meet him?”

Sue smiled at him in amusement and replied. “His name is David Palmer and I met him at the Dog Park while I was walking Levi and he was walking his dog, Nakita.”

Sue noticed her mother gesturing for her attention. “What is he like?”

Sue paused for a moment, considering the question. “He’s very nice. Funny, kind, intelligent, attentive.”

“Is he good looking?” Her mother asked curiously.

“Not as good looking as…” Sue stopped and closed her mouth over her next word, a flush staining her cheeks. Clearing her throat she shook her head slightly as if to clear it of a certain thought. After another moment she began speaking again. “I mean he’s not incredibly handsome or anything, but looks aren’t everything. He’s really very nice.”

Mark, Lucy and Carla all exchanged a look before Carla leaned forward and asked with an eager look on her face. “Speaking of incredibly handsome men, how is that training agent of yours doing these days?”

Sue felt her cheeks flush hotly at her mother’s words. “Jack’s fine. He’s pretty much fully recovered from his heart attack.”

“Yeah, Lucy told us about that.” Her father commented soberly. “She said that you were with him when it happened.”

Sue nodded as she felt tears well up in her eyes. “Yes, I was.” She paused for a moment trying to control her tears as the memory of that night washed over her. “It was raining the night that it happened. Jack and I had gone out for pizza and had just walked back to our cars and said ‘good night’ when suddenly Levi jumped at me to get my attention. When I turned I saw Jack leaning against his car, clutching his chest in pain. I immediately rushed over to him, but all he could say was ‘it’s my chest, it’s my chest’…” She closed her eyes as the tears threatened to fall at the memory of Jack’s face twisted in pain and her own feelings of bone chilling fear. Not to mention the one of complete helplessness as she called for help and then waited until the ambulance arrived. However no matter how hard she tried to will them to stop, the tears insisted on coming, leaking around her lids and raining down her cheeks.

Realizing that she was about to lose it completely she jumped off the arm of Lucy’s chair and headed towards her bedroom. “Excuse me” was all she managed to say in what she was sure was a choked voice as she fled out of the room towards the safety of her bedroom. She barely had the presence of mind to turn the lock on her door before leaning heavily against it as she sank to the floor as deep-rooted sobs overtook her.

*****


See you all Saturday...

- RSL

I loved how you took us thru Sue's feelings.

Her feelings for Jack versus David.
Her resignation that Jack did not return her feelings and she needed to move on with her life.
Her feelings for Jack boiling to the surface when relaying Jack's heart attack to her parents, surprising her.
Her feelings overflowing like the floodgates of a dam being opened causing her to seek the sanctuary of her room to hide those feelings from Lucy and her parents.

It obviously is going to take her longer to "get over" Jack, much more so than she realized.
I'm heartbroken right along with her.

Lynn

Me too... but, honestly... who can actually get over Jack?

I can't believe you are going to leave Sue sobbing her heart out for three days! It sounds like there has been some planning going on while Sue was out on her date....divide and conquer seems to be the order of the day.

kav

Not three days, (I'm not that mean) just until the day after tomorrow Don't worry, I'll make it up to her...



- RSL

Two posts, and I'm already hooked!! I always wondered why Sue's parent's weren't around more, so I'm glad to have them in this story. I know if MY baby girl were that far away and she hadn't called, emailed, or anything in that long, I'd be high-tailing it to DC!

And then to find out that Jack had had a heart attack and she hadn't told them! But then, judging by Sue's reaction to simply telling them about it, she has probably been somewhat in denial about the whole thing. Sometimes it just takes seeing Mom and Dad to bring it all home to you. As Linny said, so eloquently,



Can't wait until Saturday!!!!

Regina

WOW! I don't know how to express my thoughts in Spanish, less in English, so I can only say: WOW!

Counting the days to the Saturday

Tere

In French it would be WOW too!

Very nice story, great emotions!

I'm looking forwards to Saturday!

Bug

I love it when you sneak one in. When Sue fled to her room, it was gripping. That was indeed a long time for a warm-hearted person like Sue not to be in contact her parents. I wonder what that might be about. I am looking forward to Saturday.

thank you thank you for A extra Chapter before saturday but please can you make Jack see sense about sue and get rid of allie and david maybe they could become A item as they are two of a kind but please make it up to sue with jack if possiable cant wait for more so counting the Days till then
Lin

I agree with Lynn - you have a whole gamut of feelings from Sue in this last post!! I chuckled to myself when she thought about the fact that she didn't blush when David was brought up!! She sure blushed when Jack's name was mentioned though, didn't she??

Poor Sue - the fear of Jack's heart attack is still very much alive!! And, I'm sure with her thinking that he's lost to her it makes it that much worse!!!

Joy

This is great RSL. I love the nostalgic moments Mark was having about Sue as a little girl. Attics are wonderful for treasures and memories.

I am really looking forward to this supper they are all getting together for. Sounds like a plan.

Poor Sue, those emotions run so deep and are so powerful. BIG HUG.

Looking forward to more.

Author's note: Due to the fact that these posts aren't taking near as long to write and proofread as they did with my previous story, I may be able to post another one before the end of the weekend...'life' permitting. I'll do my best.

- RSL

*****

Sue & Lucy’s Apartment - Washington D.C
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 2:23 a.m.

Carla Thomas took a sip from her steaming mug and glanced at the clock on the wall. Noting the time she let out a weary sigh. She should be asleep by now, but she couldn’t seem to settle. Every time she closed her eyes she pictured her distraught daughter with tears streaming down her face as she fled the Living room. When the actual event had taken place she, Mark and Lucy had quickly followed Sue to her bedroom only to discover that the door had been locked. Even Levi had been banished from Sue’s inner sanctum. Mark had suggested picking the lock so that they could get to her, and Carla had been about to agree with the idea when Lucy had gently said that if Sue had locked the door it was probably best that they respect her privacy. She said that when Sue was ready to talk she would, but that it was probably best not to press her. Mark and Carla had hesitated in agreeing with her. It bothered them to hear Sue crying and not be able to reach her. Eventually they had decided that Lucy had a point, so with heavy hearts and concerned minds the trio had returned to the Living room.

About half an hour, just as Lucy had predicted, Sue had reemerged from her bedroom, heading straight to the bathroom. About fifteen minutes after that she had emerged from the bathroom dressed in a blue and white hockey jersey and a pair of matching blue pajama pants, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Carla had been surprised by the jersey, but hadn’t commented. She had also noticed that despite the fact that Sue’s eyes were still red and swollen, all traces of her tears were gone from her face.

Sue had than chatted with them for a few minutes, offering them her bed saying that she would sleep on the couch. After the sleeping arrangements had been established she had than disappeared back down the hall to get a pillow and some blankets. While she was gone Lucy had told them the story behind the hockey jersey.

“Jack bought it for her for Christmas.” Lucy had explained. Then with a chuckled added. “And she apparently bought him the exact same one.” At Carla and Mark’s surprised looks she had said. “I guess they had seen it at a sports store when they were conducting some interviews for the case they were working on and Jack remarked that the number was the one he had had when he played hockey. They must have both decided then to get it for the other. Anyway, ever since he gave it to her I’ve noticed that she tends to wear it whenever Jack is heavy on her mind. Of course the one time I pointed that out to her she denied it and then didn’t wear it for a little while. She started wearing it again after Jack had his heart attack. She’s worn it pretty much every night since then.”

That her daughter loved Jack Hudson Carla had no doubt. It was evident in the way that she spoke about the young man, the slightly wistful tone in her voice whenever she mentioned his name and the look of complete devastation that had been on her face earlier when she had spoken of almost loosing him to a heart attack. Carla knew from Lucy that Sue had never exactly denied her attraction for the dark-haired special agent but that she viewed it as a moot point because a] Jack obviously didn’t feel the same way and b] the rules at work forbade inter-office dating. Lucy’s response to those two objections had been a] Jack obviously did feel the same way as Sue but was too chicken to do anything about it and b] there were ways around rules if a person really wanted to find it.

Rising to her feet Carla carried her mug of tea into the Living room where Sue slept peacefully on the couch with Levi stretched out on the floor beside her. When the canine lifted his head to look at her Carla said softly. “It’s okay, boy. Don’t disturb her.” As she sat down in the arm chair she continued to address Levi, who had risen quietly to his feet and approached her, lying his head on her knee and looking at her with him big warm brown eyes. “I’m sure you’ve been privy to many private moments between Jack and our Sue, haven’t you? It’s a shame you can’t tell us about them.” After stroking his soft head silently for a few moments she softly asked. “What do you think, Levi? Do you think there’s any hope of getting those two lovebirds together?”

Levi let out a gentle whine in response to her question.

“I know I sound like a meddlesome matchmaker but I can’t help it.” She continued. “Sue is my daughter and I want to see her happy and mother’s intuition, not to mention Lucy’s eyewitness testimony, tells me that Jack Hudson is just the man to do that. What do you think? You see them alone together more than anybody else. Do you think they belong together?”

Levi let out another moan in response.

Chuckling slightly she remarked. “I wish I knew if that was an affirmative moan or one of appreciation because I’m petting you.” Continuing to stroke Levi’s head she sat sipping her tea and staring unseeingly at her sleeping daughter, completely lost in thought.

She was so proud of what Sue had been able to accomplish with her life. Carla knew that Sue’s life hadn’t been easy and she felt incredibly bad about being the cause of a lot of Sue’s difficulties and heartaches. She knew that Sue had resented her during her growing up years thinking that she was a cold, hardhearted, demanding taskmaster. But the only reason that Carla had done what she had was because she knew that if Sue was going to cope in a hearing world she needed to be tough. She would also need certain skills that most deaf people didn’t have.

Carla knew that Sue had hated all of the speech lessons and lips reading lessons, not to mention piano and singing lessons that she had had to take. But Carla had known that they were important. The only lessons that Sue had loved had been her figure skating lessons. It was almost like she thrived on the freedom that gliding over the ice provided her. Carla had once overheard Sue say to her best friend, Judy Clarke that it was the one place that she could just be herself without the rest of the world wanting something from her. She could easily block out everyone and everything else when she was skating. A pang of sorrowful pricked at Carla’s heart as she remembered the day Sue had lost that too.

Judy Clarke. Tears pricked Carla’s eyes as she remembered the spunky little girl who had brightened up all of their lives. Judy had been the first person to see past Sue’s deafness to the wonderful, intelligent, strong person underneath. The two girls had become almost inseparable, like sisters. Judy’s sudden death had been very traumatic for Sue. For the next several weeks Sue had been in a really bad state. She had cried, she had yelled, and she had withdrawn into her own world, refusing to communicate with anyone. She had also suffered from nightmares. She had been a completely shattered little girl.

Ever since Judy’s death Carla hadn’t really known Sue to have any other close friends. In fact she had become very withdrawn and shy about meeting new people. Whenever she was in a group of her peers or anyone for that matter that wasn’t immediate family, she would usually just sit back and watch what was going on, not getting involved unless someone addressed her directly. The only ones that she seemed to feel completely comfortable around were her father and her brother Nathan. Of her three brothers Nathan was the one closest to her in age, being only five years older, and he became the one that she would turn to, besides her father, whenever she needed comfort.

Carla glanced around the apartment and smiled, thinking about how much things had changed in the last six months, how much Sue had changed. She was so much more confident about herself, must more outgoing. Carla was so glad that her daughter had insisted on making the move to D.C. It had obviously been a good decision for her and had brought her out of her shell better than anything else would have. It had also lead her to making some very good friends who readily accepted her for who she was and made whatever adjustments that were needed to include her in their lives. Carla had never seen Sue so content with her life.

“Now if we could only get her together with Jack than we’d all be happy.” She remarked to Levi as her eyes fell upon a series of framed pictures sitting on the entertainment center. Gently moving Levi she got to her feet and moved closer to them to examine the photos more closely in the muted glow of the light coming from the kitchen.

One of the photos was of Sue, Lucy and Tara. Sue was standing in between the other two women in what looked like their office at work and all three of them were laughing heartily at something that must have been happening behind the camera. The next photo was of the entire team huddled together on what looked like a sports field of some sort. They were all wearing blue jerseys and Myles was holding what appeared to be a large trophy with a girdle attached to it high over his head, a look of triumph on his face. However it wasn’t the odd-looking trophy, nor Myles’ expression that captured her attention as much as the images of the other people standing around him, two in particular.

In the photograph the triumphant Myles was standing front and center with Tara, Lucy and D on his right and Bobby, Jack and Sue on his left. What caught Carla’s attention was the fact that Jack was standing in between Bobby and Sue with his arms draped casually over their shoulders. And while everyone else’s attention was directed at Myles, Sue and Jack were looking directly at each other with huge smiles on their faces.

Carrying the picture into the kitchen so she could examine it more closer in the light she noticed that Sue’s left hand was reaching up and resting on Jack’s that hung over her shoulder. Actually, as she looked even closer she noticed that Sue’s hand wasn’t just resting over Jack’s, but her fingers were actually enclosed in Jack’s hand. Carla then focused on the looks on the couple’s faces. Sue’s cheeks had a definite brightness to them that Carla was sure had nothing to do with whatever sport they had just been playing. She also noticed the tenderness of Jack’s gaze as he held Sue’s.

Smiling to herself Carla whispered in a gentle tone. “Yes, Lucy I can see exactly what you mean about the looks that pass between them. And I would agree that there is definitely something between Jack and Sue. Let’s just hope what we can successfully make them realize it too.”

*****

I like that you're presenting Carla in a sympathetic light. Most of the time it's fun to make her the bad guy since she's such a take-charge individual, but this time, since Sue seems so distraught in this story, and it's early in the series, it's comforting to know that mom is on her side and is "fighting for right!" - that is, the right to love JACK!!!



Great story!! Can't wait to read more!!

Regina

A very good portrayal of Carla!! I like that you've shown us the take-charge determined mother who wants the best for her daughter, but also the grateful, proud mother who sees that all their hard work paid off and that Sue is quite a successful, confident young woman!!!

I do believe between Carla and Lucy, there might just be some progress with Jack and Sue!!!

Joy

that was wonderful now carla go for it make sure sues very very happy with the love of her life Jack please make her see sense that jacks hers and get rid of freeky david please pretty please pleased carlas more human now with sue trhan at the christmas she visited cant wait for wednesday now
Lin

AWWWW!!! Carla and her thoughts...
I don't know what else to say
Can't wait for the next!

Tere

I really think this depiction of Carla matches so well with the woman we saw in the Silent Night eppie. I can so see Lucy and Carla joining forces like this.

Author's Note: Here's a second post for this weekend...more may still come before the weekend is over. These posts seem to be coming too quickly. Over the last 5 months I've been used to stewing over each post for days not hours...

- RSL

*****

Bell Image Spa
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 11:32 a.m.

“Ahhhh!” Special Agent Tara Williams let out a long contented sigh. “This is Heaven.”

Lucy and Carla exchanged amused looks with each other at the other woman’s obvious enjoyment. When Lucy noticed Sue giving them confused looks she signed. T-a-r-a feels like she’s in Heaven.

Sue smiled in amusement. “Well, I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.”

“I wonder how the guys are doing.” Tara mused, her eyes closed as the manicurist worked on her nails.

Carla consulted her watch. “Actually they’re not getting together for another half hour. Bobby and Jack are suppose to pick up Mark at noon then they’re meeting Myles at quarter after twelve for lunch.”

“What are their plans for the day?” The computer whiz asked curiously.

“Lunch then some pool then who knows what before meeting us for supper later.” Lucy told her. “Personally I like our plans better…a morning at the spa, lunch, shopping for dresses and shoes for tonight and then a fancy dinner where someone else has to do the cooking and cleaning up afterwards.”

“That does sound like a fun day.” Tara remarked eagerly once again causing her friends to laugh in amusement.

Yes, this will be a fun day. Lucy agreed to herself as she exchanged a conspirator’s look with Carla. Everything was in place. Bobby and Myles had been recruited to help and would be receiving their final instructions from Mark this afternoon. All she, Carla and Tara needed to do was go ahead with the day the way the three younger women had originally planned it. The only exception was that they needed to make sure that they got Sue to the restaurant by seven o’clock dressed in a gorgeous dress that she didn’t even own yet and ready to do battle for Jack Hudson’s heart. And they had to do all of this without Sue finding out that that was what they were setting her up to do. Yes, this was certainly going to be a fun day.

*****

Pool Hall
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 2:15 p.m.

“Woohoo!” Bobby exclaimed excitedly as he exchanged a high five with Myles.

Mark and Jack looked at each other and groaned. “They’re whipping our butts.” Jack complained to his partner as he glared at his best friend and Myles while the latter set up for his next shot.

When Jack looked back at him Mark gave the younger man a conspirator’s wink and assured the dark-haired agent. “Don’t worry, son. It’s always darkest before the dawn.” When Myles missed his next shot the older man smiled at Jack and asked. “Shall I show them how it’s done?”

Jack chuckled and swept his hand towards the table. “Be my guest.”

Picking up a pool cue Mark made his way towards the table. After sizing up the location of the solid-colored balls he lined up his shot. The ball sailed easily into the side pocket. The next two went into the left corner pocket and then the fourth into the other side pocket. Raising his head Mark winked at Bobby and Myles before lowering his gaze back to the table and eyeing up his next shot.

As he did so he listened to the conversation going on between Bobby, Myles and Jack with one ear.

“Sparky, why didn’t you tell us that your future father-in-law is such a pool shark?” Mark heard Bobby say causing Jack to hiss his name warningly.

Biting back a smile he made his shot, barely missing the corner pocket.

“Okay, mate.” Bobby said, taking his place at the table. “It’s time I showed these two who’s really ‘King of the Pool Table’.” Lining up the shot he missed by a hair.

“Which obviously isn’t you.” Myles remarked giving his pool partner a disgusted look.

“Ah you know Crash.” Jack taunted as he moved towards the table. “He’s all talk and no action.”

“Care to put your money where you mouth is, Sparky?” Bobby challenged giving his best friend an expectant look.

Leaning on his pool cue Jack looked at Bobby curiously. “What did you have in mind?”

The Australian grinned mischievously. “How about losers buy winners dinner tonight at Occidentals?”

Jack looked at Mark and raised an eyebrow in silent question.

“Works for me.” Mark agreed easily.

“Are you sure Mrs. Thomas won’t mind you springing for two extra dinners?” Bobby asked with a wide grin.

“Oh, I’m sure she won’t mind.” Mark assured him. Then with a cheeky look added. “She’ll mind even less when she finds out that you are buying me dinner.”

He heard Jack and Myles laugh in amusement at the implied personal challenge.

“Oh, trust me, I’m really going to enjoy my free steak tonight.” The blond agent retorted with good-natured bantering.

“And don’t forget the lobster.” Myles added with twinkling eyes.

“Hey now.” Jack protested, holding up his hands. “Who said anything about steak and lobster?”

“What’s the matter, Sparky?” Bobby taunted lightly. “Too rich for your blood?”

“Well, ah…” Jack started to respond but before he could finish his best friend clasped him on the shoulder and said teasingly.

“Don’t worry, mate. I’ll be happy with just a nice, thick, juicy steak. Myles can have the lobster.”

Mark noticed Jack glare at the Australian and chuckled. “Don’t worry, Jack you’re teamed up with a Thomas. There’s no better partnership that you could ever be a part of.” Out of the corner of his eye he watched Bobby and Myles chuckle into their hands while Jack gave him an examining look.

*****

What fun! The guys sure are being SUBTLE, aren't they?!! Girls are much better at subterfuge than THAT!

That was a great post!!!!! Can't wait to see what happens next!!

Regina

Sue is never going to know what hit her, whereas I think Jack is already starting to get a hint!!!

Joy

Ok, I've had a full day and now I'm relaxing and can catch up on your two posts for today.

P2-22 - A wonderful look into Carla's mind. And I agree with Regina and Joy... and also happy to see that Carla is being shown in a positive light. The way she was able to pick up on the feelings Jack and Sue have for each other by examining the photo from Greed was excellent writing!

P2-28 - I about choked on some
when I read this line! Oh, I know what's coming...and I love it! That was supurb, RSL. Why am I basking in Jack being set up? B/c he deserves it for being such a
Bravo... Two great posts! Can't wait to see what happens in the pool game!

Lynn

You know, I'm thinking Sue may have learned some of her pool prowess from her dad! They're both pool sharks!!



Regina

I think that now I know where Sue's pool skills came for

Tere

Love Lucy's way of thinking...and with Carla as back up (not to mention the guys) I think they're really going to 'get their man'...er Sue's man that is. I love how they're setting our reluctant lovebirds up. It sounds to me like the only people going to dinner tonight will be Jack and Sue!

kav

I am ejoying all of this plotting and planning on behalf of Jack and Sue immensely. I somehow don't think that when all is said and done that Sue is going to have to battle very hard for Jack's heart.

This is a great story! Sue's parents working with the rest of the team...Sue and Jack don't stand a chance!

Kim

Author's Note: Okay, here's one more post before the end of the weekend...thanks for all the reviews. I'm glad everyone is enjoying this story.

FYI...This next week is going to be extremely busy for me (I'm shuddering just thinking about it), I'm hoping to post again on Wednesday, but be forewarned that there's a posibility you may not hear from me again until next weekend...I'll do what I can. Until then here's a little something to tide you over.

- RSL

****

Dress Boutique
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 2:50 p.m.

“Hey Luce, what do you think? Is it me?” Tara held up a very gaudy looking dress of an indescribable color. Lucy wasn’t sure if it was green, gray or beige.

“Oh, it is so you.” Lucy agreed with an eager nod causing both women to laugh heartily in amusement.

“Who would ever design a dress like that?” Tara asked in disbelief as she returned the garment to a nearby rack. “Let alone wear it.”

“The same woman who would date Randy Pitts.” Was Lucy’s caustic reply. When Tara laughed she added. “After all if she has such bad taste in men you can’t expect her to have good taste in clothes.” The two women laughed as they continued to browse the racks.

A few minutes later Tara leaned closer to Lucy and asked. “Are you sure this little scheme of yours is going to work?”

“Actually,” Lucy told her friend confidentially. “It wasn’t my plan. I wish I could take the credit for it, but I can’t.”

“Then whose plan is it?” The team’s computer whiz asked curiously.

“Mr. Thomas’ actually.” Lucy replied with twinkling eyes and her tongue poking into her cheek.

Tara gapped at her in surprise. “Mr. Thomas is responsible for tonight?” At Lucy’s eager nod she chuckled slightly and shook her head. “I guess Jack won’t have to worry about having to get around her father if things go as planned.”

Lucy chuckled. “No, I would say not. From what I can see both of Sue’s parents strongly approve of Jack.”

“You know what’s so funny is that usually it’s women who are accused of being matchmakers by men not the other way around.” Tara commented.

“I know.” Lucy agreed with an amused look on her face.

“So do you think they suspect anything?” Tara asked a little nervously as they continued to browse. “Jack and Sue, I mean.”

“I don’t think so.” Lucy replied as she selected a dress off the rack and inspected it more closely. “I think we’ve kept Sue busy enough that she hasn’t given tonight a whole lot of thought and hopefully the guys have done the same with Jack.”

“I really hope this works.” Tara commented. “They deserve it. They are so perfect for each other.”

“I think that’s something everyone who knows them can agree on.” Lucy remarked as she returned the dress she had been examining to the rack.

“Except maybe them?” Tara said sadly.

Looking at her friend the other woman remarked earnestly. “Oh, I think they agree too, but they’re just not as ready to admit it as we are.”

“Or do anything about it.” Tara added.

“Well, hopefully tonight will change that.”

“And if it doesn’t?” Tara pressed curiously.

Lucy looked at her friend and with a deadpan tone asked. “How many years do you think someone would get for bodily harming their Team Leader?”

“You could claim that you were provoked.” Tara suggested helpfully. “Or you could say that Jack’s actions, or rather lack there-of, drove you to temporary insanity so you can’t be held accountable for you actions.”

“Could work.” Lucy pretended to seriously consider the suggestions.

“My biggest concern is that the presence of David and Allie in their lives will complicate matters.” Tara remarked, worry in her tone.

“I don’t think that David will present much of a problem.” Lucy replied seriously. “His relationship with Sue is so new. They’ve only had one official date. Allie is the one that I’m worried about. She and Jack have such a long history together and you know how loyal Jack is.”

“Sometimes to a fault.” Tara acknowledged. “So what do we do about her?”

“Nothing.” Her friend replied causing Tara to look at her in surprise. “Mr. Thomas already has a plan of his own in regards to Allie.”

“Do tell?” The blond woman urged eagerly.

Lucy opened her mouth to reply however before she could she heard Carla call out to both herself and Tara. Turning towards the sound of the voice she saw the older woman smiling broadly at a very elegantly dressed Sue.

“Wow!” Lucy exclaimed, her eyes widening as she approached her best friend to admire the dress she was wearing more closely. “You look beautiful. Red is definitely a good color on you.”

“I agree.” Tara echoed.

With a mischievous look on her face Lucy looked at her roommate and said. “Jack won’t know what hit him when he sees you tonight.”

“Lu-cy.” Sue gave her a warning look, her cheeks turning as red as her dress.

“Let’s just hope Jack’s taken his heart medication before he sees her.” Tara commented with a teasing smirk. “He may have a relapse otherwise.”

Lucy gave the computer whiz a warning look and shook her head frantically but the damage was already done.

“Sue?”

Carla’s concerned voice caused Lucy to turn towards her best friend and Carla. Sue’s face had lost all of its color and tears had filled her eyes.

Reaching out Lucy grabbed Sue’s hand and gave it a tight squeeze. “Sue? Sue what’s wrong?” She noticed that Sue was looking at her, but her eyes weren’t focused on anything. Squeezing Sue’s hand again until she finally got her friend to focus on her she asked again. “Sue, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”

Sue’s bottom lip quivered as she shook her head. “No, I’m not alright.” Then turning on her heels she fled back to the dressing room. Carla exchanged a quick look with Lucy and Tara before following her daughter.

Tara looked at Lucy and frowned. “Was it something I said?”

Her friend gave her a sorrowful look. “As a matter of fact I think it was.”

Tara’s face looked thoughtful for a brief moment. “It was the comment I made about Jack having a relapse, wasn’t it?”

Lucy nodded. “I think so. I think Jack’s heart attack has had more of an effect on Sue than any of us realized…including Sue.” At the other woman’s surprised look she related what had happened the night before when Sue had started talking about Jack’s heart attack.

Concern filled Tara’s face. “I had no idea Sue had taken it so hard. She seemed okay these last few weeks.”

“Don’t feel bad, I live with the woman and I had no idea either until she suddenly dissolved into tears last night.” Lucy remarked.

Tara looked thoughtfully towards the Dressing Rooms where Sue and Carla had disappeared. “Maybe it’s time we take drastic action.”

“What did you have in mind?” Lucy asked curiously.

“I’m thinking it’s time for chocolate, caffeine and true confessions.”

*****

Pool Hall
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 3:01 p.m.

“Bulls eye!” Bobby cried excitedly as he looked at his opponent triumphantly.

“Well it’s about time.” Myles remarked with a bemused look on his face. “I’ve done that four times already.”

The Australian looked at him in annoyance. “Well there’s no need to rub it in.” He plucked his darts out of the board so Myles could take his turn.

At a table a few feet away Mark shook his head and remarked to Jack. “Those two are certainly entertaining when they’re together, aren’t they?”

Jack chuckled. “You should see them at work. Sometimes they’re beyond entertaining. Their desks face each other a few feet to my left and the bantering that goes on between them sometimes can get quite…” He stopped for a moment before finishing. “…creative.”

“Creative?” Mark repeated with a smile.

“For lack of a better word to describe it.”

Mark nodded and turned his attention back to the two men playing darts. After the four of them had finished their third game of pool with Jack and Mark winning all three games Bobby had challenged Myles to a game of darts to see who of the two of them would buy dinner for Jack and Mark. After Myles won the first game Bobby had challenged him to two out of three. They were now on their second game and Myles was holding a significant lead.

Looking back to Jack Mark chuckled. “Looks like Bobby’s going to be buying us dinner all by himself.”

Jack nodded and took a drink from his glass of soda. “So it would seem.” With twinkling eyes he gave Mark a mischievous grin. “I think I’ll really enjoy my nice, thick, juicy free steak tonight.”

“And don’t forget the lobster.” Mark added with a mischievous grin of his own.

“Right.” Jack chuckled.

They continued to watch Bobby and Myles for several minutes before Mark turned to Jack and asked. “So how have you been doing? Sue told us last night that you had had a heart attack a few weeks ago.”

Jack gave him a look of surprise with a hint of hurt in his expressive dark eyes. “She only told you about it last night?” Mark could almost see the question he was thinking written across his face: Did Sue think so little of the event that she didn’t consider it worthy of mention until now?

“Carla and I haven’t heard from Sue in almost a month.” The older man told the agent receiving an even deeper look of surprise from the younger man.

“That seems odd for Sue.” Jack commented with a frown.

“It is.” Mark agreed. “But I get the impression that she’s had a lot on her mind lately.”

“She has.” Jack nodded solemnly, the muscle in his jaw starting to twitch slightly. “And when I think about what that creep put her through I’d like to…” He bit down on his threat, giving Mark a slightly embarrassed look. “Well, let’s just say that it would save the taxpayers a lot of money.”

It was now Mark’s turn to look surprised. “What creep?”

“Pete Hadley.” Jack replied. “The ex-DEA agent who tried to use Sue as a scapegoat to cover a mistake that he made.” When the older man continued to frown at him the agent gave him a look of understanding. “Sue didn’t tell you about that either.” It was a statement not a question.

“No she didn’t.” Mark confirmed. “Why don’t you tell me what this Pete Hadley did to Sue.”

“Pete Hadley was an agent with the DEA. Last week Sue was asked to help him with an undercover surveillance operation. They needed her to read lips since it was too dangerous for their undercover operative to wear a wire while meeting with their target suspects. The meeting ended up going sour and the agent was killed. Hadley blamed Sue insisting that she didn’t tell him anything was wrong, but Sue said that she did but Hadley had ignored her. She said that she had insisted that Hadley get the agent out but he wouldn’t.”

“So who was telling the truth?” Mark asked seriously.

“Sue, of course.” Jack replied without hesitation. “As far as I’m concerned there should never have been any doubt on that score. Sue’s incapable of deception. It’s just not in her nature. Even if she made a mistake she’d never lie to cover it up. She would own up to it and accept whatever lumps came with it.”

“How did the others on your team feel about what happened?” Mark questioned.

“They were just as outraged as I was about Hadley trying to use Sue as a scapegoat. So we all made it our personal mission to prove to the rest of the world just how trustworthy and reliable our Sue really is.”

Mark couldn’t help but smile at Jack’s possessive use of ‘our’ in reference to Sue. It would certainly seem that Sue had been wholeheartedly accepted into the team.

“There was no way we were going to let Sue go down for something that wasn’t her fault.” Jack told him in a very firm tone, his eyes flashing slightly with anger. “Nor were we going to let everyone think she isn’t as brilliant and reliable as she truly is.” A triumphant gleam appeared in his eyes. “And you know what? It turns out that the ‘angelic’ Pete Hadley was even dirtier than we expected him to be. We found all kinds of skeletons in his closet. It was really satisfying to wipe the smug look off his face when we arrested the scumbag in front of all of his work mates. Sue, of course, was cleared of any wrongdoing and was given the green light to keep working in the field.”

“They were thinking of pulling her from the field?”

Jack nodded solemnly. “Because of what Hadley accused her of the ‘powers that be’ were wondering if she belonged out in the field. Fortunately once they realized that Hadley was nothing but a big fat liar, a thief and a murderer they believed Sue’s story instead of his.”

“I’m glad to hear things worked out.” Mark remarked with great relief.

“So were we.” Jack echoed sincerely. “We would hate to lose her. She has added so much to the team that we don’t know how we ever functioned without her. She has brought us all closer together too, not only as colleagues but also as friends. Before Sue came along none of us, except for Bobby and I, ever got together to do things outside of work except for the occasional celebratory breakfast after cracking a particularly difficult case. Now we do things on a fairly regular basis. I mean look at this weekend for example. Sue, Lucy, and Tara are always planning ‘girls days’ and Myles is starting to join Bobby and I for pool or sporting events. D even joins us too whenever he can. Sometimes the seven of us get together to do something. And all of this is because of Sue. It all started when she showed up. Anyone of the team will tell you that. She’s become the heart of the entire squad, the glue that holds us together.”

Mark couldn’t help but smile at Jack’s obvious admiration for Sue. The entire time the younger man had been speaking Mark had noticed Jack’s eyes sparkle with excitement – and with something else as well. Could it possibly be love?

Knowing that he couldn’t just come right out and ask the young man if he loved Sue, he decided to try a different approach.

“So how long have you been back at work?”

“A couple of weeks.” Jack replied after taking a sip from his Coke. “I only took a week off after I got out of the hospital. I couldn’t stand anymore time off than that. I was bored out of my mind.”

Mark was surprised by the sign language Jack used.

Jack must have noticed his surprise because he said. “Sue taught me that when I was in the hospital. I was going out of my mind with boredom.”

“Sounds like you don’t make a very good patient.” Mark remarked with a smile.

“I’m not.” Jack admitted a little sheepishly.

“Well, I understand that your heart attack may have had a positive outcome for you as well.” The older man commented seriously.

Jack frowned slightly. “What positive outcome is that?”

“I understand from Sue that it’s brought your High School Sweetheart back into your life.”

Mark watched as a variety of emotions passed over Jack’s face. “Sue mentioned Allie?”

Mark nodded. “Yes.” It wasn’t a lie Sue had briefly mentioned Allie in passing this morning at breakfast. However it had been Lucy who had filled him and Carla in on the details of Jack’s relationship with the other woman.

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment before saying. “She showed up a couple of days after my heart attack. My mom and her mom are close friends so when I had my heart attack Mom told Mrs. Richardson who told Allie and so Allie came to see me. It had been a couple of years since we’d been in contact.”

“And now you’re back together again?” Mark asked curiously to which Jack shrugged non-committally.

“I don’t know. Allie and I have a lot of history together. We’ve known each other for about twenty-four years, we started dating our Sophomore year in High School…” His voice trailed off as he shrugged his shoulders slightly. “I don’t know.”

Mark leaned his arms on the table in front of him and looked at Jack silently for several moments before saying seriously. “Let me guess your head and your heart are currently at war with each other and you don’t know what to do about it.”

“Actually.” Jack said slowly after a long pause. “It’s more like my mindis at war with itself and my heart is taking sides with one half of my mind while the other half is on its own.” Mark watched as Jack gave him a careful look for several long moments before leaning his own arms on the tabletop and asking in a low tone. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.” Mark assured him easily.

Mark noticed Jack flicked his gaze towards where Bobby and Myles were still throwing darts before looking back to him. After another pause he finally continued. “Hypothetically, what would you do if there were two really great women in your life. One of them you have known for many years and you know you care about very much and you have always figured you’d end up settling down with eventually when the time felt right. But while you were waiting for that ‘right time’ to come you meet the second woman and from the moment you first meet you feel a connection to that woman that you’ve never felt with anyone else before, not even Woman Number One. Woman Number Two just has to walk into the room and your heart starts to beat a little faster. A smile from her makes your pulse skyrocket and if you’re not careful you can spend the entire day staring at her and not getting any work done. You start feeling feelings and thinking thoughts that you’ve never felt or thought before. You dream about her every night and never want to wake up from those dreams when morning comes because you know your reality isn’t near as great as your dreams are. And suddenly the idea of settling down doesn’t seem so difficult to imagine, nor such a ‘far in the future’ thing.”

Mark smiled slightly. “Sounds like you’re in love with Woman Number Two.”

“But is it really love?” Jack asked anxiously. “I mean how can you possibly have such intense feelings for somebody you’ve only just met and not have them for somebody you’ve known the majority of your life?”

“It’s because there are various degrees of love.” Mark told the younger man seriously. “As well as various types of love. For example you don’t have the same sort of love for your friends as you would have for your parents.”

“No that’s true.” Jack acknowledged with a nod.

“And your love for your parents wouldn’t be the same as the love you’d have for your wife.” Mark continued.

“Certainly not.” The agent agreed firmly.

“Then maybe the love that you feel for Woman Number One is more in the category of friendship or maybe even family since you have such a long history together. But not that of the quality or intensity that you should feel for the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with.” Mark suggested seriously.

Jack nodded his head as he stared with unfocused eyes at the top of the table. “I suppose that’s possible. In a lot of ways she’s more like a sister than a girlfriend. After all it’s been two years since we’ve seen each other and I haven’t exactly been pining for her.” He paused for a moment before adding. “I was even in New York six months ago and instead of looking her up I took S…I mean Woman Number Two out for supper.”

Mark tried hard to suppress the smile that wanted to break over his face at Jack’s near slip of Sue’s name. When he had it under control he asked solemnly. “And how do you feel about Woman Number Two when you haven’t seen her for a while?”

Jack’s eyes moved to his as he confessed earnestly. “I miss her. I only have to be out of her company for a matter of minutes and I miss her.” Jack gave him an uncertain look. “But how can I be sure? How can I be sure that it’s not just a passing attraction that’ll fade? Or even worse, what if I do decide that it is love, but she doesn’t love me back? Then what?”

“Jack, no relationship comes with guarantees. Even the happiest of couples are bound to have problems along the way. That’s just the way it is.” Mark told him solemnly. “However, what about this? What if you do decide that it’s love and you decide to let her know how you feel and you find out that she does feel the same way?”

Jack smiled and said eagerly. “Than I would be the happiest man in the world.”

“So what’s holding you back from being the ‘happiest man in the world’?” Mark asked gently.

Jack’s smile dimmed. “There’s a rule at work that prevents inter-unit dating.”

“And has anyone ever looked into any exceptions to those rules?” The older man asked curiously.

“Not that I’m aware of.” Jack replied. “Most people just accept that it’s there. Nobody has ever contested it that I know of.”

“Well why not see what can be done?” Mark suggested earnestly. “Maybe there’s a loop-hole that you don’t know about. You’re a lawyer, aren’t you?”

“Yes sir.” Jack confirmed.

“Then who better than you to find a loop-hole. You have the know how, not to mention the motivation.”

He watched as a thoughtful look appeared on Jack’s face. Mark was almost dying of curiosity to know what was going through the agent’s mind, however he knew better than to pry. He was already surprised at how much Jack had revealed to him about his inner struggle regarding Allie and Sue. He knew that it wasn’t an easy thing trying to be sure of your feelings for someone. And Mark had to admit to feeling a great deal of respect for Jack because of the obvious thought he was giving to the entire subject. It showed a great maturity on his part not to be swayed only by his emotions.

Jack’s voice broke into Mark’s musings as the agent asked. “So you think I should ask S…Woman Number Two out?”

“I think you owe it to yourself and to her to find out if your feelings are real.” Mark told him truthfully. “Dating is the best way to do that.”

“But the only problem is S…Woman Number Two is not the sort of girl you casually date and then dump. She’s the type of girl you date with a lifetime in view.” Jack remarked seriously.

“That’s what you’re doing, isn’t it?” The older man asked pointedly. “If things work out you want to marry her, don’t you?”

The deeply thoughtful look reappeared on Jack’s face. After a moment he nodded his head. “Yes, I do.” Looking at Mark with surprise written all over his face he added earnestly. “I can’t honestly imagine spending my life with anybody else.”

“So what are you doing to do about it?” Mark asked gently.

A broad smile appeared on Jack’s face as he said eagerly. “The very next chance I get I’m going to tell her how I feel about her and beg her to go out with me.”

Mark lifted her hand and pointed a finger at him. “You just make sure that you do. No more chickening out.” When Jack’s eyes widened at him in surprise at the admonition he chuckled and asked. “So how are your mind and heart now?”

Jack looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. “For the first time in months my mind and heart are in perfect sync.”

*****

Coffee Shop
Saturday, May 3rd, 2003 – 3:33 p.m.

Sue closed her eyes and savored the rich flavor of her extremely decadent chocolate cheesecake. “This is Heaven.” She murmured to herself. Upon opening her eyes she found Tara, Lucy and her mom all watching her with amused expressions on their faces.

“Good, is it?” Lucy asked with a teasing smile.

“Heavenly.” Sue said on an exaggerated sigh.

“Well now that you’ve been suitably satiated with chocolate I think there’s something we need to discuss.” Lucy said looking at her best friend seriously.

Sue wasn’t sure why but a nervous knot suddenly formed in her stomach. “What’s that?”

“Jack’s heart attack.”

Sue’s heart clenched at the words and tears welled up in her eyes. Closing them she shook her head and said. “I can’t.” She felt a hand squeeze her arm but Sue refused to open her eyes. If she couldn’t see them they couldn’t communicate with her.

She felt someone take her other hand and fingerspell into her palm. S-u-s-a-n M-a-r-i-e T-h-o-m-a-s o-p-e-n y-o-u-r e-y-e-s.

Sue shook her head again.

V-e-r-y c-h-i-l-d-i-s-h. F-B-I b-e a-s-h-a-m-e-d. J-a-c-k t-o-o.

Sue flushed at the chastisement and opened her eyes. Her mother was right she was acting childish. Giving her three companions an apologetic look she asked. “What about Jack’s heart attack?”

Lucy reached across the table and took Sue’s free hand in hers. “Sue, I’m worried about you. Every time someone mentions Jack’s heart attack you fall apart. That’s not like you. Obviously you’ve been affected by this more than we thought.” Squeezing Sue’s hand tightly she urged. “Talk to us, Sue. Tell us what’s wrong.”

Sue looked around the table from Lucy and Tara who were sitting across from her to her mother who was sitting beside her. All three women wore looks of deep concern on their faces.

Taking a deep breath Sue squeezed Lucy’s hand and her mom’s and said. “Every time someone mentions Jack’s heart attack the memories from that night come back to me. From our fun, light-hearted supper at the pizza place, to Jack and I walking back to our cars in the rain to Jack collapsing against his car, clutching his chest, his face twisted in pain…”

Her tears returned, causing her to stop and close her eyes. She felt both Lucy and her mother squeeze her hands reassuringly. She then felt the hand her mother was holding be momentarily released before being reclaimed by what felt like her mother’s other hand before an arm wrapped around her comfortingly. Opening her eyes Sue gave her mother a grateful smile before leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

Pulling back she looked back to Lucy and Tara and seeing the deep concern on their faces she took in another deep breath before continuing. “When I saw Jack leaning against his car, his face twisted in pain as he clutched his chest the only thing I could think was that I was about to lose him. I was about to lose the first person who had ever given me a chance to use my unique abilities to help others. The first person who ever believed in me enough to specifically recruit me to work with him. I was about to lose…” She stopped and closed her mouth over her words.

She felt Lucy squeeze her hand and watched as her best friend finished her sentence for her. “The man that you love.” When Sue didn’t respond Lucy continued. “You love Jack, don’t you?”

Sue hesitated again looking from Lucy to Tara and back again, her teeth chewing her bottom lip nervously.

“Don’t you?” Lucy pressed when Sue didn’t respond.

Unable to say the words Sue simply nodded.

“Finally.” Lucy said with a broad grin on her face. “Now we’re getting somewhere.” Then sobering slightly she looked at her best friend and surmised. “So you were probably also thinking that you were about to lose Jack and you had never told him how you feel about him, am I right?”

Sue hesitated again before nodding in confirmation.

“So why haven’t you said anything to him since then?” Lucy pressed. “It’s been about a month since his heart attack and yet the two of you still aren’t together.”

Sue gave her roommate a sorrowful look. “There’s a reason for that.”

“And what’s that?” The other woman pressed.

“A five letter word starting with ‘A’.” She told her friend. “Jack loves Allie, it’s as simple as that.”

“Jack may love Allie.” Lucy said with a serious look on her face. “But he’s in love with you.”

Sue gave her friend a skeptical look then turned her attention to Tara when the blond woman lifted her hand.

“Lucy’s right, Sue. We’ve known Jack for a while, some of us longer than others. But even Bobby, who has known Jack longer than any of us, agrees that Jack is obviously crazy about you.”

Sue gave them a sorrowful look. “I wish I could believe you. I would give anything to be able to say you’re right, but I can’t.”

“Why not?” Lucy frowned at her.

Sue hesitated for a moment before saying. “Because Jack has already told me that Allie is the one for him.”

“What? When?” Sue saw both Lucy and Tara ask with frowns on their faces.

“Remember that day that Jack and Allie stopped by the Bullpen when Jack had just gotten out of the hospital?” Sue replied.

“Yes.” Both girls nodded.

Looking at Lucy Sue added. “Remember when Jack asked me to walk him to the elevator?”

“Yes.” Lucy nodded.

“Jack told me that he and Allie were together.”

“But that doesn’t make sense because just the other day Bobby asked Jack if he and Allie were back together and Jack wouldn’t commit one way or the other. All he would say was ‘we’ll see how it goes’. And apparently, according to Bobby, Jack was staring at you while Bobby was talking to him.”

“What does that prove?” Sue asked her friend in confusion. “Jack looks at a lot of people. I doubt very much that he’s in love with all of them. At least I hope he’s not or else Allie is in a lot of trouble.”

“Oh, I think that Allie is in a lot of trouble.” Lucy remarked with a knowing grin. “And I think that you are the cause of that trouble. Remember, I said that Bobby said that Jack was staring at you, not just looking.”

“Let’s just say for argument sake,” Tara jumped in before Sue could respond. “That Jack is in love with you and he were to confess his feelings for you. What would you say? Would you admit your feelings for him too?”

Sue gave her friend a sorrowful look. “Jack is not going to…”

Tara held up her hand to stop Sue’s words before saying. “But say he did. What would you do?”

Sue hesitated for a long moment before finally replying slowly and carefully. “If, and this is a big if, Jack did tell me that he had feelings for me that went beyond friendship, than I would probably tell him that I felt the same way about him.”

“In other words.” Tara said with an excited look on her face. “If Jack were to tell you that he loved you, you would tell him that you loved him back.”

Sue hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding her head. “Yes, I would.” Then with a completely serious look she added. “But he would have to tell me his feelings first. I’m not going to risk losing his friendship because I said something first and he doesn’t feel the same way.”

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about on that score.” Lucy said, giving Tara and Carla sly looks.

Sue frowned at the three of them suddenly wondering if something was going on that she didn’t know about.

*****

Looks like Mark and the girls have both made headway.

Kim

First off, Mr. Thomas, I bow down to your expert matchmaking skills. You shame all of us in fanficland. What a cunning gentleman!!! He has Jack eating out of his hand! And the girls have cornered a confession out of Sue. I think fireworks are in order tonight. nix the caffeine and I'm in!

kav

RSL, that was a nice long post, full of lots of wonderful information to quote; but, if I did that I would have to quote the whole thing!!!

I loved the talk between Mark and Jack!! It probably helped Jack to have an older man to talk to - someone who has shown him that he likes and respects him!! Mark gave him such good advice, as well as making Jack think through his feelings!! I'm with Mark - I hope Jack doesn't get scared and not do what he says he will!!!

And, the girls and Carla were equally good with Sue - making her also think about her feelings and sort them out in her mind!! I think the episode - Prodigal Father - is one of the saddest episodes of Sue Thomas - at least in relation to Jack and Sue!! I was sad for both of them, Sue because she thought she had lost a chance with Jack, and Jack, not really saying what he wanted to tell her!! You've brought all that turmoil into your story really well!!!

Now, I can't wait until tonight to see if Jack really does move forward, and Sue really does admit her feelings after he does!!!

Joy

Now THIS is what I wanted to be the outcome of that whole episode! I watched it again a week or so ago, and then remembered why I avoided it - it made me too sad! Now when I watch it, I'll try to remember to re-read this story!!! I can't wait to see Jack's reaction to Sue in the new RED DRESS!!!!!



Regina

Well said, Joy. Wonderful writing, RSL. Thanks for keeping us updated on your writing plans.

RSL - This was simply an amazing post. Joy said everything I was thinking and then some, so I'm just going to say

Lynn

WOW, what skillful planning. This is so much fun as well as tender moments.

I can't wait for dinner - umm, I ate dinner - I can't wait for the gang to go out for dinner and Sue in her new red dress and Jack ready to ask her out.

WOW!!

Mr. Thomas YOU ROCK!!!

Tere

i can't believe i was this wayyyy behind...i'm so happy and glad that you are writing a new story again... i can just feel the pain and excitment...oh i hope jack can breath when he sees sue in that red dress, and i hope he isn't going to back down.. i really can't wait for more. im really really happy your back.

law

wow you posted 2 extra post behind my back again but thats ok I caught up on the two wonderful post they were great I hopeing and :praying:that with mark and carlas along with lucy and tara maybe they can tell each other and get rid of david and allie once and for all so sue wear that red dress you have just brought and jack please listen to your future father-in-law and act on it and tell sue cant wait for wednesday now
Lin

wow, i'm finally caught up. Great work. I can't wait to find out what happen next. I hope Mark's plan works and i love jack's 'woman 1' and woman 2 senerio.

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that the way this week has been going that it will probably be Sunday afternoon/evening before I'm able to post more to this story.



I'm terribly sorry for the delay, however for this week with everything going on I'm putting in 3:30 a.m to 10:00 p.m. days plus my husband convinced me to have a dinner party for 19 on Saturday... Why do I agree to these things?

Anyway, I'm afraid that Jack and Sue will have to wait until then...sorry.

See you then

- RSL

This story is amamzing I can't wait for the dinner!