"You know what our problem is?" Tara asked morosely one evening after she and Lucy and Sue had finished watching another marathon run of girl flicks. Though each movie had been a romantic comedy, she didn't feel like laughing -- not after watching multiple endings where each girl got her guy.

"Stale popcorn?" Lucy asked, eyeing the dregs of the large earthenware bowl they had all been delving into with a mixture of longing and disdain. The blackened kernels held no appeal but she couldn't resist running her finger along the edge of the bowl and licking off the residual butter and salt.

"Levi's been licking the bowl," Sue informed her roommate with mild amusement.

"Ewwww -- gross!" Lucy squealed, jumping back as if a viperous snake was about to lash out at her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I just did."

"Our problem," Tara's voice rose above the friendly bickering as she fixed each of her friends with a stern, uncompromising stare, "is that we are in the Dog Days of Romance."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lucy asked, not sure if she should be offended over Tara's assessment.

"Is that bad?" Sue wanted to know.

Even Levi moaned mournfully, cocking his head at an angle as if his brain could concentrate better on the dilemma that way.

"Do you know what the expression, Dog Days means?" Tara asked, knowing full well that they didn't. She hadn't either until she'd come across the expression in her Webster's Dictionary of Phraseology. "It means a period of stagnation or inactivity."

"That's a bit harsh, isn't it?" Lucy protested.

"You tell me," Tara countered eyeing her with speculation. "How'd your last date go?"

"Let's see if I can remember that far back...I mean...oh...I see what you mean."

"Stagnant," Tara repeated mournfully.

"Oh, I don't know. It's not that bad," Sue said with forced cheerfulness.

"Says the woman who has been dancing around her real feelings for a certain dark haired, brown eyed gentleman for over three years now," Tara said as gently as she could. "There's nothing like a Thomas/Hudson romantic story line to scream inactivity."

"Why bring Jack into the conversation?" Sue asked, immediately on the defensive.

"Because Jackson Samuel Hudson is the Prince among Stagnators," Lucy answered promptly before adding thoughtfully, "maybe there's something to this Dog Days after all."

"Definitely...just look at my life -- a string of romantic encounters that end before the first kiss..." Tara sighed.

"What about Stanley?" Sue asked.

"Stagnant Stan? The name says it all. The only reason we even got to the first kiss stage was that I attacked him. I did! Smacked a passionate kiss on his lips with all the smoldering comehitherness I could muster."

"What happened?" Lucy asked, torn between gasping in horror and laughing in amusement at the image Tara's words conjured up.

"It was like kissing a fish," Tara decided solemnly. "A dead fish." Her lips twitched a bit. "A cold, dead fish." She grinned. "A cold, dead puffer fish...he fills his cheeks with air when he kisses. It's...odd and gives him the hiccups. Needless to say it wasn't an activity we partook of on a regular basis."

"So it's official?" Lucy asked reluctantly. "We're actually entering the Dog Days of our romantic lives? What comes after that, Tara?"

"Death."

Chapter 1

Levi whimpered softly, he wasn’t really sure what death was but he knew it was bad. Sue always cried when death was mentioned or nearly death. When he’d gone missing she’d almost filled the bath with her tears as she scrubbed the dirt from his fur and told him she thought he was dead.

No, dead death wasn’t good. She’d cried when Jack fell over after the pizza, privately for a while Levi had decided it was because he ate too much, he’d begged for the crusts but Sue had put her foot down and forbidden Jack to feed the dog. Levi thought that was very harsh, it wasn’t like he was getting fat or anything and then Jack fell over and went to hospital in the van with clanging sirens and flashing lights.

And Sue had cried, Levi wasn’t really sure why, Jack was alive but Sue was sad. Later he understood it was because she thought Jack was going to die.

He shuddered at the memories of vans with clanging sirens and flashing lights, remembering his own trip to the hospital which looked and smelled much like the vets. Sue had cried then too when she thought Levi was going to die then she’d cried some more when she knew he’d be ok and again when Jack took her skating that morning.

Levi didn’t understand why she cried, when he’d been almost dead he’d seen his mom….. and his dad….. and two sisters, three brothers and a host of other relatives. He wanted to go to them, to frolic in the lush green fields but someone had sent him back, told him he had work to do. He’d glanced back sadly at his family who were waving paws and promising to wait for him then rejoined Sue to continue his work. Not that he was entirely sure what that was yet. Work seemed like fun to him, he drank coffee, pretty disgusting really, drank tea; that was ok unless Bobby made it and then it was too strong, ate donuts, he loved the apple-filled donuts and loved Jack every time he slipped him one. He ate pizza crusts which he liked, turned his nose up at Chinese and Indian and would snatch Jack’s hand off for a beef flavoured biscuit. He got to play with his bunny, he loved that bunny especially since it was a gift from his second favourite human, chased squirrels in the park and occasionally had to let Sue know someone wanted her. And he didn’t even do that very often, almost never if Jack was with them. Jack hadn’t quite grasped that it was his role in life to be Sue’s ears but Levi figured that was people for you, very slow on the uptake about important things.

Oh... Levi's got Jack pegged doesn't he...



Very slow on the uptake about the important things.

Love it!

Were you a dog in your former life? I think this is the way my Simba reasons things out. Love the perspective -- especially this LOL -- when I see my dogs first thing tonight I know I'm going to see that thought bubble exploding over their heads! Great start!

kav

Cath, I'm so excited to see that you have joined this challenge!! I always enjoy your stories!!!

Levi really has all the important stuff figured out, doesn't he?? And, he definitely has Jack's number!! This is a wonderful start and I can't wait for more!!!

Joy

Welcome back...loved all your stories.

Been watching/reading too much Murdoch eh?

Anyone thankyou. Now what can I say Levi's perspective spot on.

fantastic another challenge story from Cath and boy does Levi know Jack and how Hes levis human as well as sues cant wait for more Cath
Lin

LOL! Love this so far Cath!!!!!

Em

In the midst of a totally serious thought, THAT cracked me up . . . almost as much as . . .

This is great! When I read the challenge, I was puzzled about getting inside Levi's head, but you've got it! I'm looking forward to reading more!!!!

I loved the way you pictured Levi's perspective! He is definately an amazing dog! The fact that he seems to really appreciate Jack isn't that bad either... for a certain blond...

Oh boy! LTS, I love the way you write Levi's POV! If only he could talk, Jack would have gotten his act together ages ago!

Kim

Woohoo!!! a Cath story!!

Levi is so cute , can't wait for more!!

Tere

Chapter 2

‘Very slow’ Levi huffed to himself, while Lucy claimed to have seen the chemistry between them after Sue joined the team he’d seen it the day Sue stormed in to the pen. Not that either one had done anything about it, he didn’t often agree with humans but Chloe was right if people had tails then this pair would have been making puppies years ago. Tails would have wagged, faces would have been licked, games would have been played and Sue would be the proud mother of a litter of puppies. But no, people didn’t have tails and his two favourite people were staring at each other and sighing over each other and getting old going nowhere.

He liked Jack, would happily give up is Alpha male status to Jack, he’d liked David too. Well no, he’d been more interested in Nkita than David; David was ok but not Alpha male material, or at least not Alpha male to Sue. He didn’t understand Sue the way Jack did, wanted to control and protect. Sure Jack was protective of her and he could be a little cavemannish when Sue was putting her life in danger but he always encouraged Sue to achieve everything possible while David in recent months had tried to get Sue to leave the bureau.

He’d snuggled up to her as Sue cried in to his fur after the last furious row. Dinner had gone sour when David tried again to persuade her to leave and she’d stormed out of the restaurant steam coming from her ears as her blood boiled and she used words Levi didn’t know she knew.

Her tears weren’t so much for the loss of David, they’d both known it was coming, but for what she wanted with Jack but knew she’d never have.

He’d done his best to comfort her, wanted to do more and longed to pick up the phone and tell Jack to get his butt over there to comfort her in the way only he could. Not for the first time Levi wished he could speak human or Jack could speak dog then his owner wouldn’t be so sad and lonely.

That line almost made me cry . . .

How many times have we ALL wished that Levi could give Jack a piece of his mind? Absolutely loving this, and looking forward to many more "deep thoughts" from Levi!!

I love Levi!

Em

I so Adore Levi If any one can get those two together levi can cant wait for more Cath
Lin

Oh my gosh -- I read this at work and I am making a spectacle of myself but I do love Levi's pragmatic way of thinking. And good boy for letting Jack take over alpha wolf position when the time comes. You've got your priorities straight. Good dog!

kav

I love how Levi knows how really simple it all is!! Oh, if he could talk human, the world would definitely be a better place!!!

Joy

All this teachs me that Never underestimate the wisdom of a dog , they're really smart!!

Can't wait for more!

Tere

Levi could definitely gives Jack some lessons about been an alpha male!
I love his thoughts!

Great to see you back LTS. You've been missed. Love all your stories.

I love Levi's perspective on the life of humans. Especially Jack and Sue.



Soooooooooo funny

Chapter 3

‘So, what do you think we should do about it?’ Levi pricked up his ears at Lucy’s question.

‘I think we need to make the first move……………..’ Tara ground to a halt, her plan crashing and burning as she looked at Sue and Lucy who were shaking their heads.

‘You think we should make the first move?’ Sue squeaked. She was only now adept at being around Jack without revealing her inner feelings and there as no way she was going to make the first move. In her family it was only the men who made the first move, the women waited to be moved upon. It wasn’t ideal as far as she was concerned but her parents were happy and her three brothers, who had all made the first move, were engaged or married.

‘Well why not, if you wait for Prince Jack to make a move you’ll be dead…….. which is what I said, after dog days comes death……’

‘I can’t’ Sue shook her head sadly.

‘Give me one good reason why you can’t go up to Jack and drag him off to a conference room, slam him up against a wall and kiss his senseless?’ Tara asked, excitement burning in her soul at the image.

‘Because….. because……… the no-dating rule…… ad he’s my trainer and he goes for willowy brunettes like Allie and Jessica…….’

‘Yeah and look where that got him, Jessica is a terrorist and Allie is an airhead. He wants a real woman Sue and that’s you….. heaven only knows why he’s not acting on the obvious attraction. Heck even Myles picked up on it……..’

‘You’ve been discussing me with Myles?’ Sue felt her face heat up and her temper rise.

‘No, Myles brought it up when we thought you were leaving, he suggested that you and Jack would be able to date since you wouldn’t be working in the same team…….’ Tara explained softly. She’d seen Sue steamed and didn’t want her exploding on her.

‘Oh’ Sue murmured, ‘I thought I’d done a good job of hiding my feelings………’

‘The only person who doesn’t see it is Jack’ Lucy grinned, ‘Helga is right; you do make a nice looking couple.’

‘You knew what she was saying’ Sue squealed.

‘No, but I asked Deanne at deaf club…… I knew it was nothing to do with lunch, Jack knew didn’t he?’

Levi watched with interest as Sue nodded and explained the conversation at lunch.

‘You’re telling us that Helga signs you two are a nice couple and the two of you still don’t believe you should be together?’ Lucy groused glancing at Levi.

‘What are we going to do with them buddy?’ Levi looked at her in amazement not sure exactly what he was meant to do. Personally he liked the idea of Sue going cavewomanish and dragging Jack in to a room but that wasn’t ever going to happen.

‘Maybe if Jack had a dog’ he thought to himself, ‘it worked with David and Nkita……..’
He huffed softly, ‘no that wouldn’t work, we still have the policy…….’ he shook his head coming up blank.

‘Ok, so since I’m not the only single woman here, how about you two talk about who you’re interested in…….’

Personally, I like that idea, too . . . but as far as the dog? I think Jack has enough dog in Levi, don't you? After all, Levi has accepted Jack as "his own," as well as Sue, hasn't he? Unless . . . Levi's thinking he might like someone to play with when Jack finally gets started playing with Sue . . .

Love the girls discussing this! Sue's uncomfortable with it, as usual, but I think Tara and Lucy will wear her down, and they'll all be happier for it!! Now . . . I'm with Sue. Time to turn the tables on those two girls!

fantastic just hope levi can come up with something to get them to tell each other how they feel cant wait to find out Cath just loving this story
Lin

Personally I think like Sue about that the man has to do the first move, but (and it's a BIG BUT...), with Jackson Samuel Hudson aka 'The Turtle' is a whole other thing, so Sue grab and kiss him senseless (we really need a cavewoman smile)

And also, Sue is right, it's your turn girls!!

Tere

Nope, can't think of a single reason -- good or bad Guess Sue ought to try it and see what happens! And the idea of a cavewomanish Sue is At least Levi is thinking about the problem.

kav

Sometimes girls have to take the lead insteed of men, because if we don't , we will be waiting forever! Take the Lead, Sue : show him what you're made of!

LTS. I missed reading your work in the last challenge but i'm glad to see you back here.
Ah, if only jack had a dog (female) then levi would have someone to 'talk' to about their owners or if only levi had thumbs and fingers he could call jack..... if only.
I can't wait to see where this goes. I look forward to the the next chapter.

Chapter 4

‘You really want to know?’ Tara asked softly.

‘So long as it’s not the puffer fish’ Sue grinned, ‘Jack’s nothing………’ she clamped her hands to her mouth.

‘So you were making out?’ Tara squealed, ‘and him a married man………..’

‘And you stood there and denied it?’ Lucy squeaked, ‘we want details………. NOW’

‘Janice was coming, we needed a cover story and an office romance was the easiest option……….’ Sue brushed her hands over her cheeks groaning at the heat emanating from them.

‘We know that, when I said details I meant about the kiss. Was it good? Did you want another one? Did he use his tongue? That’s the detail I want……… so spill.’

‘Yes it was good, much better than kissing David…kissing David was like getting slapped in the face with a wet cloth, a cold wet cloth….. yes I wanted another one and no, no tongues involved………. but, as Jack said it was a response to a situation and he would never want to kiss me………’

‘He said that? He told you it as a response to a situation? Well I suppose it was so he was right but he told you he’d never want to kiss you? Ouch, that must have hurt. I know it hurt me when Bobby said our kiss reminded him he was in love with another woman……… but did jack really say he didn’t want to kiss you?’

‘You and bobby kissed? You kept that quiet, I want details’ Lucy demanded, ‘but after we’ve talked about jack, did he really say he didn’t want to kiss you?’

‘Well……. he started….. said ‘I would never’……. then he stopped and I dropped my keys and said I had to get home and see how you and Levi were kissing along…….’

‘How Levi and I were kissing along?’ Lucy grinned, ‘oh boy did you ever have it bad? So he didn’t actually say he didn’t want to kiss you?’

Sue shook her head, ‘he started bumbling then I drove away…… but we haven’t kissed since…….’

‘Well maybe you need an undercover when you have to kiss’ Lucy suggested, ‘and I don’t see Jack as the kind of guy to kiss a woman he’s not dating……. we need to come up with a plan………’

Tara nodded happily, thankful that the attention was off her and Bobby.

‘So now Miss Williams, we need details………’ Tara groaned as Lucy and Sue looked at her.

‘Not much to tell, we were out at the concert, we talked a little, kissed …….. I wasn’t sure what it meant, things were difficult for a couple of days then we cleared the air. He decided that kissing me reminded him he loved Darcy……. I can’t tell you how good that made me feel……… still kissing him was a whole heap better than kissing Stanley……..’

‘And now he’s single?’ Sue asked.

‘No…….. Bobby and I are like family, I love him but as a brother…….’

‘So, who might you be interested in?’ Sue was relieved Tara wasn’t interested in him since she knew Lucy had something of a thing for the Aussie.

‘I can’t say……. I’m not so sure it’s right…….’ Tara mumbled.

‘Not right? Is he married?’ Lucy screwed up her face in confusion.

‘No, he and a good friend were an item and I’m not so sure I should date a friend’s ex…..’

Lucy glanced at Sue, receiving a confirming nod from her friend. Sue had noticed Tara staring at Myles more than once; their discussion had led to Lucy confessing her attraction for Bobby.

‘If it’s Myles and you’re worried about my feelings then don’t……. I wouldn’t have a problem with a friend dating him. Just so long as you’re aware that he cheated on me.’

‘He’s changed……… and I’m armed’ Tara smiled, ‘not that I even know he has any feelings for me…..’

‘We need a plan……..’ Sue suggested, ‘and I think I have one………’

Yes they do need a plan... Are the boys going to plan one too. Interesting.
I love the little flashback to earlier episodes.
Can't wait for the next chapter.

fantastic but Im thinking levi has his work cut out with trying to get 3 couples together but he is the wonderdog but if you can get your favourite twosome together you would have help to push tara and myles as well as lucy and bobby together so go boy go cant wait for more Cath
Lin

Can't wait to know about the plan!!

Tere

Cath I love your stories!!! This is going to be fun!!!!! Can't wait for more!

Chapter 5

‘Yeah? Spill girl’ Lucy demanded.

‘I’ll ask Jack to ask the guys, they can talk on one of their guys’ nights and he can feed back to me……. if they feel the same then you’ll know and you can make the first move safe in the knowledge that your men want the same. And if they don’t then you can leave them behind and go find men who appreciate the good things in life…….’

‘That could work……. and I’ll ask Bobby to talk to Jack about you……’ Lucy nodded, ‘actually I asked him some time ago and he never got back to me……….’

‘You asked Bobby about me and Jack? When?’

Lucy chewed her lip, she could see Sue was getting steamed and she wished she could take her words back but it was too late, ‘when Allie left… I wanted to know if they were back on again. I guess not since she’s never been mentioned since Jack cancelled his weekend to take you to the wedding……’

‘I don’t believe you did that’ Sue whispered, her mind flashing back to that day. Allie had left, David had sent her the worst shirt she had ever seen and which she’d never worn and she’d effectively closed the door on her and Jack as an item for two years.

While Lucy constantly berated Jack for not making a move Sue had to stand up to the plate and accept that she hadn’t given him any sign that she might be interested in more than friendship. She’d dated David steadily until he asked her to leave the bureau, went to dinner, galas and other places with him. While he never went to Deaf Club or Bookworm which Jack participated in enthusiastically, she never really went anywhere exciting with Jack. He’d take her to games or for pizza, and mostly with the team.
She sighed softly, she wanted more with Jack but they’d both worked hard to build a great friendship without the bells and whistles she had with David but however hard she’d tried to fall in love with the gardener it didn’t happen. Jack filled her dreams as well as her days.
Levi ambled over to her and rested his head on her thigh recognising the sadness she hid from her friends. While she argued against Lucy’s assertions that Jack had feelings for her she briefly allowed herself to hope before reality hit.

Whatever way she looked at it Jack was hearing and she was deaf and it would take more than wishful thinking for them to make a go of things, even assuming turtle boy stuck his neck out for long enough to even suggest dating. A part of her wanted to date him but mixed up with hope was raw fear that he’d find life too tough, ‘dinner is one thing Lucy, what happens if he finds it too hard to date me long term; plenty of other people have struggled with me. My parents, my brothers, the school, college…… the handful of guys I dated… need I go on?’

‘It’s easy for Lucy’ she sighed at Levi more than once as she stroked his floppy ears, ‘she sees roses and laughter, an easy life. She forgets the problems we’ve had rooming together. What if he decides dating me is too hard, where does that leave me? I’ll have to leave the bureau, maybe even DC……’ Levi had done his best to offer comfort but he couldn’t give an answer.

Personally he loved Jack, the man bought him treats and bunnies, slipped him donuts and pizza crusts, let him sleep on the couch when he and Sue were watching a game at his apartment, threw his ball when they went on walks together.

Whimpering Levi wished he could tell Sue it would all be ok, but he couldn’t. not only did Sue not speak dog, Levi had no way of knowing; he was quietly confident about Sue and Jack, far more confident than he was about Sue and David but before they got that far the two of them had to ‘stop dancing and start kissing’ as Lucy graphically described it and he had no idea how they’d reach that stage.

‘Are you sure you don’t have a problem with me dating Myles? If he wants it of course’ Sue and Levi had gone to bed but Tara and Lucy were too wide awake to sleep.

‘No, truly Tara if he wants to be with you then it works for me……. I’m over Myles, he’s a nice guy but we’ll never be more tan friends’ Lucy smiled, ‘now about Jack and Sue……..’

‘I’m glad you’re a good friend buddy’ Sue scratched the dog behind the ears, ‘I want him so much Levi…… what if he doesn’t want me?’

Privately Levi thought that was as unlikely as America winning the World Cup but he didn’t know how to tell her that so he did what he knew best and licked her hand.

So you threw in a Myles/Tara twist. This will be very interesting...and complicated, I bet, but not too much for the Wonderdog to manage, right?

kav

Ah, nothing's too complicated forthe Wonderdog! Time for Levi to take control of THIS situation! He knows how it's supposed to be - like THIS . . .

Interesting plan... , but I believe that Levi will do it the most important part: Jack and Sue ----> or and hope

Levi--->

Tere

So sad for sue but jack does love you sue but now I think the wonderdog needs to push you together as if humans cant Im sue levi can cant wait to find out
Lin

I thoroughly enjoyed catching up, Cath!! I love the Tara/Myles pairing - that can lead to interesting reading!!!

I think Jack should get a dog of the female persuasion!! Then Levi can have a girlfriend, Jack and Sue can take them walking together, their leashes can get tangled up..............do I need to go on?? Levi will definitely know what to do!!!

Joy

I'm enjoying the story, Cath

Good plan

Em

interesting... what will they say... myles and tara... didn't see that coming? will it last? maybe bobby will fight for tara....

Chapter 6

‘Jack, can I take you for lunch?’ Jack looked up at Sue and his heart lurched hopefully.

‘Any particular reason? Not that I’m complaining, lunch with a beautiful woman and her canine friend works for me…… where are you taking me?’

‘Coffee shop on Cedar?’ she smiled, ‘and yes there is a reason….. as well as it being a lovely sunny day….’

‘Ok, sounds intriguing, I’ll be delighted to go for lunch with you…..you too buddy’ he looked down at the dog who was happily wagging his tail.

‘So what can I do for you?’ Jack smiled, accepting the chicken salad sandwich and pastry Sue had bought him.

‘Bobby and Myles……’

‘Bobby and Myles?’ his heart dropped from the heights to which he’d allowed it to soar when he thought she might be about to move things forward.

‘Yeah…… do you know if they have feelings for Tara and Lucy?’

‘Errrrrr…… ummmmm….. well……. we’ve never really talked about it….. I suppose they might, anything is possible…. is there a reason why you’re asking?’ He tore the crusts off the sandwich and dropped them to the floor, grinning as the dog swallowed it in one gulp.

‘Yeah, Lucy has a thing for Bobby and Tara has a thing for Myles but we need to know if they feel anything for them before they make fools of themselves…….. and we have decided that you are the man to give us the answers …….’

‘Me?’ he squeaked, ‘why can’t you ask?’

‘You suggest I walk up to Bobby and say ‘hi Bobby, do you fancy Lucy?’ or ‘hey Myles do you have a thing for Tara?’ that is so not going to work…….. it’s up to you, Hudson. The future of my friend’s happiness depends on you……. I’ll take you out for dinner when you provide the information…..’

‘Now that’s an incentive’ he smiled, ‘I’ll try but don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t get the answers you want…..’

‘No shooting of the messenger I promise’ she smiled patting his hand.

‘I’ll try and fix something up for tonight…, we still on for Deaf Club tomorrow?’

‘You don’t have to come Jack…..’

‘I know, I’m not going because I have to, I’m going because I want to…… I want to know more about ASL. Besides there is someone there of whom I am very fond and seeing her makes it all worthwhile………. even if she doesn’t realise I exist. I’m hoping that when my ASL is more proficient I can make myself understood……..’

Levi sighed softly, this man was such a klutz, if he was talking about Sue then he’d pretty well given her the message that he was interested in someone else and heaven knows there were enough women interested in him. And if he was interested in someone else then Levi was going to forget all his manners and bite Jack on the butt.

‘Oh I’m sure she’s noticed you’ Sue murmured, ‘I think every woman there has noticed you…….. I can give some help with your signing if you think it will help……’

‘That would be good, thank you’ he nodded, signing as he spoke.

Levi huffed as an uncomfortable silence settled over the table and he wanted to join Lucy in whupping Jack round the head. He was taking clueless to a whole new level.
‘Bobby, Tara and I need a favour……..’ Bobby sighed as the two women approached him, looking serious. Serious was never good on those two, it always spelled trouble.

‘And what can I do for you two lovely ladies?’ he smiled.

‘We want you to take Jack out………’

‘Sorry Luce but he’s not my type…….’ he yelped as first Lucy then Tara slapped him.

‘We want you to take Jack out to the pub or somewhere he’ll relax and then find out how he feels about Sue’ Lucy sighed wondering if this was how Donna felt when she was trying to impart important information to her kindergarten children.

‘I thought we’d decided he wanted to date her? That was what we decided wasn’t it? Before she left, when we thought she was leaving?’ he sensed a headache coming on as Lucy and Tara slapped him again.

‘Yes we did but since then Jack hasn’t made a move and neither has Sue and well…… we decided it was what he wanted but he’s not said it’s what he wants……. even though we know it’s what he wants and what Sue wants……’ Bobby slapped himself round the head as he tried to clear the confusion brought on by Tara’s babbling.

‘So you want me to get Jack to tell me that he wants to date Sue….. Jack Hudson, the man least likely to open up his mind to anyone and even less likely to open up his heart to his friend……. maybe you should jus ask him………’

‘Don’t you think we’ve thought about it, but he’s more likely to talk to you than us….. take him to the pub, get him just a little bit drunk…….’

‘This is Jack we’re talking about, he can make a pint last all night, I don’t think the man has ever been even slightly tipsy in his life’ Bobby sighed.

‘Just get him talking Bobby, a woman’s happiness depends on your success…….’

‘Ok, Lucy I’ll do my best but if he doesn’t want what we think he wants then don’t shoot me, ok luv?’

Lucy gripped the desk in an effort not to swoon as he winked and flashed his dimples in her direction.

‘Jack buddy’ Bobby greeted his friend as he and Sue returned to the pen, I was thinking……’

‘That’s dangerous Crash’ Jack chuckled, willing himself out of the funk that had settled when he realised Sue now thought he was interested in some other woman at deaf club. Lunch had been stilted and painful as he tried unsuccessfully to find a way to put things right.

‘We’ve not had a guy’s night for a while and I think we need to put that right……… tonight. You free?’

‘I guess’ he nodded, ‘I was thinking the same thing. Great minds think alike huh?’

‘That explains my mind but not yours Spark….. Myles are you busy tonight?’

‘That depends, what might I need to be busy or not busy for?’ having only just entered the pen Myles was a little worried about what he might be getting himself roped in to.

‘Guys night’ Jack murmured, ‘tonight. Beer, pool, chips……..’

‘Chips?’ Myles groused, ‘I think we need more than chips…… but I’m in……. D?’

‘Yeah?’ D approached the desks slowly. Having reached the heady heights of supervisor three months earlier he was finding it tough not to be a part of the team any longer and he still headed down to the pen for coffee and donuts. While the team gave him the respect that his position deserved they continued to treat him like the friend he was.

‘Guys night’ Bobby grinned, ‘you in?’

‘I guess, let me check with Donna that she’s not made plans…..’

‘Still operating on Donna Standard Time?’ Jack teased knowing that if he were married he’d be operating on Sue Standard Time and would be happy to do so.

‘Keeps me out of mischief’ D grinned.

‘Hey what about the other man?’ Sue chuckled as everyone settled at their desks.

‘What other man? We’re not taking Howie, he is not a member of this team however much he may want it’ Myles growled.

‘I wasn’t thinking of Howie, I was thinking of the other man who never gets invited along to guy’s night……..’ Levi crawled out from under the desk at her silent command and barked furiously at the three men who had the grace to look sheepishly at both him and Sue.

‘I’ll pick you up buddy, 7 pm ok? I’m not sure he’s old enough to drive himself just yet.’

‘He’s old enough’ Sue grinned ‘but he has trouble reaching the pedals with his paws…….’

‘Casual dress only buddy’ Jack patted the dog as Levi dropped his bunny at his feet, ‘does he have a curfew?’

‘I think 11 is late enough on a school night’ Sue grinned as Levi hurtled past in pursuit of his bunny, happily ignoring Myles’ comments about it not being the park.

‘Tell you what I’ll have him back in plenty of time and I’ll make sure he’s been walked too’ Jack murmured. ‘Now, how is he with a pool cue?’

‘He’d have to be better than Myles’ Bobby grinned, narrowly avoiding a wad of screwed up paper which came in his direction courtesy of the Bostonian.

Cute!

Em

Loved the banter between the guys!! And, Levi's thoughts are wonderful!! I especially laughed at the "Jack takes clueless to a whole other level"!!!

Good for Sue - getting Levi in on the guys' night out!! He needs recreation and bonding too!!!

Poor Jack - he still has to work out how to fix Sue thinking he likes someone else at Deaf Club!! What are we going to do with him???

Joy

I loved the whole post, but this part, to me, was priceless! Jack is CERTAIN to make points with Sue for this!! I especially liked that Jack said he'd bring him back already walked . . . very considerate!!

Now, Jack needs to work on his "hinting around" strategy. He's just not that good at it, is he? Hopefully Sue is better at reading between the lines than Jack is about talking between the lines!

Looks like a plan!!!

Tere

wonderful loved it oh mind levi when jack takes you home make sure you shove him into sue for a goodnight kiss just loving this story cath
Lin

I actually pictured that in my mind.

This is going to be really fun!!!!

That was a fun post , Cath.

Jack, you should work on your speech if you want Sue to know that you love HER instead of another woman... Fix it fast, mate!