What If Series:
With just a few adjustments, this is one of the two stories that were supposed to be in the last story, Lee's Birthday!
Chapter One: Francine and Leatherneck
If anyone had said to her a few months ago that she would actually be walking at the park barefoot, with Leatherneck of all people, she would have shot them dead on the spot without even thinking twice about it.
She'd just gotten off work, was leaving for the weekend and was walking to her car when he caught up to her and said, "Hey Francine, wait up!"
"Hi," she said quietly.
"What are you doing after work?"
"Oh, well, nothing special!"
"Oh good, perhaps we could do something."
"Oh well, I—"
"Look, seems to me, that you have been avoiding me the last few days, ever since we went to Lee's birthday—"
"Avoiding you? Why would I be avoiding you?" She questioned.
"So, then, how about we go out for a meal, after all, today is Friday, and I noticed that you aren't on the 'roster' tomorrow."
"Sure, why not?"
Grabbing her arm and walking her to her car, he suggested that they drop her car off at her apartment; then take his car and grab some dinner. What she hadn't known at the time was that his plans included eating outside. She was surprised to find Leatherneck driving up to an all-night drive through and picking up milkshakes and French fries. Her mouth had gaped open and she'd raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Are you serious, this is what he considers a good idea for dinner? She'd thought to herself. He must've seen the look on her face because he said, "Oh come on Francine, it'd be fun. Where is your sense of adventure?" He asked grazing her in the ribs with his hand. "Besides it's nice and warmoutside and we might as well enjoy it before the cold weather comes back with a vengeance." His comment caused her to smile.
His first suggestion was the beach, but she'd opted for the park instead; still not knowing his intent of having her shoeless. Being around sand, and at night, was not a good thing for her hair.
After having consumed their food and drink at a picnic table, Leatherneck asked her to go for a walk and with his prompting she'd taken off her shoes along with him. They'd walked hand-in-hand around Potomac Park for several minutes talking about everything from his crazy childhood to her more quiet childhood full of rules and lots and lots of expectations. They were now sitting on a park bench.
"I still can't believe you talked me into taking my shoes off," Francine said.
"Haven't you ever heard that feeling the grass under your feet makes you more grounded?"
"What? You don't think I'm grounded enough?"
"I think you're grounded just fine," Leatherneck said looking pointedly at Francine. "But, I think you could learn to enjoy the simpler things a little more."
She opened her mouth to retort back but found herself, as she so often was when she was around Leatherneck—quiet. She would've decked anyone else, but for some reason that she hadn't quite put her fingers on yet, Leatherneck didn't elicit that kind of response. She had to admit that the feel of the grass beneath her toes, felt quite refreshing and invigorating. Leatherneck's arm was now draped across the back of the seat when he finally broke the silence by asking, "Francine, what do you see happening between us?" The question caused Francine's mouth to drop open in surprise.
"Whoa! There's a loaded question," Francine replied nervously.
Leatherneck stopped and grabbed Francine's hands into his. "Don't worry; I'm not proposing or anything."
"Oh, that's good to know, I'm not quite ready for the whole rice and white dress thing," Francine laughed off.
"Francine, I like you, I really like you a lot, but I don't want to waste my time with you if you aren't really—"
"Really what?"
"Interested."
Francine sat there; her mouth gaped open once again; speechless for the first time in her life. Not interested, not interested! Why would he even have to ask? Hadn't they been on countless dates since Amanda and Lee's marriage a few months back? Who was it that she went to Lee's birthday party with? Who was she with now and who was the one to get her to walk around barefoot? "Why do you think I'm not interested?" Francine finally asked quietly.
"I didn't say I thought you weren't interested. I want to know how interested you are," Leatherneck voiced, his eyes ever present upon Francine's face. "I think you are one of the most amazing women I've ever known and I can see something happening between us. I don't take relationships lightly, and I don't want to become too involved with you if you only see me as a friend."
They sat there looking at one another as though they were the only two people in the world. Leatherneck waited patiently, allowing Francine time to process his words. She thought that was just about the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her, just pure honesty; straight to the point. How could she say anything else but, "Yes, Leatherneck I'm interested; I don't see you as just a friend."
Leatherneck's face lit up in a smile as he leaned in and kissed Francine softly upon the lips before pulling back and asking, "How about next time we go to the beach? Maybe even for a picnic?" Leatherneck asked laughing softly.
"You've got to be kidding; me chance getting sand in my hair? I don't think so!"
"Oh, Francine!"
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