Disclaimer: The characters are not mine; the songs are not mine either.
But I do love listening to them. Some of my favorites!
This take place during "Sunset"---- Woody is gone.
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"I get along without you very well," "Of course I do," "Except when soft rains fall" "And drip from leaves, then I recall" "The thrill of being sheltered in your arms." "Of course I do," "But I get along without you very well."---Hoagie Carmichael 'I Get Along Without You Very Well'
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"Well love, if you're the least bit curious his flight landed on time" Nigel says as he steps into Jordan's office.
Jordan doesn't look up and continues filling out her paperwork. "Thanks for the news flash Nig, but I told them to put a note on his coat with his name, his brother's name and the flight number. She looks up and says "I'm sure he made it off the plane just fine." she looks back down at her desk.
Nigel smiles at her profile and leaves the office. At the click of the door Jordan sits back. After a moment she reaches for her cell phone and dials Woody's number... again. A second later she gets the prerecorded 'unable to connect' message. He must have not turned his phone back on.
Looking back at the paperwork she's working on she notices she filled out part of the form wrong. It's been a long day...why didn't she offer to drive him to the airport? She lets out a very unladylike snort. Because he wasn't talking to her at the time....
"Damn" she mutters. Looking at her watch she decides it's late. Tomorrow would be a better day to tackle this project. Walking out in the hall she notices many of the rooms are empty. Jordan walks past Garrett's office noticing he's getting ready to leave.
"Hey Boss, can I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks Jordan. I'm eating with Abby tonight. I haven't seen her in awhile. Raincheck?"
"No problem. Good night Garrett."
"G'night Jordan." he says as he begins to walk down the hallway. He stops and turns around noticing Jordan fidgeting. 'Jordan you alright...?"
"I'm fine" she gives him a lopsided smile. Garrett smiles back and heads to the elevator.
Jordan swings into Trace "Nig, you up for a game of darts?"
Nigel turns in his chair and says "Sorry darling, as wonderful as fleecing you sounds; I have plans tonight."
Jordan shrugs and looks around for Bug. Nigel guesses her aim and says "He left already. Lily talked him in to going to a poetry reading somewhere."
Jordan nods and backs out of Trace. Looking right and left she notices that either everyone has left or is too busy to leave.
"Oh well, it's just me, myself and I tonight."
Once she finds herself in her SUV she decides maybe she's just call it an early night. Home... to a long hot bath and a cold beer. Yes, that would work. As soon as she about to turn on to the cross street to her apartment; she makes a different choice and ends up driving into her old neighborhood. Dad would be at work, but she needed, just for the night, to sleep under his roof...and drink his beer.
Max quietly slips into his darkened house after closing the pub. Jordan's there, her SUV is parked out front. He tiptoes through the kitchen to the archway leading into the living room. There she is sound asleep in his easy chair by the fireplace. Max smiles nostalgically. This was how he found a hundred times while growing up, usually when she wanted to talk to him about something. His smile fades.
Max touches her softy on the shoulder, calling her name.
"Jordan? Wake up darling."
She wakens with a smile and a stretch. "Hey Dad, hope you don't mind I let myself in."
"Not at all" he says turning back towards the kitchen "Sometimes it's nice to have company around here." He flips on light switches as he goes. Eyeing the coffeepot he asks, "Coffee?"
"Yes, that would be great." Jordan says following though behind him to sit at the table.
"Not that I mind sweetheart, but to what do I own this late night visit?" Max says turning on the stove burner.
"Do I need a reason?" the smile Jordan gives him doesn't quite reach her eyes.
Max turns to the table. He gives that long suffering father look she has come to know as impossible to ignore. He was not going let her off the hook.
"I don't know? I just wanted to see you and sleep in my old bed, just for one night."
Max takes her hands, not quite understanding what is on her mind, but he kind of likes the idea of having her under his roof if only for a few hours. Maybe by morning she would tell him what really is going on.
Not in the mood for twenty questions Max sits down.
"OK, that case you pour the coffee. We can put our heads together and try to figure out what happened to the Bruins this season. I swear they need our help." Max says leaning back in to his chair. 'Oh, and don't forget the ham sandwiches."
"What sandwiches?" Jordan looks to the refrigerator as she pours the coffee.
"The one's your making. While you're under my roof you need to earn your keep girl." Max says with a laugh.
As the early morning hours pass they talk about the various patrons of the pub and funny things that have happened since they last time they just sat and talked. Both Jordan and he felt light hearted even for just that short time. But Max knows there's something under the surface with Jordan and she wasn't willing to go in to tonight. Accepting defeat he stands and stretches.
"I think I'll call it a night sweetheart. Make sure you turn out the lights before you come upstairs." He kisses the top of her head and leaves.
Jordan takes the dirty dishes over to the sink and rinses them off. She thinks to herself 'this was a good idea'. With a flick of the dish towel she turns off the light and walks up to her old bedroom. After a quick call to check her answering machine, Jordan falls into bed. She wonders if Woody is sleeping in his childhood bed.
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Morning was shining brightly when Max awakes to the smells of bacon and eggs. It was good to have Jordan here. He steps into the kitchen and stops with a chuckle. Jordan is standing at the kitchen counter humming to music coming out of the speakers on an old walkman. With one hand she is frying eggs and the other was fumbling with a plate of bacon. Her white tank top and plaid boxers were left-over from another over night visit long ago.
She must have sensed that he stood behind her because she took off the earphones and turned "Morning Dad."
"Good Morning Jordan, I could get use to this service."
As she sets the food on the table she says "Don't get to use to it...you're doing dishes."
The meal breezes by as a lively debate of newspaper headlines and how the Sox' looked this year; when there was a knock at the door.
Max stands to answer it. Jordan could help but notice the stranger. Blonde hair, brown eyes... a nice change from dark hair and blue eyes. This day was looking better and better.
"Good Morning Max sorry if I caught you at a bad time."
No, not at all; Gary, let me introduce you to my daughter Jordan. Jordan this is Gary Shaw, he just moved it the building next door."
Gary flashes Jordan a perfect smile. "Pleasure to meet you Jordan, I think you are the one I need to see. Your vehicle has me boxed in and I'm needed to get to work."
"Gary owns a luncheonette downtown," Max fills in.
With a smile Jordan stands and tells that she'd only be a second and she'd meet him out on the curb. She can feel Gary watching her the whole way out of the room. Yes, this morning was looking very good indeed!
With in minutes a fully dressed Jordan is letting herself into the locked SUV.
"Sorry I interrupted your breakfast in there." Gary says as he helps her close the truck's door.
Jordan rolls down the window and smiles out at him. Is that blonde hair real? "It's nothing really. I need to get to work as it is."
"Let me make it up to you by buying you lunch." Gary says leaning against the truck, not looking at all in a hurry.
"Ok, that sounds great." Jordan says and after getting the address for Gary's diner she drives away with a wave. It's not like it's a date or anything.
The morning proved to be a long line of paperwork and phone calls. Two weeks was only fourteen days, right? Well, really... it's thirteen now. With no incoming calls from the Midwest she was more than ready for lunch when the noon hour rolled around.
Sticking her head into Garrett's office, Jordan says "Hey, I'm off to lunch see you later. Garrett waves her off not even looking up from his desk.
Lily is standing in the hallway as she starts toward to elevator. "You look like your feeling better today Jordan. Off to lunch? Can I join you?"
"Ah, Lily I'd love to have lunch with you, but I'm meeting someone; how about tomorrow?"
"Sure" Lily waves as the elevator doors close on Jordan's smiling face.
Nigel steps out of his office to stand next to Lily "So, she has a lunch date. With whom I wonder."
Bug walks by his head in a file. "If it gets her out of this funk she's in I don't care."
Nigel and Lily watch as he turns the corner. "And that from Mr. Sunshine himself." Lily playfully swats him on the shoulder with her clipboard.
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Jordan walks in to the tiny but, bustling diner. The place looked like a cross between her Grandmother's sitting room and the Starlight Diner The bohemian mix match of chrome legged dinettes and the tapestry covered formal sofas was eye catching. The brick walls were covered with heavily framed prints of French impressions with an occasional vintage concert poster. There was even velvet Elvis hanging by the restroom doors. Jordan takes a seat at the counter as she catches Gary's eye. Wiping his hands he comes over to say hi.
"Quite a place you have here. I like it." Jordan says with a smile.
"Wait until you try the food." Gary says in a conspiring whisper.
Jordan looks for a menu and Gary points to the chalkboard hanging over the grills.
"A choice of Turkey clubs and.... Turkey clubs with Veggie soup," Jordan laughs.
"On wheat, rye, white, or pumpernickel, the selection quite good is good today." Gary says not at all insulted.
"By the looks of this crowd, they're the bet Turkey clubs in town. Make it rye."
Gary jots down her order and with a glance at the door, goes to wait on the next customer.
While she waited Jordan looked around at the little hole in the wall greasy spoon. If Gary had not told her right where this place was she would have missed it totally. A place like this got it's clientele by word of mouth. The food must be great because the place was full. Brooks Brothers suits were sitting amongst college t-shirts, as eclectic as the decor.
Gary set her sandwich down if front of her with a slight bow. Leaning his elbows on the counter he waits for her first bite.
Feeling as if she were on display Jordan takes a bite. She all but groaned at the melody of flavors.
Gary straightens up and comments; "Another satisfied customer." He flashes another of those killer smiles and looks up to greet another customer.
Jordan sits back and says "This is unbelievable. You need to take this on the road."
"Ah, I'm happy with this little place. Call me the classic underachiever." He turns to take yet another order. She watches him as he prepares more plates. Jordan couldn't believe how good a simple sandwich could be. She wonders if Woody would like....
"Well beautiful, would you like dessert?" Gary says as he appears in front of her pointing to a display of cookies, with his teeth that are so perfect, they should be outlawed.
"Oh no, thanks anyway.... How long has this place been open? I never noticed it before." Jordan inquires as she finishes the last bit of her sandwich.
"Ah, a little over a year...I bought it from the guy who ran the place for forty years. I was a chef at another little restaurant before this." Gary says wiping down the counter.
"There must be a story there."
"Someday I'll have to tell you the whole story." he laughs
Standing Jordan looks at her watch it was late. "I need to get back to work. How much do I own you?" she says grabbing her purse.
Gary pulls out the guest check and waves it the air. "I told you it's my treat." he sits the bill on the counter. "Have dinner with me tomorrow Jordan."
Why not...? "Sure" Jordan picks up the check and writes her phone numbers on the back. "Call me." She says over her shoulder as she walks out the door. Once outside she looks back at the door. Was it too late to go back in a cancel? It's just dinner... that's it. In fact it's dinner with a chef. He probably knew the best out of the way places in town. Walking back to where she parked, she reaches for her phone again and presses the redial...Busy. He could at least call and brag about how the duck or quail, whatever the hell they are; just throw themselves in front of his rifle. But it's busy that's a good sign. At least it's on.
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When Gary called the next day she told him to meet her at Porgue. Looking down at her simple sheath dress, Jordan hoped it was appropriate. Gary said he was taking her to a friend's restaurant out of Cambridge. As she sipped a draft she wondered if Kewaunee had an Irish pub. Probably not, a town like that probably had a roadhouse with sawdust on the floor and quarter drafts. Which at this point didn't sound like a bad idea. She fumbles in her purse for her phone, one last check for messages; nothing.
As she put her phone away Max walks up. "I hope that wasn't work calling."
She turns smiling "No, just was checking my machine."
"So where are you off to tonight?" Max asks
"Just out to dinner... with Gary." Jordan says looking into her beer to avoid looking at her father.
"Jordan, it's not like Gary's not a nice guy, but he's hardly your type."
"Well, it's not like my phone is ringing off the hook." She looks at the phone in her hands and puts it away in her bag. "It's just dinner and drinks."
"Speaking of drinks I haven't seen Woody around in a few days. Has he been busy?"
"Actually, he...ah...left for a few days." Jordan says looking at the door.
"Left...? Is everything alright?"
"Well...he...went home to visit family." Jordan says twisting her hands.
Max grabs those hands and says "And why do I have the feeling you are the root to the reason he decided to visit his family."
"Ok, he got hurt....and was put on the D.L...... How was I to know that we'd need some kind of backup?"
Max shakes his head "Jordan, one of these days some one is going to end up seriously injured or even dead. So what exactly happened?"
She tells him the whole story but leaves out the part about him yelling at her. As she finishes Gary walks in the door.
"Your date's here." Max points out.
"It's not a date Dad, it's just dinner."
"Hello Jordan, Max" Gary says as he steps up the bar. Max murmurs a greeting and walks away.
Gary takes her hand and helps her off the barstool and turns her around, "Jordan you look beautiful tonight. I hope you like dancing..." Gary puts a few bills on the bar and begins to escort Jordan toward the door. With a wave to Max he says, "I hope you don't mind leaving so quickly but our reservations are for eight and we have a bit of a drive."
"Not at all." Jordan says as they step out to his double parked car. An evening of dancing was just what she needed. Besides Woody was must likely dancing with some blonde piece of jailbait anyway....what time is it in Wisconsin...? She thinks as she looks at her watch. One maybe two hours difference. Maybe she can call later.
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The place Gary had picked out for them is posh to say the least. She had to admit that. 'Michelle's' is a trendy place that is in the movers and shakers section of the newspaper all the time. This is the kind of place you go to see and be seen. With a deep sigh she thinks 'there's something to be said for a beer and a game of pool at Dad's.' Painting on a smile Jordan decides to make the best of the situation. At the very least she'd have bragging rights at the office in the morning. Gary walks through the dining room to their table like he owned the place. Their table is choice. As the waiters hand them the menus a smoky voice sounds behind her.
"Gary, since when do you eat in the dining room?"
Gary flashes his way too perfect smile and stands to hug the woman behind Jordan. "Mick, if I go anywhere near the back you'll find a way to put an apron on me."
Jordan turns to look at a tall, stunning woman with elegantly styled platinum hair on top of some designer gown. Jordan looked down at her sales rack special feeling very underdressed.
"Jordan, may I introduce Michelle, my old boss."
"Darling you say old one more time and I'll conveniently forget this month's dividend check." Michelle turns to Jordan with her hand extended. "Jordan, what a lovely name. Don't let this man fool you my dear, he owns forty-nine percent of this joint, and yet he slings hash in a hole in the wall."
"Mick, it's not time to parade all the family skeletons....Are you playing tonight?"
Michelle laughs at the sag way. "Of course, the boys will be ready in about an hour. Are you staying?"
"Of course...Jordan you will not believe the quartet Mick has...I hope you like jazz."
All eyes were on Jordan and she says "Of course." A long neck and jeans are looking better all the time.
Dinner proved to be actually...wonderful. The food was perfect, the wine fantastic, and the conversation engaging. Gary is witty and sensitive. Every subject they talked about was stimulating..... Jordan wonders if Woody and his brother are camping out.
After dinner they move into a fairly large lounge that contained a stage and dance floor. They're led to a table right up front. As the quartet began to play Jordan was swept away by the music. Yes, she definitely would have bragging rights tomorrow at work. After two half hours on this date with Gary she had to admit she was having a good time..... There's three hundred and thirty six hours in two weeks.
"Would you can to dance?" Gary says standing holding out his hand.
"I love too." Jordan replies as she stands. They walk to the middle of the dance floor. Gary takes her in his arms and they begin to move. He is as good at dancing as he is at conversation. The band is playing a soft sentimental standard; nothing that her father would have on his jukebox. Gary may have all the moves but his shoulder was not in the right spot and his aftershave was too...spicy. Without warning she.... yawns.
He pulls away from her slightly and says "I hope I'm not boring you?"
Jordan smiles and stops dancing. "Not at all, it's just I didn't get much sleep last night and...." She steps away from him. "Gary, I'm sorry, it's late and I have to work in the morning. Would you mind?"
Gary smiles, it's only ten o'clock, "Your right, I have a busy day tomorrow also. Just let me say goodnight to Mick and we'll leave."
Within ten minutes they're standing out front of 'Michelle's' waiting for the valet to bring the car around.
"That place is wonderful Gary, I really had a great time." Jordan tries to make small talk. She is saved from more as Gary's car pulls up. After they pull away from the curb Gary looks over at Jordan's profile as she looks out at the passing scenery. "You must love him very much. Does he even know, I wonder?"
Jordan turns to him with a questioning look. "What are you talking about?"
As they stop at a red-light Gary turns his full attention to her. "Whoever it is you've been thinking about all night."
Jordan opens her mouth as if to say something and shuts it again. "No, Gary there is no one."
"Then that's my gain..." he takes her hand and kisses it softly. The light changes and they finish the drive back to the pub.
Once there they says goodnight in the parking lot. Gary helps her in to her vehicle and stands back and waves. Jordan is half the way home when she realizes he didn't make a move to kiss her again. Would she have kissed him? She looks at the clock on her dash and realizes it's only ten thirty. She grabs for her cell phone one more and stops herself. Maybe later, it's only been a few days....
To be Continued...
This take place during "Sunset"---- Woody is gone.
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"I get along without you very well," "Of course I do," "Except when soft rains fall" "And drip from leaves, then I recall" "The thrill of being sheltered in your arms." "Of course I do," "But I get along without you very well."---Hoagie Carmichael 'I Get Along Without You Very Well'
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"Well love, if you're the least bit curious his flight landed on time" Nigel says as he steps into Jordan's office.
Jordan doesn't look up and continues filling out her paperwork. "Thanks for the news flash Nig, but I told them to put a note on his coat with his name, his brother's name and the flight number. She looks up and says "I'm sure he made it off the plane just fine." she looks back down at her desk.
Nigel smiles at her profile and leaves the office. At the click of the door Jordan sits back. After a moment she reaches for her cell phone and dials Woody's number... again. A second later she gets the prerecorded 'unable to connect' message. He must have not turned his phone back on.
Looking back at the paperwork she's working on she notices she filled out part of the form wrong. It's been a long day...why didn't she offer to drive him to the airport? She lets out a very unladylike snort. Because he wasn't talking to her at the time....
"Damn" she mutters. Looking at her watch she decides it's late. Tomorrow would be a better day to tackle this project. Walking out in the hall she notices many of the rooms are empty. Jordan walks past Garrett's office noticing he's getting ready to leave.
"Hey Boss, can I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks Jordan. I'm eating with Abby tonight. I haven't seen her in awhile. Raincheck?"
"No problem. Good night Garrett."
"G'night Jordan." he says as he begins to walk down the hallway. He stops and turns around noticing Jordan fidgeting. 'Jordan you alright...?"
"I'm fine" she gives him a lopsided smile. Garrett smiles back and heads to the elevator.
Jordan swings into Trace "Nig, you up for a game of darts?"
Nigel turns in his chair and says "Sorry darling, as wonderful as fleecing you sounds; I have plans tonight."
Jordan shrugs and looks around for Bug. Nigel guesses her aim and says "He left already. Lily talked him in to going to a poetry reading somewhere."
Jordan nods and backs out of Trace. Looking right and left she notices that either everyone has left or is too busy to leave.
"Oh well, it's just me, myself and I tonight."
Once she finds herself in her SUV she decides maybe she's just call it an early night. Home... to a long hot bath and a cold beer. Yes, that would work. As soon as she about to turn on to the cross street to her apartment; she makes a different choice and ends up driving into her old neighborhood. Dad would be at work, but she needed, just for the night, to sleep under his roof...and drink his beer.
Max quietly slips into his darkened house after closing the pub. Jordan's there, her SUV is parked out front. He tiptoes through the kitchen to the archway leading into the living room. There she is sound asleep in his easy chair by the fireplace. Max smiles nostalgically. This was how he found a hundred times while growing up, usually when she wanted to talk to him about something. His smile fades.
Max touches her softy on the shoulder, calling her name.
"Jordan? Wake up darling."
She wakens with a smile and a stretch. "Hey Dad, hope you don't mind I let myself in."
"Not at all" he says turning back towards the kitchen "Sometimes it's nice to have company around here." He flips on light switches as he goes. Eyeing the coffeepot he asks, "Coffee?"
"Yes, that would be great." Jordan says following though behind him to sit at the table.
"Not that I mind sweetheart, but to what do I own this late night visit?" Max says turning on the stove burner.
"Do I need a reason?" the smile Jordan gives him doesn't quite reach her eyes.
Max turns to the table. He gives that long suffering father look she has come to know as impossible to ignore. He was not going let her off the hook.
"I don't know? I just wanted to see you and sleep in my old bed, just for one night."
Max takes her hands, not quite understanding what is on her mind, but he kind of likes the idea of having her under his roof if only for a few hours. Maybe by morning she would tell him what really is going on.
Not in the mood for twenty questions Max sits down.
"OK, that case you pour the coffee. We can put our heads together and try to figure out what happened to the Bruins this season. I swear they need our help." Max says leaning back in to his chair. 'Oh, and don't forget the ham sandwiches."
"What sandwiches?" Jordan looks to the refrigerator as she pours the coffee.
"The one's your making. While you're under my roof you need to earn your keep girl." Max says with a laugh.
As the early morning hours pass they talk about the various patrons of the pub and funny things that have happened since they last time they just sat and talked. Both Jordan and he felt light hearted even for just that short time. But Max knows there's something under the surface with Jordan and she wasn't willing to go in to tonight. Accepting defeat he stands and stretches.
"I think I'll call it a night sweetheart. Make sure you turn out the lights before you come upstairs." He kisses the top of her head and leaves.
Jordan takes the dirty dishes over to the sink and rinses them off. She thinks to herself 'this was a good idea'. With a flick of the dish towel she turns off the light and walks up to her old bedroom. After a quick call to check her answering machine, Jordan falls into bed. She wonders if Woody is sleeping in his childhood bed.
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Morning was shining brightly when Max awakes to the smells of bacon and eggs. It was good to have Jordan here. He steps into the kitchen and stops with a chuckle. Jordan is standing at the kitchen counter humming to music coming out of the speakers on an old walkman. With one hand she is frying eggs and the other was fumbling with a plate of bacon. Her white tank top and plaid boxers were left-over from another over night visit long ago.
She must have sensed that he stood behind her because she took off the earphones and turned "Morning Dad."
"Good Morning Jordan, I could get use to this service."
As she sets the food on the table she says "Don't get to use to it...you're doing dishes."
The meal breezes by as a lively debate of newspaper headlines and how the Sox' looked this year; when there was a knock at the door.
Max stands to answer it. Jordan could help but notice the stranger. Blonde hair, brown eyes... a nice change from dark hair and blue eyes. This day was looking better and better.
"Good Morning Max sorry if I caught you at a bad time."
No, not at all; Gary, let me introduce you to my daughter Jordan. Jordan this is Gary Shaw, he just moved it the building next door."
Gary flashes Jordan a perfect smile. "Pleasure to meet you Jordan, I think you are the one I need to see. Your vehicle has me boxed in and I'm needed to get to work."
"Gary owns a luncheonette downtown," Max fills in.
With a smile Jordan stands and tells that she'd only be a second and she'd meet him out on the curb. She can feel Gary watching her the whole way out of the room. Yes, this morning was looking very good indeed!
With in minutes a fully dressed Jordan is letting herself into the locked SUV.
"Sorry I interrupted your breakfast in there." Gary says as he helps her close the truck's door.
Jordan rolls down the window and smiles out at him. Is that blonde hair real? "It's nothing really. I need to get to work as it is."
"Let me make it up to you by buying you lunch." Gary says leaning against the truck, not looking at all in a hurry.
"Ok, that sounds great." Jordan says and after getting the address for Gary's diner she drives away with a wave. It's not like it's a date or anything.
The morning proved to be a long line of paperwork and phone calls. Two weeks was only fourteen days, right? Well, really... it's thirteen now. With no incoming calls from the Midwest she was more than ready for lunch when the noon hour rolled around.
Sticking her head into Garrett's office, Jordan says "Hey, I'm off to lunch see you later. Garrett waves her off not even looking up from his desk.
Lily is standing in the hallway as she starts toward to elevator. "You look like your feeling better today Jordan. Off to lunch? Can I join you?"
"Ah, Lily I'd love to have lunch with you, but I'm meeting someone; how about tomorrow?"
"Sure" Lily waves as the elevator doors close on Jordan's smiling face.
Nigel steps out of his office to stand next to Lily "So, she has a lunch date. With whom I wonder."
Bug walks by his head in a file. "If it gets her out of this funk she's in I don't care."
Nigel and Lily watch as he turns the corner. "And that from Mr. Sunshine himself." Lily playfully swats him on the shoulder with her clipboard.
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Jordan walks in to the tiny but, bustling diner. The place looked like a cross between her Grandmother's sitting room and the Starlight Diner The bohemian mix match of chrome legged dinettes and the tapestry covered formal sofas was eye catching. The brick walls were covered with heavily framed prints of French impressions with an occasional vintage concert poster. There was even velvet Elvis hanging by the restroom doors. Jordan takes a seat at the counter as she catches Gary's eye. Wiping his hands he comes over to say hi.
"Quite a place you have here. I like it." Jordan says with a smile.
"Wait until you try the food." Gary says in a conspiring whisper.
Jordan looks for a menu and Gary points to the chalkboard hanging over the grills.
"A choice of Turkey clubs and.... Turkey clubs with Veggie soup," Jordan laughs.
"On wheat, rye, white, or pumpernickel, the selection quite good is good today." Gary says not at all insulted.
"By the looks of this crowd, they're the bet Turkey clubs in town. Make it rye."
Gary jots down her order and with a glance at the door, goes to wait on the next customer.
While she waited Jordan looked around at the little hole in the wall greasy spoon. If Gary had not told her right where this place was she would have missed it totally. A place like this got it's clientele by word of mouth. The food must be great because the place was full. Brooks Brothers suits were sitting amongst college t-shirts, as eclectic as the decor.
Gary set her sandwich down if front of her with a slight bow. Leaning his elbows on the counter he waits for her first bite.
Feeling as if she were on display Jordan takes a bite. She all but groaned at the melody of flavors.
Gary straightens up and comments; "Another satisfied customer." He flashes another of those killer smiles and looks up to greet another customer.
Jordan sits back and says "This is unbelievable. You need to take this on the road."
"Ah, I'm happy with this little place. Call me the classic underachiever." He turns to take yet another order. She watches him as he prepares more plates. Jordan couldn't believe how good a simple sandwich could be. She wonders if Woody would like....
"Well beautiful, would you like dessert?" Gary says as he appears in front of her pointing to a display of cookies, with his teeth that are so perfect, they should be outlawed.
"Oh no, thanks anyway.... How long has this place been open? I never noticed it before." Jordan inquires as she finishes the last bit of her sandwich.
"Ah, a little over a year...I bought it from the guy who ran the place for forty years. I was a chef at another little restaurant before this." Gary says wiping down the counter.
"There must be a story there."
"Someday I'll have to tell you the whole story." he laughs
Standing Jordan looks at her watch it was late. "I need to get back to work. How much do I own you?" she says grabbing her purse.
Gary pulls out the guest check and waves it the air. "I told you it's my treat." he sits the bill on the counter. "Have dinner with me tomorrow Jordan."
Why not...? "Sure" Jordan picks up the check and writes her phone numbers on the back. "Call me." She says over her shoulder as she walks out the door. Once outside she looks back at the door. Was it too late to go back in a cancel? It's just dinner... that's it. In fact it's dinner with a chef. He probably knew the best out of the way places in town. Walking back to where she parked, she reaches for her phone again and presses the redial...Busy. He could at least call and brag about how the duck or quail, whatever the hell they are; just throw themselves in front of his rifle. But it's busy that's a good sign. At least it's on.
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When Gary called the next day she told him to meet her at Porgue. Looking down at her simple sheath dress, Jordan hoped it was appropriate. Gary said he was taking her to a friend's restaurant out of Cambridge. As she sipped a draft she wondered if Kewaunee had an Irish pub. Probably not, a town like that probably had a roadhouse with sawdust on the floor and quarter drafts. Which at this point didn't sound like a bad idea. She fumbles in her purse for her phone, one last check for messages; nothing.
As she put her phone away Max walks up. "I hope that wasn't work calling."
She turns smiling "No, just was checking my machine."
"So where are you off to tonight?" Max asks
"Just out to dinner... with Gary." Jordan says looking into her beer to avoid looking at her father.
"Jordan, it's not like Gary's not a nice guy, but he's hardly your type."
"Well, it's not like my phone is ringing off the hook." She looks at the phone in her hands and puts it away in her bag. "It's just dinner and drinks."
"Speaking of drinks I haven't seen Woody around in a few days. Has he been busy?"
"Actually, he...ah...left for a few days." Jordan says looking at the door.
"Left...? Is everything alright?"
"Well...he...went home to visit family." Jordan says twisting her hands.
Max grabs those hands and says "And why do I have the feeling you are the root to the reason he decided to visit his family."
"Ok, he got hurt....and was put on the D.L...... How was I to know that we'd need some kind of backup?"
Max shakes his head "Jordan, one of these days some one is going to end up seriously injured or even dead. So what exactly happened?"
She tells him the whole story but leaves out the part about him yelling at her. As she finishes Gary walks in the door.
"Your date's here." Max points out.
"It's not a date Dad, it's just dinner."
"Hello Jordan, Max" Gary says as he steps up the bar. Max murmurs a greeting and walks away.
Gary takes her hand and helps her off the barstool and turns her around, "Jordan you look beautiful tonight. I hope you like dancing..." Gary puts a few bills on the bar and begins to escort Jordan toward the door. With a wave to Max he says, "I hope you don't mind leaving so quickly but our reservations are for eight and we have a bit of a drive."
"Not at all." Jordan says as they step out to his double parked car. An evening of dancing was just what she needed. Besides Woody was must likely dancing with some blonde piece of jailbait anyway....what time is it in Wisconsin...? She thinks as she looks at her watch. One maybe two hours difference. Maybe she can call later.
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The place Gary had picked out for them is posh to say the least. She had to admit that. 'Michelle's' is a trendy place that is in the movers and shakers section of the newspaper all the time. This is the kind of place you go to see and be seen. With a deep sigh she thinks 'there's something to be said for a beer and a game of pool at Dad's.' Painting on a smile Jordan decides to make the best of the situation. At the very least she'd have bragging rights at the office in the morning. Gary walks through the dining room to their table like he owned the place. Their table is choice. As the waiters hand them the menus a smoky voice sounds behind her.
"Gary, since when do you eat in the dining room?"
Gary flashes his way too perfect smile and stands to hug the woman behind Jordan. "Mick, if I go anywhere near the back you'll find a way to put an apron on me."
Jordan turns to look at a tall, stunning woman with elegantly styled platinum hair on top of some designer gown. Jordan looked down at her sales rack special feeling very underdressed.
"Jordan, may I introduce Michelle, my old boss."
"Darling you say old one more time and I'll conveniently forget this month's dividend check." Michelle turns to Jordan with her hand extended. "Jordan, what a lovely name. Don't let this man fool you my dear, he owns forty-nine percent of this joint, and yet he slings hash in a hole in the wall."
"Mick, it's not time to parade all the family skeletons....Are you playing tonight?"
Michelle laughs at the sag way. "Of course, the boys will be ready in about an hour. Are you staying?"
"Of course...Jordan you will not believe the quartet Mick has...I hope you like jazz."
All eyes were on Jordan and she says "Of course." A long neck and jeans are looking better all the time.
Dinner proved to be actually...wonderful. The food was perfect, the wine fantastic, and the conversation engaging. Gary is witty and sensitive. Every subject they talked about was stimulating..... Jordan wonders if Woody and his brother are camping out.
After dinner they move into a fairly large lounge that contained a stage and dance floor. They're led to a table right up front. As the quartet began to play Jordan was swept away by the music. Yes, she definitely would have bragging rights tomorrow at work. After two half hours on this date with Gary she had to admit she was having a good time..... There's three hundred and thirty six hours in two weeks.
"Would you can to dance?" Gary says standing holding out his hand.
"I love too." Jordan replies as she stands. They walk to the middle of the dance floor. Gary takes her in his arms and they begin to move. He is as good at dancing as he is at conversation. The band is playing a soft sentimental standard; nothing that her father would have on his jukebox. Gary may have all the moves but his shoulder was not in the right spot and his aftershave was too...spicy. Without warning she.... yawns.
He pulls away from her slightly and says "I hope I'm not boring you?"
Jordan smiles and stops dancing. "Not at all, it's just I didn't get much sleep last night and...." She steps away from him. "Gary, I'm sorry, it's late and I have to work in the morning. Would you mind?"
Gary smiles, it's only ten o'clock, "Your right, I have a busy day tomorrow also. Just let me say goodnight to Mick and we'll leave."
Within ten minutes they're standing out front of 'Michelle's' waiting for the valet to bring the car around.
"That place is wonderful Gary, I really had a great time." Jordan tries to make small talk. She is saved from more as Gary's car pulls up. After they pull away from the curb Gary looks over at Jordan's profile as she looks out at the passing scenery. "You must love him very much. Does he even know, I wonder?"
Jordan turns to him with a questioning look. "What are you talking about?"
As they stop at a red-light Gary turns his full attention to her. "Whoever it is you've been thinking about all night."
Jordan opens her mouth as if to say something and shuts it again. "No, Gary there is no one."
"Then that's my gain..." he takes her hand and kisses it softly. The light changes and they finish the drive back to the pub.
Once there they says goodnight in the parking lot. Gary helps her in to her vehicle and stands back and waves. Jordan is half the way home when she realizes he didn't make a move to kiss her again. Would she have kissed him? She looks at the clock on her dash and realizes it's only ten thirty. She grabs for her cell phone one more and stops herself. Maybe later, it's only been a few days....
To be Continued...