The JAG characters are the the property of Bellisarius Productions. I did not create them. I can only take credit for creating Mindy and Maddie.
Gunny sifted through the mail as he walked in the
door. There was an invitation on heavy paper; much like a wedding invitation.
It was address to Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez and Guest. He called out
Melinda's name but got no answer. Frowning, he threw his coat on the chair and
the mail on the table. Just then Melinda breezed in the door.
"Hi there. I'm sorry I'm late but I had a meeting that ran long." She
kissed Victor and asked him, "What's that? It looks like an invitation. Is
someone getting married?"
Laughing, Victor handed her the invitation "Breathe Mindy.
Open it and find out." She took the invitation from him and opened it. She read
aloud:
The honor of your presence is requested at
The Jefferson
1200 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington DC
For a Spring Masquerade Ball
April 26, 2003
8:00 p.m.
Costumes required
Victor groaned as Mindy fairly rubbed her hands together.
She knew exactly what they would wear. "Victor, I have the best idea for
costumes."
He eyed her warily, "It's not going to involve me wearing
tights is it?"
"Hmmm, the idea hadn't crossed my mind but now that you
mention it, you do have great legs." She teased. "No, I had something else in
mind. Since it's my favorite movie, I've always wanted to go to a ball dressed
as Scarlet O'Hara. You would be perfect as Rhett."
Just then the phone rang. Victor picked it up "Galindez"
he said out of habit. He was greeted by laughter on the other end of the phone.
"Victor, do you ever go off duty? This is Maddie. Is
Melinda home?"
He handed her the phone mouthing Madeline. "Hi Maddie. How are you?" Mindy asked.
"Good. Hey, I just got this invitation in the mail for a
masquerade ball at the Jefferson."
Maddie said.
"So did we. Are you going?"
Melinda asked.
"I'd love to but it might take a little convincing to get
Clay to dress up." Maddie thought aloud. "Any ideas on what we should wear?"
Mindy was a little stumped by that one. Maddie was right.
Clay was not going to dress up as anything silly. The idea for Clay came to
her. She asked Maddie, "Doesn't Clay fence?"
Maddie replied, "Yes, and quite well."
Mindy continued, "How about Robin Hood with you as Maid
Marian?"
Maddie considered this. She did love the way Clay looked
wielding a sword. "I think that may work. Will you go with me to pick out costumes
this weekend?"
Mindy answered, "I'd love to."
Maddie asked, "What are you and Victor going to wear?"
She laughed thinking of Victor asking about tights. "We're
going as Scarlett and Rhett. Victor was worried about what I was going to ask
him to wear."
Maddie laughed with her knowing how Clay was going to be
the same way when she told him about the ball. At that moment, Clay walked
through the door carrying dinner and a bottle of wine. Maddie quickly finished
her call and sauntered over to him. "Hi there" she said kissing him and then
she went on, "Aw honey, you cooked."
He raised an eyebrow at her and said dryly, "Yes and I
slaved over the stove all afternoon. I hope you appreciate it."
She laughed throatily and said, "Later on, I'll show you
just how much I appreciate it."
"I'm counting on it," he said grabbing her from behind.
She laughed and led him to the living room where they ate sitting on pillows on
the floor.
The week passed quickly and Maddie picked up Mindy on
Saturday morning to go costume shopping. Mindy invited Maddie in because she
hadn't seen the new apartment. Mindy was bubbling with excitement because she
and Victor had just recently decided to live together. They had only been in
the new place for two weeks. They started in the kitchen, which for an
apartment was pretty spacious. Heading down the hall Mindy showed off the extra
bedroom, which was being used as an office but had a bed for company. The guest
bathroom was across the hall. They finished in the master bedroom, which was the
main reason for the couple renting there. It had a huge walk-in closet and in
the bathroom a sunken tub with a separate shower. Just then Victor returned
from his morning run.
Mindy told him, "We're going to go get the costumes. Are
you going to be home later this afternoon so you can try yours on?"
Victor grimaced but said that he'd be home. Tiner was
coming over and Victor was going to help him study for an exam. Mindy kissed
him goodbye and headed out the door with Maddie. She loved her Sportage but she
did envy Maddie just a little as she stepped into her mint-condition, red, 1965
Mustang convertible. They headed to a costume shop that Mindy read about
on-line. They wandered up and down the aisles of the enormous warehouse looking
for what they had in mind. Something caught Maddie's eye. It was a King Arthur
costume. It changed her mind about what she and Clay would wear. They were
going as Arthur and Lady Guinevere. A few aisles over, Mindy
was looking at a Cleopatra costume and thinking how great Victor would look as
Mark Anthony. She'd have to do some fast-talking to get him into a
tunic. She laughed softly thinking at least it's not tights. She picked out
both costumes and headed to where Maddie was looking for a dress. They found
her a beautiful, dark blue gown. They picked out their accessories and headed
to the register.
Carrying their packages outside Maddie said, "Shopping is
hard work. I'm starved." The girls headed for a quick lunch. During the meal
Mindy asked Maddie what she and Clay were doing for dinner. Maddie was pretty
sure they were free.
"Victor and I got a fondue set last week and I haven't had
a chance to use it yet. Would you and Clay like to come over for dinner
tonight? You would be our first guests."
"Let me call him and find out if he's made any plans"
Maddie replied. She picked up her cell phone and dialed Clay's number.
"Webb" he answered on the fourth ring. "Clay, honey, do we
have plans tonight?"
He knew she was up to something when she asked with honey.
"Not that I know of. Did you have something in mind?"
Maddie continued, "Melinda asked us to dinner tonight at
their place. She's making cheese fondue."
Clay agreed to dinner and asked if Mindy wanted him to
bring a bottle of wine. Thinking that was very thoughtful of him, Mindy told
Maddie that was a great idea. They headed back the apartment to drop off the
costumes. They walked in to find Victor drilling Tiner on tort law. Victor
didn't hear them come in and was startled when Mindy put her arms around him
saying, "At ease Marine." He turned around and pulled her into a kiss that
lasted until Tiner cleared his throat and said, "Uh Gunny, should I leave you
two alone?" Mindy pulled away from him and told him, "No Jason, you can stay.
Maddie and I are on our way to the store to buy dinner provisions. What are you
doing tonight?"
Tiner looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He
hadn't told anyone about his new relationship and since they worked together he
was worried about the admiral finding out. Victor stepped in, "I think he might
have plans with a certain Petty Officer." Tiner nearly fainted. He didn't think
anyone knew. Victor continued, "Relax Tiner. I'm not going to tell anyone.
Besides, the Commander and the Colonel are together and Lts Roberts and Sims
are married."
Mindy asked, "Jason would you and…"
"Jen" Tiner offered weakly.
"Would you and Jen like to join us for dinner? It will be
Victor, myself, Maddie and Clay."
"Clayton Webb" Tiner almost choked.
Maddie laughed, "He's harmless. I promise to sedate him
before we come over."
Mindy said efficiently, "Good, it's settled. Jason, you
call Jen. Victor, you set pillows on the floor around the coffee table and
we'll go to the store."
Instinctively Gunny and Tiner both said, "Aye aye ma'am."
Mindy blew Victor a kiss and headed out the door with
Maddie.
The girls treated their grocery shopping like a
well-planned battle. They split up the list and were done in no time. Maddie
drove back towards the apartment and turned up the radio. It was "Breathless"
by the Corrs. "I love this song," they said at once. They sang together as they
drove down the road. They turned a few heads while they drove but it only made
them laugh harder. Loaded with bags they climbed the stairs to the apartment.
Gunny left a note for Mindy. Went to play basketball with
Tiner. We'll be back in time for dinner. XOXO Victor
Maddie rolled her eyes as Mindy read the note aloud. She
always got that dreamy quality in her voice when she talked about Victor. They
started to melt the Swiss cheese for the fondue and opened a bottle of wine. As
they made dinner they drank wine, gossiped and sang whatever songs came on the
radio. Victor happened to drive up just as Clay did and they walked up the
stairs together. Victor unlocked the door and as they stepped into the entryway
both men stopped and stared. Maddie and Mindy were dancing and singing to their
hearts content around the living room. Victor picked up the remote control and
stopped the music. Maddie turned around and her mouth formed and oh. Mindy
stood behind her and hiccupped. Victor looked at the wine bottle on the table
and asked, "Been drinking, have you Melinda Sue Bauer?" Mindy was very serious
as she said, "A little". Clay stood at the door trying his hardest not to burst
out laughing. Maddie walked over to Victor who was still dressed for basketball
and politely said, "Victor, you might want to go take a shower." At that point,
they all lost it.
Victor took Mindy's hand and said, "Excuse us a for a few minutes." He took Mindy off to the bedroom with
him.
Clay took the opportunity to put his arms around Maddie.
She sighed contentedly. "I missed you today."
He looked down at her, "Really? What did you do today?"
She thought for a minute and said, "Well, we went
shopping, we had lunch and then we came home to make dinner. Oh, and did I
mention we had some wine?"
Clay kissed her and said, "You didn't have to say a word.
Your cheeks gave you away." Maddie looked confused. Clay continued, "Your
cheeks turn a little pink when you've been drinking. I think it's adorable."
Maddie stood on her toes and kissed him, "I love you
Clayton Webb."
He pulled her close and said, "That's good because I love
you Madeline Elizabeth Morgan." Clay and Maddie cuddled on the couch while
Mindy was in the bedroom with Victor. He purposely pulled her into a hug as
soon as soon as he closed the bedroom door. "Victor" Mindy laughed "You're all
sweaty from basketball."
He grinned wickedly as he started unbuttoning her shirt,
"I guess you'll have to change then."
"Victor, Maddie and Clay are right down the hall." She
protested.
"And they're very well occupied at the moment" he replied
pulling off his shirt. He pulled her into the shower before she had a chance to
get away. After a quick shower they both got dressed and went to join their
guests. Maddie looked at Mindy and asked, "How did your hair get all wet?"
She replied innocently, "I got a little too close to the
shower." The doorbell rang and Victor went to open it. It was Tiner and Jen.
"Come on in, Tiner, Coates."
Mindy chided him, "Victor, they're guests in our home.
Can't they have first names while they're here?"
Laughing they all walked into the living room where Maddie
was bringing out the fondue. Clay was behind her with bread, fruit and cheese. After
the first few minutes of awkwardness they settled into companionable
conversation. During dinner Jason told Victor that he'd received an invitation
to a costume ball.
"Oh good" Mindy said, "We're all going."
Jen asked, "What are you all going as?"
Mindy told her that the original plan had changed. "Victor
and I are going as Mark Antony and Cleopatra."
Maddie continued, "And Clay and I are going as King Arthur
and Lady Guinevere." They took Jen back to the bedroom to show her the costumes
and gave her suggestions about costumes for her and Jason. The finally came up
with Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. They returned to the living room where the
guys had cleaned off the table and were moving it to the side.
Mindy asked, "And just where are you taking my coffee
table?"
Victor told them, "We're going to play charades…. men
against women."
Feeling saucy Maddie asked, "Is that an order sir?" The
girls burst out laughing. They played charades for about an hour and the women
beat the men soundly. The guys were actually pouting a little because they
lost. The girls teased them back into a good mood.
Clay looked at his watch. "I hate to break up this party
but I'm a little tired." He then winked so only Maddie could see him.
Jason said, "And I have an exam tomorrow."
They said their goodnights and Mindy and Gunny were left
alone. He turned off the lights and asked, "Now where were we when I pulled you
into the shower?"
Mindy turned and walked toward the bedroom dropping pieces
of clothing as she walked. Victor picked his jaw up off the floor and followed
her. He was in for an amazing night.
April 26th The Jefferson
Bud and Harriet were the first to arrive. They were
dressed as Fred and Wilma Flintsone.
"Harriet, do you know who is throwing this ball?" Bud
asked.
Just then Lt. Commander Tracey Manetti walked up behind
them drawling, "We had balls just like this back home. Daddy was a little sad
that I wasn't home for my birthday this year so he threw me this ball in
Washington. I haven't had one quite this elaborate though since my debutante."
Harriet was admiring Tracey's dress. She was Scarlett
O'Hara in the dress made from the green velvet curtains. For the first time
they were seeing her with her hair down. "Happy birthday
Commander. I had no idea."
"Thank you. And since this is a social gathering, please,
call me Tracey." Smiling at Harriet, Tracey turned when she heard Harm's voice.
"Good evening Harm, Mac. So good of you to come."
Harm dressed as Major Nelson and Mac as Jeannie exchanged
pleasantries with Tracey for a few minutes before drifting off to join the
Admiral and Meredith who had just arrived. As they were walking Mac whispered,
"That woman annoys me tremendously." Harm chuckled in response.
Mac greeted AJ and Meredith. Harm commented on their costumes.
"I like your choice of costumes, Sir" They were dressed as Charles Lindbergh
and Amelia Earheart. Meredith teased Harm; "I've always loved Amelia. Dressing
like this reminds me of when I had my flying lesson. It was positively
exhilarating. Any chance you can take me up again?" Harm tried not to wince as
he replied noncommittally "I'll have to see when I'm available."
Sturgis and Bobbie arrived at the same time as Tiner and
Coates. Tiner was doing his best to stay calm while Jen seemed comfortable. They
were dressed as Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. Mindy and Maddie had been
correct in their advice about costumes. Sturgis and Bobbie were dressed as
Billy Dee Williams and Diana Ross. Bobbie looked stunning in her beaded black
dress.
The last two couples to arrive were Clay with Maddie and
Victor with Mindy. Clay was a regal King Arthur and Maddie was a stunning Lady
Guenevere. Mindy was costumed as Cleopatra complete with a silver asp around
her upper arm. Victor was slightly uncomfortable in his Mark Anthony costume
and became even more so as he noticed Tracey appraising him from across the
room. This appraisal didn't escape Mindy and Maddie's attention either. Mindy
looked at Tracey and said sarcastically to Maddie, "At least she remembered to
take the rod out of the curtains."
Maddie laughed as Clay quietly said, "Retract your claws
ladies."
They descended the stairs en masse and surveyed the
ballroom. Tracey's father walked to a microphone and signaled for everyone to
be given champagne.
He began in a booming voice, "Good evening ladies and
gentlemen. Thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate the birthday of my
daughter Tracey." Mindy nearly choked on her champagne. "It has been several
years since I was able to give Tracey a birthday such as this one. I would like
to use an old southern tradition of dance cards, for at least part of the
evening's festivities. I've taken the liberty of preparing them for you in
advance."
Maddie and Mindy rolled their eyes at each other. Mr.
Manetti continued, "Please join me in toasting my daughter Tracey on this night
of her birthday." They all raised their glasses and Tracey was led by her
father to open the ball with a waltz. Dance cards were quickly distributed and
Mindy was not surprised to see that Tracey was to dance with Victor three times
while she was only written down once. Mindy was laughing on the inside. Tracey
may be dancing with him at the Jefferson but Mindy would be the one dancing
with him at home that night. Mindy looked at her dance card to find that she
was to dance with Tiner first. Sighing she waited for him to come and find her
while Victor went to dance with the birthday girl. Maddie looked at Mindy and
did a dead-on impression of Manetti simpering at Victor. They clinked their champagne glasses in a conspiratory nature.
This was going to be a fun evening. Maddie was to dance with AJ first. Tiner
and AJ approached at the same time and led the ladies to the dance floor. After
a few seconds Mindy told Tiner, "Jason you need to relax."
"I'm trying ma'am but I want everything to be perfect
tonight." Tiner replied.
"First of all, please call me Mindy. I'm not a superior
officer and we are in a social situation. Secondly, everything is perfect. Jen
is positively glowing tonight."
The song came to an end and it was time to change
partners. Maddie danced with Bud while Mindy danced with Sturgis. Harriet was
dancing with Harm and they were laughing at one of Harm's jokes. Mac was
dancing with Tiner. He didn't look any more comfortable dancing with her than
he did with Mindy. Over the next hour or so everyone danced exchanging partners
and having a good time, especially Tracey Manetti. During her second dance with
Victor she tried her best to flirt with him.
"So, Victor, are you having a good time this evening?"
"Yes ma'am. It's a very nice ball your father is
throwing." Gunny replied easily.
"You know, we're not in the office. You can call me
Tracey."
"I wouldn't be comfortable with that ma'am." Gunny told
her.
The song ended much too quickly for Tracey's liking but
she was forced to change partners.
Gunny said, "Please excuse me ma'am. I believe it's time
for me to dance with my girlfriend." Tracey's smile faltered only for a second
and she managed to get out, "Of course. Thank you for the dance Gunny."
Mindy appeared at Victor's side and Manetti tried to keep
her eyes from narrowing. Mindy linked her arm through Gunny's and said sweetly,
"Victor, I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting the birthday girl."
Victor said, "Melinda Sue Bauer, this is Lt. Commander
Tracey Manetti."
Mindy extended her hand as Manetti said, "Melinda Sue.
That name sounds very southern."
Mindy returned, "It is. I'm from Tulsa originally but I
grew up in Atlanta. This ball reminds me very much of my own debutante ball."
"Well, it's nice to meet you Miss Bauer. I hope you enjoy
your evening. Victor, I'll see you for our last dance later" Manetti said in
her breathiest voice.
Gunny looked at Mindy who was grinning. "You handled that
well."
Mindy replied, "Honey, I've dealt with girls like her my
whole life. They tend to be an iron fist in a velvet glove. They don't call
girls from the South steel magnolias for nothing. She amuses me." Mindy slid
her arms around his waist while they were dancing.
Victor leaned down and whispered something in her ear and
she turned her face up to kiss him. Manetti, who was dancing with Clay, fumed.
This was not working out according to her plan at all. She asked Clay, "How
long have Victor and Melinda been together?"
Clay, knowing where she was going with her line of
questioning, said, "They've been together for close to a year. They just moved
in together in fact. I expect to hear an engagement announcement from them very
soon."
Manetti merely replied, "I see." Sensing her defeat,
Manetti decided against a third dance with Victor. The dance cards were nearly
completed and couples were returning to each other. Maddie found Manetti
sitting alone and said, "You look a little sad sitting her alone. It almost looks
like you'll be breaking into It's My Party at any
minute."
Manetti, barbed tongue fully intact, retorted, "You'd like
that wouldn't you? You'd like to see me lose my composure."
Maddie replied quietly, "No, I'd like to see you find
happiness at your own party but with someone who's not already in love with
another woman. Happy Birthday Commander." She walked
away to find Clay.
The ball started winding down and people began to say
their goodbyes. Clay and Maddie along with Victor and Mindy said goodnight to
Manetti. Clay summoned the valet to bring around his Bentley. He'd pulled out
all the stops for the evening. Gunny and Mindy slid into his Expedition. They
agreed to meet for brunch the next morning.
Clayton Webb's Home
Clay opened the door and turned on a light. He pulled
Maddie into his arms and she immediately undid his tunic and messed up his
hair. "I like to see you a little rumpled" she told him.
Taking him by the hand, she led him to the bedroom where
they proceeded to make love into the wee hours of the morning and fall
contentedly asleep in each other's arms.
Mindy and Victor's Apartment
Victor opened the door and locked it behind them. He
pulled Mindy close and held her for a long time. She felt his passion for her
begin to grow. She told him, "I'd really love a hot bath right now. Why don't
you bring a bottle of wine and come join me?" He didn't have to be told twice.
He met her in the bathroom where she'd lit candles and turned on soft jazz. He
found her in the tub wearing nothing but a come-hither smile and the necklace
he'd given her for Christmas. "Nice necklace" he told her as he slid behind her
and handed her a glass of wine. She settled against him and they stayed
snuggled together until the water turned cold and he took her to bed and
brought her to heights of ecstasy she didn't know were possible.
One year later
"Did you ever think we'd be at this point" Maddie
whispered with tears in her eyes. Mindy said sternly, "Don't you dare start
crying. I worked too hard on your makeup." The music began and they started
down the aisle. They arrived at the front and the minister began, "Dearly
beloved, we are gathered here today to join Clayton Webb and Madeline Elizabeth
Morgan in holy matrimony."
Victor, the best man, caught Mindy's eye. He winked and
smiled as the diamond he had given her sparkled in the candlelight. What a
whirlwind year it had been but the best was yet to come.
