Well this looks like it. Hope Valley apartments, Elizabeth parked her UHAL the best she could she had never driven anything so big. She was used to her white BMW coupe. Oh how she missed it. Driving the UHAUL made her feel like she was driving a bus. As she got out the UHAL she scanned the area for the office. She was told the office would be open and that Rosemary would be working. Lilly this is a new start for us Elizabeth said as she gathered the leash. Lilly her chocolate lab barked, as if she understood completely. That a girl, she whistled and put Lily on the leash for her walk. As she walked along the parking lot she spotted the office.
Oh there it is girl, the office sat off to the side of the buildings. In the center sat a beautiful court yard. Elizabeth walked into the office and was greeted by the office clerk Rosemary. Hi my name is Elizabeth Th. Yes, Thatcher I remember Rosemary said glancing up with a slight smirk. I never forget a name or face. I am Rosemary we spoke on the phone. Oh yes, Elizabeth said. She was in awe of the awards and trophy's. It was as if she had set foot in a small time capsule of Rosemary's life. Awards and pictures lined the wall. Please have a seat Rosemary mentioned. Lilly sat as well. Rosemary started gathering paperwork and looking for a pen. As Elizabeth read over the documents Rosemary got the keys together. Welcome to Hope Valley Apartments Ms. Thatcher. Thank you. Elizabeth and Lily took the keys and skipped down the path.
Good girl we are in apartment 143. Once they found the apartment Elizabeth anxiously got the key to put into the door. The apartment was spacious, wood floors and all the fixtures in the kitchen. Lilly went straight to the window as if to claim her spot. I see that's where you want your bed to go, Elizabeth acknowledged. As she explored the rest of the apartment she became overwhelmed with joy. A new apartment, a new job and a new town. This was a lot of change for this city girl. Moving wasn't easy. She had to give up a lot. She moved away from her comfort zone, friends, family, everything. Yet it was a season for change.
I need to start unpacking I guess. Only thing in the U HAUL was small boxes of dishes, clothes and linens. The future and heavy items would be in later that afternoon. As she carried the last box, a cop in uniform exited the apartment next to her. He was taller, with a short brown hair and those arms. She quickly got herself together and kept walking. He walked by her and gave a slight smile and nod. Which put her back into the trance she had just gotten out of.
Later that night
Elizabeth was eager to put everything together that day. She emptied the boxes first thing then the movers came by with the rest. By 8pm Lilly started walking toward the door. Ok girl one more minute. Elizabeth got the leash and her shoes and keys and they made it on their way out of the apartment. As they were making inside she noticed a police truck pull in the space. Lilly that's him again. The cute cop next door. As she gathered Lilly's droppings she tried to make it look like she didn't see him.
-In the truck-
As Jack gathered his phone and wallet he glanced outside and saw his new neighbor. She was pretty, young, long brown hair, and eyes the color of the ocean. He had one glance this morning when he was leaving the apartment and he couldn't seem to get those eyes out his head. He didn't even know her name. Those eyes seemed to look into his soul. He hadn't been in a relationship in almost a year. At the station the guys tried to hook up with girls. Yet he wanted something more than just a one night stand and some eggs in the morning. As he got out the car he heard her talking. The inner cop in him scanned the area and noticed she wasn't on the phone and Bluetooth head pieces were no longer a trend. Oh shit she is nuts he thought. Then he saw Lilly come from behind the trash can. Deep breath Jack.
The meeting.
As Jack approached closer he was happy to be proven wrong. She must have been talking to her dog. Thank you Lord! He had a tissue in his pocket so he walked over her way to throw the trash away and strike a conversation. They made eye contact for a quick second and boom she was gone. Lilly took off running and she was right behind her. Jack threw away the tissue and made it on his way inside his apartment.
Inside he took a shower, changed into some sweats and grabbed a cold beer out the fridge. He sat down on the couch and flipped the channels on the TV while looking at his phone. All his buddies seemed be out and about at clubs or with the wives or girlfriends. His phone rang and It was his brother Tom.
Hi bro long time what county jail are you at? What can I call my brother without him thinking I am in Jail. No you can't, how much money do you need. None. I am in love and I need you to be my best man because I am getting married this weekend. What Jack was stunned. Tom I know I haven't talked to you in a few months with you being overseas working but who are you marrying. You are too young. You can't get married. Oh brother shut the hell up. I am only two years younger than you. I have fallen in love with my Director Julie Thatcher. She is beautiful man! I am so lucky. She must be blind or a fool to be with you. Why the rush to get married. You only have been away for two months, why don't you get to know each other. Look I have to go said Tom, click. Jack sat there stunned. He was so pissed he had raised Tom and himself due to his father passing away when he was young. His mom worked two jobs to make ends meet and to make up for the absent of their father. Jack cut off the tv and turned on his radio. His volume was turned all the way up and he pulled out his workout equipment.
In Elizabeth apartment
While in the shower Elizabeth could hear her neighbors music it was so loud she couldn't tell which direction it was coming from. She hurried through her night time routine. So she could investigate. Even though it was the weekend it was getting late. They weren't In dorms anymore they were in apartments. She quickly threw on a hoodie and some shorts and went next door. She just forgot to wash off her mask.
Bang bang bang
Jack turned the music down and rushed to the door. As he opened it he was taken back by the girl next door. Even with a mask on her face she was gorgeous and she smelled great. Elizabeth was in awe at the god who stood before. It appeared that gods had built his body. It was chiseled and muscular in all the right places. Sweat glistening off his abs and dripping off his face. Can I help you jack asked
Oh I m Elizabeth I live next door and your music is too loud. Jack smiled hi I'm Jack I'm sorry about that Elizabeth. I just figured since it was the weekend the floor would be empty. So no one would mind. Well I'm sorry to complain but I can hear it in my apartment. Jack smiled I will cut it off sorry about that. Is there anything else I could help you with Elizabeth? Oh Elizabeth was taken out of trance again no that's all. Well have a good night, as jack closed the door he caught a peak of her walking towards her door.
Elizabeth
Omg really E why were you eyeing him like that! As she placed her hand on her face she realized that her mask was on omg you went over to his house like this! The mask might have been blue, underneath her face was bright red. As she went to bed she thought to herself how cute Jack was. It was good to put a face to the name.
Jack
Even with a mask on her face those are eyes seemed to see into his soul. He felt like she had awaken something in him.
Back in the apartment
Omg lilly I'm going to curl up and die. I'm so embarrassed. She rushed to the bathroom
to clean her face. She was embarrassed she went over to complain and had left the house looking a mess. Jack on the other hand, his body omg, as soon as her mind wander her phone started to ring. spice girls filled the apartment. Hi Julie!
Her younger sister Julie had been away in business for a few months now. They were super close and had weekly talks. Didn't I just talk to you yesterday Jules. Hi sister can't I call just to hear your voice. What do you want? Elizabeth replied.
I want you to be my maid of honor. Okay that's all. Wait what the hell did you say? Elizabeth was completely thrown off. Julie laughed so hard at the other end. You heard me, I'm marrying the love of my life Tom Thornton and I need you to be home this weekend at 4 pm to be there for the wedding. Julie wait wait please slow weekend is the weekend you come back from South America. You are getting married the same day? Yes we don't want to wait. Julie are you pregnant? Because if you are we can talk about it. No I'm in love! By the way my color is green dark green. Love you sissy bye.
Elizabeth sat on the bed stunned. The next morning she woke up at 4 am by five am she had put the rest of room together, and started placing pictures on the walls.
Jack's apartment
Since talking to Tom, Jack became moody. He laid in bed and just spent time looking at the clock. At five am he just started to drift off, when all of a sudden it sounded like someone had tried to break through the wall in his bed room.
Elizabeth couldn't sleep, like her mother when she was under pressure she cleaned. She cleaned so had her apartment spotless. She was almost done when someone pounded on her door with such force, it sounded like the police. What the hell she thought. As she grabbed her robe, she opened the door slightly. Hi Jack, can I help you?
Jack stood there apparently upset, yet when he saw her he instantly calmed down. Um do you know what time it is? Five am she responded, yes five am on a Sunday morning. I can hear you banging on my bedroom wall. Some of us are trying to sleep. I would appreciate it if you could wait till later to do that. Elizabeth stood there stunned. Early bird gets the worm she said with a smirk and shut the door. She went into her room and continued to hang her mirror. She then put on her gym clothes and headed out for the gym. As she pulled into the parking space she saw Jack talking to Rosemary he looked up when he saw her and continued talking rapidly. Omg is he ratting on me making noise this morning. As she got out the car she slammed the door and decided to walk past them. Hi Elizabeth, Rosemary called. Hi Rosemary she responded. Jack nodded and she rolled her eyes. What is that about Jack, Rosemary hit his arm in a joking away, all your neighbor move out what are you doing to them. I need the place full. I don't know what her issue is. He responded in a uptight voice. Well let me go I told Lee I would be home for lunch today. Are you coming over for the game later Rosemary asked? Yeah I will be over, I have a few errands then I will make an appearance. This isn't another set up is it Rosey? No, but you do need a date for your brother wedding this Saturday. So I might invite a friend or two. Jack grunted and walked to his apartment. As he turned the Corner he ran smack into Elizabeth.
Really like his day couldn't get any worse. I'm sorry she spoke quickly and kept it moving.
While walking Lilly her phone rang. It was Julie, she wanted to apologize for the other night. As they talked Elizabeth decided to just listen. Please go get your dress tomorrow after work. Julie pleaded. I need you in town Friday for the dinner and the wedding is Saturday and then Sunday you can leave.
-Friday-
Elizabeth said goodbye to her fourth grade class, ended the day setting up her classroom for the next week. As she got into her car she glanced at her phone. Missed calls from her bride, she called Julie back. Hello about time, sorry Jules I do work you know, Elizabeth responded. Are you on the way yet? Are you driving or flying. I'm flying in. My flight leaves at five. So I need to get off of here and rush home to get my stuff and take lilly to the kennel. Okay text me love you bye. Elizabeth pulled in her parking lot to see a black truck parked in her spot. She parked across the lot. That's weird she thought maybe someone moved in. The space wasn't numbered so she had no real right to get pissed but the spot was right in front of her apartment, plus she had been parking there for the week now. She checked her mail, gathered lilly and her belongs and packed her coupe. As she was pulling out she noticed Jack jump right in the driver's seat of the truck and leave out the back. Her blood boiled. Does he sit and think of ways to piss me off?
Jack-
He pulled up to the hotel where his family was staying for the wedding. Tom met him in the parking lot. He was so happy. Jack had thought long and hard, he had hours to think. He decided to be happy for his little brother. He would stand by and support, and put his thoughts and opinions to himself. He hugged his brother and instantly felt happy. He was so happy to see his brother. He hadn't realized it till now. Don't get all emotional on me man, Tom said as he broke the hug. Aww look at my loves, Charlotte Thornton said as she came down the steps from the hotel. She was so happy to see her boys. Hi momma Jack said and gave her hug. He loved his mom. He had always been very protective of her since his father passed. She always joked that Jack was her prince charming. Let's get you inside son, Charlotte grabbed Jack's bag and took off. Momma no, I can carry my own bag. Charlotte just looked and rolled her eyes. Jack did the same when she turned around. If you do that again your eyes will get stuck. I see you still have eyes on the back of your head Jack called out. He checked in the hotel and changed his clothes to meet the family for dinner. Oh you are going to love Julie and her family,Tom called out. Jack smiled and looked over to his mother. Hi momma he walked over to her and gave her another hug. These people are loaded son, don't get me wrong they are nice but I feel uncomfortable around them. Julie is sweet but kind of an airhead.I shouldn't say that, that's my future daughter in law. Charlotte laughed. She has a sister that is meeting us there tonight. Her father and mother are nice yet cold. Aw momma you're the strongest woman, I know. You don't need to be like by them. She patted jack on the back, I love you son.
Elizabeth-
Elizabeth pulled into her old driveway, she walked up to the door to Julie running into her arms and knocking her over. Just like when they were kids her sister Vola called from the stairs in digest. Mr and Mrs. Thatcher came out for the study smiling at the girls on the floor. Hi mom and dad Elizabeth called out. Hello darling, they called. I need you to change into something nice and meet me back here in five mins. Hubby is coming and he is bringing his family over for dinner. Elizabeth went over to her parents and gave them hugs her dad hugged her tight. I'm glad your home honey. She smiled at him. She gave her mom a light hug and kiss on the cheek. Vola is being a pill today. Just today Elizabeth laughed at her mom. Her sister was nine months pregnant and her husband was overseas for work. She had been staying in her old room so she wasn't alone. One more week till Lionel is back her father mumbled one more week. ELIZABETH Julie yelled from upstairs. Oh her Elizabeth mumbled.
DInner
The Thatcher family walked in the restaurant at the club and sat at their usual table, there were extra chairs added to make room for the future in laws. Julies phone rang.. Hello babe we are inside just come on in. Mr. Thatcher made a face and Elizabeth noticed. Viola complained about everything. Soon the Thorton family appeared. Something about the man in the back was familiar. Then his face appeared, OMG Jack.