Author Note: Eric is growing up and feeling the pains of losing the old but the hopefulness of gaining someting new…..
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Chapter 04 – A Working Kind of Man
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"…and this is the non-fiction area where we encourage customers to browse through here first. There are many romance novels and the Harlequin romances that the younger women like. This table is for our overstock that we mark down before taking the books out of inventory. Do you have any questions?"
Eric looked at the pimply faced 20-something bookworm. This poor man looked exactly like Eric was pre-destined to look had Jackie Burkhart not intervened. Clark Everett suffered from the "bad comb over" syndrome that Jackie cautioned him against. That razor sharp line that cut the side of his head into two parts and the long length of hair that flopped on the other side of his face. Comb over – how appropriate. Man, Clark needed a visit to the salon!
Eric cleared his throat, "No. I think you've covered everything about the inventory. Will I get trained on the cash register or am I strictly working the book wall?"
Clark scratched absently at a blackhead on his chin, "Uh….books first. Amelia is our check out girl and she'll be the one that trains you. I'll take your application to corporate and you can start on Monday."
Silently, Eric cheered. He was going to shake Clark's hand but the fact that it had been on the pimple slightly grossed him out so Eric said, "Thanks Clark, I'm looking forward to working with you on Monday."
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Eric handed his mom his first official paycheck. "This is for you and dad. I know having me live at home has been somewhat of a burden so….I want to help out."
The fork filled with fried potatoes clattered onto Red Forman's dinner plate. His mouth worked but no words came out. Kitty laughed uncomfortably, "Ahahaha….oh honey, you didn't need to do this."
Eric sat down and reached for a biscuit. "No mom, I wanted to. I know Hyde helps out and with Dad retired – well I thought I'd step up and help too. I've got a good job now and I should pay rent and food and …stuff."
Red almost smiled. "Son. That's very big of you. I'm almost going to say I'm proud but…you know…the house is going to miss all those chores that aren't going to do themselves."
Eric grinned. "You're welcome dad. I wanted to go next door and thank Jackie. She really helped me get the job. I just want to let her know."
Kitty nodded. "She did give you a spiffy hair cut and you are showering and dressing so much better."
Red took a long drink of water, "You have come a long way son. I'm glad that you're finally doing something with your life. Just don't come back and eat all my dessert."
Eric grinned and grabbed a jacket to head outside.
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"Steven….it's your decision. It's always been yours. If you think it's too much….tell him." Jackie was shivering and didn't want to have another pointless conversation with Steven. He thrust his hands in his pockets and shrugged.
"I guess I'm asking you because I don't want to worry Red or Mrs. Forman. I know my crazy hours are keeping them up at night." Hyde pushed his shades up higher on the bridge of his nose.
"Well, talk to W.B. Maybe he doesn't know this is stressful to you. I mean you're traveling a lot and maybe he forgets what your job is about." Jackie suggested.
Steven exhaled and the vapor warmed the air. "You're right - I'm glad we're still friends. I never see Kelso any more and Fez….that's just too weird. Hey, I heard you helped Forman get a job."
Jackie tried to brush off the compliment, "He did all the work. I just helped him look a little more…contemporary…you know, that thing you always hated."
Hyde grinned, "That's me. I got one look and I'm happy with it - what do they say…don't mess with perfection?"
Jackie laughed and hugged her arms. "You're still a funny guy. So go to work already, Bob's made something weird for dinner so I'm going to sneak a sandwich." Jackie turned and ran carefully over the icy drive towards the Pinciotti's back door.
Eric passed Hyde by the garage. "Hyde. Hey! Haven't seen you in a while." Hyde nodded, "Forman. Congrats on the job. Let's get together some night and grab a beer."
Eric was slightly shocked that Hyde even suggested hanging out together! "Yeah…that sounds like a plan. Leave a note on the fridge and we'll work something out."
Hyde nodded and ducked down the back basement stairs. Eric turned and hurried to the Pinciotti house. He paused – his hand ready to knock. This was the first time he'd been at this back door since that fateful night he returned from Africa. This was going to be weird stepping into Bob's kitchen without Donna being there.
Bob opened the door, red faced and wielding a spatula. "Eric! Hey there, hi there ho there! I don't think I've seen you since you came back from your trip."
"Hello Bob." Eric said shaking his hand. The previous bright yellow and green kitchen had been painted a subdued taupe. The curtains were yellowed but otherwise it was tidy and clean. There was a picture Donna and some unknown girls held to the refrigerator with a U of W magnet. She was laughing in the photo with her arms around her friends.
Eric felt a twinge of longing but he had let Donna go months ago. That happy smiling face was all he wanted for her. "Eric. Earth to Eric." Bob waved his spatula in front of Eric's face.
"I'm sorry. I was just surprised to see Donna's picture." He admitted.
Bob smiled. "I like that picture. She's on the student council with those girls. Yep, my Donna Marie is doing great. So….what can I do for you?"
Eric blinked. "Actually, I came by to thank Jackie."
Bob grinned, his face lit up. "She gave you that do-over. Yeah, you're looking pretty good. I have some nice velour leisure suits if you want to borrow them."
"That's okay Bob. I think my wardrobe is working for me. So…"
"Oh. Oh, she's in the guest room - first door on your right at the top of the stairs." His spatula pointed in the general direction of the room. Eric pushed through the kitchen door. "Thanks Bob." Eric took the stairs two at a time and stopped when he found himself heading towards Donna's room. Again, memories threatened to spill out but Eric remembered that photo that was on the Pinciotti fridge.
He rapped on the door and heard a "Bob?"
He smiled and replied, "No. Eric."
The voice on the other side responded, "Come in."
Eric turned the knob and walked into the spacious room only to find a half -dressed brunette. Jackie was peeling off her panty hose and smiled when he walked in. "I'll just be a second." His eyes immediately glued to her lacy blue bra. It was almost as if he hadn't seen anybody semi-naked in some time. Jackie Burkhart had a very nice body!
"Eric. You are staring." Jackie said pointedly. She pulled a sweatshirt over her head. "What's Bob making for dinner?"
Eric had to untie his tongue. "Uh…it involves a spatula and makes Bob sweat. Something hot… and spicy?" Hot and spicy like Jackie? What was he thinking? "I mean…probably something with lots of spice…and he's cooking it."
Jackie brushed past Eric and pulled open a dresser drawer grabbing a pair of fluffy pink socks. She sat on the edge of the bed while slipping her delicate feet into the socks. "Eric, if you don't quit staring, I'm going to kick you so hard…."
Eric turned and looked at a poster of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys that was tacked to the wall. "Sorry. I just stopped by because I wanted to thank you. I think I just came at the wrong time."
She tied the laces on her shoes and hopped off the bed. "Is there ever a right time? Let's go downstairs. Bob's probably wondering why you're spending so long up here."
Jackie opened the door and there was Bob standing with his arms across his chest and a spaghetti stain on his cheek. "Eric." Eric sidestepped the older man and hurried down the stairs.
Jackie patted Bob on the cheek, "You don't have to protect me Bob. I'm a big girl now."
Bob gave her a side hug. "You're still Pam Burkhart's little girl. It's my pleasure."
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The ziti-sausage bake was delicious. Wonderful aromas of oregano and basil offset the heavy garlic. The French bread was lightly toasted and the salad tossed with olive oil and vinegar.
Eric wiped his mouth with a napkin. "This was great Bob. Since Dad's heart attack mom only cooks low fat food – gets pretty boring sometimes."
Bob nodded and bit into a big forkful of Italian sausage. "Well, I can't get Jackie to eat enough. She eats like a bird and I love to cook. Hey…maybe I can work that into my comedy act. So why did you come over again?"
Eric turned to Jackie. "The bookstore is having a grand opening this Saturday night. I was wondering if you'd like to come check it out."
Jackie looked at Bob. "What's the weather supposed to be like this weekend?"
Bob shrugged, "I think it's more of the same. Cold and maybe some snow."
"Hell still hasn't frozen over." She winked at Eric. Eric held up a hand, "It's not a date! I invited Kelso and Brooke. She's bringing Cameron and I think Fez is going to be there. I just wanted to invite you because you helped me get the job."
Jackie smiled. "Well in that case, I'd be honored to see a hard working man at work. Just let me know what time you'll pick me up."
Eric walked between the two houses and wondered how his life changed from Donna everything to begging for time with Jackie. This was like his life had been turned upside down and was just getting stranger all the time.
But he had a job!
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