Jackie found Red working on her car.

"Hey Red!"

"Loud one, did my dumbass son finish talking to you?" Red asked

"Yes, but he isn't so much of a dumbass anymore is he?" Jackie retorted

"No he isn't!"

"I have a question for you Red."

"Ok, what is it?"

"Well it's a statement and a question. Eric said you had mentioned to him you needed some help in the office here. What would you say if I came to work for you?"

"My son said I needed help huh. I never should have told him that. You want to work in the greasy shop instead that fancy hair salon?"

"Well at least the boss won't be hitting on me all the time. Also he said something about an apartment you might rent me."

"My son is going all out for you. Why is he doing that?"

"Because he likes me. Why else would he invite me to be his date to the Marine Corps Ball?"

"Ok I tell you what? I will hire you and rent you the apartment as a package deal. Minimum wage and I will pay the electric bill on the apartment. Deal?"

"Deal!"

Jackie convinced Red to get a couple of his VFW friends to help her move. She didn't want the gang to know she was moving. She need some Jackie time. Fez had been driving her crazy about hooking up and about working more at the salon.

The next day while Fez was at work Jackie moved out of their apartment and into her own apartment. She stopped by the Salon after moving and handed Fez her keys to the apartment. She also said she had found a new job and wouldn't be working with him anymore. Fez said "Good day!" and began ignoring her like she figured he would. Once her little apartment was set up Kitty insisted on moving the cooking lessons to her apartment. Jackie was ok with that since Hyde usually made comments at her.

As time went on Red couldn't have been happier that Jackie was working the counter for him. She was meticulous with all the paperwork. Jackie kept the parts invoices with each work order. Also if someone tried to weasel out of paying Jackie would not let them get their car.

Jackie loved having her apartment to herself. She was free to write Eric as she saw fit. The first Sunday night she was in her apartment, she got a surprise call. It was Eric.

"Hello?"

"Hey Angel!"

"Devil Dog, how did you get my number?"

"Mom called me last night. Gave me your new number. How are you liking the new place?"

"It's good so far. Haven't been here that long. Your dad seems happy I am here though. I have already cleaned up his paperwork and that was just today. It only took a couple hours and it was three months' worth. I told your dad he needed a new accountant. How anyone could let their client get three months behind on their work? I am looking forward to coming down to see you."

"I am looking forward to seeing you too. So you like working for Red huh? "

"I mean yeah. It's so much better than the salon. I basically am my own boss. Red is busy in the shop all day, unless he needs a part or lunch. I may never be a mechanic but I really like working there. I feel like I actually get stuff done. Your dad has put me in charge of writing checks. He still has to sign them but he says my hand writing is better than his. He and I make a good team. He is even talking of hiring another tech to work with him since I handle the paperwork."

"Well I am glad I could play matchmaker. I am off for the next couple days. Then we are going out for two weeks of training in the field. Should be fun! I have been made the scout and sniper of the unit. I am the best shot. Dad will be proud. I will tell him when I get home or let my girl tell him tomorrow."

"Oh so I get to brag to your dad now. I guess I can handle that. I am proud of you too! Oh I mailed you a package yesterday. I did a baking class with your mom. I made cookies and brownies"

Eric and Jackie continued to talk about anything and everything. Jackie couldn't believe they had talked for three hours. She was a little mad at him for making her miss her shows. Although she had done most of the talking. Jackie let it slide since she did enjoy talking to Eric more than her show anyway.

Jackie had started counting the days until she got to go see Eric. She missed him more than she ever thought she would. She fell asleep thinking of him and what the future might hold.