AN: Thanks so much everyone! This has been fun, but I'm finding that my writing is like my reading - I can't stop!! There is a reason I only read for pleasure during holidays, I am totally undisciplined and end up having no sleep at all for 2 or 3 days. You have all been so sweet with your feedback, I think I may have discovered a new way to self-medicate. (Always on the look out for a new non-narcotic addiction!). God Bless you all, and here's praying that all the good people at CJ are still employed come May 14th!
The sun streamed through Jordan's window but she didn't wake until a rather loud shout came from the vicinity of the living room. She had a pretty good idea what had happened, so she took her time wrapping a robe around herself before she sauntered out to view the carnage.
Sure enough, Lizzie had discovered Woody's foot made a great plaything, and had drawn blood. She was crouching at the moment, her rear end wiggling in preparation for a second assault as Woody inspected the wound.
"Jeez Jordan, why were you worried about that fur ball? Axe murderer is right!"
Seeing Jordan, Lizzie instantly changed her stance, proudly folding her paws under her chest and half closing her eyes.
"I think that's why I like her so much, she's pretty but she's a predator!"
Woody sat up, Lizzie keeping an indolent eye on his feet. He looked at Jordan with a curious expression on his face. "Why do you only use the word love when it relates to triple mocha-chino coffee?"
Jordan returned his curious gaze. She hated to admit it, but Woody had a point.
He gently shook his head and continued, "You know, it's too early to start this again. Why don't we go for a run and get some breakfast first?"
Jordan was still distracted by his earlier question, but she quickly agreed. She changed into her running gear, and, saying a fond farewell to Lizzie (which the cat thoroughly ignored), Jordan was ready to go. Before she would leave, however, she insisted on double checking all the windows. She pretended to be amused when Woody found a roll of duct tape and strengthened the window which had provided an escape route six days earlier. He looked at her with one eyebrow raised, as she impulsively smirked and thanked him, kissing his cheek. Then, in her best impression of Lizzie, she sauntered to the door.
They remained comfortably quiet for most of their run. They were both emotionally tired, and made no attempt to continue the previous evening's conversation. They could both tell they had turned a corner, that there was only one more step. Oddly enough, this was - a certainty. A foregone conclusion. Practically unnecessary, and yet the most necessary part of the whole dance.
Woody rolled his eyes when she said she'd prefer to go back to her place after the coffee and crullers they brought to his apartment. When Jordan practically ran off the elevator, Woody openly laughed. "She spent five days, alone, in the city of Boston, Jordan! She survived on her own before she moved in here, I think she can handle a few hours in your apartment alone!" He wasn't even trying to hide his amusement anymore. Jordan stopped in front of her door with a huge grin. There under her door was a little paw, trying to claw the morning paper. Jordan turned as her smile once again mixed with tears.
"I love that stupid cat, Woody!"
"Of course you do!" Woody stepped up to her and brushed the tears away. He was beginning to enjoy performing that particular service for Jordan. "She's a lucky little axe murderer to have you."
She'd said it. The 'L' word, aloud, in front of a witness. "And I love Garret, and Dad, and I love Lilly, and Bug and Nigel! I even think I love Kate!"
At that Woody gave her a look of mock concern. "Kate? Are you wearing one of those opal thingys again?"
"Well," replied Jordan. "Kate's growing on me, OK?"
Woody shook his head. He still didn't see why anyone would even remotely like Kate.
A commanding meow floated up from the vicinity of the white paw. Jordan hugged Woody quickly and she unocked her door.
Woody hesitated for a moment. He wasn't on her list. After everything, he was second string. Great in a crisis, but not a keeper. He followed her in, as Jordan poured attention on Lizzie who deigned to allow herself to be thus worshiped.
"You two don't need a third wheel hanging around, I'll just head back home." Woody began to turn around.
His disappointment lessened significantly when Jordan unceremoniously dumped Lizzie on the floor and took a step in his direction. She looked crest fallen, boosting his hopes again.
Lizzie, being so obviously ignored, sauntered over to Woody's feet and started to chirrup and meow, rubbing up against his legs.
Jordan said, "You can't go now! We're not done that conversation, and besides I think Lizzie will get medieval on your butt if you don't pay her some serious attention, now!"
Woody quietly thanked God for the fur ball. They had made more progress over the course of the past twelve hours than they had for six years, and Lizzie was the catalyst.
"Well, since you put it that way…" He bent over and took the suddenly amorous Lizzie in his arms. As he sat down he said, "I had a shower while you picked up breakfast, why don't you go take yours now? We'll be alright out here, won't we Lizzie?"
Jordan smirked at them again. "Yeah, after all these years, I think we can wait another fifteen minutes!"
It was more like half an hour before Jordan emerged. She spent a little more time on her appearance than she'd planned, but she figured Lizzie was entertaining her guest. She told herself that she was just trying to cover the effect the past five stressful days had taken on her complexion, but then she rolled her eyes at her reflection. "No more of that, Jordan! You know perfectly well what you're doing!"
Lizzie had obviously had enough attention and was enjoying a light brunch. Woody was reading the paper when Jordan struck a subtle pose and cleared her throat. His reaction when he lowered the paper was also subtle, but she caught it.
"So." He stared at her with guarded eyes.
"So." She gazed back at him, trying to remain as calm as Woody looked.
Without missing a beat, Lizzie chirruped, adding her 'so' to the conversation. She sat looking at them both, with disdain. She was a young cat, but she could pick up on the the amorous vibe in the room and wondered when these two would get down to business.
"I love you…"
They couldn't tell who said it first. It seemed fitting that it came in unison, but they both noticed how anticlimactic it seemed after all they'd been through. A sense of peace washed over them; it was 'right'. Then something else filled them, and the familiar sparks flew. This, however, was more than a passion stolen for one night. This was a deep connection, on many levels.
This was love.
Lizzie looked at them, quite interested in how close the cuddly man was to her pet lady. They were deeply kissing, and holding each other so tightly the cat was wondering if they could breathe. She thought about the six kittens she carried and wondered if her pet would be having kittens soon, too. "Hmmm," thought Lizzie. She saw that interesting, mouse-like foot she had maimed earlier that morning. It wasn't quite dead yet…
"JORDAN! YOUR CAT!"
End :-)
