Title: You and Me (Chapter 9)
Author: WistfulGuy
Fandom: Pan Am
Rating: PG
Pairing: Full cast
Disclaimer: I do not own Pan Am the company or the TV series. I am not associated with ABC TV in any way. I am just a huge fan of the show and like to write. Also, please don't sue me…I don't do well in jail and I have no money. Void where prohibited.
Dean sat at a table in a small diner near Times Square. The place was fairly busy, but it wasn't too noisy to have a conversation in. It was a perfect place to have a conversation "in public". He and Colette had met there several times in the past. He asked her to meet him there just to talk about things. Since New Year's Eve things appeared to be on the up between them. Colette's whirlwind courtship with Omar seemed to have blown itself out. She continued to show a fondness for Dean's company, albeit in a somewhat guarded way. They still hadn't worked out Dean's affair with Bridget, but in Dean's mind their romance was as hopeful it had been since before their trip to London.
It was 9:30 in the morning. Dean was just on his second cup of coffee when Colette walked in. He waved to get her attention and she walked to his table. Dean rose from his seat to give Colette a peck on the cheek, which she returned. Smiling, she said "Good morning to you! How is 1964 going for you so far?"
"Not too shabby. Had a kiss from a beautiful girl on New Year's Eve, and that's a great way to start any year!"
Smiling coyly, Colette glanced to the waitress who appeared at their table. Ordering a coffee, Colette turned her gaze back to Dean. Raising an eyebrow, she said "It WAS a nice New Years Eve. And while I'm not one for resolutions, I do have several things in mind for this year."
"I'm listening" Dean said as he leaned forward.
"I realize I've been chasing happiness for my entire life. It has eluded me time and time again. Sometimes it was my choices that were wrong. Other times, it was other people's actions that spoiled my happiness."
Dean winced slightly at Colette's remark. She certainly could deliver a harsh rebuke fairly easily, where warranted. He knew some of the actions she referred to were his, and her words were justified.
Dean started "Colette, I..."
"Please let me finish. It is a new year. Once again, a chance for a new start. But unlike any year before in my life, there is great potential. I have a brother, Dean. My parents are gone, but now I know I have a brother and he's out there, somewhere."
Colette's voice wavered as she said "If he is still alive on this Earth, I will find him." She managed a smile as a tear rolled down her cheek.
Dean was moved by her emotions. He knew he wanted to help her be happy.
Reaching out, Dean took her hand and said, "You will find him. I know you will. I would love to help you in any way I can."
Smiling, Colette casually brushed the tears from her cheeks and said, "That would be very nice."
Looking downward, Dean took a deep breath and looked back into her eyes. "I know things have almost never gone the way you anticipated, or even hoped they would. For someone who has been through as much pain as you have and to remain a beautiful and giving person, it is simply...amazing."
Dean continued, "I know I hurt you. You, the one person I should never have hurt. I'm so very sorry Colette. As much as I'd like to wipe away what I did, we both know I can't. But what I CAN do and what I WILL do is prove to you, day after day, that I love you and want to be with you. Like I told you on the flight to London, it is you and me."
Colette sighed and said, "I am hurt by what you did, and I imagine it will linger on my mind for a while longer. But that doesn't change what I said before, Dean. I do still want to be with you. Perhaps it would be best if we take it more slowly this time. You know, not meeting your parents after just two weeks?"
They both laughed as they continued to hold hands. Dean replied "Right, and besides that could give my dad a chance to work on his table manners."
Colette smiled, "Yes, that would be in order."
Dean breathed a sigh of relief. He found his way back to Colette, somehow. Bridget was behind them both and they were working on moving forward together.
