Disclaimer: I own the 30 Rock DVD's, but nothing else.

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The Truth Comes Out

Ch. 9


****

Decked out in his smartest suit, Jack couldn't stop smiling as he guided a blindfolded, dressed to the nines, but very confused Liz to the starlit VIP rooftop lounge of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

"Jack?"

"Lemon?"

"What's going on?"
"Can't you simply enjoy the element of surprise?"

"No! Especially not when it involves Jenna taking me captive in the dressing room, squeezing me into a dress I can't breathe in, blindfolding me, and you both being the reason I'm not enjoying my last wrap party afterparty in the comfort of my own loft."

"Oh and what would that after after-party consist of? Curling up in your Snuggie and playing Tivo catch-up?"
"Hey don't mock! And don't you dare forget cracking open my new can of squeeze cheese!"
"Oh trust me, I wouldn't dream of it."

Jack said smugly as he led his best friend to a candle lit table for two and proceeded to take her blindfold off, where Liz saw much to her shock, squeeze cheese and Sabor De Soledad appetizers, and underneath a covered dish, a wrapper and a container that brought tears to her eyes.

"Teamster s..subs, d...dipping sauce? H...How?"
"I have connections. And you won't have to wolf it this time."

"Ohhh, Jack!!" Liz squealed with delight as she wrapped him in a bear hug that never got old before taking a seat.

"So...you really went all out for the wrap up this year. I know, it's the last one, and gosh, I know TGS raked in 22 Emmys this year..."
"23, I believe."
"Oh yeah, always forget the technical ones. But still Jack! I was under the impression would be a tiny congratulatory dinner. We had the big shindig last night. I was banking on turning in my punch for a free sub at Quizno's tonight."
"Well, you should know when it comes to Donaghy's it's not safe to bank on anything."
"Ah this is true. I just, this is so sweet of you Jack. I'm never gonna forget this."
"I was hoping you'd say that."

Jack said with a shy smile turning red in the face as Liz burst out laughing.

"Jack Donaghy are you blushing??" She joked assuming he'd have a zinger at the ready, but her hearty chuckle turned to a nervous giggle and then nothing at all when she saw he wasn't doing anything but breaking into a nervous sweat.

"Jack? What's going on..."
She asked with concern only to have her question answered when she saw him reach into his breast pocket and pull out a small black box.

"Oh my God. Jack, you're not..."

Liz stammered only to gasp when her closest friend got down on one knee.

"Elizabeth Lemon, will you do me the honor of..."

"I'm afraid, she won't do you the honor, of anything, will ya dummy."
"Dennis, please..."
"You mean you didn't tell him? I'd save your jewelry if I were you Donaghy. Maybe for one of your brainless ex wives who reenters your life. Unlike Lizzy here who's hopping a jet with me tomorrow to La La land."

"Wait, what?"

"Jack...I was going to tell you, I just, found out tonight and I...It wasn't a sure thing but, they asked me to do a pilot!"
"Oh yeah, and plus, gotta think about what's best for the baby honey."
"Wait, Dennis did they..."
"Yesiree! Turns out it wasn't just off brand cheez doodles this time. And, before you say try anything, I'm gonna be a part of my kid's life. So push all those single Baby Mama fantasies outta your head right now."

Dennis said as Liz cringed and Jack looked on, his heart in his stomach.

"Dennis. I..I know, there's no stopping you from coming to LA with me but how I raise this child is up to me!" Liz snapped only to get met with a sneer from Dennis that sent a chill down her spine.

"Oh honey don't even try that, remember I got a goldmine from my Subway Hero Hero & Sub Shop. Rich successful entrepreneur father or struggling writer single mom? You know who a court would choose. And, if you think...about trying to pull out of our plan, and stick around here with your soon to be retired best pal here, pass up your dream job for a Class A Moron like him, well, I suppose that's your choice but, don't expect me to let Denny there go along with it."

"You son of a..."
A tearing up Liz cursed only to have Dennis yank her up from her chair, and away from Jack who was still trying in vain to hold onto her hand, but was trapped in place and couldn't move a muscle as she was dragged off.

"Lemon..."

"Jack I'm...I'm so, sorry..."

"Lemon....no....Lem..LEMON!!"

Jack yelled as he woke shaking in a cold sweat.

"Oh thank Geiss, it was just a dream, just a dream..."

He repeated to himself until he got his breathing in check, and after glancing in vain at the monitors he couldn't begin to interpret, but assuming everything was in order, he quickly got up from his chair and stepped out in the hallway, unaware he wasn't the only one showing signs of distress...