Author Notes: ….okay we are veering off into some fluff….(and a longer chapter).
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Chapter 10 – Ditch Your Date
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"Save me Glenda." The voice almost sounded desperate.
Jackie laughed, "Hello Eric, how has your first week home been?"
"I want to rip my arm from my shoulder and go wave it at traffic. I am freaking bored! What are you doing?"
"I'm getting ready for a date."
"You have a boyfriend?" Eric asked incredulously. How could he not think that Jackie wouldn't be single?
"Well, he's not exactly a boyfriend. Just someone I'm seeing that has…potential. Why… do you want to double date?"
"What? No! I don't know anyone." He protested too loudly.
"I can set you up. My friend Janet is a stewardess and she's free this evening." Jackie offered.
Eric was silent for a minute and then couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth. "Ditch him."
Jackie was momentarily at a loss for words. She stammered, "D-ditch him? My date? Are you nuts?"
"Go out with me tonight." He suggested. Where was he going with this?
"I can't. I'm all dressed up and I'm not staying home." She protested.
"Where was he taking you?"
"I don't know, it was a date. I'm supposed to be surprised. Isn't that what you do when you take a girl on a date?"
Eric hadn't been on a real date in years so he couldn't answer that question. "Jackie, ditch him and go somewhere with me."
"Fine. Be here in 15 minutes or I'll change my mind." She hung up the phone and looked at the receiver. "Why did I do that?"
Eric hung up the phone. "Why did I do that?"
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Eric pulled into Jackie's driveway exactly 15 minutes later. He had quickly changed into his nicest pair of jeans and a button shirt under his sweatshirt. He looked ready for anything from a hockey game to a nice restaurant. He hurried to the door and rang the bell.
Jackie opened the door and Eric almost fell off the top step. She was wearing a dress! Not just any dress but a frilly lacy girl dress and she looked hot! Her tan legs were bare and she was wearing these killer heels. Eric looked at her face to see a bemused expression. She wore little make up but her hair was bouncing with curls that he wanted to touch.
"Hey, are you going to take picture or are we going out?" She gestured that he should step inside. "I need to get my coat before I freeze to death."
Eric watched her hips sway side-to-side as she walked to her bedroom. That was nice. She came back shrugging on the heavy coat. "Okay, since I blew off my date with Gary, where are we going?"
Eric grinned. "Glenda, we are going to a nightclub. You look too good not to show off."
She smiled. "Why Dorothy, I think that's the first compliment I've ever gotten from you." She grabbed her clutch and keys. "I'm assuming that you're driving."
"You assume right." He followed her out the door and waited as she locked her house. Taking her hand, he made sure she didn't slip coming down the steps. She looked up, "You are a gentleman too. I need to watch out for you."
Eric smiled and opened his car door. "No, I think I need to watch out for you!"
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Every nightclub in Kenosha was packed and people were spilling out onto the sidewalks. Eric found a club/restaurant that advertised food and dancing and wasn't filled with a college crowd. Eric parked just down the street where his Camaro was less likely to be damaged and came around to help Jackie out of the car.
The club was loud and a rhythmic beat was pounding from the open door. A blast of warm air escaped as Eric pulled on the handle and let Jackie step into the entry. She instantly shrugged off her coat. "It's hot in here." Eric watched the lacy little dress float around her shapely legs and pulled his sweatshirt away from his neck. "Yeah… very hot."
Eric took Jackie's hand and weaved a path for them through the dancing bodies until he found a small table with two chairs. Happy voices could be heard over the music and romance was evident on the dance floor. Jackie folded her coat over the back of the chair and held her dress as she sat down so it wouldn't ride up. She watched Eric pull the sweatshirt over his head and her eyes widened at the crisp white shirt that covered the expanse of his chest. Not attractive. Not attractive! She repeated this little mantra as he sat down and smiled at her with that great Forman smile.
"What would you like to drink?" he asked.
Jackie's mouth was dry. He was wearing some kind of fresh cologne that was intoxicating. Not attractive! "Um…Long Island please." Eric signaled to a waitress who came over wearing a barely there skirt and a short apron. "Welcome to Kenosha's Best, what can I get for you sweetie?"
"The lady would like a Long Island and I'd like what ever you have on tap." Eric replied. The waitress gave him a ten dollar smile and disappeared into the crowd. Jackie leaned back and scrutinized him for a moment. This new Eric was so self-assured and relaxed that Jackie could hardly believe she knew him years ago. He turned those green eyes on her – startling her. "You're studying me."
He smiled when she jumped. "I was just thinking how weird this is. I know who you used to be…I've kind of seen you evolve over the years… and here you are now this polite, handsome, stranger-friend and I can't figure out."
Eric chucked softly. "I could say the same thing about you. I can see that you've been working on your shallow and superficial imperfections….but you haven't lost that bossy little cheerleader." He mimicked her telephone conversation, "Be here in 15 minutes or I'll change my mind…." He laughed, "Bossy."
"Hey," she argued, "You just asked me to ditch my date." She would never tell him that Gary was a boring as fruitcake but still it was a date! Eric smiled, "I was desperate. You are the only person I really know in town."
Jackie pursed her lips, "Oh, so this is a mercy date…got it." She tapped her fingernails on the tabletop. "You want me to feel sorry for you."
Eric frowned, "No, I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I'm the new guy and you are the experienced…friend."
"Watch what you say Forman, it's starting to sound like you think I sleep around."
"What? No!" That's not what he meant at all. Jackie just grew up in the area and was more familiar with places and people. He could see where the word "experienced" would be misconstrued. He grabbed the hand that was tapping on the table. "I apologize. I meant that you are my friend. Besides my parents, you are the other single reason I decided to move back to Point Place."
She touched her hand to her heart. "I'm touched." Then she pulled her hand back from his. "Not really… you goof. Do I look like a flying monkey? You can't fool me with your pretty words or pictures. After a week in your brand new apartment, you couldn't entertain yourself and got bored."
Busted. He couldn't deny she was spot-on correct. He held up his hands in submission. "You are exactly right. I was bored to tears and was desperate for company. Even yours." He winked.
Jackie swatted him on the arm. "If you want my company, just ask for it. I could have brought you along and you would have made a new friend."
"No, I wouldn't interfere with your love life." He said sincerely.
"What love life." Jackie sighed. Then, realizing what she just said quickly added, "I mean, yeah…thanks for thinking about me."
Eric caught he gaffe and bit back a smile. "So….does Glenda have anyone special in her life?"
Jackie lifted her chin and said a little too haughtily, "Maybe she does."
Eric's mouth twitched as he almost laughed. "Maybe she's still looking…."
Her face fell. "Yeah…she's still looking. But that doesn't mean guys still don't find her attractive."
Eric agreed, "She's very attractive."
"And she's fun to be with."
He smiled, "She's very fun. Has a great sense of humor too."
"Maybe she just doesn't want to date a loser."
He bit his lip, "Glenda would never settle for a loser." Jackie hung her head, "Its hard being single and 29."
Eric lifted her chin with his finger. "Its hard to be 30 and trying to find someone who doesn't just want you because you're famous or have money." She looked at him with those photographic eyes. "What a pair we are." She laughed softly.
He squeezed her fingers. "What a pair!"
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The waitress came back with their drinks and took their dinner order. After a couple sips of her Long Island, Jackie could feel some of the stress of the day easing. Hanging out with Eric Forman was decidedly better than listening to Gary talk about stock options in the second quarter of the year.
Eric felt relaxed and chatting with Jackie was just what the doctor ordered. She didn't treat him like a celebrity and didn't fawn over him like that last three dates he had in New York. Those women only wanted their name added to his checking account. That was probably why he hadn't dated in quite awhile!
Jackie heard one of her favorite songs playing in the background and sighed. She loved Journey and slightly envied the couples dancing to Faithfully. The din of the crowd seemed to quiet as Steve Perry's voice crooned. She closed her eyes and imagined linebacker built Gary Woodman standing on the dance floor. Would Gary have been a good dancer? Or would he have stepped on her new shoes? Gary would have stepped on his own toes!
Highway run into the midnight sun
Wheels go round and round
Jackie felt a tug on her hand and her eyes flew open. "Let's dance." Eric suggested. She tried to pull her hand back, "No…no the food will be coming soon." She argued feebly.
Eric smiled and pulled her off the chair and into the center of the room. "I could see you swaying in your seat. Bring that pretty dress out on the dance floor." He pulled her close and she shivered involuntarily when she found herself pressed up against his solid chest. She felt Eric's hand settle on the small of her back and her heart leapt a little.
Restless hearts sleep alone tonight
Sending all my love along the wire
They say that the road
ain't no place to start a family
Eric rested his cheek next to her ear and Jackie could feel his warm breath as he exhaled. In a low sexy voice he said, "I've been on the road for a long time too." He took her fingers and twirled her away and gently swung her back. He loved the way her curly hair caught the lights of the dance floor …he felt…. mesmerized. Her bright eyes were glowing and that made him smile.
Girl
you stand by me
I'm forever yours
faithfully
Eric loved the feel of her hand that was clasped in his, she was light on her feet and the honeysuckle made him think of springtime. Jackie slid her arm up his shoulder so her fingers could touch the hair at the nape of his neck earning her a little shudder at his expense. She smiled as Eric hugged her closer and they danced to the song.
Eric couldn't remember the last time he danced for the pure joy of it. He had attended formal affairs where the dance was strictly for the purpose of discussing commerce or making business deals. No, this dance was for merely selfish reasons. It felt immeasurably delightful to hold a soft warm woman in his arms for the entire 4 minutes and 9 seconds of a song.
I'm forever yours
Ever yours
faithfully
The song ended and Jackie was almost sad that it was over. Eric danced better than she thought he would and better than any partner except Fez when he wasn't groping her! Eric twirled her away and bowed like a gentleman. "Thank you Glenda…that was lovely."
Jackie smiled and curtsied. "Oh thank you Dorothy. You are a much better dancer than Scarecrow." Eric laughed as he pushed her towards their table. "Who is Scarecrow?" She sat down and replied, "Michael. Fez is still a flying monkey."
Eric laughed and sat down. "Fez is a good dancer."
"Have you ever slow-danced with him? I swear the man has nine hands. Brooke refuses to dance with him!" Jackie laughed. The pair saw the waitress coming with their food. Eric thought it smelled great and hoped it tasted just as good. He wanted this night to last forever!
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They talked all through dinner and laughed at teenage angst and the horrors of growing up young in Point Place. The two shared Eric's sorbet and before long the crowd starting thinning and Jackie realized how late it was.
"Damn, even Kenosha closes up early on a Friday. In New York or Washington, things would still be going on." He complained lightly. Jackie was sliding her arms into her coat. "Don't pout, it gets better when the weather warms up." Eric picked up the bill and put his credit card in it.
"That sounds like something to look forward to." He replied. The waitress came back and took the card and the bill and promised to hurry. Eric pulled his sweatshirt over his head and tried to fix his hair. Jackie smiled "Don't touch it, you look cute that way."
I do? He set his hands down on the table. "So…Jackie….what are you doing tomorrow?" She smirked. "Tomorrow is the first Saturday of February and I have a council meeting to sit in on. Do you want to see your dad in action?"
"Er…no. I don't think I'm quite ready for that. What are you doing after that?"
"Grocery shopping. What are you getting at?" She looked at him suspiciously.
"I don't know…I guess I just want to hang out with you again." He tried to charm her with a smile. She wasn't falling for it. "Tell you what, I'll give you Michael's phone number and you can go do guy stuff."
He laughed, "And what is guy stuff?" Jackie shrugged, "I don't know, bowling and drinking beer and burping. You know…stuff." The waitress came back with his credit card and a receipt he quickly signed. "Glenda…you are priceless."
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The drive back to Point Place was pleasant until Jackie saw her billboard. "Oh no! How did they get up there to do that?"
Eric pulled over. "I guess someone likes you with a mustache." She glared at him. "Well, then why couldn't they have at least given me a Zorro mask? I look pitiful up there. Do you know how much I paid for a billboard? Damn."
Eric grinned, "Don't frown, I know some people that can get that fixed for you." She looked at him hopefully. "Really? I would appreciate that! If you didn't, well…I guess I'd have to grow a mustache!"
Eric laughed out loud and pulled away from the curb. "I'd like to see you in a mustache."
"In your dreams Forman." She chuckled. Minutes later, Eric pulled into her snowy driveway. Light snowflakes were falling and the sleepy neighbor houses were quiet. There was this air of peacefulness that Eric forgot about that was the norm for small towns like Point Place. He came around to open her door and make sure she didn't slip on the icy pavement.
Jackie pulled her house key from her clutch and unlocked the door. She turned around to see Eric standing on the porch with his hands in his pants pockets. He looked so adorable just rocking back and forth on his toes. "Eric, thank you for taking me to dinner – I don't know where Gary was going to take me but I'm sure this was much nicer."
Eric stepped closer and looked at the ground. He suddenly didn't care for this Gary fellow. He looked up to see Jackie smiling at him. "So then would you consider this…what we did…as a date?"
Jackie pushed some of the ringlets out of her face. "If I didn't know you….from like before? Then, yeah…I'd consider this a date." Eric stepped again, closing the space between them. His hand cupped her cheek…it was warm and comforting and unconsciously, she tilted her face upward. His other hand went around her waist and he lowered his head until their lips were a breath apart. Jackie closed her eyes as he pressed a kiss to her mouth just so softly she thought she was imagining it. Eric inhaled the honeysuckle and the hand on her cheek stroked the curls on her shoulder. "I need to say good night before…"
Jackie drew his soft bottom lip into her mouth and kissed him back. She was on a date damn it and he wasn't going to get away with a barely there kiss! Eric was startled but the kiss was good and if a beautiful girl like Jackie Burkhart wanted to kiss him…He pulled her against his chest and deepened the kiss. God how long has it been since a good night kiss made his heart pound like this?
Was it a second? Or was it a whisper of a moment before Eric backed her up against the front door. His hands were in her curly hair, at her slim waist - everywhere and his mouth was pressing against hers leisurely. She felt reckless and desired but at the same time overwhelmed… yet didn't want him to stop. She hadn't felt this way in a long time.
"Eric, I think you have to go." She rested her forehead against his sweatshirt. God he smelled so good! He stroked her hair, "I wasn't ready for that." He said with a shaky voice.
"Me either but damn."
He laughed softly. "I know." Jackie looked up at his smiling eyes. "If only I hadn't known you from before…."
He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. "I know. But Glenda, I'm not running away so…"
Jackie smiled. "That's good because I know where you live."
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