Chapter 10
Janet arrived for her Tuesday shift looking particularly good. Not only had they bought clothes she had a make over at Macy's and bought some new make up and a new perfume. For the first time in forever she felt normal.
Sully's was busier than usual but the Fourth of July was the next day and in true Ridge tradition the fireworks were set off on the third. Sully was just around the corner from Veteran's Park and the type of place everyone likes to hang out.
"Hey Janet, can I get a beer?" Eddie asked as if they had never fought, had never been a couple, had never been.
Hearing his voice caused her to drop the glass she was re-stocking. She looked at his charming yet cautious smile and turned green. Finding the nearest trash can she threw up.
"Wow cut her off." Joked one patron.
Grabbing a towel to wipe her mouth she excused her self, pushing past Sully and Rooster as if they weren't there and headed to the kitchen. Rooster tried to follow but Sully stopped him. "Leave her be, boys. Clean up the broken glass Rooster. Draft or bottle Eddie."
"Draft" he said shocked. Sure a few girls in his life had swooned when he spoke to them but vomit…. Never. He didn't know if he should be insulted or not.
Sully nodded to Pizza Girl who came with Eddie for moral support, "go check on her." He ordered. "How yea doing Eddie?" he asked.
"Been better. How are things here?"
"Best bartender has my whole place topsy tervie. Janet stops short of throwing glassware at Rooster when I schedule them together. She's lost her spark. Sure she's on time, accurate and completely trustworthy but damn if something ain't right. What did you do to her?"
"Me? Me? I didn't do anything. Ask Rooster."
"No." Janet said coming thru the door. "Can I get you anything else Eddie?" she asked. He looked at Pizza Girl.
"I'll have a fuzzy navel." She stated hoping it didn't sound to silly.
"Sure thing."
When she delivered the drink she took his payment and rang him up like any other customer. No chit chat, no smile.
"Are you ok Janet?" Eddie asked truly worried that she was sick.
She looked him in the eye to try to read him. She always knew what he was thinking even if he didn't. Suddenly she could feel the tears coming so she turned and walked quickly to the kitchen grabbing a pitcher on the way out.
"I'll go" said Pizza Girl.
Eddie sat there in disbelief. He thought for sure he was over her, he had convinced himself of it yet seeing the tears come to her eyes broke his heart. His head was swimming with emotions.
"Can I get you anything else?" Rooster asked in a most professional manner.
"Yea you can go to hell."
"Nice." Rooster answered walking away.
The 2 girlfriends reemerged from the kitchen. It was obvious that Janet had been crying. "I'm fine Eddie and how's things with you?" she asked digging her nails into her palms. She focused on what her friend said to her in the kitchen. Eddie missed her friendship. Start there. Rebuild your friendship and maybe the love will come back too.
"Oh pretty good. BFW got two new jobs this past week. We're actually able to pay Ronnie for all the work he's been doing for us."
"That's great Eddie. I'm glad to hear it. You guys had a great turn out at the high school this weekend for Nick's dad. When will you hear if anyone was a match?"
"Not for a while and honestly, if it's not a blood relative the odds drop on matchable donors. All we can do is keep trying and help the commander keep fighting."
"Yea. I'll be right back." Janet to the other end of the bar to fill some drink orders. Rooster stayed far away, clearing tables for the waitresses and staying at the other end of the bar. There was no way he was getting near them.
"Well that was incredibly awkward" Eddie said to Pizza Girl.
"Nah, I think it went well. I also think you should invite her to the fire works. I bet Sully would let her go for the night if we ask him. I'd even go as a third wheel if you'd feel more comfortable." She offered as she watched Janet continue to wait on other customers.
"Well, ummm." Was all that Eddie could get out before Janet returned.
"Janet" Pizza Girl started, "would you like to go with Eddie and I to the fireworks at the park? I love them and Eddie agreed to take me for Phil, we're bringing his web cam so he can enjoy them too. Come on, it will be fun!"
"Thanks but I can't. I don't get off till 11" Janet answered.
"Nonsense!" Sully announced. "You go. You've been stuck inside for too long. The fresh air will be great for you." Sully grabbed the ties to her apron and continued. "There is a bag of expired chips in the back that are still good, I was gonna toss them. Take them with you. And here, have fun." Eddie handed Janet a bag with some soda and plastic beer cups. "No open containers you know."
"Are you sure?" she said looking sideways at Eddie.
"Yea its ok. We're gonna sit on the hill behind the hospital. It shouldn't be too buggy there." Answered Eddie.
"All right then. I'm in."
Janet grabbed her new windbreaker from the back room to sit on and followed her friends out the door.