Body Like A Back Road
Owen looked over at Tosh as she tilted her head to the breeze coming through the window of the SUV. Her hair was in funky braids today making him think of Pipi Longstockings. What had been a day of reports had become something else with Ianto's phone call to Jack telling him he had a flat and 'someone' hadn't had the spare fixed after the last puncture. Jack's grimace told everyone he had last changed the tyre in Ianto's car and a small jaunt to get Ianto and the spare, take it to get fixed then back to the Austin Martin sitting quietly on the side road was in order.
Jack and Ianto were bickering in the front about a parking ticket, you know the kind of argument where it will end in laughter and become a point of reference in future. They were always doing that. Like this tyre, Ianto already smiling as he scolded the Captain.
A phone call came in and Jack had glanced over as Ianto said 'Yes Mum' several times and then looked at Jack and grimaced, then said he was sure they were free to dine this evening. Owen thought it was weird to speak so formal to your mother but with Ianto, Owen sometimes thought his Mama must be some Lady or Duchess or something, looking down her nose at the commoners. Do welsh have those? He never spoke of his family. Funny to think Jack knew her, his face lighting up as he yelled "We'll be there Lillibet!"
Huh. He thought Ianto's Mum was called Jenny. Damn him and his fake file.
Gwen wasn't there, her night to watch the switch so it was a ride without bickering that had quickly fallen to silence. When Ianto had turned on the music Owen had been surprised to find some sixties and seventies crooning from the CD but Jack seemed pleased as his fingers drummed on the wheel. Then some more recent songs, all good driving songs.
His gaze slid back to Tosh who was humming so softly it was almost inaudible.
"Right, me and Ianto get out here" Jack suddenly said, "There's the car."
Owen blinked back to the present, the idea of Tosh with cut off jeans and her feet out the window too good to dispel. As if knowing Ianto glanced at Owen as he addressed Jack, "Actually, if we are now spending the afternoon with…er…Lizzie…it might be best if we take the SUV, we get through the gates quicker. I might not trust a lot of people with my Austin Martin but I do trust Owen"
Owen was now confused, Lizzie? Thought it was Lilibet.
Jack seemed to consider, his face screwing up like it does when he is undecided so Ianto added, "Means you have it for the morning if you….drop me home later."
Jack grinned as his face cleared, "Yeah. Yeah, that's a good idea Tig…Ianto. Owen, you and Tosh can take care of it right? Bloody spare flat too, what a bugger. Come on, we will change the tyre and you two zoom off."
Ianto waited until Jack was fully engaged with the jack….Jack, jacking. He slid over to Owen again, "Your shift ends in half an hour, then Gwen takes the night shift right?"
Owen looked at him and nodded.
"I was going to have a full afternoon out here on my own with my sketch book and sample bags getting that new plant life we found from the meteor. A picnic in the back seat…was gonna call Jack for a little…well. Lizzie is a much better offer so…shame if it went to waste and no need to rush back…Jack and I will spend the night at mine and drive to work tomorrow in the SUV. You have an underground garage at your place with is secure. My car would be OK there if you and Tosh…drive into work in the morning too."
Owen went still as he stared at Ianto.
"Sketch bag still in the back, Tosh might like to do some sketching as you both sit and enjoy that picnic, that road there is the old road. Will take you back to the main road the long way round and you might not see another car the entire way….or where you stop for a while."
"Ianto…shit. Ta mate" Owen said eagerly.
"Go on, put the top down if ya like just remember to put it back up before you lock it up for the night in your space." Ianto slipped the keys into his hand and nodded at Tosh, "Take it slow. You've got all the time in the world. She prefers a waltz to a foxtrot ya know."
"Thanks Ianto" Owen repeated as he glanced in though the back window to the wicker basket that he knew would hold wine, cheese and other things Tosh would like.
Soon the SUV was roaring off as Owen held the passenger door to the Austin Martin and helped Tosh into the sweet little forest green car.
"That was a nice idea" Jack said as the SUV ate the road towards London, "You know sometimes you still surprise me with your gentle heart hidden under that suit or armour Mister Jones."
"Well … someone had to help the poor little bastard" Ianto said sagely as he settled back in his seat, "Slow down Cariad, I might put the window down."
Jack eased off and let the SUV change from a shark to a dolphin now gliding along and Ianto let his head fall back to allow the breeze to move his hair.
They had all the time on the world, the Palace was always open to them
.
.
.
.
.
Got a girl from the Southside, got braids in her hair
First time I seen her walk by, man I 'bout fell up out my chair
Had to get her number, it took me like six weeks
Now me and her go way back like Cadillac seats
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' fifteen in a thirty, I ain't in no hurry
I'ma take it slow just as fast as I can
The way she fit in them blue jeans, she don't need no belt
But I can turn 'em inside out, I don't need no help
Got a hips like honey, so thick and so sweet
It ain't no curves like hers on them downtown streets
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' fifteen in a thirty, I ain't in no hurry
I'ma take it slow just as fast as I can
We're out here in the boondocks with the breeze and the birds
Tangled up in the tall grass with my lips on hers
On a highway to heaven, headed south of her smile
Get there when we get there, every inch is a mile
Body like a back road, drivin' with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin' fifteen in a thirty, I ain't in no hurry
I'ma take it slow just as fast as I can
I'ma take it slow
Just as fast as I can
(Body like a back road)
(Drivin' with my eyes closed)
Got braids in her hair
(I know every curve like the back of my hand)