Author Note: No disrespect and definitely a short fluffy filler chapter!
29
That Saturday was a whirlwind of activity. Kelso came over to the old condo to help Eric move boxes to the new condo while Brooke instructed the movers on where to place the furniture while Jackie unpacked. Kitty came in through the back door to bring coffee cake and brownies. She was just ecstatic that the actual move-in was taking place she took little Betsy back to her house while the adults worked. Hour by hour, the new house was starting to look more like a real home.
Someone from the station came over to hook up the computer in the office bedroom. A separate delivery truck brought extra beds and dressers for the guest room and office. On the last trip Kelso looked like he was waning so Brooke ordered a couple of pizzas while Jackie went on a beer run. She also stopped by a department store for some fresh linen to put on the new beds.
Eric dropped into a kitchen chair, thoroughly exhausted. Kelso handed him a beer and a piece of pizza. Jackie was watching the cable representative hook up her television and the guys could hear her commanding the installation of cable up into the extra bedroom. The installer just rolled his eyes and the guys at the table laughed.
Brooke came back from the Forman's with Betsy in tow. Kelso smiled and waved at Red through the window. "Eric, it's pretty cool that Jackie's place is so close to your parents." Eric tried not to laugh, "Yeah, Kelso – it is. Have another beer."
Brooke was pleased with all of the progress they made and winced when she heard Jacking yelling at the cable guy. "Now that you guys have a bigger place, we can hang out here more often. In the spring, that yard will be really nice and Mrs. Forman loves to babysit. – Eric I'm glad you moved."
Eric smiled, "Well, Jackie didn't leave me much of a choice. I was forced to move out of my bachelor pad or she would have condemned the building - seriously."
Brooke nodded, "Jackie is a girl that can get things done. I have never seen anyone accomplish as much in one day as she does everyday. And she's good at it."
Kelso crossed his arms behind his head, "What does Red think about you shacking up with Jackie?"
Eric frogged him on the arm and retorted - "We're not shacking up! We are roommates." Kelso laughed, "Ha – she gave you the rules huh!"
Eric frowned, "Yeah, rule number three is a killer." Brooke laughed, "No, but rule number one is THE most important – Michael knows because he lives with two women."
Kelso yawned and stretched, "Hey, I had to tape a reminder on the wall for a long time! Give me a break." He hugged his wife and said, "Go say good bye because I wanna go home and take a shower."
Brooke smiled and picked up her daughter heading for the stairs. Michael waited until Brooke was out of earshot and said, 'You know there are ways around rule number three…" Eric laughed, "Yeah, I've got a few in mind. Kelso, it's great that you live so close; I've missed hanging out with my friends. This is cool – I think I'm going to like living in Chicago."
Brooke found Jackie putting the finishing touches on her bed. "Betsy, come here!" The little girl raced to the bed and jumped up bouncing on the mattress. Jackie laughed and tickled her god-daughter. "Brooke, I need your professional opinion. What do you think?"
Brooke looked around at pillow heaven – this was a woman's bedroom. Not overly frilly but just feminine enough and very inviting. She looked into the guest room and was pleased to find the daybed was perfect and the dresser was just the right size – there was a small desk in the corner with some of Eric's school supplies.
The cable installer was packing up his gear and smiled politely as he finished adjusting the TV. Brooke was impressed – Eric would like this room a lot. It was quiet, had a good view of his parent's house and had just enough personal effects that it didn't scream Jackie Burkhart.
Jackie was hopeful as her best friend left the guest room and opened the master bath. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, "I'm living in here for the rest of my life!" Brooke stepped into the tub and got comfortable. "Jackie, bring me some bubbles and wine!" she squealed. Jackie and Betsy joined her in the room. Brooke exclaimed, "This is the best bathroom ever!"
"I know!" Jackie laughed. "The vanity mirror is huge and I have two sinks! What more could a girl want?"
Brooke faced turned pink, "I would want Michael to join me in this tub."
Jackie looked at the reflection of her friend in the mirror, "Yeah, that thought crossed my mind too. But NOT with Michael…." Both girls sighed at the thought.
Kelso was hollering for Brooke to give him the car keys. "Well, Jackie, this is the best house ever – next to mine of course!" She kissed her friend on the cheek and gathered her daughter in her arms. "We'll get together later in the week okay?"
Eric smiled as the two beautiful women came down the stairs. Jackie snagged Eric's elbow and pulled him towards the front door with her. "I'm thinking of taking Mrs. Forman to Sylvia's on Friday for a touch up, do you want to come? We can give Betsy a pedicure!"
Michael smirked, "Girly stuff, sheesh!" He hugged his wife and kissed Jackie's cheek. "Thanks for the pizza!" Jackie beamed, "Thank you for the muscle. If it wasn't for you guys helping, we never would have got this much done."
Brooke grabbed Eric's shoulder and whispered, "You better be good to her or you'll answer to me."
Eric was alarmed, "Okay Brooke, I'll take your advice – see ya later buddy!" He gave Kelso a 'man-hug" and kissed Betsy goodbye. After he closed the door he leaned against the heavy wood.
Jackie walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Forman, we did good." She sighed happily. Eric squeezed her tight and agreed. "Burkhart, yes we did."
*
