Chapter 37 – Get Serious

T7S

Jackie swirled her curly fries in the dollop of ketchup n the wax paper they were sharing. She had a half smile on her face as she asked him again, "A bear? That was all you could come up with?"

Eric pulled on his potato and watched it "boing" back into curly fry position. Once in the safety of a booth, he tore off the ridiculous sunglasses that made him look like Jackie "O", which little Miss Burkhart was so nice to point out. But, when she told him he "cleaned up nice" that took away a bit of the sting. Then again, she looked stunning. That sweater she wore was soft and clung slightly to her curves and she even wore a skirt with some less dangerous boots.

The tip of said boot nudged him under the table. "Eric, I asked you a question."

He stopped daydreaming and gave her all of his attention. "I'm sorry; I was thinking how that light blue looks great on you."

Jackie's smile lit up the corner of the diner. "Thank you." She replied gracefully

He grinned and answered her question. "Bears are coming out of hibernation and earlier that day we had a meeting about what to do if we encountered one and well, one thing led to another and when the guys asked me about my eye….all I could think of was bears."

Jackie laughed and it was like joyous Christmas bells ringing in his ear. She wasn't mocking him like the guys did – she was genuinely interested and if only Donna could have been like this….

"I think the bruising might fade before your parents get back so you need to think of something other than a bear story….I mean your mom needs to buy it – I don't think your dad will care."

He chuckled, "Yeah, Red won't really care unless I wrecked something in the house. I guess I can tell him I was fixing something in the garage."

"He would never believe that." Jackie smiled.

"What? Me fixing something?"

"No. You being in the garage!"

It was the best two hour dinner Eric could ever remember having. He flirted. She flirted back. They had meaningful conversations about mundane things, but it was the most fun he had with a girl since he could remember. He didn't have to apologize for liking the way Jackie dressed or act contrite if he said something anti-feministic. Jackie just giggled and moved the topic along.

He was sorry when the waitress brought the bill. "Honey, it looks like you two are having a good time but we are closing in twenty minutes so hurry it up." She winked at Jackie and smiled at Eric.

He went to pull his wallet out of his back pocket but Jackie said, "Wait. Let me pay for half. I mean you did pay for that steak dinner and I don't think I said thank you for that. I know you don't make all that much so let's go Dutch."

Eric was floored that Jackie would even consider paying half of anything. As she was digging through her handbag she looked at him and the oddest words came out of her mouth. "I'm not paying for the rides though."

Eric blinked. Where did he hear that before? "I'm sorry?"

"I wanted to ride the roller coaster." Jackie replied distantly.

Something tickled the back of his neck as Eric continued the thread of conversation. "Deal….Let Leo and Hyde get the circle thing going and we'll meet them later."

Jackie reached out and touched Eric's arm. "Eric, I like the way you think."

Her lips were repeating a memory as Eric added, "How many rides are we going on?"

Jackie dropped her hands on the table. "Doesn't this feel like something from the Twilight Zone?"

He nodded dumbly. It did and it was real. But when was it?

T7S

The ride home was spent in contemplative silence. Jackie was trying to remember the roller coaster but Eric could only remember her bright shining eyes as they conversed throughout dinner. He smiled as he recalled taking off the huge sunglasses and Jackie had tenderly touched his cheek. The bruise actually turned out to be a good thing in Eric's opinion.

It was just minutes later they were turning into the Forman driveway and Eric was trying to think of ways to keep the evening from ending. The only bummer was that tomorrow was a workday and he needed to go to bed. Alone. Alone? Hmmmm…

Jackie opened her car door and stepped out. The dark sky was glittered with stars like diamonds against a black velvet carpet. She sighed happily. It finally felt like her life was falling into place. She could almost hear the jigsaw pieces clicking together. She turned, "Eric."

His head swiveled around. Did she know what he was thinking? "Uh….yeah?"

Jackie closed the passenger door and leaned against it. "Have you ever felt like there was something missing in your life and you didn't exactly know what it was but when you got it…you knew?"

She WAS thinking what he was thinking. Mentally, Eric was rubbing his hands together. He pressed his left hand against the roof of the cruiser and replied confidently, "Yes. Yes I do."

She turned her head and smiled. "Good. Because I think my life is finally at the place I need it to be."

Come to my arms milady. Eric smiled knowingly and replied. "I think we're on the same page. Coming back from Africa, I thought I knew what I wanted but now I know. I really know."

She smiled. "Good." Jackie reached out a hand and cupped his cheek. "I think we need to change those bandages."

Screeeecchhhhh! Damn, she slammed on the emotional brakes and changed the subject. "What? Oh, yeah….bandages. Maybe a little kiss for the boo-boo?" Wait a sec.…did he really just say that? Really?

Jackie laughed, "You're so weird. Yes, I'll kiss the boo-boo but let's hurry because we have work in the morning."

xXx

Dear Jackie

I know you have had several failed relationships but did you ever stop to think why they failed? I know it wasn't because of anything you did – you're perfect. Maybe it was the guy wasn't good enough for you.

I think I know someone who could make you very happy and you would never have to cry again. I know this is sudden but give it a thought and let me know if you're interested.

Always

Eric.

He sealed the envelope and crossed his fingers. Was this the most stupid idea he ever had? The gentleness of her hands last night was like bliss. The press of her lips against his bruised cheek was heartwarming and he was encouraged. Maybe this could lead to a date.

Lead to an honest to God; dress up nice, real out on the town date.

Maybe!

He slipped the envelope in her car window and headed towards his car. The work day called and hopefully, Jackie would call too!

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