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A/n hello all. Thanks to everyone that gave their opinions. It was unanimous in the affirmative. The next chapter deals with the time between "A Real Rain and Someone's Watching."
After the Rain
JJ set down three bags of groceries and shrugged off her purse at the kitchen table. She hurried to put away her purchases and then turned her attention to three plants on the bar-style countertop that separated the kitchen from her living area.
"Hey babies," she said as she watered them. "Did you think I forgot about you?"
JJ touched all the flowering plants and smiled. "Of course, I wouldn't," she assured them. "You're my friends. You know," she bent her head closer as if sharing a secret. "One day, I'm going to have my own home with a backyard, and then all my babies will have room to spread out. Would you like that?"
Later, JJ changed into her favorite battered tee-shirt and sweatpants to run down to the neighborhood park. A complete circuit around the park, past the fountain, and back to her apartment took half an hour.
The calendar said this day marked the first day of Spring. The gray skies overhead and the forty-degree temperature felt like early March. Still, it was great to run after a tough day at work.
After JJ had a shower, she decided to reheat the leftover egg fu young and ham fried rice from her date with Spence. JJ considered phoning Spence as she ate. He'd sent her another beautiful letter. However, they hadn't had a chance to talk to each other away from prying eyes. While she considered the phone call, her thoughts went back to their date.
"Are you sure you want Chinese food again so soon after New York," JJ asked after their server seated them near a large window?
"Yes. I want you to know that I can use chopsticks."
"Spence's it's barely been a week since –"
"I know, but I experimented two nights ago after work. I ordered in Chinese takeout after we got back from our case and forced myself to finish the meal without a fork."
"Two days ago. Spence, are you sure you want to eat Chinese again so soon?"
"I'm sure."
Their server came for their orders, and after she left, JJ said. "Spence, you don't have to prove anything."
"I guess you have a point, but you were so nice trying to help me. I wanted to show you that your coaching was effective, even if if it didn't appear so at the time.
"Alright, but it is our second first date. I want you to have fun."
Spencer smiled at her. "I am."
"Good because you don't need to do anything to impress me, Spence. I hope you know that."
"I do."
JJ blinked and realized she'd finished her plate of leftovers. Spence had shown her his newfound abilities with chopsticks, and they'd laughed and talked for hours. It was strange to think only two days had passed since their date.
JJ looked at her phone, and then she looked at his last letter. Spence was right. She liked to talk on the phone and text, but there was something about writing a letter and waiting for a response. It ramped up the anticipation, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
JJ cleaned up her kitchen and grabbed her stationery. She decided to write a different kind of letter to Spence and enjoy waiting for his response.
Spence,
Yes, I want to continue to exchange letters with you. I enjoy the anticipation of wondering what you'll say next in your notes.
JJ.
PS Watching you eat with chopsticks was a complete turn-on.
JJ started to fold the letter, then stopped and took it to her bathroom. She found her favorite bottle of perfume and spritzed a bit on the stationery. She sniffed it and grinned. Let the waiting begin!