"What about Jamie?" Zoe asked, eyeing Marcus curiously.
"Well, he let me know in no uncertain terms that he was taking care of you, and that everything was fine."
Zoe nodded thoughtfully, unsure of what exactly the problem was.
"... And then he closed the door in my face."
Zoe was about to protest that there must have been a misunderstanding, but then she remembered Jamie's odd story about the postman visiting …
There really had been no postman! It had been Marcus!
Zoe was in shock, not only at Jamie's manners, but also by his lying to her—especially at his lying to her.
The petite astrophysicist regarded Marcus contritely. "I … I apologize profusely for Jamie's behavior," she said, finally able to find her voice. Her mouth drew into an indignant frown. "It was unacceptable. Jamie is … a very straightforward man, sometimes too straightforward. He can be rather tactless and blunt. I'm sorry."
"Mm. Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised. I noticed how uncouth and churlish he seemed when we were first introduced," Marcus returned flippantly.
Zoe's indignation suddenly swung and now she found herself bristling a bit on Jamie's behalf. She took exception to Marcus' characterization of him.
"Well, that's not really fair. As I said, he can be blunt, but he has good intentions. He did a wonderful job looking after me while I was ill. If he hadn't been around, I probably wouldn't have recovered as quickly as I had."
The other scientist scoffed softly. "I doubt that. You're not giving yourself enough credit. With your intelligence, you would have picked up on the suitable remedies a lot quicker than he did. And you certainly would have had the presence of mind to call a doctor."
Zoe sighed. Deep down she knew that wasn't completely true. If it weren't for Jamie, she would have stubbornly pushed her body in order to keep working; not giving it ample time to recover, leaving herself sicker than when she started. But Marcus didn't seem intent on budging, and she didn't have the strength or desire to continue this discussion.
"Let's just get back to this," she uttered wearily, gesturing to the monitor in front of them.
"Fine," Marcus said coolly as he sifted through the pages of a notepad he'd brought with him, double-checking some of the data points with those in his notes.
They spent the rest of the day analyzing the most recent data read-outs in their usual professional, business-like manner.
At least for Zoe, that's how it appeared on the outside. On the inside, as she worked, she found her attention drifting away off task to their contentious conversation. Zoe tried hard to snap her focus back, inwardly scolding herself for becoming so easily distracted.
But she couldn't help it; she was upset about what he had said earlier. Every so often she'd gaze at him, her eyes narrowed and nose wrinkled slightly in indignation, although the other scientist failed to notice, with his eyes glued to the screen. After a long period of studying one particular file, she gazed down at her watch, nearly relieved to discover it was close to five.
Sighing, she saved any changes she'd made to her files, gathered her notes into her book and returned it to its usual drawer. Rising from her chair, she stood back and pushed it in.
Marcus finally looked up, lips pursed and eyebrows raised in surprise. "You're leaving already?" He afforded a quick glance at his watch. "But it's only two minutes to five."
"Two minutes isn't going to kill me," Zoe retorted as she reached for her cardigan. She gave him a tight smile. "Back at it again tomorrow," she said crisply.
She abruptly left the workstation, not bothering to look back at him. She then approached the other scientists to say goodbye before making a beeline for the door.
Zoe's shoes produced a quick, staccato-like rhythm as she hurried down the paved paths surrounding the laboratory building before reaching the winding, sandy path that eventually led her back home. She was doubly irritated — upset with Marcus for his verbal put-downs of Jamie, but also angry with Jamie for his behavior.
She seethed as she reached the front door, preparing to not mince words during her confrontation with Jamie over it.
Zoe laid her hand on the door handle and pushed it open, stepping quickly inside in hot pursuit of Jamie. She didn't have to look far; the Highlander was approaching the front room from the hall, smiling as he met her gaze. "How was yer day?"
"Never mind that. Marcus shared something interesting with me this morning …"
Jamie's gaze immediately slid away from her.
"Oh, aye?"
"That he visited me while I was sick …"
Jamie reddened and suddenly became very concerned with straightening the hall mirror.
Zoe fixed him with a severe glare. "And you shut the door in his face."
The Highlander turned and appeared ready to protest but then stared at her like a guilty child. "Oh, aye, I, um … might've done tha'..."
"Jamie, how could you? I know you two couldn't be more different, but don't you see how rude that was? Would it have killed you to show a bit of common courtesy—a little tact?"
Jamie looked effectively chastened. "'m sorry." He avoided her gaze once again, toeing at some invisible speck of dirt on the floor with his boot. "I was afraid he'd throw a lot of silly questions at ye aboot yer illness. It would've jist exhausted ye." Jamie's conscience squirmed over the half-truth.
"Oh, like you?" Zoe shot back. "I seem to remember you had no problem lecturing me yourself."
An embarrassed flush burned the Highlander's cheeks and he refused to look at her. "I know," he said quietly.
Zoe continued to frown at him until her own words from earlier resurfaced in her mind.
He has good intentions …
Jamie did look truly ashamed. Zoe sighed heavily and the last of her anger trickled out. She was still upset with Marcus, but somehow she just couldn't stay mad at Jamie. "It was probably for the best …" she found herself admitting, "I might've given Marcus my cold … then the lab would have been down two scientists ..."
Jamie gazed at her tentatively, his eyes wide in concern and perhaps a dash of hope. "So, ye're nae cross wi' me?"
Zoe sighed again. "No, I'm not. I am disappointed by your rude behavior and that you weren't honest with me … but, you did it out of concern for my well-being so I can't completely fault you …"
Jamie looked relieved. A shy smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Thank ye." He moved his hand toward her arm but then drew it back to rub his own arm in a nervous gesture. "Mebbe I was a wee bit rude, but I was only thinkin' aboot doin' what was best for ye, lass."
"I know," she conceded. "And I'm touched by how hard you worked. But I have to work with Marcus, so I'd appreciate it if you'd act just a little more civil towards him."
Jamie pulled a face. "Ye have tae work wi' him?"
Zoe heaved a sigh; not just in reaction to his comment, but also at the stark reminder of her earlier conversation with Marcus and the things he'd said about Jamie. "Yes, I do. He is just one of a group of scientists I'm working with. I'd like to be on good terms with all of them, at least for the duration of this project."
"How much longer d'ye think ye'll be workin' on it?"
The petite scientist covered her face with her hands in frustration. Why was he making this so difficult? "I don't know, Jamie."
""I'm sorry, Zoe. I …"
Something in the tone of his voice made her take her hands away from her face and look at him. But the moment their eyes met Jamie looked down and began to study his nails. "I jis' want ye tae be happy, is all," he murmured.
Zoe was touched by his revelation. "Oh, Jamie, I am."
The Highlander forgot his nails and his eyes quickly snapped back up to hers. He seemed momentarily surprised for some reason then a warm smile of relief spread over his face.
Zoe continued, "Getting to use my skills as a scientist to help this community makes me happy."
Jamie's face fell and Zoe felt like kicking herself. Clearly, that was not the answer he wanted. What answer did he want? "I mean, it's one of the things that makes me happy," she quickly added. Jamie's gaze was tentative for a very brief moment before his smile returned. It warmed the edges of Zoe's heart until she heard the faint ding of the egg timer in the kitchen. She regarded the Highlander curiously.
"Oh, I wanted tae surprise ye." His smile broadened. "How d'ye like broiled halibut?"
Zoe's eyes widened in surprise. "You cooked dinner?"
Jamie blushed slightly despite his smile. "Aye. Well, Ellen gave it tae me when I finished up wi' Vaughn."
He quickly headed for the kitchen, Zoe following closely. "I really appreciate their generosity, but I almost feel as if we're taking advantage."
"How're we doin' that? It's no' as if we're orderin' them tae provide meals fer us."
"You know what I mean. We're both working and we've been on this planet nearly two weeks. We should start being more self-sufficient; get our own food and cook it ourselves." She turned toward the back door. "For starters, I'd like to fix up that garden and grow some fruit and vegetables."
"I know. We'll get there, lass. But in the meantime, I'm no' about tae refuse food so freely given. Now tha' would be rude."
Zoe wasn't about to argue with Jamie on that point. She took a seat at the kitchen table as he headed for the oven, removed the platter of fish and placed it on the stovetop. Zoe stretched up a bit in her seat, trying to look over his shoulder. From what she could see, the fish looked delicious. She knew Ellen herself had prepared it, but was still touched that Jamie went to the trouble to cook it for them both.
She smiled as the Highlander approached the table with the platter, set it down in between them and began cutting it. He turned to her expectantly and she handed her plate to him, upon which he placed a generous helping of the fish. Nodding in thanks, she turned back toward the stove, realizing she'd failed to notice a pot of something sitting atop one of the burners. She gazed at him curiously.
"Green beans," Jamie answered. He'd risen from his chair and was back at the stove, inspecting the pot before briefly glancing at his watch. "An' if I did this right, they should be ready now …" He strolled over to the sink to drain the water from the pot. Rummaging in one of the cupboards, he located a small, white ceramic bowl into which he transferred the beans, grabbed a large spoon and then placed them on the table between himself and Zoe.
Zoe felt Jamie's eyes on her as she studied the beans. She lifted her gaze to find him looking at her expectantly. "Well, go on," he prompted. "Take as much as ye wish."
He also seemed a bit nervous, prompting Zoe to offer him a soft, reassuring smile as she nodded. She helped herself to a large spoonful before nodding in thanks as she handed the bowl back to Jamie. She speared one of the long, green beans with her fork and brought it up to her mouth, taking a few cursory bites.
Her lips lifted in a smile. The beans were quite tasty and obviously fresh.
"Very good, Jamie," she said.
Jamie's tentative expression faded and a brief hint of relief seemed to flash in his eyes before he beamed at her. Zoe's smile turned into one of fondness.
"Now eat yer fish before it gets cold," he directed, pointing a finger at her plate.
Nodding, Zoe cut a small portion of the fish and nibbled it thoughtfully. It had a nice, citrusy herb flavor — lemon, chopped basil, and just a hint of black pepper. A delicious combination, indeed. And, best of all, it wasn't overcooked.
"Well?"
She lifted her gaze to find Jamie regarding her tentatively.
"It's delicious, Jamie," she said around a bite of the fish. Swallowing her food, she gave him a smile. "You should cook more often."
The smile he gave her in return was enough to demonstrate he was pleased, although his gaze then slid to the tabletop and his cheeks flushed. "Weeell, Vaughn tol' me how tae cook the beans an' Ellen had prepared the fish; I only heated it up."
Zoe frowned in disappointment. "Oh, come on, Jamie," she gently chastised him. "Heating up food is still a vital part of the cooking process. You have to make sure it's heated for the correct length of time and at the correct temperature, not to mention via the correct process. For example, the beans …"
"Alright, alright!" Jamie interrupted with an amused grin. "So I didnae burn any of it or make it all sapplin. I havenae cooked anything over a proper kitchen fire in a long time. They tol' me how tae prepare it."
"And you followed their directions to the letter. So, you did a perfect job."
"Alright, if ye say so," Jamie conceded after a brief moment. His tone was one of false modesty, but the smile on his face spoke of gratitude.
Zoe nodded, her fond smile quirking with a hint of amusement. "I still would like to see what else you can cook."
Jamie lifted an eyebrow. "Would ye, now?" He appeared to be mulling it over. "Wha' would ye like me tae cook for ye?"
Zoe's brow furrowed in thought. "I don't know. What immediately springs to mind?"
"Weeelll …" He trailed off, the corner of his mouth twitching into an amused grin.
Zoe's eyes suddenly widened. "Not haggis," she said hurriedly.
"Ye've got no taste at all, woman," he retorted, wrinkling his nose at her.
"Oh, really? And haggis is the hallmark of optimal taste and refinement?"
Jamie stuck his nose up in the air haughtily. "Of course it is."
Zoe stared at him a moment and then failed to stop the giggle that had bubbled up from her stomach. He just looked so comical, although she couldn't deny there was something endearing about it.
Jamie had obviously heard her and now held her gaze pointedly.
Zoe cleared her throat in embarrassment. "Sorry. What about something else from Scotland? It doesn't even have to be a main dish."
The Highlander frowned in thought before a look of realization crossed his face. "Hey, I know. Ye ever heard of bannocks?"
"Bannocks," Zoe repeated. "Are they like a sort of biscuit?"
"No' exactly. It's more like a heavy bread made wi' oats, flour an' buttermilk."
"Well, it sounds quite good."
"Aye," Jamie said with a nod for emphasis. He smiled. "I'll have tae make some one o' these days."
"I would like that; thank you."
"Of course, Zoe."
They ate in silence, enjoying a good meal and Zoe's frustration with Jamie over his behavior toward Marcus quickly evaporated.
Kneeling on the ground before the garden bed, Zoe made a hole the correct size with a small spade, stuck a young plant inside, and firmly tamped down the dirt around it. She smiled in satisfaction at the finished row of plants before her eyes drifted over to the old, wilted ones she'd tossed aside, preparing to dispose of once all her work was done.
Over the past few days, she had spent some time studying the garden, especially the species of the plants Old George had and their condition. She had taken some samples of the soil and tested its acidity. During her initial inspection, she had found old label markers with faded images next to the planted rows. Below the faded images were scientific classifications which helped her confirm each plant's identity. Zoe had made up a list that included vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers; blueberry and blackberry bushes; and flowers including marigolds, lilies, daisies, irises, azalea bushes and even a rose bush.
Sadly, all of the vegetables had wilted, though perhaps it wasn't surprising given how long the garden had been neglected. Ellen had introduced Zoe to Stacey, a botanist friend of hers who confirmed the vegetables were beyond saving, but she had given Zoe some seeds of her own along with some fertilizer and instructions on how to prepare the soil for planting, as well as basic care. Zoe had shared with her the soil acidity results she had obtained to double check its suitability for these specific species. Stacey confirmed her suspicion that the soil was fine, but the plants had simply wilted due to neglect.
Zoe had been pleased to discover that the berry and rose bushes were still in pretty good condition, and Stacey had given her instructions on how to bring them up to optimal health. Like the vegetables, the flowers were also beyond saving, so the petite scientist was instructed to dig them up and was given new seeds with which to replace them. Zoe had quite a job ahead of her, but she was more than up for the task.
Having replaced one more row of vegetables — consisting of tomatoes and cucumbers — Zoe decided to call it a day. Gazing at all she had accomplished, her mind began reeling with thoughts of even more plans for the garden. She recalled Jamie telling her that Vaughn had mentioned Old George having once grown pumpkins. She was very open to the idea and decided to add them to her mental 'to-do' list, perhaps along with green beans.
Getting to her feet and brushing herself off, she gazed once more at the garden into which she had just injected some new life. A hopeful smile lit up her face. Soon, she and Jamie would be able to grow their own food, not to mention brighten the garden up with some flowers.
Zoe's gaze soon drifted back toward the house and her eyes widened in surprise at the sight of bed linens hanging from the clothesline. She knew she hadn't seen them before. Obviously Jamie had to have put them there, but she must have been so engrossed in her gardening that she failed to notice him. She then noticed the back door opening to reveal the Highlander stepping outside with a large basket. He crossed over to the clothesline and began gathering up the dried bedding.
Zoe approached him with a smile. "Thank you for doing all that, Jamie."
"Och, it's no trouble at all."
Zoe smiled. Her smile suddenly faded. "Just one question."
"Eh?"
She eyed him with trepidation. "What did you use to clean them?"
Jamie gazed at her when suddenly a teasing grin tugged at his lips.
Zoe panicked. "Jamie! You didn't!"
Jamie's grin spread.
Recalling their earlier conversation regarding primitive laundry techniques, Zoe fixed him with a murderous glare before she reached up to swat him.
Jamie held up his hands in surrender, laughing. "Ow! Nae! Nae, of course not. I used the laundry soap."
Zoe eyed him skeptically and reached for the bedsheets herself, sniffing them. She was at last relieved to detect the familiar scent of the laundry soap.
Her gaze returned to Jamie, who now looked rather peevish.
"What?" she asked innocently.
"Ye jis' had tae go an' make sure, didn't ye," he replied with a scowl.
Zoe shrugged. "You know me. I must test everything."
Jamie merely rolled his eyes and grumbled. He bent at the waist to grab the basket but then stopped, straightened back up and looked over in the direction of the garden. "Ye been busy at tha', eh?"
Zoe nodded. "Yes, I've accomplished a lot today."
Jamie nodded, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as he looked her over. "I can tell."
Zoe tilted her head, eyeing him in confusion.
Jamie's grin remained and he said not a word as he tapped his fingers against both his cheeks.
Zoe squinted at him, still not sure what he was getting at until her gaze dropped to her palms and especially her fingernails, under which was a fair amount of dirt.
Her eyes widened in shock. "Oh, no! And I just grabbed those clean sheets." She was nearly in a panic as she bent to study them.
"Whoa! Easy there, lass," Jamie said, grabbing her by the arms and effectively stopping her. He inspected the sheets himself. "Nae. They look fine tae me."
Zoe heaved a sigh of relief but the red hue of her face had merely dulled to a pink. "I've also got dirt on my face?"
"Just a wee bit on yer cheeks an' the tip of yer nose." Zoe frowned and was about to head for the door to go inside and wash up when Jamie reached out and stopped her again. "I'll get it." He grabbed a handkerchief from his jacket pocket, opened it and pursed his lips, as if he were preparing to spit into it.
Zoe scrunched up her face in disgust. Jamie noticed, eyeing her innocently. "Wha' is jist a wee bit o' spittle?"
Zoe's disgusted face remained as Jamie broke into laughter before strolling over to the outside water spigot. Wetting the rag, he returned to Zoe and gently dabbed her cheeks, as well as the tip of her nose.
"There," he said softly.
Once he'd removed the handkerchief, Zoe was embarrassed at the amount of dirt on it and wondered how on earth that could have happened. She had dragged her hand across her face to wipe away the sweat more than once. The twin suns had been quite strong and she was glad she had used the sunscreen Leara had given them, but having spent so much time indoors over the past two weeks, she had underestimated how warm it could get.
Her gaze returned to Jamie and she found him smiling fondly at her.
"What?"
"Oh, naethin.' Jis' never thought I'd see ye doin' work that'd get ye all clarty like that." Zoe regarded him blankly, prompting him to clarify, "Dirty."
"Really? What about that time on Dulkis when the Dominators and Quarks forced me and Cully and the other Dulcians to clear all that rubble to test our strength and how well we'd serve them as slaves?"
"Aye, but tha' was different, they made ye do it against yer will. I'm talkin' aboot doin' something ye want tae do."
Zoe shrugged. "I've worked with plants before on the Wheel."
"Aye, but — Och, never mind."
"Well, I'd better go inside now and wash my face properly."
"What do ye mean, 'wash it properly'?"
"You know, with soap."
Jamie huffed a breath that blew some of his fringe skyward. "I try tae do somethin' nice for ye, an' this is the thanks I get."
Zoe giggled before reaching up to pat Jamie's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Jamie. I do appreciate the thought."
His frown faded as he looked her over. He then turned and gazed curiously at the garden.
"I replaced two rows of vegetables, and I've got plans for more," Zoe said. "I'd like to add some green beans and pumpkins." She smiled in anticipation.
Jamie nodded, eyebrows raised and looking impressed. "Sounds great. Before long we'll have a bonny wee garden out here." He picked up the linen basket once again, smiling at her over his shoulder as he headed for the back door.
Zoe returned his smile as she followed close behind. Just before stepping inside the house, she turned once more to gaze out at the garden. Yes, working in the lab made her happy. But she was quickly discovering an appreciation for this gardening business. And this was much different from the work she'd done with plants on the Wheel. There, it was a controlled environment within a lab. Here, she was actually working off the land and getting her hands dirty — or dirtier than she'd ever gotten them.
It was a feeling that was completely new to her. And one she rather liked.
The waning, early evening sunlight streamed through the front room windows as the door swung open and Jamie sauntered tiredly inside. He'd had a long though productive day starting a new project with Vaughn, a cupboard sort of thing with two doors that the other man called a credenza. Not only had they made up drawings and gathered materials, but they had made some good progress on the actual construction. Jamie smiled tiredly, grateful for all they were able to accomplish. As he sunk onto the sofa, he wanted nothing more than to put his feet up, but frowned as he realized that was not possible. Maybe he could ask Vaughn if they could make a footstool next.
"Oh, Jamie! I didn't hear you come in," Zoe's voice floated from somewhere down the hallway. Jamie sat up and turned to find the petite scientist making her way into the room. He blinked at her in surprise. It was rare that she got home before he did — it was usually the other way around. She approached him with a glass of something reddish, smiling as she held it out to him.
"Wha's this?" Jamie asked, eyeing it curiously.
"It's a glass of iced, herbal tea. I picked it up at the market in the village square."
Jamie regarded her skeptically. "When did ye do that? I thought ye were at work the whole day."
"Well, I do get a lunch break," Zoe replied. "I accompanied the other scientists there to a little café for lunch." Her eyes narrowed in thought. "It was quite good, certainly not like any food I've eaten before. Anyway, we had a bit of time left after we finished, so we visited several of the shops." She smiled brightly. "I didn't realize what a charming little village center they've got here; we've never had the opportunity to explore it."
"Aye," Jamie muttered. The only glimpse he'd seen of it was back when Vaughn and Ellen had given them the little tour when they'd first arrived here, and it was a very brief one at that. He himself wouldn't mind having a look one day to see what was there.
"The corner market had all sorts of things to eat and drink," Zoe continued. Her gaze dropped to the glass in Jamie's hand. "The herbal tea is some sort of citrus-floral blend. I believe it's called 'Tropical Hibiscus.'"
Taking a sip, Jamie smiled at the smooth, yet slightly tangy, flavors. He'd never had anything that tasted like this before, but as he took another sip he decided he liked it very much. He nodded to Zoe in approval.
The petite astrophysicist beamed. "After I finished work, I went back there to buy a few other things."
"An' where did ye get the money tae pay fer it?"
Zoe flushed a bit. "One of the other scientists, Doctor Morelli, lent me some. She told me it was no problem, seeing as how we're both so new to Athena and have no source of income at the moment. I told her I would pay her back."
"How ye gannae do tha'?"
Zoe opened her mouth to answer but then quickly shut it again. "Would you like to know what else I bought?"
Jamie gazed curiously at her, caught off guard by the change in subject but merely shrugged in reply.
"I bought a small cut of Angus beef."
The Highlander's eyes lit up and a smile slowly crept across his face. "Oh, aye?"
Zoe smiled in amusement. She knew he'd be pleased. "Yes. We're having steak for dinner." Jamie's mouth opened in amazement. "Well, you made dinner the other night, so why shouldn't I return the favor?" she continued matter-of-factly. "And I wanted to celebrate."
Jamie arched an eyebrow. "Celebrate what?"
A proud smile lit up the petite scientist's face. "They offered me a stipend to continue working at the lab!"
Jamie had begun to smile but it abruptly turned into a frown as his brow furrowed in confusion. "A what?"
"A stipend. A salary given for performing specific services. Do you hear that, Jamie? They're paying me for my work at the lab!" She smiled excitedly.
Jamie simply stared blankly at her. Zoe's smile faded and she gazed at him in concern. "Jamie? Are you alright?" A vague look of confusion and disappointment crossed her face. "I thought you'd be happy for me …"
Jamie's gaze quickly snapped back to her. "Aye! O-of course I am ..." His smile didn't quite reach his eyes, however, and he appeared pensive.
Zoe lifted a sardonic eyebrow. "You don't look too happy."
Jamie quickly lifted a placating hand. "No! I really am! I jis' …"
"Just what?"
Jamie shifted a little uncomfortably, but answered firmly. "I should be the one tae provide for us."
Zoe's eyes hardened and she put a fist to her hip. "Why? Because you're a man?"
"Well … yes."
Zoe couldn't believe what she was hearing. Though really, the more unbelievable thing was the fact that she was surprised at all. "Really, Jamie, I thought by now you would have learned to put those outdated notions of yours to rest."
"Och, well ye know what a slow learner I am," Jamie said with bitter sarcasm.
"Yes I do. And how you think men are superior."
"Now, I never said tha'!"
"Yes you did, all the time!"
"I was teasin' you!"
"Why?"
Jamie shrugged. "Because it was fun. An' ye needed takin' down a peg!" Zoe's eyes widened and she nearly looked apoplectic. Maybe he shouldn't have gone there. He sighed, dragging a hand through his hair, trying to reign in his temper. "Look. As a man I feel it's my duty tae provide for us an' I'm nae goin' tae apologize for it."
The petite scientist studied him for a moment, her small lips pressed into a thin pink line. "Well. We're at a bit of an impasse then, aren't we?" She finally said, her tone and expression as hard as stone. "I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree."
At a loss for words, Jamie merely stared back at her, finding the silence between them painful. Unexpected relief came at the faint sound of the egg timer in the kitchen. "Come on, then. Dinner is ready," Zoe announced coldly before spinning around on her heel and heading for the kitchen.
Jamie nodded at her retreating form and trailed after her.
The room was thick with uncomfortable silence as they ate their dinner. At times, Jamie would glance over at Zoe who was tacitly ignoring him, her expression lacking the warmth he was used to seeing when they discussed how they had each spent their day.
I am happy for ye …
And, he was. Really. But deep down, a feeling of inadequacy gnawed relentlessly at his gut. He needed to take some action in order to banish it for good.
The next day, Jamie was busily helping Vaughn finish work on the credenza they had started the other day. The fallout from his argument with Zoe had resulted in a nearly sleepless night. It was made worse by another feeling that had festered ever since her admission during their earlier conversation that working with those scientists made her happy.
Why was he harping on this so much?
"Pass me that brush, would you?" Vaughn's voice suddenly cut through his intrusive thoughts.
Why was it so important to him? Couldn't he just —
Vaughn cleared his throat loudly, nearly causing the Highlander to jump. "Och! Oh, um … Aye. Here ye go," Jamie replied distractedly, grabbing the brush in front of him and holding it up to Vaughn.
The other man nodded in thanks, but stared at him curiously. "What's bothering you?"
Jamie sighed. "I dunno … Zoe seems tae have more in common wi' those scientists she's workin' with. It jis' reminds me we're two verra different people. I can see why she prefers their company so much."
Vaughn's expression made it clear he knew what was bothering the Highlander. "Hey, don't sell yourself short just because you're not one of those brainiacs. Common interests aren't everything. There has to be a yin and a yang."
Jamie stared at him, confused. "Eh?"
Vaughn chuckled good-naturedly. "What could be one person's weakness is the other person's strength and vice versa," he explained. "You balance each other out and it works. Look at me and Ellen. I couldn't even begin to understand half of the science jargon she uses ..."
Jamie grinned sympathetically.
"... But that's okay. I support her in everything she does, and she does the same for me. And, actually, I've even come to enjoy when she talks science at me." Vaughn chuckled and then his face softened. "She looks so cute when she does it, the way her eyes light up …" Vaughn trailed off as an embarrassed flush crept up his already ruddy cheeks.
Jamie tilted his head. "'Cute'?"
Vaughn blinked at him in surprise. "You know, 'adorable.'"
"Och, aye. I know that word."
Vaughn gave him a look of amused curiosity and then shook his head.
Jamie smiled. "I kind of know what ye mean, about the science talk an' all. I used tae hate it when Zoe would rattle off, it made me feel two feet tall … but now I know it's jist Zoe bein' Zoe and I …" Now it was Jamie's turn to blush and feel suddenly uncomfortable.
I like tae see her happy …
As if reading his mind, Vaughn said, "She may be happy working there, but I'm sure you make her happy as well. From what I've heard, you'd taken very good care of her back when she was sick."
Jamie looked away and nodded bleakly, his expression still pensive. He sure didn't make her happy the other day during their argument. He turned back to the other man. "Did ye know that Zoe is gannae be earnin' pay for workin' at the laboratory?"
"No, I didn't know that." Vaughn smiled. "That's great. Congratulate her for me, will you?"
"Aye, I will," Jamie replied quickly, avoiding his gaze as he desperately looked for something else on which to focus his attention. He ran his finger down one of the credenza's recently-polished door handles.
"Okay. What is it?"
Jamie sighed, forcing himself to look at the other man. "Dinnae misunderstand me, now. I'm verra happy for Zoe, but it's jis' that … I always thought …" He trailed off lamely as his gaze dropped to the floor.
He risked another glance at Vaughn, who, once again, seemed to be reading his mind. "... You'd be the breadwinner."
"Aye!" Jamie replied with conviction.
Vaughn looked away from him, his face lighting up in a grin as he nodded.
"Wha's wrong wi' that?" Jamie asked him.
Vaughn turned back to him, his grin never leaving his face as he placatingly held up his hands. "I'll just say it's a good thing Ellen's not around to hear this."
"Oh, aye?" Jamie frowned. "I suppose she gets pay from workin' at the lab as well?"
"Well, yeah. It's a full-time position."
"So she's the …" He struggled to remember the term Vaughn had just used. "... the 'breadwinner' for the two of ye?"
"Well, not exactly. I do earn money by selling some of my furniture at one of the shops, and I do paid commissions." He'd obviously picked up on Jamie's frown. "Look, I know what you're saying. Yes, it is a man's job to provide—but providing can mean more than just making money. Although, it's not as if you're married, so in your situation I don't really see what the problem is ..."
Jamie blinked at him in shock and then flushed to his ears. "Well, aye, tha's true … aye. I have nae right tae interfere ..." Embarrassed, he trailed off and looked away.
He heard the other man chuckle softly and risked a glance back at him. From the look on his face, Vaughn seemed to understand and Jamie couldn't be more thankful. "Hey, speaking of all this work we've been doing," Vaughn began, mercifully changing the subject. "It would be only right to offer you a percentage of the money from the pieces the two of us make together. How does that sound?" He gestured toward the furniture in front of them.
Jamie smiled back. "I'd like tha', thank you." Something was still nagging at him, however. "But, I'd like tae be doin' more as well ..." He gazed shyly at his friend, hoping he wasn't asking too much of him.
Fortunately, he didn't seem to have anything to worry about. "I hear ya. You'd like to be doing more in addition to plain old woodworking." He seemed to think for a moment until his eyes widened and he snapped his fingers. "Have you ever spent much time on a farm?"
"Aye, I have. A lot o' time, actually."
"Remember that guy with the farm I mentioned a while back — Abe Watkins? He's a really swell guy — would give you the shirt off his back. His wife passed away about five years ago and he's really getting on. He could use some help around the farm. I'll introduce you if you're interested."
"Oh, yes, please!"
"Okay, then! I'll give him a call and set it up."
Jamie nodded, his face a portrait of gratitude.
They had ended up finishing the credenza earlier than expected, and at four o'clock they were on their way to meet this old farmer friend of Vaughn's. As they traversed the main, paved path down to the dead end where the farm was located, Jamie squinted in the bright, late afternoon sunlight. He really needed a good pair of sunglasses. Perhaps he could find one in one of those shops Zoe had mentioned.
The thought of her brought up memories of his earlier conversation with Vaughn; in particular, what the other man had said about how 'cute' his wife looked whenever she brought up her science stuff. The image of Zoe studying that stereopticon thing with the photos of Eilean Donan was very clear in his mind. A smile tugged at his lips as he noted how her face nearly glowed in awe. She looked rather 'cute' herself. He blushed furiously upon that thought, hoping Vaughn hadn't noticed. If he had, hopefully he'd just assume it was the strong sunlight beating down on him.
"And there it is — straight ahead!" his friend's voice cut through his reverie.
Jamie's gaze snapped up to the scene in front of them and his jaw dropped. The farm consisted of green pastures in which he could spot sheep, cows, and goats in separate areas. There was even a paddock and stable for horses! At the very far western end he spied a large barn and silo. Some yards before it closer to the pavement sat a two-story, gray-shingled house. Its style was similar to that of Ellen and Vaughn's but it looked a bit older and more worn.
"Come on," Vaughn directed Jamie as he started walking up towards the house. Jamie followed, continuing to study the expanse of the farmland itself in awe.
Climbing the front steps, he stood just off to the side and behind Vaughn, who lifted his fist to the outer door and knocked heavily upon it. A short moment later the inner door pulled back slightly and standing before them was an old man eyeing them tentatively. He appeared to be in his eighties and was perhaps two inches taller than Jamie, his posture slightly hunched over. He wore a dirt-stained, white, long-sleeved shirt under a pair of blue overalls, and some strands of gray hair poked out from underneath a weathered gray cap.
"Mitchell! Good ta' see ya, feller!" he exclaimed, his mouth spreading into a broad, toothy smile.
Vaughn shook his hand heartily and then turned to Jamie. "This is the new friend I told you about, Jamie McCrimmon."
The old man studied Jamie a moment before offering his hand. "I'm Abe Watkins. Nice to meet ya, young man!"
Jamie regarded him a bit shyly at first but then smiled back as he shook the old man's hand. "Aye, an' you as well."
Abe studied him another moment and then his eyes lit up. "Another Scot!" he proclaimed, pointing at Jamie's kilt. "And an authentic one at that!"
"Hey," Vaughn cut in with a slight glare.
"I trust you not to tell those Ferguson friends of yours I said that," the old man quipped.
Vaughn sighed dramatically. "All right. This time."
Old Abe chuckled as he stepped aside to allow Jamie and Vaughn entrance into his farmhouse.
After a little chat during which they declined an offer of a glass of water, Abe had taken them outside to tell them all about the farm and give them a tour. He had shown them the fields and all the crops he grew — off the top of his head, Jamie could list corn, potatoes, beans, and lettuce — before taking them to see all the animals. It turned out the ones Jamie had seen were only a fraction of what lived on that farm. In addition to sheep, cattle, goats and horses, Abe also had pigs, chickens and turkeys. Jamie had told him he'd worked with animals like this back in Scotland, especially the sheep, and he'd not only tended to but had also ridden horses.
Their tour having come to an end, Jamie paused to gaze at the expanse of field overlooking the horse paddock. He then felt a slight nudge to his shoulder and turned to find Abe gazing expectantly at him. "So, what do you think you can do here?" he asked, making a wide gesture around the farm.
Jamie smiled. "Anythin' ye want me tae do!"
The man chuckled fondly and gave Jamie a hearty handshake. "Happy to have you helping me out, son. I'll be paying you weekly for all your work."
Jamie gaped at him. "Eh? Y-ye will?"
"Of course! Look at me. I'm not exactly a spring chicken and this farm is too much for me to keep up myself. I'm grateful for any help you can give me."
"I'm happy tae help," Jamie told him with an eager nod. "When would ye like me tae start?"
"Whenever you can. Weekdays, some weekends if you're available, we'll work something out."
The Highlander felt a spark of happiness igniting deep down inside himself. Farming was something he was quite familiar with and a part of him had always yearned to get back into it someday. But then he had met the Doctor and his dreams of tending a farm were replaced with visiting faraway planets and trying to keep out of danger. And now here they were, on a brand new world where he finally had the opportunity.
And to top it off, he was earning his keep in order to ensure a good life for himself and Zoe.
Zoe frowned as she tried hard to stay focused on her work. Jamie's chauvinistic comment about how it was his job to provide for them financially kept intruding into her thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate.
Both she and Jamie had fallen into different schedules and weren't seeing each other as often as before, except at dinner and when he met her at the lab to walk her home. But now Jamie hadn't even been doing that the past couple of days—Not that it mattered much right now; she was still quite sore with him.
She tried hard to get her mind back on the data she and Marcus were reviewing. It concerned the beginnings of the device they were constructing for the ion storm study, so it was of paramount importance and she couldn't afford any distractions.
But she couldn't help it. The issue with Jamie kept niggling at her. She reminded herself that he was from a much different time, one in which men were the sole providers of the household and did all they could to protect their women. Women who were considered the "weaker" sex, a notion painfully emphasized by his behavior the other day. Zoe couldn't keep herself from bristling once more.
"Point seven microns …"
A voice at her side faintly mingled with the intrusive thoughts and she finally snapped herself out of it. "What?" she asked, flustered.
She turned to find Marcus eyeing her impatiently. "Point seven microns for the last station reading at sixteen-forty-five hours. Is that what you've got?"
Zoe heaved a sigh as she forced her attention back on the screen in front of her. She had the last row of data highlighted and quickly scanned it. "Oh — yes. Yes, that's what I've got."
Marcus nodded but gave her a sidelong glance.
"What?" she asked him.
"You just seem preoccupied." From the way he gazed at her, he appeared almost intrigued by the notion. Zoe frowned for a brief moment and then tried to shake herself out of it. Perhaps it was her imagination.
Jamie's gait slowed as he approached the building which housed the laboratory. Gazing once more at his watch, he frowned. Zoe was never usually this late.
He hadn't gone to meet her and walk her home as usual the past couple of days; after that heated argument the other day, he didn't think she wanted him to do so. His heart began to ache as he considered the distance now between them. He wished they could just sit and talk about everything, but he wasn't sure how to begin.
How to begin without putting himself in even more trouble than he already was.
He shook his head as if to clear it. At the moment he needed to make sure everything was okay and see what was keeping her.
He determinedly strolled up to the door, pulled it open and stepped inside.
Zoe rubbed at her temples, still finding it hard to concentrate on the task before them. She cast a glance down at her watch and her eyes widened when she realized it was nearly twenty after five. "We really do need to wrap up, Jamie will wonder what's happened to me," she muttered.
"Ah, yes. Jamie," Marcus said. "I noticed he hasn't been showing up to meet you lately. Did something happen between you two?"
Zoe was taken aback for a fleeting moment, not expecting the question. "No," she automatically retorted, but then thought better of it:
Marcus was a man, and a scientific one at that. Maybe he could elucidate things regarding the male psyche in terms she could understand. She sighed sharply, covering her face with her hands for a moment.
"Actually, yes." She turned to Marcus and found him eyeing her expectantly.
"The other day I told him I was offered a stipend to continue my work here. He seemed happy for me, but had to turn it into an argument about how he should be the one to provide for us. You know, being the man of the house." She spit the last phrase out scornfully. "He .. He just has all these outdated notions and refuses to let go of them, such as women being the 'weaker sex' who can't do things on their own."
As soon as she said that she realized that wasn't fair; he didn't say that—just that he should be the one to provide …
And she had to admit there were times that she couldn't do things on her own; times that she needed Jamie's strength and protection. These thoughts had swirled around in Zoe's head as she stewed over their argument and had now brought themselves back to the fore as she complained to Marcus:
Jamie did these things not to lord it over her, but because being strong and protective came naturally to him. It was how he expressed his care and friendship for her …
Marcus paused briefly in thought and then eyed her in sympathy. "Oh, that's a shame. I certainly understand your frustration. Curious; how long have you known him, exactly?"
Zoe blinked; again, not expecting such a question. "Well, I can't say how long exactly. But it's been at least several years since we first met."
Jamie thanked the secretary who had pointed out where Zoe's workstation was and headed in the direction. He gazed thoughtfully at all the work areas situated inside this large room. White walls with gray borders, the secretary had called them 'cubicles.' Jamie shook his head in amusement; the name certainly suited them.
As he approached a certain area, he picked up a couple of voices. One was clearly Zoe's and he smiled at the sound. His smile quickly faded into a frown as he realized the other voice belonged to Marcus. Curious to hear what they were saying, he kept himself hidden behind one of the cubicle walls.
"Several years," Marcus repeated Zoe pointedly, his eyebrows nearly leaping off his forehead. "So ... the two of you have been together several years by now."
Zoe immediately picked up on the insinuation. "What? No, we-we're just friends."
Jamie blinked as he felt his heart sink with disappointment, the feeling sharper than the first time she said that.
The other scientist's lips curled into a thin smirk, suggesting he didn't quite believe her, the notion of which frustrated Zoe. "Hm. Well, again, I can understand your frustration. I'm not surprised Jamie would hold such values given my observations of him when we first met. It must be difficult to be around someone that slow and have to constantly explain not just the most elementary scientific principles, but, well, pretty much anything. How can you stand that?"
Jamie's eyes widened and his jaw set in anger. How could this daftie say such things about him?! His hands curled into fists down at his sides. Bampot. Heid-banger. Numpty.
Bawbag!
Jamie screwed his eyes shut and heaved a silent breath, trying to hold himself together. He couldn't let them know he was listening. Still, a part of him very much wanted to throttle Marcus.
He then heard Zoe's voice:
"I admit I did find it frustrating and annoying indeed …"
Jamie's face fell as his disappointment over her earlier words turned into actual sadness. There was no need for him to stick around any longer. He began to turn away …
"… But ... as time went on, I realized that although Jamie might not understand all the intricate scientific details you and I study every day, he more than makes up for it in other ways."
Jamie halted in his tracks.
Marcus finally stopped scrolling through data and turned slightly to make eye contact, gazing at her over his glasses. "Oh, really?" he scoffed. "How, pray tell?"
Zoe bit back her slight annoyance at his tone. "Well, through his common sense, practicality, bravery, and loyalty to his friends, to name a few. I could give many examples of how his quick thinking and resourcefulness has pulled me and a friend of ours out of trouble. Believe it or not, our brains themselves could very well have doomed us, if not for him. " Zoe felt her frustration mounting as she noticed Marcus barely paying attention as he continued to review the data. "I've mentioned before how instrumental his care and concern were in my recovery from that bad cold. Jamie was there to talk some sense back into me; to convince me to wait and rest, as much as I hated to, so I could get back to work that much sooner. He knows how much it means to me to get to come here every day and work with you all."
Jamie stood against the cubicle wall, a genuine smile on his face. He felt a warm feeling coursing through his body as her words had delivered a much-needed boost of confidence.
No, he really didn't need to stick around any longer now.
Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, he quietly headed back to the front of the room and slipped out the door, his smile never leaving his face.
Marcus grinned and nearly began preening, as if flattered by her words. "Well, I'm so glad you enjoy working here."
Zoe regarded him stone-faced and turned toward the cubicles where the other scientists were busily working. "Of course. These are some of the best and brightest minds I've had the pleasure of working with." Turning around, she discovered his Cheshire-Cat-like smile had suddenly faltered and she tried to bite back a grin of satisfaction.
Deeming this conversation done, she rose up from her chair and hastily left Marcus' side, making a beeline for the front of the room and the doors leading outside. Her anger at the other scientist was a huge factor in her haste, but she was very eager to talk things out with Jamie as well. As she grabbed her cardigan, her thoughts turned to the epiphany concerning his behavior with which she'd been gifted earlier.
She hurriedly stepped outside to find Jamie waiting and smiling at her. Her feet nearly skidded against the pavement as she startled, not expecting to find him there, but she also felt a whisper of relief. Jamie took a few steps forward, his expression touched with concern despite his smile. As she gazed at him, Marcus' insulting words came rushing back and all she could feel at the moment was anger.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Jamie. Let's go," she said distractedly as she strode past him, still continuing the argument with Marcus in her head.
She suddenly heard footsteps and felt Jamie come up behind her. As she turned her head towards him she felt a feather soft brush of lips against her cheek. Zoe stopped in shock but Jamie continued walking. He looked back at her over his shoulder to give her a warm, knowing smile. Her eyes widened as she met his gaze. Jamie must have heard everything!
Zoe touched her cheek then jogged after him. "So you heard all that, then?" she asked shyly once she'd caught up to him.
Jamie gazed solemnly at her, but there was still a twitch of humor at the corners of his full lips. "Aye. I did."
Zoe's cheeks flushed for a brief moment before she gave him a slight smile. Her smile quickly faded and she eyed him earnestly. "We really need to talk, Jamie."
The Highlander nodded. "Aye, we can talk. When we get home." He smiled at her and gestured for them to keep walking.
"No, I think we should start now," Zoe insisted, reaching out to grasp his arm. It worked and Jamie stopped, regarding her expectantly. "Look, I feel really badly about the argument we had the other day. I shouldn't have made it all about my pride. I hadn't made any effort to understand your point of view. All I could think of was that whole unfortunate notion of women being weak. I should have considered that women were viewed that way during your time."
Jamie sighed. "Tha's not entirely true. It's not as if I dinnae know any strong women, Zoe. The lassies back in the Highlands during my time were very strong and hardworking. I admired them for all they had done but they also had a very hard life. My own Mam no' only helped raise me an' my brothers, but she'd done a lot tae make a home fer all of us. My Da used tae say he didnae know what we'd do without her." Tears began to prick at the corners of his eyes and he self-consciously scratched at the back of his head.
"Zoe, ye're a strong lassie as well an' I admire ye for tha'. But, I … I guess I jis' want tae give ye an easier life than the women back in my time had."
Zoe's expression softened as she gazed at him, touched by his admission. She now understood where Jamie's reasoning came from. On the other hand, Marcus' arguments stemmed from pure arrogance and self-importance.
"I appreciate that, Jamie. I regret having made this entire thing about my pride and not even trying to understand you." She then frowned. "Just as Marcus was willfully not wanting to understand me just earlier."
Jamie nodded, his eyes growing dark. "Aye. Ye cannae imagine what I wished tae do tae that numpty when I heard what he said."
Zoe's mouth drew into a grim line. "I can imagine." Gazing up at him, she realized how thankful she was to have this man as her friend and her frown eased. Smiling, she took his hand.
Jamie's gaze flew down to their hands and back up at her. His surprised expression quickly gave way to a smile of his own as he closed his fingers around her hand.
"Come on, lass. Let's go home," he told her, catching her nod as he began to lead them away, hands still held tightly and swinging between them.