Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 4- The Party's Over
"What can I do to help?" Elizabeth called out as she entered the apartment.
"How was your lesson?" Rosemary asked as she came out of the kitchen… "Whoa, what happened to you? Are you hurt?"
"The lesson was helpful…Bugsy is doing great…Me, not so much. I hope we're ready for the show in a few weeks, but I have my doubts," Elizabeth remarked. "I tweaked my ankle just a bit, but it'll be fine in a few days, I'm sure," she stated as she hobbled into the apartment.
"Did you take a mud bath…?" Rosemary remarked as she commented on Elizabeth's muddied appearance.
"Well, let's just say that Bugs and I had a slight disagreement on when to take off over the brick wall. I said 'Now' and he said 'No.' Needless to say I ate dirt," Elizabeth explained as she observed her dirty and disheveled appearance in the mirror.
"You're a talented rider, Elizabeth. I'm sure that you'll do quite well, and your fan club will be there to cheer you on," Rosemary laughed. "Where is the show anyway?"
"It's at Showday Farms in Culpepper," she replied. It would be great if you came, but don't feel obligated. And I'm not so sure that I have a fan club, but I do appreciate my friends being there."
"What can I take outside for you?" Elizabeth asked as she observed Rosemary gathering items to take down to the pool area.
"Can you grab those paper plates, please…?"
"Got 'em…what else?" She asked.
"Nothing that I can think of…Lee already grabbed the burgers and hot dogs and has the grill started." Rosemary stepped out into the hallway ahead of Elizabeth and turned around to face her, "Oh, wait…Lee invited Jack. He'll be over shortly. You really might want to get cleaned up before he gets here, and I'll get this stuff outside."
Elizabeth stopped suddenly, "Rosemary, Jack and I just met. It's a little too early to expect fireworks here…we're just friends; we actually may only be acquaintances since we've only known each other a few days, but I guess I should get cleaned up anyway. I do look a bit rough. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Landon asked me to Heather's party on Saturday night."
"Landon…? And you're going with him? How well do you know him? I mean, do you really know him?" Rosemary asked, concern was clearly noted in her voice.
Elizabeth took a moment to gather her thoughts, "I only know him from the barn, but he seems nice, and has been nothing but a gentleman around me. We've known each other for about 6 months, when he moved his horse to Breckenridge. Besides, it's just a party, and I don't even know if I'd call it a date. We're all just friends… Who knows, it probably won't go any further. But I need to get out, and when Charles was around, I didn't date…I just hung out with him. I need to open myself up to new experiences. I can't allow Charles to continue to affect my life, and my relationships. Not every man is like Charles…at least I hope not!"
"But what about Jack…?" Rosemary scoffed.
"What about Jack…?" Lee asked as he entered the apartment for more supplies.
"Elizabeth is going out with Landon…"
"Good for you, who's Landon…?"
"That guy at the barn…oh, I don't know why I'm trying to explain it. You don't know her barn friends," Rosemary rambled.
"Rosemary, he's nice, and we're just going to a party…I'm not marrying him," Elizabeth remarked.
"But he's not Jack…"
"Rosemary, no pushing, remember?" Lee quickly added as he turned back toward the door carrying the paper plates, and plastic utensils that he took from Rosemary's hands.
"I'm not pushing. I just happen to think that they would be perfect together," Rosemary justified her feelings.
Elizabeth pulled her hair out of her ponytail, "Hey guys, I'm still here. Jack and I just met a few days ago, and yes, he's very sweet, but I think friendship is all either of us can expect right now." She turned and headed for the bathroom to shower.
"That Charles really did a number on her. She doesn't even know when a man is interested in her," Rosemary stated.
"And you do?" Lee remarked.
"In this case…yes, I do!" Rosemary replied as they both exited the apartment and headed for the pool area, and the Labor Day cookout.
The apartment complex was buzzing with partygoers invited by many of the residents when Elizabeth stepped out in the pool area. She was wearing her favorite teal bathing suit top with a pair of white shorts, which showed off her deep tan. As she passed through the gate to the pool area, she perused the crowd, searching for people she knew. However, if she were being completely honest with herself, she was really only looking for one person, and there he was, standing all alone, waiting… Could he be waiting for her? She thought.
As she made her way around to the deep end of the pool, their eyes met, and smiles soon followed. She continued, wanting to thank him again for his kindness and understanding yesterday, but wondered if that was simply an excuse.
"Hey Jack," a voice called out from behind her, rushing past, setting down her drink, and then wrapping herself in his arms.
Elizabeth stopped suddenly; feeling the air leave her body as it did earlier when she fell from her horse. She looked away, not wanting to appear interested, though she was.
"Jack, I didn't know you were coming…how have you been?" Victoria, the sister of his former partner asked.
"Tori, what are you doing here?" He replied to her question with one of his own.
"I transferred to Regent University for my senior year. Travis told me that you were here now, but I never dreamed in an area this big that I would find you," she leaned in, hugged him firmly before drawing back slightly and kissing his cheek.
"But what are you doing here, at this party, and does Travis know you drink…?" Jack asked, feeling the need to keep an eye on her for his friend.
"Jack, I'm not a little girl. You keep seeing me as Travis' little sister, but I'm only a few years younger than you. Anyway, about the party, Sarah in Apt. 2-G is in my Humanities class and she invited me. I figured what better place to meet people than a big party… so, here I am." Tori advised. "Which girl are you here with?"
"I'm not with a girl; my good friend, Lee, is dating Rosemary from Apt. 3-C, and they invited me," he explained.
"Jack…no girlfriend; what are we going to do with you?" Tori joked.
"Let me find her, and in my own time…" He replied.
Elizabeth was too far away to hear the conversation, but she could tell based on their body language that they seemed to know each other quite well. She turned away and headed over to the grassy area where several people were playing a game that she was not familiar with…
"What game is that?" She asked.
"Hacky sack…Come on and play, Elizabeth…" Harper invited.
"Yes, we need another girl on our team," Riley acknowledged.
"OK, but I don't know how to play…"
"It's easy," Riley stated as he pulled her aside to practice.
Following a quick game, Elizabeth decided that her right ankle was not up for the intense activity and excused herself. She limped away, heading back toward her apartment. As she went through the gate to the "common" area, she observed Jack with his "girlfriend," her arm laced through his. "Well I guess that's my answer."
She continued hobbling onto the patio area when she heard her favorite song playing through the stereo speakers. She stopped and took a seat, wanting to rest her ankle and needing to reflect…
You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
When childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church cause your momma says too
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind
Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind
Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the ac and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
She loved Tim McGraw's music, and the message in this song was inspirational. She didn't know why, but the music and lyrics always touched her heart, often making her tears flow. Maybe this time she was just a bit more sensitive, she thought, as she wiped her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Jack asked as he sat in the chair beside her.
"Excuse me…?" She replied.
"You look sad, and I noticed you limping, is everything okay?"
"Oh yeah, it's nothing. Um, I don't want to pull you away from your date but I wanted to…"
"Date…?"
"Yes, she's beautiful… anyway, I wanted to thank you again for yesterday. I hope that spending all afternoon with me didn't cause you any problems…"
"No, what are you talking about…? I'm still on the date part…!"
"Elizabeth… Can you come here and help me?" Rosemary called out.
"I'm sorry, I should go help her. You two have a wonderful evening. I'm sure we'll see each other around sometime…"
"Wait…"
"Hey Jack," Lee called out, "Come over here. Their getting ready for the kick off..."
Jack looked between Lee, who was facing him, and Elizabeth, who was walking away… "Women!" He exhaled hard as he shook his head.
"I am so embarrassed… Elizabeth rushed into the clubhouse and burrowed her head in Rosemary's shoulder. "Why would I even think that he was available? He's too good to be true. Of course he has a girlfriend. What was I thinking?"
"I can tell you that when it comes to men, we aren't thinking. So, who are we talking about here?" Rosemary asked as she handed Elizabeth the container of cupcakes to take out to the table.
"Jack…"
"Jack…? I thought you said that it was too soon for anything between you two…" Rosemary inquired, clearly drawn into Elizabeth's confusion.
"I did say that, but it doesn't mean that after we get to know each other, that maybe… Oh never mind, it doesn't matter, he has a girlfriend," Elizabeth attempted to explain.
"I'm sorry, but you lost me… What are you talking about? Lee never said anything about Jack having a girlfriend," Rosemary replied.
"Well he does, and she's here tonight. I should have known…the good ones are always taken," Elizabeth stated; her disappointment was palpable.
"Um, Elizabeth…why do you care?" Rosemary asked, trying her best to stifle a grin.
"I don't…"
"Yes, I can clearly see that…"
Elizabeth sat the container of cupcakes back on the table, "Do you mind taking this out? My ankle is bothering me and I think I need to get upstairs and prop it up."
"Sure," Rosemary stated as she took the container from Elizabeth. "Go get some rest," I'll get to the bottom of this girlfriend thing…she called out to Lee, but found him involved in an energized football game that was televised on the wide screen TV provided by the apartment complex. "I'll find out about her later.
The following morning, Elizabeth was up and out of the house before Rosemary awoke. Later that afternoon, Elizabeth returned to an empty home. She found a note on the entryway table…
"Elizabeth,
My father suffered a heart attack last night. Lee and I have gone to be with my family. Depending on how he progresses, we expect to be home on Sunday afternoon. Rosie…"
"Oh that's horrible. I need to do something," Elizabeth thought as she attempted to find the hospital handling his care.
Elizabeth knew that Rosemary grew up on Long Island, so she contacted hospitals until Saint Mary's Hospital advised that Mr. Levoux was being treated in their Cardiac Care Unit. Knowing that critical care patients cannot have plants or flowers in their room, she contacted a local restaurant, and made arrangements for dinner to be delivered to the home with a card signed, "My thoughts and prayers, Love Elizabeth"
On Long Island, Lee took Rosemary for a walk to help clear her mind. Rosemary had not been close with her father, and his heart attack had truly affected her. "Do you want to talk about him?" He asked.
"No, I'm fine…but now that I think about it…I do want to talk, just not about my situation…"
"Okay, what's on your mind?" He asked.
"Who is the woman that Jack was with at our party? What does she do? Does she live here? Are they an item…?" Rosemary's questions seemed endless.
"Her name is Victoria. She is his former partner's sister, and she's attending college in Virginia Beach. They're friends, and I am most definitely positive…" Lee rattled off the answers to her burning questions.
"Okay, that's interesting…"
"Rosemary, remember, no pushing. If they get together, it has to be because they want it, not because we think they should be," Lee demanded.
"So, you agree…they would make a great couple…"
"I agree that Jack is interested, but they have to make it happen…" Lee remarked
"A little help doesn't hurt…" she whispered with a smile.
"Have you talked to Elizabeth? Is her ankle better?" Lee asked as he swept Rosemary up into his arms.
"Yes, that's classy… Ask about another woman while you're trying to make a move on me. Where exactly do you guys get your playbook from? Where ever it's from, you've been ripped off," she announced.
"I'm sorry…I asked about her, but you know that I was only thinking of you," he whispered; his soft voice always drew her in.
"I forgive you," she admitted before brushing her lips across his. "But to answer your question, no, I have not spoken to Elizabeth since the night of the party. How about you…"
"I haven't spoken to her either…"
"Silly, I meant had you spoken to Jack…?"
"No, I called him yesterday, but he was out on a call and couldn't talk…"
"Well, we've been tied up with things here, but the next time you talk to him, you may want to mention that Elizabeth might not be single for long. So, he may want to step up to the plate…or actually one that she'd identify with…he needs to ride or get out of the saddle…" Rosemary giggled.
"So, who is the guy after Elizabeth?" Lee asked.
"We told you…his name is Landon. He rides at the barn with her, so they have that animal interest in common. You know how she is about animals…"
As the week went on, Elizabeth spent the day at school, and after releasing her students, made her way to the barn. Every evening she was 8pm or later getting home. She was exhausted, would shower, and in bed by 9.
It was Friday afternoon; Jack hadn't seen Lee, Rosemary or Elizabeth all week. It was easy enough to stop in on the girls before, simply using Lee as an excuse, but with Lee out of town with Rosemary, and Jack having no excuse to see Elizabeth, even as friends, his mood was depressed. He was still confused about her "date" comment, and was hoping to clear up any misunderstanding. He left the precinct and headed for Elizabeth's apartment.
Jack drove through the apartment complex looking for Elizabeth's car. After several passes through the parking lot, it was evident that she was gone. He took a chance and headed for the barn…
Jack pulled into the parking lot at Breckenridge Manor, parked the truck, and sat on the hood as he watched the group of equestrians, one in particular, maneuver the challenging hunter course. He pulled out his cell phone and captured Elizabeth and Bugsy as they made their way around, making it all look so effortless.
The more he watched, the more she drew him in, and he thought there would be nothing wrong with him asking her out to dinner…especially since her roommate was out of town, and he assumed that she would be alone.
Unaware of the status between Jack and the woman at the party, Elizabeth was somewhat standoffish. Going around the ring her eyes were fixed on the fences, saving her glances in his direction for when she was waiting with the group near the barn. She knew that she felt something more for Jack than she ever felt for Charles, and he clearly was interested in her, or he would not have sought her out. However, she needed to be cautious; she needed to take her time to get to know him, and see where it led them. After all, her interest may be for naught if he was already involved with someone.
She finished riding, and hosed down Bugsy. Looking through the stalls, she could see that Jack was still sitting on the hood of his truck... waiting, but he wasn't alone. Cyndi and Heather had trained before Elizabeth, and were finished with their barn chores. They remembered seeing Jack several times with her in the past few days, so they hurried down the driveway to the car. They were parked next to him, so it seemed natural for them to stop and chat. Although Elizabeth could have easily cooled her horse out behind the barn, she was conflicted. A big part of her wanted to see him, and that's the part that won. She removed Bugsy's bridle, replacing it with the leather halter with a name plate that she had won as the 2015 Hofheimer Trophy winner. She snapped the lead line to the ring underneath and they headed for the front riding area.
"Elizabeth…" Jack called out from the other end of the parking lot.
She casually made her way toward him… She watched Cyndi and Heather wave goodbye to Jack as they pulled out of the driveway.
She wasn't sure how she should feel, or how she currently felt. If she allowed herself to look at him, his smile would pull her in, and although she wanted to, she wasn't sure that she should trust him.
"Hi, how have you been?" Feeling the cold shoulder, he suddenly became nervous.
"I've been fine, just getting things going at school, and training for the horse show… I've been pretty busy. Have you talked to Lee…How is Rosie?" She asked.
"He called me today, but I was out on a call, and I couldn't talk. He sounded okay. They'll be home on Sunday…"
"I'm surprised how much I've missed her…" Elizabeth laughed.
"Um, are you busy tonight? He asked. "I mean, Lee and Rosemary are gone, but that doesn't mean that we can't go out and have some dinner or something."
"I'm sorry, but by the time I take care of Bugsy and get cleaned up, it'll be too late," she stated, conflicted by her own feelings… happy that he was making a move, but disappointed that he was doing so while apparently involved in another relationship.
"Are you sure? I don't mind waiting…"
"No, but thank you…"
"Okay, then how about tomorrow night…Apparently there's a part…?"
His smile made her heart jump, and if it weren't for the other woman, she would have jumped at the invitation, until… Landon…I'm going to a party with Landon tomorrow night."I'm sorry, but I have plans tomorrow night…" she quickly replied.
"Elizabeth, the meeting is starting, come on…" Landon yelled.
"I'm sorry Jack, I need to go. It's our monthly boarder's meeting, and I'm the president. Certainly wouldn't do for the president to be absent…" she remarked as she waved good bye and headed back toward the barn.
Jack stood for a moment trying to understand what had happened… He knew that she had made "friend" comments, as had he, but he had felt something different from her, something stronger… Had he misread her? Was she not interested? "No need to go out now," he thought as he jumped in his truck and headed home.
During the meeting, Stacy Freeman, the barn manager, announced that Landon and his horse, Special Effects, would be moving to Witchduck Farms, where he would be working with another trainer.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's not like I'll be far away," he replied.
"That's not the point. I thought we were friends…"
"We are, and we'll still be able to see each other. Hey, we have the party tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to having some fun…how about you? With work, and riding, I'm looking forward to busting loose…"
Elizabeth wasn't certain how to take his last comment, "It'll be great to see everyone in a setting other than here," Elizabeth remarked as she looked around the barnyard. She walked back to Bugsy's stall, kissed him good night and headed for home. She stopped by Subway to pick up dinner, took a shower once she arrived home, ate her ham and cheese sub, and then went to bed.
She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, her body was exhausted, but her mind was spinning. She sat up, turned on her lamp, and pulled her journal out from its safe place under her pillow. She wanted to write; she needed to write, but she didn't know what to write…
"I'm tired, so very tired…So tired of allowing my past to haunt me. I'm so tired of allowing it to control my every thought. I recognize my shortcomings, and my insecurities, but I refuse to feel obligated to explain my poor choices, choosing instead to challenge myself to learn from them as I continue my journey. For life is just that…a journey of good and bad, with everything from total bliss to heartbreak in between. I choose to be strong, no longer a victim. I choose to stand up for myself, to be confident in my abilities, to say what I feel and fight for what I want. With everything I am I refuse to allow my past insecurities to have the power to ruin something that may be amazing…"
The following morning, Elizabeth sat in the den watching the news and drinking a cup of coffee as the sun rose. She spent the rest of the morning at the barn, riding and teaching lessons. Once her chores at the barn were done, the ones at home began. She ran to the grocery story, feed store, pharmacy, and stopped by the cleaners to pick up the lavender silk shirt she planned to wear this evening. She made a mental note to stop by the ATM on her way home.
She returned home, put her groceries away and hung her shirt in the closet. She had been so worried about Rosemary, and busy the entire week, that going out with friends to the party sounded like fun. Suddenly the reality struck, this is a date…She liked Landon, at least what she currently knew of him, but with him being the only male in a group of girls, she never thought of him romantically. She wasn't sure that she ever would, but she realized that she needed to give it a try…
The doorbell rang; Elizabeth grabbed her leather jacket before opening the door…
There she was in her black Calvin Klein jeans, silk lavender blouse, and ankle boots, "Hi Landon, please come in…I'm sorry, I just need to grab my purse…"
"You look beautiful, Elizabeth…"
"Thank you. Are you ready to go?" She asked.
He walked to the door, opened it and swept his arm out, offering her the chance to walk out first.
As they walked down the hallway, Elizabeth felt nervous, extremely uncomfortable, and nothing like she did when she talked with Landon at the barn. Her stomach was in knots, and if dating was going to be like this, she could see herself as a spinster. Trying to make small talk she asked, "Do you know who's coming to the party?
Landon stepped ahead and pushed the button for the elevator, "It's the typical group, and their dates. You know… Abby and her boyfriend Dave, Meredith and that guy Nate that she just started seeing, and Cyndi invited that guy you know…"
"What guy… Jack? Is he her date?" She asked. I hope he's good at juggling his women, she thought.
"No, she and Heather saw him at the barn today, and invited him, Heather told him to bring a date…Do you know his girlfriend?" Landon asked.
"No…" she quickly replied.
Elizabeth answered his questions, but without talking horses, she felt that they had little in common. She breathed a sigh of relief when they pulled into Heather's driveway. He parked his BMW, and came around to open her door.
Hmm, he is polite…
They walked inside and immediately began mingling. She took a seat on the sofa with several of her barn rats, as they lovingly referred to themselves, and Landon joined their boyfriends around the pool table.
She excused herself and went to spend time with Landon, who advised her that they were talking "guy stuff" and she wouldn't be interested.
Hmm, that's rude, but to be honest, I don't have much to talk about with him anyway, she thought. Elizabeth walked into the kitchen where most of the women were congregating. Although alcohol was offered, Elizabeth chose to drink 7-Up, preferring to remain clear headed. She'd never known Landon to drink, and assumed that they would be the only sober ones by the end of the party. She couldn't have been more wrong!
She walked out into the family room, and immediately found Landon, but continued searching for Jack. She didn't know why, because with the disappointments she had already experienced this evening, seeing Jack with a girlfriend may have put her over the edge.
Landon was enjoying himself by the pool table, as he downed what Elizabeth was told was his sixth beer. This party seemed more like an elementary school dance; boys on one side of the gymnasium, the girls on the other, and no mingling taking place between the two.
WOW, I didn't even know he drank… Elizabeth thought as she returned to sit by herself on the sofa.
Jack sat at home, having no desire to attend the party dateless. They were her friends, not his…He watched a football game on TV, but couldn't focus. Checking his phone, he pulled up the video he took of Elizabeth and Bugsy. He didn't know why, but he placed it on a constant loop, watching it over and over again, his heart pounded, and a smile was ever present on his face.
"Bad boy, bad boys…whatcha gonna do…whatcha gonna do when they come for you…" Jack's ever familiar ringtone sounded. "Hey Bryan, what's up?"
"Several of the guys from the precinct are meeting down at Rudee's on the Inlet. Come and meet us there…" Bryan offered. "Dates are optional…" he added with a laugh.
"I don't have a date, but I need to get out of here. I'll meet you in fifteen…" Jack responded, grabbed his keys, locked his apartment and ran to his truck.
Back at the party, it appeared to Elizabeth that most of the people were having fun. However, for her it wasn't the kind of fun she enjoyed, and the party couldn't be over soon enough. She walked up to the pool table to talk with Landon, and found him unsteady on his feet and reeking of alcohol. Certainly not the evening she was looking forward to.
"I need to leave Landon," Elizabeth advised as Landon turned, lost his balance and fell into her. She pushed him back against the pool table, and turned to Heather, who was approaching from the kitchen, "Someone needs to make sure he gets home. He does not need to drive, so I'm taking his keys. I'll give them back to him tomorrow at the barn." Elizabeth opened her purse and slipped the keys inside.
"Wait Elizabeth, you're his date…you need to drive him home…" Heather firmly suggested. He lives down at Rudee Inlet; it's only a few miles from here…please?"
"Okay, but can someone get him to the car?" She asked.
Ten minutes later Landon was buckled safely in the car and they were on their way…
Elizabeth hadn't driven a stick shift in quite some time, and wasn't that smooth at it back then. If it weren't for the fact that she was afraid of damaging his BMW sports car, she would have enjoyed the short drive with the top down.
They pulled into Landon's driveway; she pushed the button to open the garage door, and drove inside. He lived alone in a three story townhouse on the water which was purchased by his bank president father as an investment. Obviously his parents gave him credit for maturity that he didn't deserve.
It was now 12:30 am, and Elizabeth was struggling with getting Landon inside his house. Every time she leaned over him, or tried to pull him out of the car, he made inappropriate advances towards her.
"Landon, stop…can't you work with me here…?"
"I'd like to work with you…come on, let's march…" he said with a laugh.
Elizabeth shook her head and exhaled hard, "That doesn't even make sense, Landon. Please stop. I need to get you inside, and safe before I leave…"
"Come on Elizabeth, you girls want us to act all strong, and dominant. You know you want me…"
Tired of being pawed she advised, "Landon, you've needed help getting to the car, you're unable to drive, and you've passed out on the short ride home. You are neither strong, nor dominant over me, and I don't know where you get off, but no…I don't want you. How could I have been so wrong about you? Find your own way inside, and do me a favor… lose my number!"
She left through the side garage door, and walked away, "I'm so glad you're moving…How could I have been so stupid…I'm too trusting…Not anymore!" She scolded herself.
Before long she was on the beach. Luckily the weather was comfortable, and the boardwalk was full of locals and vacationers, so she felt safe. Suddenly the realization struck that she was alone, and had no ride home. Reaching into her purse, she heard her father's voice in her head telling her to always have money in your wallet in case she became stranded. Thinking back to the errands she ran earlier in the day and the trip to the ATM that she intended to make, but forgot, she was able to locate $2.21 in change.
As she unzipped the secret compartment on the purse searching for more change, she found Jack's card. She pulled it out, contemplating whether or not to call. She could only assume that since he wasn't at the party, that he had plans with his girlfriend, and would it be right for her to call him and break it up? She took a seat on a bench watching the waves break as she contemplated her next move. "He did tell me to call if I had any problems, and this is really a problem," she had to laugh at the absurdity of her situation. "However, did he really mean for me to call when on a date?"
Jack arrived down at Rudee Inlet, and met his Brothers in Blue for some pool.
"Hey Jack, you had no plans on a Saturday night?" Marco laughed.
"I don't know what you're laughing at…you're here too…" Jack responded with his own laugh.
"Hey Jack, we ordered a few pitchers of beer. There on the table…help yourself," Andrew advised.
"No thanks, just soda for me," he replied.
Jack and Marco started a game as more of the guys stood around laughing and joking.
"Hey Jack," one of the guys called out… "Whatever happened with that girl you met last week?"
"What girl? Jack met a girl…?"
"Stop it guys… Let's just play pool here, okay?" Jack asked.
"Yes, he and Marco were called out to a domestic…"
"She's married…?"
Jack jumped in, "No, she's not married, but… just leave it alone guys. There's nothing going on."
Marco walked over and put his arm around Jack, "Our brother here is afraid to ask her out, because we were called out and she was the victim. He feels funny about it."
"Jack, it's not like she was a perp or something…Go for it!"
Jack looked around the table, seeing most of his brothers' eyes on him, "Okay, I did ask her out and she said 'no.'"
Marco corrected him, "Jack, she didn't say 'no,' you told me that she had plans."
"Yes, she had plans…she had a date," he looked down at his watch, "and she's on it right now."
"Whose phone is that?" Several guys looked over at the table where everyone had placed their cell phones.
"Who knows Elizabeth? Whose phone is that…?" Matt yelled out.
Jack dropped his pool stick scooped up his phone, "It's mine," and headed for the entrance. It was noisy in the pool room, and he was hoping to be outside where it was quiet.
"Elizabeth…? Is something wrong?" He asked.
"Jack, I'm sorry…I didn't know who else to call. I hope I'm not disturbing you… Oh what am I saying, it's 1 o'clock in the morning, of course I'm disturbing you. Please forget I called, I'm sorry!" and the phone went dead.
Jack immediately called her back, "Come on, Elizabeth…answer!"
"Hello…"
"Elizabeth, its Jack…Don't hang up. Where are you…?" He asked. "Let me come get you…"
"I'm sorry, Jack. I can get home on my own. I don't want to take you away from your girlfriend…"
"Girlfriend? What are you talking about? Oh, never mind, we'll talk about that later. Where are you…? I can leave right now…"
"Jack I'm all the way down at Rudee Inlet. I don't want you to have to come this far… I can find another way home."
"I'm at Rudee Inlet now. Where are you…?"
"I'm on the boardwalk just outside Mahi-Mahs…"
"I'll be there in a few minutes…"
Elizabeth leaned over the railing as she continued to watch the waves. Down by the water line, she observed a couple obviously lost in the moment; their kisses appeared so tender, as the glow of the moon danced over the calm of the Atlantic Ocean.
Elizabeth was appreciative that Jack was coming to help her, but she assumed that he would not be alone… after all, "it's Saturday night; of course he has a date."
Jack ran back inside, "Hey Randy, take over my game. I have to go…"
"Is everything okay…?" Randy asked.
"I need to take care of something…" Jack replied as he headed for the door.
"Elizabeth called him… Who's Elizabeth?" Matt asked.
"That's the girl…" Marco confirmed. "Go get her, Jack…"
Within minutes he arrived at Mahi-Mahs, and ran around the back to the boardwalk, "Elizabeth…are you okay?" He asked.
Looking around and finding him to be alone, she relaxed, "I'm fine, but it hasn't been the best night…"
He led her over to a bench and they sat down. "What happened," he asked.
She explained the debacle of her evening; being ignored by her date; seeing him home safely after he became intoxicated, and having to rebuke his inappropriate advances. She glanced out onto the water, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes.
"Did he hurt you?" He asked.
She turned to face him, "Always the police officer…"
"I'm not asking as a police officer…"
They were sitting so close that her breath became his, and his became hers. Neither understood what was happening, but each one wished that the friend comments had never been made. He wanted to kiss her. She wanted to kiss him.
Suddenly the vision of the beautiful woman from the party entered her head, and she turned away…
"Elizabeth, what's wrong…?"
"Where is your girlfriend this evening?"
"You know, you have mentioned 'my girlfriend' several times, what makes you think I have a girlfriend…?"
"I saw you with her at the Labor Day party…" She observed the confusion on his face, "the beautiful blonde… the woman who's arm was wrapped through yours for most of the party…"
"Who Tori…?"
"I don't know her name, but you two seemed cozy…"
Jack laughed at the misunderstanding, "She's not…"
Elizabeth jumped in, "We just met Jack. It's really none of my business and you don't owe me any explanation…"
"You're right; I don't, but I'm going to give you one anyway…"
"It's not necessary…"
"Apparently it is, because you think you know something, and you have it all wrong. Tori, uh Victoria, is the sister of my former partner in Charlottesville. I haven't seen her in a long time. She's in town for school, and met someone from your apartment complex who invited her to the Labor Day party…"
Thinking of him as a typical guy since the Labor Day party, Elizabeth would not have ordinarily accepted his explanation. However, something in his eyes, the soft, tenderness in his voice, told her he was honest…he was not a player!
"Do you need to go home right now?" He asked.
Suddenly energized she replied, "No, Rosemary's still gone."
Jack stood up and held out his hand, "Elizabeth, take a walk with me..."
To be continued…
