Chapter 9 – The Valentine
"It's getting nauseating around here," Johanna muttered before taking a sip of her coffee.
"It has been disgusting the last few days, hasn't it?" Jim agreed as he stood next to her in the break room that morning.
She nodded. "I was always under the impression that Valentine's was a one day holiday; but apparently the people around here think it's a week long occasion."
"And just think; the actual holiday isn't even until tomorrow."
"Oh I know; I'm counting the hours until it's over," she replied as they watched their friends indulge in mushier displays of affection than usual.
"Me too," Jim replied. "It's too early in the morning for this."
"What are the two of you muttering about over there?" Sharon asked.
"We're talking about how sickening all of you are this week," Jim answered.
"Oh quit being a couple of downers," Maggie stated as she remained in the circle of Jeff's arm. "It's Valentine's Day."
"Not until tomorrow," he remarked.
"And besides, Valentine's Day is an overrated holiday," Johanna declared.
"That's what all of you single girls say," Sharon teased.
"No; she's right," Jim said; coming to her defense. "It is overrated."
"Spoken like another single person," the secretary quipped.
"Yeah, Jim's just saying that because he doesn't have a date either," Jeff said with a grin.
"I'm not bothered about that," he retorted. "Who needs the pressure of trying to live up to the hype?"
"I agree," Johanna commented. "I'd rather be with someone who shows me he loves me every day of the year and not just on Valentine's Day when it's required."
"I love Sharon every day of the year," Phil spoke up; "And I like to think that it shows."
"That may be," she replied; "But you wouldn't be going through all of these big plans and leaving her notes and flowers every day if this holiday wasn't right around the corner. My point is that I would rather have a man surprise me with a display of affection on some random day when I'm least expecting it instead of doing it because they feel like they have to because the calendar says it's February 14th."
"And my point," Sharon stated as she eyed her friend; "Is that if you had a date tomorrow night, you wouldn't be saying that at all and we both know it. I know you, Jo; you'd be beside yourself with excitement."
Johanna rolled her eyes. "If you're accusing me of jealousy, you're crazy."
"I didn't say you were jealous."
"It was implied," Jim remarked.
Sharon smiled. "Take it easy, Jim; I'm not trying to start something."
"Don't mind him," Jeff quipped; "He has to look out for his girl."
"Are we in junior high?" Johanna asked as she glanced at Jim.
"It seems that way."
"I have an idea," Phil said; "Why don't the two of you get together for Valentine's Day and then you won't be so bothered by the rest of us."
"I have a better idea," Johanna replied; "Why don't you go concentrate on your work instead of spending so much time distracting my secretary."
"What's the fun in that?" he asked lightly.
Johanna sighed as she glanced at her watch and then to Sharon. "Come on, Juliet; tear yourself away from Romeo and let's get to work."
"If you see Sally out there loitering around Dennison's office," Jim said in reference to his own secretary; "Tell her I'll be in my office in five minutes and that I'd consider it a great surprise if I was to find her at her desk actually doing her work."
"Are you having a secretary problem too?" Johanna asked.
"Yeah; it just sprung up the last few days."
She nodded. "I know the feeling; I gave Sharon three files to work on the day before yesterday and I've only seen one of them so far...and that one I had to give back."
"I said I was sorry," Sharon replied apologetically. "It won't happen again."
"I should hope that it isn't going to be a habit," she replied; shifting her gaze to Phil. "I don't want to see you hanging around my office today unless you have a legitimate reason for being there and I don't want to hear her on the phone with you either. She has work to do."
Phil gave a low whistle. "Damn, Jo; you're awful cranky today."
"I mean it," she said with a glare.
"Understood," he replied. "I didn't mean to get her in trouble."
Johanna allowed the remark to pass without comment as she glanced at Jim. "See you later." He gave her a nod and a smile before she pushed away from the counter and headed for the door; Sharon obediently following behind her.
"You really didn't have to be so sharp with Phil," the secretary said as they made their way up the hallway. "I already told him that he couldn't distract me so much."
Johanna shot her a look. "I have a feeling my message was clearer than yours."
"We can't help it if we enjoy our relationship and are looking forward to spending Valentine's Day together."
"Sharon; you're my best friend and I love you and I'm happy that you've found a good relationship, but you either work for me or you don't."
"Wow," the other woman responded; "I see we're in boss mode today. I already apologized for being a little distracted. I just can't help being excited."
"I accept your apology," Johanna replied; "And I'm helping you keep your promise by telling your boyfriend to stay in his own corner of the building."
"Phil's right; you are cranky, Jo. Is it that time of the month?"
She smirked at her. "No; that's next week. Now you can look forward to the three to five days of my guaranteed bitchiness; aren't you excited?" she said; her tone dripping in sarcasm.
Sharon nodded. "Oh yeah, I can't wait. Looks like I'm getting a preview of it today. I'll have those files done before lunch."
Johanna smiled. "That's all that I ask," she said as she caught sight of Sally. "You go get started and I'll be there as soon as I chase Sally back where she belongs."
Her friend grinned. "You know; Phil didn't have a bad idea about you and Jim getting together for Valentine's Day...if he won't make the move, you should. I highly doubt that he'd turn you down."
Johanna laughed but it didn't hold much humor. "You were off of thin ice for a whole three seconds before you skated back on to it. That has to be a new record."
Her friend smiled. "I'm going to go do my work now."
"Good idea," Johanna told her. "Maybe it'll keep you out of trouble."
Sharon couldn't resist a few more jabs. "Do you want me to ask him for you?"
"Sharon; that ice is getting thinner by the minute."
She laughed. "Are you sure you aren't due until next week?"
Johanna smirked. "I'm sure and you're going to be the first one to know when it gets here."
Sharon decided that she had tried her luck enough for the day and retreated into the office while Johanna headed off to send Jim's secretary back to him.
"Happy Valentine's Day," Sharon said cheerfully the next morning as Johanna entered the office.
She forced a smile to her lips. "Same to you. More candy?" she asked; gesturing to the open box of chocolates sitting in front of her secretary.
"Do you want one?" Sharon offered.
"No thanks."
"Still on your anti-Valentine's soap box?"
"I'm not against it," Johanna replied. "Look, I even wore a red dress."
"The dress is nice but you still have that sour look on your face," Sharon remarked; "Although I'm sure we can chalk some of it up to pms. We both know that some months you're just downright lethal when it comes to your mood swings...and apparently this is going to be one of them."
"Oh and you're a real ray of sunshine when it's time for yours?" Johanna asked as she picked up the mail and leafed through it. "Refresh my memory; who was it that was in here about a week and half ago, cussing up a blue streak about everything and anything that dared cross her?"
Sharon smiled. "Okay, I admit that I was extremely moody the last time."
Johanna's brow rose. "Only the last time?"
"Fine," the other woman relented; "We're both as bad as each other."
"Thank you for admitting it," she laughed. "I knew it wasn't only me."
"Have a piece of chocolate," Sharon offered once again.
Johanna eyed her with suspicion as she gave in and snatched a piece of candy from the box. "What are trying to suck up for?"
"I was just being nice."
"Uh huh; I know that look. That's the 'Jo, I need a favor' look."
Her friend smiled. "That's why we're best friends, Jo; we know each other so well."
"I thought it was because we know too much about each other to risk disbanding," the lawyer quipped with a teasing grin.
"That too."
"So what do you want, Sharon?"
"Well...since you don't have anything scheduled after 2:30 I was hoping that you wouldn't mind if I left after your meeting."
"What for?"
"Because I made an appointment to get my hair and nails done."
Johanna sighed. "Fine, Sharon; but come tomorrow, I expect things to get back to normal around here."
"I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't going to be such an important night," her secretary explained. "I want to look extra special."
Johanna looked into her friend's brown eyes and held her gaze. "Don't you think you might be getting a little ahead of yourself?"
Sharon shook her head. "This is going to be the night."
"You don't know that for sure."
"Yes I do," she insisted. "I told you, he shows all the signs and I found that jewelry store bag in the trash. I'm going to get a proposal tonight."
"Sharon," Johanna sighed as she rubbed her fingers against her forehead.
"Why are you set on trying to take away my excitement? Is it because you don't want someone else you know becoming engaged or is it because you don't have anything of your own to look forward to tonight?"
Johanna's jaw tightened. She was so sick of this. Sure she wouldn't mind having plans with someone special for the holiday but it didn't bother her that she didn't and she wasn't trying to take away from anyone else because of it. She just didn't want to see her friend be disappointed if the moment she anticipated didn't happen; which brought her to the topic she was most sick of and that was engagements. She didn't care who got married as long as they left her out of it. She'd just about had her fill of this matrimonial sickness that was going around. She forced herself to ignore the surge of anger at the accusations though; showing anger to the person who had plucked a raw nerve served only to convince that person that they were right.
"I'm sorry, Jo," Sharon said sincerely. "I didn't mean that."
She allowed a tight smile to grace her face. "I hope you get the biggest diamond you've ever seen in your life tonight, Sharon. I'll be thrilled for you," she told her before taking her mail and her messages and moving to the sanctuary of the inner office.
Usually when she wasn't with a client, Johanna would allow the door separating her office from Sharon's space to stand open, but today she closed it behind her. Sharon sighed heavily as she looked at that closed door; knowing that the thin ice she had been skating on since the day before had just cracked...and she had fallen through it with a big, cold splash.
Late in the morning, Jim exited the break room with his cup of coffee and headed for Johanna's office, hoping to find a few moments peace there as the overly affectionate atmosphere everywhere else was driving him crazy and giving him a headache. He stepped into the office, noticing that the inner door was shut and glanced at Sharon.
"Is she with a client?" he asked.
"No; she's alone," she answered and he took note of the fact that she was somewhat more subdued than she had been all week. His gaze darted back to the door which was concealing his favorite colleague from view and then he glanced back at her friend.
"What did you do?" Jim inquired.
The woman sighed and ran a hand through her light brown hair. "It's just one of those days."
It was more than that, he thought to himself. "Is she ignoring everybody or just you?"
Sharon smirked at him and pressed the button on the intercom. "Jim's here, do you want to see him or do you want me to throw him out?"
"Send him in," Johanna's voice answered.
He smiled at Sharon. "Guess it's just you," he stated before moving to the door and turning the knob; grateful for the admittance to her sanctuary. He closed the door behind him and crossed the room, dropping into the chair in front of her desk and giving her a smile.
"Where's mine?" she asked with a nod at his coffee.
"I didn't know you needed some or I would've brought you a fresh cup."
"A likely story," she said lightly; his presence relaxing her a bit as she dropped her pen and leaned back in her chair.
"Do you want some of mine?" he offered; holding the mug out towards her.
She wrinkled her nose. "Yours is black, you know I don't like it black."
"Beggars can't be choosers," he laughed.
Johanna smiled. "I'll still pass."
A comfortable silence fell between them for a moment and he decided to broach the subject of her closed door. "What's going on with you and Sharon today?"
"What makes you think something's going on?"
He gave her a knowing smile. "The door is shut; and I know that when that door is shut and you're not in here with a client, that it means you and Sharon are having a little cat fight."
She laughed. "We're not having a cat fight."
"Then what is it?"
"It's just... girl stuff," she replied.
"Do you want to narrow that down to specific girl stuff?"
"Not really," she answered. "It's stupid."
"It's not stupid if it's bothering you."
She shifted in her chair. "I wouldn't really say I'm bothered by it...just that I need space from it."
He nodded. "I understand that."
"Is that why you're here?" she asked; a smile tugging at her lips. "You need space from the suffocating amount of illicit affairs going on around here this week?"
Jim chuckled. "Something like that. This seemed like the safest place to take a break from it. I think it's us against all of them this week, not that I'm complaining about being on your side."
"I'm not complaining either."
He smiled and after a moment he added; "I hadn't seen you yet this morning."
Something about the way he said those words seemed to warm her. "I'm avoiding the break room today; that place is a hot bed for those illicit Valentine romances, you know."
"Oh I know," he replied. "I had to get my coffee and leave because Jeff and Maggie were in there and I could tell they were about three seconds away from being nauseating."
Johanna laughed. "Which is why I'm willingly sacrificing my need for caffeine today. I have enough of a show going on out there," she said waving a hand towards the door.
"She seemed more subdued when I came in."
"Yeah, well, she's probably just trying to hold it in due to our...difference of opinions this morning. She's leaving after my afternoon meeting."
"What about you? Are you going to head out early too?"
Johanna shook her head. "No; I plan on hanging around here for awhile this evening. It seems like a good day to get some things done."
She was working late because she didn't have anything else to do, he said to himself. Of course he was no better. "I plan on doing that myself."
"Then I guess we're both officially blacklisting Valentine's Day," she replied lightly.
At the end of the day, Jim listened to the sounds of the last few remaining co-workers clearing out for the day as he fixed two cups of coffee. When he finished, he carried the mugs down the hallway, stopping at Johanna's office. He smiled slightly; noting that the inner door now stood open and he figured it had probably been that way ever since Sharon had left for the day. He entered her office without knocking and sat one of the mugs on her desk.
"I figured you probably needed that by now," Jim said as she glanced up at him from the law book she had been studying.
"You're right; I do," she answered; picking up the cup and taking a sip. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Is everyone gone?" Johanna asked. "It sounds quiet all of a sudden."
"Unless someone is still upstairs or downstairs; I'd say it's just you and me now."
"I guess that's why it feels peaceful now."
"Did you and Sharon patch up your difference of opinions?" he asked.
"There really isn't anything to patch up," Johanna replied. "I told her I hoped she has a nice time tonight and sent her on her way. I'm sure it will all blow over by tomorrow."
"How long are you planning on hanging around here tonight?"
She shrugged. "I guess until I either get tired of working or until I run out of things to do. Why?"
"No reason," Jim replied. "I just like to know how long you'll be around so I can bug you as much as possible."
Johanna laughed. "I'll be here long enough to provide you with plenty of opportunities."
They chatted for a few minutes more and then Jim made the trek back to his office. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't seem to keep his attention on his work. His mind kept straying to the woman down the hall. It wasn't unusual for her to occupy his thoughts but it seemed as though this ridiculous holiday that was upon them had made it worse.
He couldn't help but think about the barrage of flower deliveries that had been made to the female occupants of the building that day, and for some, the days preceding as well. None of those bouquets or flower arrangements had been delivered to Johanna. There were no cards or boxes of candy sitting on her desk, unlike Sharon, Sally, and Maggie's. There was no special dinner or romantic evening planned for her and suddenly it all seemed very unfair. It very well may be that Valentine's Day was over hyped and overrated but if anyone deserved all of the hoopla that went with it, he figured that person would be Johanna…and yet no one had seen fit to bring her a flower or a lousy box of candy. No one…not even him…and it should've been him; his traitorous mind accused and he was certain that extra nagging he felt was coming from the vicinity of his heart.
Jim glanced at his watch; it wasn't too late. There was still a few hours left of the holiday and he could think of something. She deserved to have Valentine's Day and he would give it to her. He would correct the wrong that had been done.
"Hey," Johanna said with a smile as she looked up from her work to see Jim standing in her doorway. "I thought I heard you leave a little while ago."
"I had to go pick something up," he replied as he came to stand before her desk; handing her the bouquet of roses he had been concealing behind his back.
Her smile widened as she accepted his offering; bringing them close to her face to breathe in their scent. "What is this for?" she asked.
"Same thing as this," he answered as he produced a box of candy and slid it across her desk to her. "Happy Valentine's Day."
Her heart gave a little flutter, that smile clinging stubbornly to her lips and refusing to fade until a wayward thought entered her mind. "This isn't a pity Valentine's gift is it?"
"Would I do that to you?"
"You might if you thought I needed it," she replied.
Jim shook his head as he sat down in the chair across from her. "I assure you that it has nothing to do with pity."
"Then what does it have to do with?"
"I was thinking about how we said that this was an overrated holiday and I got to thinking about you..." he said; trailing off as he wondered if he should really divulge his thoughts aloud.
"What about me?" she asked.
"I was thinking that if there was anyone who deserved having the flowers and the candy that this holiday calls for, it would be you...which led me to think that there must be an awful lot of foolish men in this world to let someone as warm and beautiful as you set in her office alone on Valentine's Day without a flower or a box of candy. I decided that I didn't want to be among their ranks tonight."
Her smile returned; a glimmer of moisture in her eyes that she quickly blinked back. "That's very sweet of you; thank you."
He smiled. "I guess I should ask you though if you mind me claiming you as my Valentine for the rest of this 'overrated' holiday."
Johanna laughed softly. "I don't mind at all...in fact I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have claim me in the name of overrated holidays."
"Then I'm glad I came to my senses and cut away from the herd," Jim replied.
Her fingertips caressed the petals of a rose, unsure of what to say for the moment as a soft smile remained in place. She felt like a school girl who had just been acknowledged by her crush and she hoped that that feeling of giddiness didn't show. "I don't have anything for you," she remarked as she met his gaze.
"You're enough," Jim told her. "Are you working on anything that can't wait until tomorrow?"
"No."
"Good; put that stuff away because I have something else for you," he said as he rose from his chair and retreated back to the outer office.
She hurriedly gathered up her files and papers and shoved them into a drawer before closing her law books and placing them on the stand behind her. Jim returned carrying bags and a cup holder.
"I would've taken you out to dinner," he said as he set the bags down on her desk; "But I know that we wouldn't stand a chance at one of the classier restaurants and the places that don't require reservations are packed, so I decided to bring dinner to you."
"I don't need anything fancy or classy," Johanna replied as she accepted the soda he handed her and punched the straw through the lid.
"But I would've taken you somewhere nice..." he said; trailing off before he could add "If I had been smart enough."
She smiled. "We can make things classy," she remarked as she turned and flipped on the radio that sat on the stand behind her. She then rose from her chair and dimmed the lights in her office. "See, we have music, lighting, food and a private dining room; if that isn't class, I don't know what is," she said as she returned to her desk and picked up her drink.
Jim smiled; leave it to her to turn things around and make it into the special gesture he had wanted it to be. "I'm sorry that isn't wine, though," he commented as he gestured to the coke she was sipping.
"Who needs wine?" Johanna said; "You know I'm much more partial to my caffeine fix."
He nodded as he began to unpack the food now that he had covered the empty space of her desk with napkins.
"I hope that's my usual," she said as she watched him; recognizing the containers as being from their favorite fast food place.
Jim laughed. "Of course it is; a chicken sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise, no tomato and an order of French fries."
"Perfect!" she exclaimed with a small clap of her hands as she settled back into her chair.
"You're easy to please, Jo," he replied as he took out his usual order of two hamburgers and fries; knowing full well that half of his fries would end up being hers but he didn't mind. He liked seeing her indulge in what was apparently a weakness and it never failed to make him smile when she'd casually reach across the table and snag one fry at a time once hers were gone, as if eating off of his plate was something she did every day.
"I told you I was a simple girl," she replied. "Did you get dessert too?"
"Yes," he answered as he lifted the containers from the bag; "Chocolate cake for you and cherry pie for me." It was something else they were in the habit of sharing, he thought to himself. She wouldn't say a word when he would help himself to some of her cake as he always did, and he would let her scoop up the last bite of his pie without comment. He hadn't realized before just how comfortable they had gotten with each other in such mundane tasks such as eating. He had to admit that he liked being in that comfortable relationship with her.
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Johanna caught his eye. "Well do you think they're all out having the Valentine's dates of their dreams?" she asked in reference to their friends.
Jim chuckled. "Guess we'll find out tomorrow, one way or another."
"Can I ask you something?" she inquired.
"Go ahead."
"Is Phil planning on proposing to Sharon tonight?" she asked.
He shook his head. "If he is, it's news to me. I know he bought her a necklace but he didn't mention anything about a ring or a proposal."
"Would he have mentioned it to you guys if he was thinking about it?"
"Probably," he replied. "Why?"
She swallowed the fry she had popped into her mouth and answered; "Because Sharon is convinced that Phil is proposing to her tonight."
"Why does she think that?" he asked.
"She says that he shows all the signs."
"The signs?" Jim questioned. "Just what are the signs that she's seeing?"
"Well she says he's been very attentive lately."
"That's because she accused him of ignoring her not too long ago."
"That's what I thought," Johanna remarked; "But I figured I just better keep my mouth shut. She also threw in that she's met his family and he's met hers."
"Big deal," Jim replied. "I've met your mother and sister, what does that make us?"
"Apparently in Sharon's way of thinking, we're half way to my mother's dream come true."
He laughed. "Any other signs that Phil probably isn't aware that he has?"
"They're in a good place in their relationship."
"That doesn't mean he's ready to marry her."
"She's at his place more than hers at his request."
"Of course at he wants her to stay with him; she's cooking his meals and doing his laundry."
Johanna laughed. "Once again, I thought that too but didn't mention it, and now, most damning of all is the fact that she saw a small jewelry store bag in the trash and the fact that he's locked his desk drawer."
"He bought her a necklace; that's what the bag is from and he probably hid it in the desk because he knows she's a snoop."
"Oh boy," Johanna said as she swiped a fry in the ketchup. "She spent a small fortune on a dress, shoes, and getting her hair done because she's convinced that tonight is the night she gets a ring."
Jim laughed. "She's going to be disappointed."
"I can just hear it now," she replied. "It's going to be a long day tomorrow."
"You're going to have to pick up the pieces."
"Or bail her out after she shoves that necklace down his throat."
Silence fell for a few moments as they finished their sandwiches.
"Jeff got that limo for Maggie," Jim commented as Johanna reached across the desk and swiped his remaining fries.
Her eyes widened. "Oh my God, he did that?"
"Yeah."
"She was joking!" Johanna exclaimed.
Jim looked at her. "Are you serious?"
"Yes; she was just carrying on when she said that. She didn't really want a limo for their date."
"What about dinner at that high priced restaurant that mainly caters to celebrities and high society?"
"No! She was hoping Jeff would do something understated, romantic and sweet for her."
He thought about that for a moment. "So you mean that Jeff maxed out his credit card for nothing?"
She nodded. "Looks that way."
"What do you think her reaction was when she saw that he took her seriously?"
Johanna laughed. "It probably wasn't good."
"Well then, it looks like Sharon is getting majorly disappointed, which means Phil will probably be spending the night alone; and Jeff is out overdoing things and probably proposing to Maggie in a desperate attempt to make things better."
His colleague giggled. "It makes me glad that we were smart and didn't buy into this Valentine's Day hype."
He picked up his cup and held it out to bump against hers in a toast. "Here's to us for being the only ones to have any sense."
"I'll drink to that," she replied before taking a sip. "I guess you'll be picking up the pieces for Jeff tomorrow."
"It won't be the first time," he chuckled. "Maybe we should just call in sick tomorrow."
"What, and miss the show of the fallout? Never," she laughed as she opened the container that held her desert and picked up one of the plastic forks.
"I guess there is that," he commented as he opened the container holding his pie. "That should be a better show than the one we've been seeing this week."
"I wonder what poor unfortunate soul got stuck celebrating Valentine's Day with Stanley," Johanna said in between bites.
Jim smirked. "Now you know Stanley's at home gazing at himself lovingly in the mirror while he tells his reflection how much he loves himself."
She giggled. "He does love looking at himself, doesn't he? I walked past his office the other day and he was standing in front of the mirror giving himself a pep talk."
"Is he still doing that?" Jim exclaimed. "You'd think he would've stopped once Jeff caught him at it."
"Or at least learned to shut the door all the way," she laughed. "You don't know how badly I wanted to stand there and chant 'Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the biggest jackass of them all' and then yell his name."
Jim's laughter filled the room. "I'll give you fifty bucks if you do that the next time."
"If I do, will you pay my bills when I get fired?" Johanna asked.
"Sure," he said as he stabbed his fork into her cake; "Or I can do you one better and just let you move in with me."
"Like I'm a kept woman?" she replied.
"I'll keep you nice," he grinned.
"Are you going to give up your bed for me?" Johanna asked.
Jim shook his head. "I thought we'd share."
"Oh?" she said with amusement; "And what gave you that idea?"
He shrugged, a mischievous grin sliding into place. "Well I figured if you were going to be a kept woman, you'd want to be kept close."
"I don't know," Johanna replied; "It sounds like that might be more for your benefit than mine."
"I think we both could benefit from it," he remarked.
"Uh huh, sounds to me like you're just trying to get yourself all the fun and convenience of a housewife without any strings attached."
"That doesn't appeal to you?" he asked lightly.
Johanna smirked at him. "If you want me to be your housewife, you're going to have to marry me first."
"Don't you think that would take some of the fun out of being a kept woman?"
"Only for you," she replied as she swiped a bite of his pie; "And since that doesn't seem to appeal to you, I guess I'll just have to behave myself and keep my job."
"I'll just have to think up a better offer for you," he teased. "One you can't refuse."
She laughed. "Well you know where to find me when you think of it."
It was quiet between them as they finished their desserts and as Johanna took a sip of her soda, an idea flicked through her mind. "Are you going to ask me to dance tonight?"
"Dance?" he repeated. "Here?"
"Why not?" she asked; "We ate here and you were concerned about there being a lack of class...and I was always under the impression that dinner and dancing epitomized class for a special occasion."
"The radio is on a commercial break."
"It'll end soon," she replied; a somewhat teasing smile gracing her lips as she rose from her chair and rounded the desk to stand before him.
"Why do you like to dance so much?" Jim asked her.
"Because."
"Because why?"
"Because I was taught to love music," she answered.
"What does that have to do with dancing?"
She smiled indulgently. "To love music, you have to feel it, it has to touch you or move you in some way...and I feel it most when I dance; and as my mother always says, music and dance were made to go hand in hand," she said as she held out her hand to him; smiling when he accepted it without hesitation. "Just like when you dance with someone, you put your hand in theirs," she explained; her gaze darting from his face for a moment to their joined hands.
Jim smiled; his eyes twinkling at her. "Maybe you just have a knack for making ordinary things into something special."
She shook her head. "It's not ordinary...it's a memory," she replied softly. "It's that span of moments you share with someone else that are different from the ordinary; they're more intimate and the song that plays shapes that memory," she stated as she tugged at his hand.
He rose from his chair and led her a few steps away, pulling her close in anticipation for their dance to begin whenever the music came back on. She didn't seem to be through with her explanation though as she looked into his eyes. "That's why I want to dance with you tonight," she whispered as the opening notes of a song began to play. "I want this memory. I want to think of this night every time I hear this song."
He nodded as they moved slowly to the music. "I want it too."
Johanna closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of being in his arms as she always did when these moments occurred and she focused her attention on the song that was playing. Her breath caught slightly as she recognized the soft melody and listened to the lyrics.
"...take my hand, take my whole life too, cause I can't help falling in love with you"
She really knew how to pick a memory, she thought to herself; because the words of that song suddenly took on a new meaning and felt like they were hitting close to home. Maybe it was true; maybe she was falling and couldn't help herself or her heart for that matter. She felt him squeeze her hand and she opened her eyes to look up at him, wondering if maybe he was thinking the same thing but daring not to ask. He said nothing as he held her gaze, merely lowered his face to hers and captured her lips in a kiss; fusing her favorite way to make a memory with his.
They seemed to be doing a lot of this lately, Johanna thought as she allowed him to draw her back for another kiss. There was a small part of her that sometimes wanted to comment about how often they seemed to cross this line and ask what it meant; but she always pushed those thoughts away, feeling like it was too big of a risk to voice them right now. It would seem like she was pushing for more and that might make him back away from her and that was the last thing she wanted. She didn't want to lose these sacred moments that they shared and kept between themselves. She just couldn't take that risk right now. She couldn't take the risk of losing whatever it was they had at that moment. She couldn't risk losing him. Things were fine as they were for now; there was no need to rock the boat she told herself as she brushed her lips against his.
"You know, I think this is the best Valentine's Day I ever had," he said quietly as they continued to sway to the music.
Johanna smiled; feeling that flutter in her heart once again. "I know it's the best I've ever had...no other comes close to comparing," she said softly while silently adding that no one came close to comparing to him either.
The sound of bickering couples filled that air as Jim entered the break room the next morning. He smirked as he took in the sight of the stubborn look on Maggie's features and the frustration on Jeff's. His gaze then landed upon Sharon who was glaring at a fast talking Phil. Apparently the prediction had held true and Valentine's Day had been a bust for his friends. His eyes scanned the room, seeking out Johanna and when he found her, he moved to her side as she poured a cup of coffee.
Her gaze flicked towards him; a small smile lighting up her face as she held out the cup of coffee she had just poured. "Good morning."
"Thank you," he replied; her smile bringing his own to his face as he allowed his fingers to caress hers while accepting the cup from her hand. "What have I missed?"
"Well, Sharon didn't get a proposal and Phil somehow managed to botch their dinner plans. Maggie was embarrassed by the big show Jeff put on and he is now in the midst of his defense of himself."
He grinned. "Guess we're the only ones who had a good night."
"Looks that way," she replied as they turned their attention to the bickering.
"...I bought a 200 dollar dress to sit in a crummy diner with a bunch of teenagers!" Sharon was exclaiming.
"I didn't tell you to spend that much on a dress," Phil retorted; "And I've already apologized a hundred times for the mix up about the reservations."
"I just don't understand why you have to overdo things," Maggie said to Jeff as she threw up her hands in agitation. "Did you see the way people were looking at us? We didn't belong in that restaurant and we didn't belong in that damn limo."
"It's what you said you wanted!" Jeff exclaimed.
"I was joking!"
Jim choked back a laugh and glanced at Johanna as she looked back at him. Her green eyes were sparkling with the laughter that she was holding back while she tried to keep her smile hidden behind the rim of her coffee cup. He couldn't help but smile back at her; the thought crossing his mind that there was something sparkling in her eyes besides amusement and whatever it was, it felt like it was meant for him. It was a warm welcome feeling as he reflected on their evening and the way they had said goodnight at her apartment. He had thought about those long slow kisses all night long and how they had stirred the temptation to step further across the line. They hadn't though; they had pulled back, leaving that feeling of longing lingering between them as they murmured their goodnights.
A soft laugh escaped her lips as her attention was once again on their friends and the arguments swirling around them. The sound had broken his reverie but he didn't mind. He loved that smile of hers so much, he mused. Without thought, he slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his side as he gave into the need to recapture some of their closeness from the night before. Her arm slipped around him and she gave his waist a gentle squeeze as she smiled up at him; her eyes silently telling him that she knew and that she felt it too.
"Have you seen enough?" he asked after a few more minutes.
Johanna nodded. "Yeah; it seems to be circling back around to where it began," she laughed.
"Well then, Miss McKenzie; how about I walk you to your office?"
"I would like that very much," she answered.
They crossed the room, their arms still around each other, figuring that they were going undetected by their friends but one by one took notice as they made their exit. The four people remaining in the room fell silent as they watched them go.
"What's that all about?" Maggie wondered aloud.
"I don't know," Jeff replied; "But it's probably too much to hope for that they've made a change in their relationship status."
"That's probably true; but it is intriguing," Sharon commented; her argument forgotten as she left the room to follow after her friend.
By the time Sharon got back to the office, Jim was nowhere in sight and Johanna was alone as she moved around the office. She breathed a slight sigh of relief as she took note of the fact that the door between their work spaces was once again standing open. As Sharon approached the threshold of the inner office, she figured that she better rap on the door to make sure she was welcome.
"Can I come in?" the secretary asked as Johanna's gaze landed upon her.
"Of course," she answered with a smile.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Sharon stated as she entered the room.
Johanna nodded and moved towards her, giving her a quick hug. "I am too. I wasn't trying to take away your excitement yesterday; I just didn't want you to end up disappointed."
Her friend smiled sheepishly. "And I did."
Even though she had been amused by the bickering in the break room, Johanna still held a measure of sympathy for her friend. "Maybe he's just not ready yet," she said consolingly as she perched on the edge of her desk and invited her friend to join her.
"I was," Sharon replied with a soft laugh that was colored with disappointment.
"Just because it didn't happen last night doesn't mean it won't happen eventually."
"The whole night was a disaster," Sharon stated.
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault; you tried to warn me."
Johanna grinned. "See; that's why you should always listen to me."
Her friend chuckled. You're one to talk!"
"I know," she replied with a nod. "I'm just as bad."
"Yes you are," Sharon laughed as she took notice of the vase on the desk which held six red roses.
"Where did those come from?" she asked.
Johanna smiled coyly. "From a friend."
"He could've at least bought you a whole dozen."
"He did," Johanna answered. "I divided them so I could have some here and some at home."
"I see," Sharon stated casually. "Anyone I know?"
She held her gaze, a slight amused smirk on her lips. "I'm sure you do."
"Would I be correct in assuming that it's a certain colleague whose first name begins with the same letter as yours?"
Johanna ducked her head shyly. "Yes," she replied; figuring there was no point in trying to hide it.
Her friend grinned at her. "Did you have a nice evening?"
The lawyer nodded. "It was perfect."
"Oh yeah? Just how perfect was it?" Sharon asked suggestively.
"Not that perfect!" she exclaimed with a laugh.
"Why not?" Sharon said with a giggle of her own.
"Because I don't think we're ready to cross that line," Johanna answered; although the word "stay" had been on the tip of her tongue the night before when they had been saying goodnight.
"Do you want to give me the details anyway?"
"Maybe tomorrow," she replied. "I think I want to keep it to myself for awhile longer."
Sharon nodded. "Well I'm glad one of us had a nice Valentine's Day."
"See that's what I was trying to tell you yesterday; sometimes when you expect too much, you get disappointed," Johanna stated as she reached out to skim a fingertip against the petal of a rose; "And sometimes when you expect nothing, you get pleasantly surprised."