Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Two: The Meeting
By Ann Parker
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0900 Zulu
02 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Colonel Sarah MacKenzie strolled into Headquarters and began removing her coat. Tiner noticed her entrance and walked over to her.
"Good morning Ma'am," he said saluting. Mac smiled and saluted back.
"At ease Tiner and good morning to you too," she said as she headed to her office, but turned to face Tiner, sensing he needed to tell her something. "Can I help you with anything Tiner?"
"No Ma'am, I simply need to inform you that the Admiral has called a meeting in the conference room at 0930." The Colonel nodded.
"Thank you Tiner." She reached her office door and looked over to Harm's office just like she did every morning, expecting to see it dark. Harm never was an early riser. When she glanced, however, she received a pleasant surprise. The lights to the office were shining and the door was slightly ajar. "He's actually early? Well, this is something I need to tease him about," she said as a slight smirk appeared on her face. She loved teasing her flyboy. Mac blinked, did she just think 'her flyboy?' Shaking the thought from her head, she headed to his office. She stopped when she reached to door to watch him as he sat in his leather chair, already digging into his caseload for the week, admiring her view of him in his navy blue uniform and gold wings. Sighing, she finally spoke. "Actually up early, flyboy?" she asked as she knocked on the door. Harm immediately looked up and smiled.
"Funny Jarhead. The Admiral called me last night requesting that I be here early for this meeting," replied Harm, rising from his oak desk to be closer to the woman in marine green. His comment made Mac raise an eyebrow. It must be important if the Admiral didn't want Harm late.
"Do you know what this is all about?" Mac asked, hoping he had some information. Harm shook his head.
"No idea." They were silent for a while, the tension of the unspoken words filling the air. "Isn't Bud coming back today?" he asked hoping to kill the silence. Mac smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. I haven't seen Harriet or him yet though." Harm nodded, leading to another awkward silence. "Well, see you at the meeting." Mac headed out the door. Harm sighed as he watched her leave. Don't get him wrong, he loved his view when she walked away but he liked seeing her coming towards him better. It was just that every time she left his heart ached, reminding him of the fact that there was still this tension between them. Somehow, they needed to talk. This pain was eating away at him and, by the look in her chocolate brown eyes when he steals a glance, he knew it was eating at her too. Shaking his head, he walked back over to his desk and got to work.
~~~~~
0928 Zulu
Mac's internal clock ticked 0928. She finished writing a brief and headed out her door. Noticing that Harm was still in his office, she decided she better get him for the meeting.
"Knock, knock," she said, leaning against the wood door frame. "Time for the meeting." Harm nodded as he finished the sentence for a closing argument and set down his pen. He rose and they headed to the conference room together.
"Have you seen Sturgis or Manetti this morning?" Harm asked as they walked. Mac nodded.
"They're here but I haven't had the chance to talk to either of them." Harm nodded as he reached for the conference room door and opened it for Mac.
"After you." Mac smiled and entered. Sitting in the chair at the end of the long, wooden table was of course the Admiral comfortably sitting in his chair, nothing new about that. To the left of the Admiral were Sturgis and Manetti, with an empty chair directly to the left of Admiral, which was saved for Mac. To the right was an empty chair for Harm. But instead of Bud sitting in the chair next to it, there was a slender woman with light brown hair in a wine colored top and khaki pants. Next to her were Bud and Harriet. Mac raised an eyebrow but went to her chair without saying anything. Harm also had a confused expression on his face as he entered the room.
"Good timing you two," remarked the Admiral. "Now, take your seats, let's get this under way." Harm strolled over to his chair. When he was about five feet away the visitor turned to look at him. Her green eyes sparkled with delight when she saw him and there was a large smile on her face. Harm stopped dead in his tracks, causing Sturgis to smile and Mac to be even more confused. The Admiral noticed this behavior. "Something wrong with your legs Commander?" Harm blinked.
"Um, no sir." He headed to his chair and sat down, not once removing an eye from the woman now seated next to him. Noticing his watchful eyes, she smiled and winked at him.
"Good, now let's get this started. Colonel MacKenzie, Commander Turner, Commander Manetti, and even though I think you already know her, Commander Rabb, this is Miss Lisa Marshall. She is Lieutenant Roberts' new trainer and therapist. I called this meeting today because I wanted all of you to not only meet her, but to hear about Bud's training, to see if any of you can be of assistance to Miss Marshall to help Bud pass his tests. Miss Marshall, you may begin." The brunette nodded.
"First off, please call me Lisa, Miss Marshall makes me sound so old," Lisa started, wrinkling her nose. Harm coughed and Sturgis covered his grin with his hand. "Oh be quiet Commander." Mac raised an eyebrow. Harm most certainly has a past with this woman, and judging by the look on Sturgis' face, so must he. "As I was about to say," Lisa said, glancing at Harm before continuing, "I came here from California to help Bud here get ready for his PDT. My goal is to have him fitter than he was before and able to pass the tests without even breaking a sweat. I have already gone through the basics of the training with Bud and Harriet, however I would like to inform all of you because I always feel that recovery comes quicker when one is helped by their friends and family. Also, there are a few things I need to run by you Admiral." She looked in his direction, who nodded for her to proceed. "Bud's routine is going to start out in the morning, which I will easily cover with Harriet, because I am staying with the Roberts. However, at lunch I would like to come by and take him out for about an hour to do some little exercises." The Admiral nodded.
"May I ask what?" questioned Mac. Lisa smiled at her, glad to see the Marine across from her was interested.
"Of course. It is basically small lifting exercises and stretching, with a little of walking, and possibly even running involved. Small stuff to just make sure he isn't stiff for the exercising in store for him at night. Which brings me to my next point. With it being winter and darkness coming sooner these days, I was wondering if it was possible to have Bud leave work by 5 o'clock, or 1700, each day. This will insure that we will have some time to exercise in the daylight before hitting the gym and pool."
"I believe we can accommodate that," replied the Admiral. Lisa smiled.
"Perfect. Well, my next subject is the help of you sitting here. Are any of you interested in helping me train?" Bud looked around, unsure of what to expect.
"I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we are," replied Sturgis. Everyone nodded causing the Roberts and Lisa to smile.
"Wonderful. I will be sure to contact each of you individually to see what I can have you help with. That is all I have to discuss, unless there are questions." Mac spoke up, curiosity getting the best of her.
"I don't have any questions about your program, just you personally, if don't mind me asking." Lisa nodded for her to go on. "Why did the hospital send you all the way from California? I'm sure there are plenty of good trainers around DC, and with us here I don't see the need to send for someone, no offense." Lisa smiled and Harm raised an eyebrow, wondering what Mac's motives were for this line of questioning.
"None taken, I see where you're coming from. I'm sure that you could all help Bud accordingly, along with the help of the hospital staff. However, all of you lead busy lives, Harriet included. She has little AJ to look after as well as work. The hospital staff also has other patients they must look after. The reason someone of my caliber was called in was because my job will revolve around helping Bud. I have no other patients to look after and this is my career. Now, to why I personally was brought out. One, most of the trainers around here will have others they need to work with. Two, according to my superiors and those that have worked with me I am one of the best trainers in the nation and Bud deserves the best. And three, I personally requested to come and help Bud when I heard of the case. Does this answer your question Colonel?" Mac simply nodded and Harm smirked. Lisa had as much fire in her as Mac. The Admiral cleared his throat.
"Well, I think this wraps up this meeting. Thank you for coming in Lisa, and to those that work for me, we will have another meeting about JAG affairs at 1100. Dismissed." Everyone rose and stood at attention while the Admiral left the room.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," said Commander Manetti in her southern accent.
"You too," replied Lisa and Manetti left the conference room as well. Sighing, Lisa sat back down for she knew what was about to come. She clung to her chair and prepared for the attack. Harm nodded to Sturgis and shortly they both appeared on a side of her leather chair as Mac, Bud, and Harriet watched with amusement. Well, Mac watched with more curiosity.
"Oh no you don't," started Lisa, gripping the chair even more. Harm and Sturgis smirked.
"Oh yes we do," replied Harm. They spun her chair around and got ready for their onslaught. "One…two…three!" At that moment they both jabbed her in her side causing her to squeak and leap out of her chair. "Gotcha!" Harm quickly wrapped his arms around her and spun her around. "God, how I've missed you!" he exclaimed as he set her down. Lisa giggled while Bud and Harriet smiled. Mac, however, felt jealousy rising within her. Who was this woman and how did she get Harm to behave like this?
"I missed you too, Top Gun," Lisa beamed. Suddenly from behind her, two strong arms wrapped around her waist and spun her around. "Eek! Subway, put me down!" Sturgis set her down and she turned to embrace him in a hug.
"Hey, Lil' L. Long time, no see," remarked Sturgis as they let go of each other. A slight smile appeared on Lisa's face. The last time the two had seen each other was at Hank's funeral. After a brief moment of silence, Lisa smacked both of them in the stomach, making them wince. "That's for poking me!" All three started laughing until Mac cleared her throat, causing them to turn to her.
"So, how exactly do you know these two?" she asked Lisa, the slight hint of distrust in her voice only noticed by Lisa and Harm. Harm eyed her suspiciously, why didn't she trust her? Lisa, however, had a feeling she knew why.
"My older brother, Hank, was Harm's best friend when they were children. He also went to the academy with Harm and Sturgis." Harm noticed a little sound of pain at the mentioning of Hank. But Mac didn't.
"So how did this get you three so close? Don't little sisters tend to annoy their brother's friends?" Harm's eyes flashed some anger at Mac, which she noticed and immediately regretted her question. He knew this was going to cause Lisa pain and he always tried to shield her from that.
"Lisa and Hank's parents both died in a car crash when Lisa was 10 and Hank was 16. Because he had been deemed old enough to take care of her, she came to Annapolis with him when he turned 18 and basically grew up on there. Sturgis and I both helped to raise her and take care of her. I did in particular, since I was there before they died. Then when Hank was 29 and Lisa was 23 Hank died in a plane crash. I've been even closer with her since that," answered Harm, placing a strong hand on Lisa's shoulder as he spoke. Mac nodded, really wishing she hadn't been taken over with jealousy.
"Oh. I'm so sorry," started Mac. Lisa offered a sad smile to Mac, trying to say it was okay to ask, as her eyes glistened from the tears that were trying to fall. A single tear escaped and Harm noticed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her as he tightened his grip.
"It's okay, you had no way of knowing unless Harm had told you, and Harm tends not to share everything in his personal life," Lisa said to Mac. Mac nodded, knowing what she meant.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," Mac said in a hurry, quickly rushing out of the conference room, ashamed at her behavior. Harm watched her leave but right now he didn't care, she had caused Lisa pain. Lil' L, she was like the sister he never had. Once he had more than brotherly feelings, but that was long ago and short lived. They both had known it wouldn't work, but it didn't damage their friendship. In fact, they were closer because of it. He spun Lisa around and gently hugger her again, allowing her time to regain her composer. She sighed deeply, no matter how hard she tried she could never control her emotions when Hank's death was mentioned.
"It's okay," Harm said in a comforting tone. After another moment she looked up at him and smiled slightly.
"I'm fine now," she said, "Thanks." Harm smiled back.
"No problem." The two looked at each other again as the other three still in the room looked on. Sturgis smiled, he knew how much they meant to each other. He gestured to Bud and Harriet to let the two be alone and they nodded.
After noticing they were alone, Lisa realized just where they were. "I think I should let you get back to work." Harm nodded and let go of her. "I'll see you later," she said with a smile, before turning and heading out the door. She immediately went to the Colonel's office. She could sense in Mac's voice why she asked what she did. She needed to clear the air. The door was shut, so she knocked.
Mac was sitting in her chair starring out the window, thinking about what she had done. She didn't think Harm would ever forgive her. She sighed, maybe she was overreating. Harm has such a tight grib on her heart that her brain can't function right anymore. She heard a knock at her door and braced herself, expecting Harm to come though the door yelling. "Enter," she responded quietly.
"Hi," started Lisa, a little shy. She shut the door as Mac spun around in her chair. This was the last person she was expecting to see.
"Hi." That was all Mac could muster to say. Lisa sighed and sat down in one of Mac's chairs.
"Listen, we got off on the wrong foot. I know you didn't mean to do what you did and I would really like to get to know you. Harm has told me so many good things about you." Mac blinked.
"He has?" she asked, not believing her ears. She couldn't believe Harm talked about her to others. Lisa smiled and nodded.
"Quite a bit, actually. Which reminds me, I owe you a big thank you." Mac gave her a puzzled look. "Thanks for saving his six so many times. You have no idea how relieved I am to know that he has you to watch his back, otherwise I think I'd already have gray hair from all the stunts he's pulled." Both women laughed.
"Well, you're welcome," replied Mac. Lisa smiled.
"Hey, you want to help me train tonight at Rich's gym? Maybe afterwards we can get a bite to eat and talk. I think we have quite a bit in common." Mac smiled and nodded.
"That sounds great. Just let me know when you are leaving and I'll try to get out to the gym as soon as possible." Lisa nodded before standing up.
"Will do. See you tonight," she said, heading to the door.
"Bye." Lisa shut the door behind her as Mac's last word was spoken. Sighing again, Mac turned to look back out the window, wondering about what Harm had told her.
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~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Two: The Meeting
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
0900 Zulu
02 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Colonel Sarah MacKenzie strolled into Headquarters and began removing her coat. Tiner noticed her entrance and walked over to her.
"Good morning Ma'am," he said saluting. Mac smiled and saluted back.
"At ease Tiner and good morning to you too," she said as she headed to her office, but turned to face Tiner, sensing he needed to tell her something. "Can I help you with anything Tiner?"
"No Ma'am, I simply need to inform you that the Admiral has called a meeting in the conference room at 0930." The Colonel nodded.
"Thank you Tiner." She reached her office door and looked over to Harm's office just like she did every morning, expecting to see it dark. Harm never was an early riser. When she glanced, however, she received a pleasant surprise. The lights to the office were shining and the door was slightly ajar. "He's actually early? Well, this is something I need to tease him about," she said as a slight smirk appeared on her face. She loved teasing her flyboy. Mac blinked, did she just think 'her flyboy?' Shaking the thought from her head, she headed to his office. She stopped when she reached to door to watch him as he sat in his leather chair, already digging into his caseload for the week, admiring her view of him in his navy blue uniform and gold wings. Sighing, she finally spoke. "Actually up early, flyboy?" she asked as she knocked on the door. Harm immediately looked up and smiled.
"Funny Jarhead. The Admiral called me last night requesting that I be here early for this meeting," replied Harm, rising from his oak desk to be closer to the woman in marine green. His comment made Mac raise an eyebrow. It must be important if the Admiral didn't want Harm late.
"Do you know what this is all about?" Mac asked, hoping he had some information. Harm shook his head.
"No idea." They were silent for a while, the tension of the unspoken words filling the air. "Isn't Bud coming back today?" he asked hoping to kill the silence. Mac smiled and nodded.
"Yeah. I haven't seen Harriet or him yet though." Harm nodded, leading to another awkward silence. "Well, see you at the meeting." Mac headed out the door. Harm sighed as he watched her leave. Don't get him wrong, he loved his view when she walked away but he liked seeing her coming towards him better. It was just that every time she left his heart ached, reminding him of the fact that there was still this tension between them. Somehow, they needed to talk. This pain was eating away at him and, by the look in her chocolate brown eyes when he steals a glance, he knew it was eating at her too. Shaking his head, he walked back over to his desk and got to work.
~~~~~
0928 Zulu
Mac's internal clock ticked 0928. She finished writing a brief and headed out her door. Noticing that Harm was still in his office, she decided she better get him for the meeting.
"Knock, knock," she said, leaning against the wood door frame. "Time for the meeting." Harm nodded as he finished the sentence for a closing argument and set down his pen. He rose and they headed to the conference room together.
"Have you seen Sturgis or Manetti this morning?" Harm asked as they walked. Mac nodded.
"They're here but I haven't had the chance to talk to either of them." Harm nodded as he reached for the conference room door and opened it for Mac.
"After you." Mac smiled and entered. Sitting in the chair at the end of the long, wooden table was of course the Admiral comfortably sitting in his chair, nothing new about that. To the left of the Admiral were Sturgis and Manetti, with an empty chair directly to the left of Admiral, which was saved for Mac. To the right was an empty chair for Harm. But instead of Bud sitting in the chair next to it, there was a slender woman with light brown hair in a wine colored top and khaki pants. Next to her were Bud and Harriet. Mac raised an eyebrow but went to her chair without saying anything. Harm also had a confused expression on his face as he entered the room.
"Good timing you two," remarked the Admiral. "Now, take your seats, let's get this under way." Harm strolled over to his chair. When he was about five feet away the visitor turned to look at him. Her green eyes sparkled with delight when she saw him and there was a large smile on her face. Harm stopped dead in his tracks, causing Sturgis to smile and Mac to be even more confused. The Admiral noticed this behavior. "Something wrong with your legs Commander?" Harm blinked.
"Um, no sir." He headed to his chair and sat down, not once removing an eye from the woman now seated next to him. Noticing his watchful eyes, she smiled and winked at him.
"Good, now let's get this started. Colonel MacKenzie, Commander Turner, Commander Manetti, and even though I think you already know her, Commander Rabb, this is Miss Lisa Marshall. She is Lieutenant Roberts' new trainer and therapist. I called this meeting today because I wanted all of you to not only meet her, but to hear about Bud's training, to see if any of you can be of assistance to Miss Marshall to help Bud pass his tests. Miss Marshall, you may begin." The brunette nodded.
"First off, please call me Lisa, Miss Marshall makes me sound so old," Lisa started, wrinkling her nose. Harm coughed and Sturgis covered his grin with his hand. "Oh be quiet Commander." Mac raised an eyebrow. Harm most certainly has a past with this woman, and judging by the look on Sturgis' face, so must he. "As I was about to say," Lisa said, glancing at Harm before continuing, "I came here from California to help Bud here get ready for his PDT. My goal is to have him fitter than he was before and able to pass the tests without even breaking a sweat. I have already gone through the basics of the training with Bud and Harriet, however I would like to inform all of you because I always feel that recovery comes quicker when one is helped by their friends and family. Also, there are a few things I need to run by you Admiral." She looked in his direction, who nodded for her to proceed. "Bud's routine is going to start out in the morning, which I will easily cover with Harriet, because I am staying with the Roberts. However, at lunch I would like to come by and take him out for about an hour to do some little exercises." The Admiral nodded.
"May I ask what?" questioned Mac. Lisa smiled at her, glad to see the Marine across from her was interested.
"Of course. It is basically small lifting exercises and stretching, with a little of walking, and possibly even running involved. Small stuff to just make sure he isn't stiff for the exercising in store for him at night. Which brings me to my next point. With it being winter and darkness coming sooner these days, I was wondering if it was possible to have Bud leave work by 5 o'clock, or 1700, each day. This will insure that we will have some time to exercise in the daylight before hitting the gym and pool."
"I believe we can accommodate that," replied the Admiral. Lisa smiled.
"Perfect. Well, my next subject is the help of you sitting here. Are any of you interested in helping me train?" Bud looked around, unsure of what to expect.
"I believe I can speak for all of us when I say that we are," replied Sturgis. Everyone nodded causing the Roberts and Lisa to smile.
"Wonderful. I will be sure to contact each of you individually to see what I can have you help with. That is all I have to discuss, unless there are questions." Mac spoke up, curiosity getting the best of her.
"I don't have any questions about your program, just you personally, if don't mind me asking." Lisa nodded for her to go on. "Why did the hospital send you all the way from California? I'm sure there are plenty of good trainers around DC, and with us here I don't see the need to send for someone, no offense." Lisa smiled and Harm raised an eyebrow, wondering what Mac's motives were for this line of questioning.
"None taken, I see where you're coming from. I'm sure that you could all help Bud accordingly, along with the help of the hospital staff. However, all of you lead busy lives, Harriet included. She has little AJ to look after as well as work. The hospital staff also has other patients they must look after. The reason someone of my caliber was called in was because my job will revolve around helping Bud. I have no other patients to look after and this is my career. Now, to why I personally was brought out. One, most of the trainers around here will have others they need to work with. Two, according to my superiors and those that have worked with me I am one of the best trainers in the nation and Bud deserves the best. And three, I personally requested to come and help Bud when I heard of the case. Does this answer your question Colonel?" Mac simply nodded and Harm smirked. Lisa had as much fire in her as Mac. The Admiral cleared his throat.
"Well, I think this wraps up this meeting. Thank you for coming in Lisa, and to those that work for me, we will have another meeting about JAG affairs at 1100. Dismissed." Everyone rose and stood at attention while the Admiral left the room.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," said Commander Manetti in her southern accent.
"You too," replied Lisa and Manetti left the conference room as well. Sighing, Lisa sat back down for she knew what was about to come. She clung to her chair and prepared for the attack. Harm nodded to Sturgis and shortly they both appeared on a side of her leather chair as Mac, Bud, and Harriet watched with amusement. Well, Mac watched with more curiosity.
"Oh no you don't," started Lisa, gripping the chair even more. Harm and Sturgis smirked.
"Oh yes we do," replied Harm. They spun her chair around and got ready for their onslaught. "One…two…three!" At that moment they both jabbed her in her side causing her to squeak and leap out of her chair. "Gotcha!" Harm quickly wrapped his arms around her and spun her around. "God, how I've missed you!" he exclaimed as he set her down. Lisa giggled while Bud and Harriet smiled. Mac, however, felt jealousy rising within her. Who was this woman and how did she get Harm to behave like this?
"I missed you too, Top Gun," Lisa beamed. Suddenly from behind her, two strong arms wrapped around her waist and spun her around. "Eek! Subway, put me down!" Sturgis set her down and she turned to embrace him in a hug.
"Hey, Lil' L. Long time, no see," remarked Sturgis as they let go of each other. A slight smile appeared on Lisa's face. The last time the two had seen each other was at Hank's funeral. After a brief moment of silence, Lisa smacked both of them in the stomach, making them wince. "That's for poking me!" All three started laughing until Mac cleared her throat, causing them to turn to her.
"So, how exactly do you know these two?" she asked Lisa, the slight hint of distrust in her voice only noticed by Lisa and Harm. Harm eyed her suspiciously, why didn't she trust her? Lisa, however, had a feeling she knew why.
"My older brother, Hank, was Harm's best friend when they were children. He also went to the academy with Harm and Sturgis." Harm noticed a little sound of pain at the mentioning of Hank. But Mac didn't.
"So how did this get you three so close? Don't little sisters tend to annoy their brother's friends?" Harm's eyes flashed some anger at Mac, which she noticed and immediately regretted her question. He knew this was going to cause Lisa pain and he always tried to shield her from that.
"Lisa and Hank's parents both died in a car crash when Lisa was 10 and Hank was 16. Because he had been deemed old enough to take care of her, she came to Annapolis with him when he turned 18 and basically grew up on there. Sturgis and I both helped to raise her and take care of her. I did in particular, since I was there before they died. Then when Hank was 29 and Lisa was 23 Hank died in a plane crash. I've been even closer with her since that," answered Harm, placing a strong hand on Lisa's shoulder as he spoke. Mac nodded, really wishing she hadn't been taken over with jealousy.
"Oh. I'm so sorry," started Mac. Lisa offered a sad smile to Mac, trying to say it was okay to ask, as her eyes glistened from the tears that were trying to fall. A single tear escaped and Harm noticed. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her as he tightened his grip.
"It's okay, you had no way of knowing unless Harm had told you, and Harm tends not to share everything in his personal life," Lisa said to Mac. Mac nodded, knowing what she meant.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," Mac said in a hurry, quickly rushing out of the conference room, ashamed at her behavior. Harm watched her leave but right now he didn't care, she had caused Lisa pain. Lil' L, she was like the sister he never had. Once he had more than brotherly feelings, but that was long ago and short lived. They both had known it wouldn't work, but it didn't damage their friendship. In fact, they were closer because of it. He spun Lisa around and gently hugger her again, allowing her time to regain her composer. She sighed deeply, no matter how hard she tried she could never control her emotions when Hank's death was mentioned.
"It's okay," Harm said in a comforting tone. After another moment she looked up at him and smiled slightly.
"I'm fine now," she said, "Thanks." Harm smiled back.
"No problem." The two looked at each other again as the other three still in the room looked on. Sturgis smiled, he knew how much they meant to each other. He gestured to Bud and Harriet to let the two be alone and they nodded.
After noticing they were alone, Lisa realized just where they were. "I think I should let you get back to work." Harm nodded and let go of her. "I'll see you later," she said with a smile, before turning and heading out the door. She immediately went to the Colonel's office. She could sense in Mac's voice why she asked what she did. She needed to clear the air. The door was shut, so she knocked.
Mac was sitting in her chair starring out the window, thinking about what she had done. She didn't think Harm would ever forgive her. She sighed, maybe she was overreating. Harm has such a tight grib on her heart that her brain can't function right anymore. She heard a knock at her door and braced herself, expecting Harm to come though the door yelling. "Enter," she responded quietly.
"Hi," started Lisa, a little shy. She shut the door as Mac spun around in her chair. This was the last person she was expecting to see.
"Hi." That was all Mac could muster to say. Lisa sighed and sat down in one of Mac's chairs.
"Listen, we got off on the wrong foot. I know you didn't mean to do what you did and I would really like to get to know you. Harm has told me so many good things about you." Mac blinked.
"He has?" she asked, not believing her ears. She couldn't believe Harm talked about her to others. Lisa smiled and nodded.
"Quite a bit, actually. Which reminds me, I owe you a big thank you." Mac gave her a puzzled look. "Thanks for saving his six so many times. You have no idea how relieved I am to know that he has you to watch his back, otherwise I think I'd already have gray hair from all the stunts he's pulled." Both women laughed.
"Well, you're welcome," replied Mac. Lisa smiled.
"Hey, you want to help me train tonight at Rich's gym? Maybe afterwards we can get a bite to eat and talk. I think we have quite a bit in common." Mac smiled and nodded.
"That sounds great. Just let me know when you are leaving and I'll try to get out to the gym as soon as possible." Lisa nodded before standing up.
"Will do. See you tonight," she said, heading to the door.
"Bye." Lisa shut the door behind her as Mac's last word was spoken. Sighing again, Mac turned to look back out the window, wondering about what Harm had told her.
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