Disclaimer: See chapter one.
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Five: Results
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
1200 Zulu
11 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Lisa sped into Headquarters, dying to know what happened last night. Quickly, she headed to Harm's office and slammed the wooden door behind her. Two heads snapped around to see a woman in a chocolate sweater, jeans, and brown boots. The boots were the most noticeable because she was tapping her left foot.
"Harmon Rabb Jr.! Why didn't you call me last night?" she demanded. Commander Turner, the amused witness to this, simply smiled and sat down. This was going to be interesting. Harm shook his head.
"Lisa, lower your voice. We don't need the whole bullpen to hear this discussion, and I'm sorry I forgot to call you," he replied. Sturgis noticed Lisa take a deep breath to calm down.
"Well? Are you going to tell me how it went or am I going to have to yell again?" she asked, her voice much lower. It was then that she noticed the sparkle in his eyes and she smiled slightly.
"Everything went perfectly," he said with a smile. Lisa squealed and leaped into his arms.
"I knew it! I knew it! Lisa Marshall's ideas never fail!" she exclaimed as she hugged him. Harm laughed as he hugged her in return. Sturgis finally spoke, breaking them apart.
"What are you two talking about?" he asked. Lisa immediately opened her mouth to speak but Harm covered it with his hand.
"I don't need you yelling again," he said to her before answering Sturgis. "Last night, Mac and I had dinner and talked things out," he replied in a whisper. Sturgis' eyes grew wide and he smiled.
"And I take it from Lisa's reaction that you two finally confessed your true feelings?" he questioned. Harm simply answered with a nod. "Well it was about time, congratulations buddy," he said and patted Harm on the back. Lisa sighed, content with her work. Now it was the Admiral's turn.
"Well, must be going," she said quickly and was out the door in a blink of an eye. Harm and Sturgis looked at each other and shook their heads. Typical Lisa. Little did they know her of full plan. She headed to the Admiral's office, telling Bud to give her a minute on the way. Within seconds of leaving Harm's office she was standing next to Tiner's desk. "The Admiral in?" Tiner nodded.
"Yes, but he's currently talking with Lt. Sims." Lisa frowned upon hearing this.
"Well, can you see if he'll let me give him a brief message?" she asked. Tiner sighed and nodded. Within seconds of buzzing the Admiral Lisa was walking into his office.
"What can I do for you Lisa?" he asked when she entered, noticing the huge grin on her face.
"I just wanted to tell you that I won my match, now the ball is in your court," she answered, hoping he would understand the code. She didn't know if he wanted Harriet to know. AJ smiled and nodded.
"Understood, I'll see what I can do," he replied. Lisa nodded and left, leaving a smiling AJ and a very confused Harriet.
~~~~~
1900 Zulu
13 December 2002
Rich's Gym
Falls Church, Virginia
"Come on, Bud, ten more!" yelled Lisa, "I know you have it in you!" She was racing him in pull-ups. Ten more would give them each a total of 50. Bud managed five more before he started to weaken.
"Five more, Lieutenant, and don't make me turn that into an order," remarked Harm from behind. He was spotting for the two. "Four…three…two…one more…yes!" Bud and Lisa finished and gently came back down to the ground. "I know you had it in you! Bud, you're in the best shape I've ever seen," he said, patting his friend and co-worker on the back. Bud beamed from the praise.
"Thank you Harm, that means a lot to me." The three headed to the lockers.
"Bud, I think you're ready," stated Lisa. She found it remarkable that in two weeks he could be ready, but he was. He had such a strong determination to succeed, so it was only a matter of time. She just never expected for it to be in two weeks, not that she was complaining. Bud simply stared at her.
"What? You mean it?" he asked. Lisa smiled and nodded.
"I am a 100% confident you'll pass the test easily," she replied. Bud and Harm both smiled.
"I agree, you're ready Bud," added Harm.
"In fact, I've already made your appointment for your physical on Monday and cleared it with AJ." Bud stood in shock.
"I'm ready?" Harm and Lisa glared at him when he said this. "I mean, I'm ready," he changed, this time with fire in his voice. Harm and Lisa smiled and the three headed to the showers.
~~~~~
2100 Zulu
14 December 2002
McMurphy's Bar
Falls Church, Virginia
Lisa sighed as she watched the lovely couples she came with dance. She wished she were up there with Dan. Bud and Harriet where smiling and spying on Harm and Mac, while Sturgis and Bobbi were having a conversation and dancing. Lisa shook her head. In the short time she had met Bobbi, about an hour and a half ago, she could tell she loved to talk about things that she believed in. More than likely the two were debating about the latest political crisis. She smiled at Bud and Harriet, knowing well before hand that the two were going to have a field day when they learned that Harm and Mac were finally dating. Which brought her to the last couple. She couldn't help but smile once again. They seemed too perfect together. She couldn't have dreamed up a better person for Harm. But as much as she loved seeing them happy, she couldn't help but feel jealous. She really missed Dan, although she didn't know if that love was going to last. She hadn't heard from him in a long time.
She looked back at Harm and sighed. Secretly, she knew that she would soon just be talking to him over the phone and she sighed again. Don't get her wrong, she couldn't be happier that Bud trained as hard as he did, she just wished that she could stay longer. But after the word came through he had passed and after the Admiral had finished his side of the deal she would have to go. She looked down at her drink and stirred it for the twentieth time. She'd really miss being around Harm and Sturgis again. It reminded her of the good old days…before the crash…
"Penny for you thoughts," asked Harm, now sitting next to her. The rest were still dancing, except for Mac who was getting more drinks. Lisa jumped; he had snuck up on her completely. She looked up and tried to smile brightly, but he could see right through her. "What's wrong Lil' L?" Lisa sighed and looked back at her drink. He was finally happy and she wasn't going to dampen his mood.
"Nothing Harm," she said, putting up a mask. Truth be told, she had missed him dearly. He was her main link to her past, when everything was right with the world. When she had her family. Now all she had was Harm and maybe Dan, but she wasn't to sure about that one either. Harm was it and she didn't want to leave him.
"Yeah right, don't you think you can lie to me missy. I know you too well for this to go unnoticed. Now spill," he demanded. She looked up at him again and he could see the uneasiness in her eyes. If he was going to make her talk she couldn't do it here. She glanced around the room and then back at him. He nodded, understanding. "Okay, how about we go outside and talk." Lisa finally nodded and they stood up, just as the rest where heading back.
"Where you headed Sailor?" asked Mac playfully, not noticing Lisa behind him. Harm offered her a sad smile and stepped to his left slightly so she could see Lisa behind him. "What's wrong Lisa?" she asked, concerned. Harm looked back at Lisa and saw the unspoken plea.
"We both just want some fresh air, we'll be back," he answered for her and grabbed Lisa's hand. They quickly headed out the door, leaving the rest wondering what in the world was going on. Once outside, they sat down on a bench and tears began to fall from Lisa's eyes. She couldn't hold it in any longer. "Lisa, honey, what's wrong?" Harm couldn't stand to see his little sister like this. A few sobs escaped her mouth before she regained her control.
"I…I don't want to leave…" she said, almost inaudibly. Harm blinked, this was not what he was expecting.
"What do you mean leave?" he asked. Lisa looked up so their eyes locked.
"Here, everyone…you. I've missed you so much Harm. You're my only connection to…" she sobbed again. Harm quickly pulled her into his lap, holding her just like a small child. He should have known. He could still be brought to tears when people talked about his father if he wasn't careful. But he was also a lot stronger than Lisa. She had always been fragile. She had almost wasted away when Hank died; it hurt her so much. Harm had been the one that pulled her out of the gutter and into the sunshine. Over time she had grown stronger, but was still a little weak. Being here must have caused memories of Hank to flood back. But he still wasn't sure what had caused her to break down, there had to be another reason.
"Lisa, where is this coming from? Visiting with me has never caused you to break down like this before," he asked, concern growing more with each word. She held on to him tightly.
"You're all I have now Harm," she whispered.
"What about Dan?" he asked. Lisa had told him about Dan about a year ago. "I don't think he loves me anymore. I've heard from him in over a week. Now you're all I have…I don't want to go back to California where I'll just be alone," she said silently. Harm sighed. He knew why Dan hadn't been calling. When she had talked to Mac about him, Mac had told Harm. Both had decided to find out his number and talk to him. They reached him and he agreed with their idea. He would just have to be busy for a week in order to do so. Harm just never thought he'd be that too busy to call Lisa.
"Lisa, listen to me, you have to have more faith in him. I'm sure he is just busy trying to finish up some work before the holidays. I know he still loves you," he said as he lifted her face to look into his eyes. "Believe me." Lisa smiled slightly and nodded. "Now, as to you not going back to California. If you really want to, I'm sure everyone, especially me, would love to have you here," he added, stroking her hair. Her smile grew and she hugged him.
"Thank you bro," she whispered. Harm smiled and hugged her tighter. She hadn't called him a brother in a long time. Finally she broke from the embrace and climbed out of his lap. She began to wipe her face off. "God, I bet I look horrible," she commented.
"Nah, you only look terrible," Harm joked. Lisa growled and smacked him in the arm.
"Very funny," she said laughing. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they headed back inside.
~~~~~
1100 Zulu
17 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm and Mac sat in the conference room along with Sturgis, Manetti, Bud, and Harriet waiting for the Admiral. He had called a surprise meeting on them. All wondered what it could possibly be about. Bud thought his results might be in from his physical yesterday. The doors swung open and the Admiral walked in with Lisa. All rose to attention as the same thought ran through their minds. Why was she here?
"Take a seat," AJ ordered and everyone did as they were told. Lisa took a seat next to Harriet. "I called this meeting because I have two things that need to be discussed." Everyone nodded and waited for him to continue. "Commander Rabb, the new SecNav is very interested in all that occurs in this office. He has requested that one of our team be assigned to him to inform him of all the cases going through these doors. This officer will also be requested on to help the Senate with certain projects. I have assigned you this task." Harm looked at him, quite surprised.
"Understood sir, but may I ask why?" he asked. AJ smiled at this.
"Yes, you may but let me finish first. This assignment technically assigns you under the SecNav's command, not mine. However, you will still work for me, unless needed on Capital Hill. This will be a great assignment to put on your record and will surely advance your chances at becoming Captain. The reason I choose you is because Miss Marshall recently informed me that you and the Colonel have finally taken your friendship to a new level. With this assignment, you two will still be allowed to work here at JAG and not break regulations." Harm and Mac stared at each other in shock. They both quickly looked at Lisa who simply smiled back and then at AJ.
"Thank you sir," said Mac for the both of them. AJ smiled.
"It was the least I could do for my two best lawyers. The only other requirement would be that you two will probably never be assigned as partners again. That I'm afraid, is something out of my control."
"Understood sir, thank you," answered Harm.
"Now to the other important piece of business. Miss Marshall, the floor is yours," said AJ. Lisa smiled and looked at Bud and Harriet. She pulled a piece of white paper out of her leather purse.
"Thank you AJ. Bud, in my hand I hold your results from your physical." She unfolded the paper and read it out loud as the rest all held their breath. "Regarding the matter of Lieutenant Roberts' ability to return to full active duty. The board hereby deems his physical state fit to return and he may return at the beginning of the New Year." Lisa paused for a second, to let the news to sink in. "You passed Bud!" she exclaimed. Everybody cheered and Bud hugged Harriet tightly.
"I did it," he whispered. Harriet smiled.
"Yes you did. I've never be so proud honey," they hugged again and kissed before hugging the rest. Everybody thanked Lisa for her hard work.
"It was my pleasure," she replied to the many thank yous. She handed Bud the letter to keep. "And now that my work with Bud and with Harm and Mac," she winked at the mention of the last two names, "is done so is my stay. Time for me to head back to California," she said with a sigh.
"Oh no you don't," said Sturgis. "You are at least staying for Christmas. You have given this office two of the best gifts ever and we won't let you leave without returning the favor." Lisa blinked, surprised.
"That's right, in just a week you got Harm and I to have the talk we've been putting off for six years. You have to stay and celebrate the holidays with us," supported Mac. Lisa sighed.
"Don't you think about objecting," said Harm, his arm now around her waist. "Because if you do, you'll relive that famous prank of yours except this time it will happen to you." Lisa's eyes grew wide and Harm and Sturgis laughed.
"I guess I'm staying then," she said. Harm smiled and hugged her. Too bad she didn't notice the mischievous look in his eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Five: Results
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
1200 Zulu
11 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Lisa sped into Headquarters, dying to know what happened last night. Quickly, she headed to Harm's office and slammed the wooden door behind her. Two heads snapped around to see a woman in a chocolate sweater, jeans, and brown boots. The boots were the most noticeable because she was tapping her left foot.
"Harmon Rabb Jr.! Why didn't you call me last night?" she demanded. Commander Turner, the amused witness to this, simply smiled and sat down. This was going to be interesting. Harm shook his head.
"Lisa, lower your voice. We don't need the whole bullpen to hear this discussion, and I'm sorry I forgot to call you," he replied. Sturgis noticed Lisa take a deep breath to calm down.
"Well? Are you going to tell me how it went or am I going to have to yell again?" she asked, her voice much lower. It was then that she noticed the sparkle in his eyes and she smiled slightly.
"Everything went perfectly," he said with a smile. Lisa squealed and leaped into his arms.
"I knew it! I knew it! Lisa Marshall's ideas never fail!" she exclaimed as she hugged him. Harm laughed as he hugged her in return. Sturgis finally spoke, breaking them apart.
"What are you two talking about?" he asked. Lisa immediately opened her mouth to speak but Harm covered it with his hand.
"I don't need you yelling again," he said to her before answering Sturgis. "Last night, Mac and I had dinner and talked things out," he replied in a whisper. Sturgis' eyes grew wide and he smiled.
"And I take it from Lisa's reaction that you two finally confessed your true feelings?" he questioned. Harm simply answered with a nod. "Well it was about time, congratulations buddy," he said and patted Harm on the back. Lisa sighed, content with her work. Now it was the Admiral's turn.
"Well, must be going," she said quickly and was out the door in a blink of an eye. Harm and Sturgis looked at each other and shook their heads. Typical Lisa. Little did they know her of full plan. She headed to the Admiral's office, telling Bud to give her a minute on the way. Within seconds of leaving Harm's office she was standing next to Tiner's desk. "The Admiral in?" Tiner nodded.
"Yes, but he's currently talking with Lt. Sims." Lisa frowned upon hearing this.
"Well, can you see if he'll let me give him a brief message?" she asked. Tiner sighed and nodded. Within seconds of buzzing the Admiral Lisa was walking into his office.
"What can I do for you Lisa?" he asked when she entered, noticing the huge grin on her face.
"I just wanted to tell you that I won my match, now the ball is in your court," she answered, hoping he would understand the code. She didn't know if he wanted Harriet to know. AJ smiled and nodded.
"Understood, I'll see what I can do," he replied. Lisa nodded and left, leaving a smiling AJ and a very confused Harriet.
~~~~~
1900 Zulu
13 December 2002
Rich's Gym
Falls Church, Virginia
"Come on, Bud, ten more!" yelled Lisa, "I know you have it in you!" She was racing him in pull-ups. Ten more would give them each a total of 50. Bud managed five more before he started to weaken.
"Five more, Lieutenant, and don't make me turn that into an order," remarked Harm from behind. He was spotting for the two. "Four…three…two…one more…yes!" Bud and Lisa finished and gently came back down to the ground. "I know you had it in you! Bud, you're in the best shape I've ever seen," he said, patting his friend and co-worker on the back. Bud beamed from the praise.
"Thank you Harm, that means a lot to me." The three headed to the lockers.
"Bud, I think you're ready," stated Lisa. She found it remarkable that in two weeks he could be ready, but he was. He had such a strong determination to succeed, so it was only a matter of time. She just never expected for it to be in two weeks, not that she was complaining. Bud simply stared at her.
"What? You mean it?" he asked. Lisa smiled and nodded.
"I am a 100% confident you'll pass the test easily," she replied. Bud and Harm both smiled.
"I agree, you're ready Bud," added Harm.
"In fact, I've already made your appointment for your physical on Monday and cleared it with AJ." Bud stood in shock.
"I'm ready?" Harm and Lisa glared at him when he said this. "I mean, I'm ready," he changed, this time with fire in his voice. Harm and Lisa smiled and the three headed to the showers.
~~~~~
2100 Zulu
14 December 2002
McMurphy's Bar
Falls Church, Virginia
Lisa sighed as she watched the lovely couples she came with dance. She wished she were up there with Dan. Bud and Harriet where smiling and spying on Harm and Mac, while Sturgis and Bobbi were having a conversation and dancing. Lisa shook her head. In the short time she had met Bobbi, about an hour and a half ago, she could tell she loved to talk about things that she believed in. More than likely the two were debating about the latest political crisis. She smiled at Bud and Harriet, knowing well before hand that the two were going to have a field day when they learned that Harm and Mac were finally dating. Which brought her to the last couple. She couldn't help but smile once again. They seemed too perfect together. She couldn't have dreamed up a better person for Harm. But as much as she loved seeing them happy, she couldn't help but feel jealous. She really missed Dan, although she didn't know if that love was going to last. She hadn't heard from him in a long time.
She looked back at Harm and sighed. Secretly, she knew that she would soon just be talking to him over the phone and she sighed again. Don't get her wrong, she couldn't be happier that Bud trained as hard as he did, she just wished that she could stay longer. But after the word came through he had passed and after the Admiral had finished his side of the deal she would have to go. She looked down at her drink and stirred it for the twentieth time. She'd really miss being around Harm and Sturgis again. It reminded her of the good old days…before the crash…
"Penny for you thoughts," asked Harm, now sitting next to her. The rest were still dancing, except for Mac who was getting more drinks. Lisa jumped; he had snuck up on her completely. She looked up and tried to smile brightly, but he could see right through her. "What's wrong Lil' L?" Lisa sighed and looked back at her drink. He was finally happy and she wasn't going to dampen his mood.
"Nothing Harm," she said, putting up a mask. Truth be told, she had missed him dearly. He was her main link to her past, when everything was right with the world. When she had her family. Now all she had was Harm and maybe Dan, but she wasn't to sure about that one either. Harm was it and she didn't want to leave him.
"Yeah right, don't you think you can lie to me missy. I know you too well for this to go unnoticed. Now spill," he demanded. She looked up at him again and he could see the uneasiness in her eyes. If he was going to make her talk she couldn't do it here. She glanced around the room and then back at him. He nodded, understanding. "Okay, how about we go outside and talk." Lisa finally nodded and they stood up, just as the rest where heading back.
"Where you headed Sailor?" asked Mac playfully, not noticing Lisa behind him. Harm offered her a sad smile and stepped to his left slightly so she could see Lisa behind him. "What's wrong Lisa?" she asked, concerned. Harm looked back at Lisa and saw the unspoken plea.
"We both just want some fresh air, we'll be back," he answered for her and grabbed Lisa's hand. They quickly headed out the door, leaving the rest wondering what in the world was going on. Once outside, they sat down on a bench and tears began to fall from Lisa's eyes. She couldn't hold it in any longer. "Lisa, honey, what's wrong?" Harm couldn't stand to see his little sister like this. A few sobs escaped her mouth before she regained her control.
"I…I don't want to leave…" she said, almost inaudibly. Harm blinked, this was not what he was expecting.
"What do you mean leave?" he asked. Lisa looked up so their eyes locked.
"Here, everyone…you. I've missed you so much Harm. You're my only connection to…" she sobbed again. Harm quickly pulled her into his lap, holding her just like a small child. He should have known. He could still be brought to tears when people talked about his father if he wasn't careful. But he was also a lot stronger than Lisa. She had always been fragile. She had almost wasted away when Hank died; it hurt her so much. Harm had been the one that pulled her out of the gutter and into the sunshine. Over time she had grown stronger, but was still a little weak. Being here must have caused memories of Hank to flood back. But he still wasn't sure what had caused her to break down, there had to be another reason.
"Lisa, where is this coming from? Visiting with me has never caused you to break down like this before," he asked, concern growing more with each word. She held on to him tightly.
"You're all I have now Harm," she whispered.
"What about Dan?" he asked. Lisa had told him about Dan about a year ago. "I don't think he loves me anymore. I've heard from him in over a week. Now you're all I have…I don't want to go back to California where I'll just be alone," she said silently. Harm sighed. He knew why Dan hadn't been calling. When she had talked to Mac about him, Mac had told Harm. Both had decided to find out his number and talk to him. They reached him and he agreed with their idea. He would just have to be busy for a week in order to do so. Harm just never thought he'd be that too busy to call Lisa.
"Lisa, listen to me, you have to have more faith in him. I'm sure he is just busy trying to finish up some work before the holidays. I know he still loves you," he said as he lifted her face to look into his eyes. "Believe me." Lisa smiled slightly and nodded. "Now, as to you not going back to California. If you really want to, I'm sure everyone, especially me, would love to have you here," he added, stroking her hair. Her smile grew and she hugged him.
"Thank you bro," she whispered. Harm smiled and hugged her tighter. She hadn't called him a brother in a long time. Finally she broke from the embrace and climbed out of his lap. She began to wipe her face off. "God, I bet I look horrible," she commented.
"Nah, you only look terrible," Harm joked. Lisa growled and smacked him in the arm.
"Very funny," she said laughing. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they headed back inside.
~~~~~
1100 Zulu
17 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Harm and Mac sat in the conference room along with Sturgis, Manetti, Bud, and Harriet waiting for the Admiral. He had called a surprise meeting on them. All wondered what it could possibly be about. Bud thought his results might be in from his physical yesterday. The doors swung open and the Admiral walked in with Lisa. All rose to attention as the same thought ran through their minds. Why was she here?
"Take a seat," AJ ordered and everyone did as they were told. Lisa took a seat next to Harriet. "I called this meeting because I have two things that need to be discussed." Everyone nodded and waited for him to continue. "Commander Rabb, the new SecNav is very interested in all that occurs in this office. He has requested that one of our team be assigned to him to inform him of all the cases going through these doors. This officer will also be requested on to help the Senate with certain projects. I have assigned you this task." Harm looked at him, quite surprised.
"Understood sir, but may I ask why?" he asked. AJ smiled at this.
"Yes, you may but let me finish first. This assignment technically assigns you under the SecNav's command, not mine. However, you will still work for me, unless needed on Capital Hill. This will be a great assignment to put on your record and will surely advance your chances at becoming Captain. The reason I choose you is because Miss Marshall recently informed me that you and the Colonel have finally taken your friendship to a new level. With this assignment, you two will still be allowed to work here at JAG and not break regulations." Harm and Mac stared at each other in shock. They both quickly looked at Lisa who simply smiled back and then at AJ.
"Thank you sir," said Mac for the both of them. AJ smiled.
"It was the least I could do for my two best lawyers. The only other requirement would be that you two will probably never be assigned as partners again. That I'm afraid, is something out of my control."
"Understood sir, thank you," answered Harm.
"Now to the other important piece of business. Miss Marshall, the floor is yours," said AJ. Lisa smiled and looked at Bud and Harriet. She pulled a piece of white paper out of her leather purse.
"Thank you AJ. Bud, in my hand I hold your results from your physical." She unfolded the paper and read it out loud as the rest all held their breath. "Regarding the matter of Lieutenant Roberts' ability to return to full active duty. The board hereby deems his physical state fit to return and he may return at the beginning of the New Year." Lisa paused for a second, to let the news to sink in. "You passed Bud!" she exclaimed. Everybody cheered and Bud hugged Harriet tightly.
"I did it," he whispered. Harriet smiled.
"Yes you did. I've never be so proud honey," they hugged again and kissed before hugging the rest. Everybody thanked Lisa for her hard work.
"It was my pleasure," she replied to the many thank yous. She handed Bud the letter to keep. "And now that my work with Bud and with Harm and Mac," she winked at the mention of the last two names, "is done so is my stay. Time for me to head back to California," she said with a sigh.
"Oh no you don't," said Sturgis. "You are at least staying for Christmas. You have given this office two of the best gifts ever and we won't let you leave without returning the favor." Lisa blinked, surprised.
"That's right, in just a week you got Harm and I to have the talk we've been putting off for six years. You have to stay and celebrate the holidays with us," supported Mac. Lisa sighed.
"Don't you think about objecting," said Harm, his arm now around her waist. "Because if you do, you'll relive that famous prank of yours except this time it will happen to you." Lisa's eyes grew wide and Harm and Sturgis laughed.
"I guess I'm staying then," she said. Harm smiled and hugged her. Too bad she didn't notice the mischievous look in his eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~