A Matter of Convenience, Chapter 8
Joey winced as the phone rang.
"Jo?" Pacey knocked softly on her door.
Joey moaned, covering her head with the pillow.
"Jen's on the phone. I said you were sleeping, but she said to tell you she was willing to share information with me about 'the orange juice' incident and-"
"Got it!" Joey said quickly, yanking the phone off the hook.
She heard chuckling on the other end before he clicked off.
"What is it, bitch?" Joey muttered.
"Jack kissed me!" Jen stated immediately.
Joey sat up, "What did you do?"
Jen groaned, "Kissed back."
"What? Why?" Joey asked, "I thought you 'couldn't be more over him.' "
"I was drunk...I just didn't have the presence of mind to stop it... God, my head hurts."
"Yeah," Joey winced, "I'd be fine with you talking softer. So what does this mean? What are you gonna do?"
"Well, what do you think I called to find out?"
"Jen, I have no idea. What are your options?"
"Well, A, I pretend to forget the entire incident. That's my personal favorite."
"Mmm...an intriguing one. Has its merits. Only possible problem is your own conscience."
"Hah," Jen laughed, "Then I'm good to go!"
"Pff," Joey rolled her eyes, "It'll eat you alive." Jen had always iwanted/i to be a heartless bitch, but couldn't pull it off.
Jen sighed, "Okay, option B. Tell C.J., wear significant cleavage and hope he gets over it."
"Sounds like the Jen plan," Joey smiled.
"Ugh...you think it'll work?"
"Throw in the new skirt and you're good."
Jen chuckled, "Good."
"Are you saying anything to Jack?"
"Yeah," Jen sighed, "He can't do this anymore. It's over."
Joey nodded, "Yeah. Be gentle, though. He really loves you."
"He thinks he does."
"If you thought he really did, would it make a difference?"
Jen paused before speaking. "He- Jack hurt me, Jo. I really loved him, but being him hurt so much. With CJ-" Jen stopped and Joey could hear the smile in her voice, "CJ just makes me happy. He's like me and he's-"
"Gorgeous?" Joey laughed.
"SO fucking hot, yes," Jen agreed, "It's almost primal."
"Stop, I can't listen to this," Joey smiled.
"You love it."
"Yes, I admit it. I'm living vicariously."
"Speaking of which--how was Charlie?"
Joey graoned as the memory came back to her. "Seemed skilled enough...he told Pacey I said he was gay."
"What?!" Jen choked, "Wait--Pacey was gay or Charlie?"
"Pacey," Joey smirked, "Confused him with Dawson, I think."
"Smooth...what did Mr. Witter have to say about that?"
"Wasn't as thrilled to be outed as he could have been."
"Still in denial," Jen sighed.
"Can you imagine Pacey gay?" Joey laughed.
"I-- I'm trying, but no, not at all. Though I'm still kicking myself for not picking up on Dawson."
"Don't remind me..." Joey ground her teeth at the thought of her less-than- honest ex. "At least everything's over with him now. No more pretending."
"Yeah," Jen yawned over the phone, "What time is it?"
Joey frowned, "Don't know, just a second," she covered the phone, "PACE! What time is it?" she called out.
The phone picked up, "12:30, ladies."
Jen laughed, "Nice clock, Jo."
"You wanted me to what, move?" Joey shook her head, "Thanks, Pace."
"No problem, how're the heads?"
Both girls moaned.
Pacey laughed, "Jo, there's water on your night table. Jen, I wish I could do something for you."
Joey picked up the bottle immediately.
"Not fair," Jen muttered, "I get to marry Pacey next."
"Plenty to go around, Lindley," Pacey assured her.
"And yet I still have to get my own water..." Jen muttered in displeasure.
"You know I'd get you anything you wanted."
"And you know what I want?" Jen asked.
"I always know what you want."
Joey coughed, spilling her water. "Well, that's my cue," she coughed again. "Later, Jen."
She hung up quickly, tossing the phone onto the chair in annoyance.
***
"Hey," CJ's eyes softened as Jen approached his table.
"Hey," Jen answered softly.
"You want...umm...food?" he asked, wincing.
She smiled, "I hear it's traditional."
"And here I thought you were the unconventional type."
"Well, you know, I like to keep 'em guessing, " Jen smiled.
"You do it well," he told her.
"Thank you, Sir," she smiled slowly, her eyes running over him.
"So...soup? Salad? Some sort of pasta?" he made a face. Apparently not a big fan of pasta.
"That's pretty much what I had in mind," Jen shrugged.
"Only thing on the menu," CJ smiled, "So good call."
"Italians need to branch out."
"I'm not sure if Olive Garden is really a fair representation of Italy, but I'd agree," he winked at her.
iDo not jump him in public./i Jen repeated in her head. There was a reason she wanted to talk to him, but she was having trouble remembering it.
"Jack kissed me!" she blurted.
CJ looked at her abruptly and then down, swallowing carefully. "Is there more to the story?" he asked softly, watching her.
"Joey and I went out drinking the other night," Jen shifted uncomfortably, "I was drunk and Joey was off with some guy...so Jack took me home."
Biting his lip, CJ waited for her to continue.
"I didn't stop him," she whispered, "I was too out of it to think clearly until he stopped."
"Know how that is," CJ muttered, giving her a wry look. "So...what happens now? Are we... are you ending it?"
Jen's eyes widened and she shook her head quickly, "No, I-" she stopped to take a breath, "Now, I apologize. I'm sorry for letting myself get into the situation and not having the presence of mind to push away."
CJ frowned, "But he did."
"He wasn't drunk."
"I don't want this to be it, Jen," he searched her eyes. "Do you?"
"No," she shook her head, "I don't either."
"I just-" he looked away, "Do you still love him?"
Jen licked her lips, "He was my best friend before we got together and my first love. I'm sorry that drama is carring over into our relationship, but Jack and I are over as a couple."
"You didn't answer the question," CJ pointed out softly.
"I love him as a friend," Jen nodded, "And I'm still deeply hurt by him, but I iwant/i you."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
Jen smiled, scootching her chair around the table toward him.
"His kiss was sweet," she told him, "comfort and familiarity."
Jen slid her hands around CJ's neck, bringing him closer to her.
"Yours," she started, bringing her lips against his as sparks lept between them, "...are fire," she broke away with a gasp.
C.J. smiled.
"So..." her fingers traced his jaw, "Am I forgiven?"
"Of what?" he winked.
"Making you miss lunch? I suddenly have better ideas," Jen grinned wickedly.
"Well, let's see...the ultimate decision between passion...and pasta. I don't think we need a commercial break for this decision," CJ smirked, then frowned, "You did mean sex, right?"
Jen rolled her eyes.
Like she could pass it up.
***
"Down and DIRTY," Pacey laid down his cards.
Jack sighed and tossed his to the side.
"So dish," Pacey smiled.
"I kissed Jen," Jack muttered reluctantly.
"And the increased moodiness indicates she didn't like it?"
"She was drunk, Pace," he sighed, "Would have kissed YOU if you'd been there."
Smirking, Pacey nodded, "Said my name again, did she? Sorry, man, I keep telling her I'm married, but what can you do?"
Jack rolled his eyes.
"Should we open a window for your head to fit in the room, Pace?" Joey asked from the door.
"Why? Your mouth's surviving," he smiled.
She pursed her lips in annoyance, "Dawson's parents called."
"What did they want?"
"For you to call them back," she shrugged, "It's on the machine."
"Maybe they want to feed us real food?" Pacey suggested eagerly.
"We eat real food."
"Sure, at the club."
"Hey, I'm not stopping you from cooking," Joey smiled.
"Hey, you should cook for everyone some night, Pace," Jack suggested.
"We're not having a dinner party."
"Why not, Jo?" Pacey raised an eyebrow.
"Cause then it's like we're..."
"Married?" Jack asked dryly. "Not like everyone doesn't know."
"Well, it would be sort of awkward to bring a date," Joey shrugged.
"You're DATING?" Pacey gaped at her.
"What? I can date."
"But..." Pacey shook his head, "But you just broke up with Dawson."
"Broke up being the key part of that sentence, Pace," she pointed out.
"Fine," Pacey shrugged, "Date whoever you want, but it's just us for this one."
"Fine," Joey shrugged back.
"Hey, we could ask Michael, Dawson's old roommate, I haven't seen him in awhile."
"No!" Joey said quickly, "How about just the four of us?"
"As in you, me, Pacey and Jen?" Jack smiled slightly, "Sounds perfect."
Joey and Pacey rolled their eyes.
"I don't know if I have time with work, though," Joey frowned.
Pacey shook his head, "You know, Jo, I just MIGHT be able to talk your boss into giving you time off."
"Pace, I need the money."
"Hey, you get the FAFSA thing back yet?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, today," Joey's eyes lit up. "I'm good to go!"
"So you can call in sick tomorrow," Jack grinned.
"Umm...yeah," Joey rolled her eyes, lifting her hand to her ear and talking into her pinky, "Hey Pace? This is Jo, I'm sick."
Pacey copied her hand motion, "Sorry, Jo, didn't hire you for your state of mind, get your ass in here."
"Fine," Joey muttered, 'hanging up.' "Sorry, Jackers, my boss is a dick."
Jack winced, probably at the name.
"Of course, maybe if you did more for ihim/i..." Pacey smiled.
"I'm pretty sure the only favors he'd value are sexual, Pace. And I'm a married woman," she shrugged apologetically.
"What happened to the open marriage?" Jack asked hopefully.
"We're still looking for the perfect third, Jack, interested?" Joey smiled.
"Oh, sure, whenever," Jack smirked.
"Don't worry, Pacey's really gentle...the first time."
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I just like to watch," Joey smiled, "Right, Pace?"
Pacey and Jack exchanged uncomfortable glances.
"Now's fine with me," she smiled, sitting on the couch and gesturing encouragingly for them to get it on.
"Jo," Pacey sighed, sitting next to her and putting a hand on her thigh.
He forgot what he was going to say as their eyes met and she sucked in her breath sharply.
Pulling back sharply, they both sprang to their feet.
"Well, I've gotta take off," Joey said quickly.
Pacey smiled slowly, "Just remember, Jo...anytime you want to join in..." he trailed off, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing the fake wedding ring she'd forgotten to take off after her interview at school that day.
***
Her heartrate jumped and he pulled back, his eyes dancing.
He knew. He had to.
Joey snatched her hand back belatedly.
***
Jack looked from Pacey to Joey as they stared at each other.
"I've gotta go. Bye Jack," Joey muttered quickly, backing out of the room in a hurry.
Pacey seemed content to start at his shoes after his lovely wife left the room, but Jack was nothing if not patient.
"What?" Pacey finally asked, meeting his gaze briefly, but looking away.
Jack just smiled.
He had his answer.
Joey winced as the phone rang.
"Jo?" Pacey knocked softly on her door.
Joey moaned, covering her head with the pillow.
"Jen's on the phone. I said you were sleeping, but she said to tell you she was willing to share information with me about 'the orange juice' incident and-"
"Got it!" Joey said quickly, yanking the phone off the hook.
She heard chuckling on the other end before he clicked off.
"What is it, bitch?" Joey muttered.
"Jack kissed me!" Jen stated immediately.
Joey sat up, "What did you do?"
Jen groaned, "Kissed back."
"What? Why?" Joey asked, "I thought you 'couldn't be more over him.' "
"I was drunk...I just didn't have the presence of mind to stop it... God, my head hurts."
"Yeah," Joey winced, "I'd be fine with you talking softer. So what does this mean? What are you gonna do?"
"Well, what do you think I called to find out?"
"Jen, I have no idea. What are your options?"
"Well, A, I pretend to forget the entire incident. That's my personal favorite."
"Mmm...an intriguing one. Has its merits. Only possible problem is your own conscience."
"Hah," Jen laughed, "Then I'm good to go!"
"Pff," Joey rolled her eyes, "It'll eat you alive." Jen had always iwanted/i to be a heartless bitch, but couldn't pull it off.
Jen sighed, "Okay, option B. Tell C.J., wear significant cleavage and hope he gets over it."
"Sounds like the Jen plan," Joey smiled.
"Ugh...you think it'll work?"
"Throw in the new skirt and you're good."
Jen chuckled, "Good."
"Are you saying anything to Jack?"
"Yeah," Jen sighed, "He can't do this anymore. It's over."
Joey nodded, "Yeah. Be gentle, though. He really loves you."
"He thinks he does."
"If you thought he really did, would it make a difference?"
Jen paused before speaking. "He- Jack hurt me, Jo. I really loved him, but being him hurt so much. With CJ-" Jen stopped and Joey could hear the smile in her voice, "CJ just makes me happy. He's like me and he's-"
"Gorgeous?" Joey laughed.
"SO fucking hot, yes," Jen agreed, "It's almost primal."
"Stop, I can't listen to this," Joey smiled.
"You love it."
"Yes, I admit it. I'm living vicariously."
"Speaking of which--how was Charlie?"
Joey graoned as the memory came back to her. "Seemed skilled enough...he told Pacey I said he was gay."
"What?!" Jen choked, "Wait--Pacey was gay or Charlie?"
"Pacey," Joey smirked, "Confused him with Dawson, I think."
"Smooth...what did Mr. Witter have to say about that?"
"Wasn't as thrilled to be outed as he could have been."
"Still in denial," Jen sighed.
"Can you imagine Pacey gay?" Joey laughed.
"I-- I'm trying, but no, not at all. Though I'm still kicking myself for not picking up on Dawson."
"Don't remind me..." Joey ground her teeth at the thought of her less-than- honest ex. "At least everything's over with him now. No more pretending."
"Yeah," Jen yawned over the phone, "What time is it?"
Joey frowned, "Don't know, just a second," she covered the phone, "PACE! What time is it?" she called out.
The phone picked up, "12:30, ladies."
Jen laughed, "Nice clock, Jo."
"You wanted me to what, move?" Joey shook her head, "Thanks, Pace."
"No problem, how're the heads?"
Both girls moaned.
Pacey laughed, "Jo, there's water on your night table. Jen, I wish I could do something for you."
Joey picked up the bottle immediately.
"Not fair," Jen muttered, "I get to marry Pacey next."
"Plenty to go around, Lindley," Pacey assured her.
"And yet I still have to get my own water..." Jen muttered in displeasure.
"You know I'd get you anything you wanted."
"And you know what I want?" Jen asked.
"I always know what you want."
Joey coughed, spilling her water. "Well, that's my cue," she coughed again. "Later, Jen."
She hung up quickly, tossing the phone onto the chair in annoyance.
***
"Hey," CJ's eyes softened as Jen approached his table.
"Hey," Jen answered softly.
"You want...umm...food?" he asked, wincing.
She smiled, "I hear it's traditional."
"And here I thought you were the unconventional type."
"Well, you know, I like to keep 'em guessing, " Jen smiled.
"You do it well," he told her.
"Thank you, Sir," she smiled slowly, her eyes running over him.
"So...soup? Salad? Some sort of pasta?" he made a face. Apparently not a big fan of pasta.
"That's pretty much what I had in mind," Jen shrugged.
"Only thing on the menu," CJ smiled, "So good call."
"Italians need to branch out."
"I'm not sure if Olive Garden is really a fair representation of Italy, but I'd agree," he winked at her.
iDo not jump him in public./i Jen repeated in her head. There was a reason she wanted to talk to him, but she was having trouble remembering it.
"Jack kissed me!" she blurted.
CJ looked at her abruptly and then down, swallowing carefully. "Is there more to the story?" he asked softly, watching her.
"Joey and I went out drinking the other night," Jen shifted uncomfortably, "I was drunk and Joey was off with some guy...so Jack took me home."
Biting his lip, CJ waited for her to continue.
"I didn't stop him," she whispered, "I was too out of it to think clearly until he stopped."
"Know how that is," CJ muttered, giving her a wry look. "So...what happens now? Are we... are you ending it?"
Jen's eyes widened and she shook her head quickly, "No, I-" she stopped to take a breath, "Now, I apologize. I'm sorry for letting myself get into the situation and not having the presence of mind to push away."
CJ frowned, "But he did."
"He wasn't drunk."
"I don't want this to be it, Jen," he searched her eyes. "Do you?"
"No," she shook her head, "I don't either."
"I just-" he looked away, "Do you still love him?"
Jen licked her lips, "He was my best friend before we got together and my first love. I'm sorry that drama is carring over into our relationship, but Jack and I are over as a couple."
"You didn't answer the question," CJ pointed out softly.
"I love him as a friend," Jen nodded, "And I'm still deeply hurt by him, but I iwant/i you."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
Jen smiled, scootching her chair around the table toward him.
"His kiss was sweet," she told him, "comfort and familiarity."
Jen slid her hands around CJ's neck, bringing him closer to her.
"Yours," she started, bringing her lips against his as sparks lept between them, "...are fire," she broke away with a gasp.
C.J. smiled.
"So..." her fingers traced his jaw, "Am I forgiven?"
"Of what?" he winked.
"Making you miss lunch? I suddenly have better ideas," Jen grinned wickedly.
"Well, let's see...the ultimate decision between passion...and pasta. I don't think we need a commercial break for this decision," CJ smirked, then frowned, "You did mean sex, right?"
Jen rolled her eyes.
Like she could pass it up.
***
"Down and DIRTY," Pacey laid down his cards.
Jack sighed and tossed his to the side.
"So dish," Pacey smiled.
"I kissed Jen," Jack muttered reluctantly.
"And the increased moodiness indicates she didn't like it?"
"She was drunk, Pace," he sighed, "Would have kissed YOU if you'd been there."
Smirking, Pacey nodded, "Said my name again, did she? Sorry, man, I keep telling her I'm married, but what can you do?"
Jack rolled his eyes.
"Should we open a window for your head to fit in the room, Pace?" Joey asked from the door.
"Why? Your mouth's surviving," he smiled.
She pursed her lips in annoyance, "Dawson's parents called."
"What did they want?"
"For you to call them back," she shrugged, "It's on the machine."
"Maybe they want to feed us real food?" Pacey suggested eagerly.
"We eat real food."
"Sure, at the club."
"Hey, I'm not stopping you from cooking," Joey smiled.
"Hey, you should cook for everyone some night, Pace," Jack suggested.
"We're not having a dinner party."
"Why not, Jo?" Pacey raised an eyebrow.
"Cause then it's like we're..."
"Married?" Jack asked dryly. "Not like everyone doesn't know."
"Well, it would be sort of awkward to bring a date," Joey shrugged.
"You're DATING?" Pacey gaped at her.
"What? I can date."
"But..." Pacey shook his head, "But you just broke up with Dawson."
"Broke up being the key part of that sentence, Pace," she pointed out.
"Fine," Pacey shrugged, "Date whoever you want, but it's just us for this one."
"Fine," Joey shrugged back.
"Hey, we could ask Michael, Dawson's old roommate, I haven't seen him in awhile."
"No!" Joey said quickly, "How about just the four of us?"
"As in you, me, Pacey and Jen?" Jack smiled slightly, "Sounds perfect."
Joey and Pacey rolled their eyes.
"I don't know if I have time with work, though," Joey frowned.
Pacey shook his head, "You know, Jo, I just MIGHT be able to talk your boss into giving you time off."
"Pace, I need the money."
"Hey, you get the FAFSA thing back yet?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, today," Joey's eyes lit up. "I'm good to go!"
"So you can call in sick tomorrow," Jack grinned.
"Umm...yeah," Joey rolled her eyes, lifting her hand to her ear and talking into her pinky, "Hey Pace? This is Jo, I'm sick."
Pacey copied her hand motion, "Sorry, Jo, didn't hire you for your state of mind, get your ass in here."
"Fine," Joey muttered, 'hanging up.' "Sorry, Jackers, my boss is a dick."
Jack winced, probably at the name.
"Of course, maybe if you did more for ihim/i..." Pacey smiled.
"I'm pretty sure the only favors he'd value are sexual, Pace. And I'm a married woman," she shrugged apologetically.
"What happened to the open marriage?" Jack asked hopefully.
"We're still looking for the perfect third, Jack, interested?" Joey smiled.
"Oh, sure, whenever," Jack smirked.
"Don't worry, Pacey's really gentle...the first time."
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I just like to watch," Joey smiled, "Right, Pace?"
Pacey and Jack exchanged uncomfortable glances.
"Now's fine with me," she smiled, sitting on the couch and gesturing encouragingly for them to get it on.
"Jo," Pacey sighed, sitting next to her and putting a hand on her thigh.
He forgot what he was going to say as their eyes met and she sucked in her breath sharply.
Pulling back sharply, they both sprang to their feet.
"Well, I've gotta take off," Joey said quickly.
Pacey smiled slowly, "Just remember, Jo...anytime you want to join in..." he trailed off, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing the fake wedding ring she'd forgotten to take off after her interview at school that day.
***
Her heartrate jumped and he pulled back, his eyes dancing.
He knew. He had to.
Joey snatched her hand back belatedly.
***
Jack looked from Pacey to Joey as they stared at each other.
"I've gotta go. Bye Jack," Joey muttered quickly, backing out of the room in a hurry.
Pacey seemed content to start at his shoes after his lovely wife left the room, but Jack was nothing if not patient.
"What?" Pacey finally asked, meeting his gaze briefly, but looking away.
Jack just smiled.
He had his answer.
