TURNING THE TABLES

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One week had passed since Mac and Harm professed their love.  Both were still riding on the high it gave them and trying very hard not to show it at work.  As agreed, they each brought clothes to the other's apartments.   They were becoming comfortable in their relationship and almost forgot that Dottie Nelson was playing matchmaker.  They hadn't heard from her in a week, so it was a happy occasion.

BULL PEN

"So have you decided if you are going to wear your dress whites or a tux?" Harriet asked.

"I don't know, but I am sure Mrs. Nelson will tell me," Harm said.

"Sir, I saw the ad for the auction in the paper this morning," Coates said.

"Oh great, was it a full page?" Harm asked rolling his eyes.

"Actually it was two pages," Coates said opening the paper.

"Wow, they are really going all out," Mac said. "They even have actors volunteering."

"Greg Bidden, why does that name sound familiar?" Harriet said looking at the list.

"He's one of the bachelors?" Coates asked.

"No, he is one of the MC's." Harriet replied. "Why is that name familiar?"

"I don't know," Coates said with a smile.

"What's so funny Petty Officer?" Mac asked.

"Nothing Ma'am," Coates said as she began to laugh.

"Ok what is it?" Harriet asked.

"Greg Bidden… train ride… Ms. Moore…" Coates said between fits of laughter.

"What are you talking about?" Mac asked trying to understand her.

"Greg Bidden played Ms. Moore on the mystery weekend." Coates said.

"You mean the Ms. Moore that Tiner and Gunny were chasing after," Mac laughed.

"Yes Ma'am." Coates replied. "Tiner swore me to secrecy. But you figured it out, I'm safe."

"Oh this is too good to keep quiet," Harriet laughed.  "What to do, what to do."

"Something you need help with Ma'am," Tiner said walking over.

"No Tiner, we were just talking about the bachelor auction," Harriet said.

"Oh that?" Tiner groaned.

"Tiner have you decided how you are going to dress?" Mac asked with a straight face.

"No Ma'am, I hadn't given it much thought." Tiner replied.

"Well, I am sure you and Gunny will both be dressed to the nines." Mac said with a smile.

"Thank you Ma'am." Tiner replied. "Oh is that the ad for the auction?"

"Yes, but you don't want to bother with it," Coates said taking the paper.

"Gunny, did you see the Bachelor Auction ad?" Tiner asked as he walked by.

"No, do you have it?" Gunny asked.

"Oh no, it ripped," Coates said.

"That's ok, I have a copy of today's paper on my desk." Gunny said and went to retrieve the paper.

"This looks really good. I'm not thrilled with the idea of being auctioned off," Gunny said. "But it seems like they are going to get a good turn out."

"It should be a fun evening," Harriet smiled.

"They have actors volunteering as the MC's." Tiner said reading the copy.

"Greg Bid… Oh no," Gunny groaned.

"What's wrong Gunny?" Mac asked.

"Nothing Ma'am," Gunny replied. "Tiner would you give me a hand. I need to move the copier."

"What are you talking about Gunny?" Tiner asked.

"Tiner, we need to move the copier now," Gunny ordered and walked away.

Tiner followed Gunny to the copier leaving the women standing there laughing.

"So Jen, do you plan on bidding?" Harriet asked.

"I don't have that much money," Coates said. "I used most of my savings to buy a car."

"Well maybe you'll luck out," Harriet said. "What about you Colonel?"

"I'm thinking about it." Mac smiled.

"Times like this, it would be nice to be single." Harriet giggled.

"Harriet, you're the lucky one," Mac said.

"I am aren't I?" Harriet smiled and looked towards Bud's office. "But it would be fun to bid on someone."

"I think we better get back to work," Mac smiled.

"Yes Ma'am," Harriet and Coates replied and returned to their desks.

"Jen, can I talk to you a minute?" Tiner asked.

"Sure what's up Tiner?" Coates asked.

"You didn't say anything to anyone did you?" Tiner asked.

"About what Tiner?" Coates smiled.

"You know what I'm talking about," Tiner said.

"Tiner, they got the same programs we did.  They might just figure it out." Coates replied.

"You told," Tiner groaned.

"It just came out," Coates said. "Lieutenant Sims was asking why the name was so familiar."

"This isn't good," Tiner said. "I'm not doing the auction."

"Jason, I think you have to." Coates replied. "You already said yes."

"I've got to talk to Gunny," Tiner stated and walked away.

MAC'S OFFICE

"Colonel, do you have a minute?" Sturgis asked.

"Why so formal Sturgis?" Mac asked.

"I have a delicate subject to discuss with you." Sturgis said.

"Come on in," Mac replied with concern. "Is everything okay?"

"Things are good," Sturgis said. "I wanted to talk to you."

"What do you need to talk about?" Mac asked.

"Mac, you shared something with me and I have never repeated it." Sturgis said.

"Why are you bringing this up now? Mac asked.

"I'm bringing it up because if you're not careful, Mrs. Nelson is going to ruin it for you." Sturgis said.

"You know what Mrs. Nelson is up to?" Mac asked.

"It's kind of obvious, at least to me." Sturgis said.

"We've been trying to figure out how to stop her," Mac said.

"We?" Sturgis smiled.

"Yes," Mac said. "I think we need to bring you into the loop." Mac said and called Harm. "Harm, could you come to my office?" Moments later Harm was sitting in Mac's office.

"What's going on?" Harm asked.

"I was wondering the same thing," Sturgis smiled.

"What do you mean?" Harm asked.

"Harm, he knows." Mac said.

"I'm happy for you buddy," Sturgis said.

"Thanks," Harm smiled. "Our biggest problem is keeping it from everyone."

"Mrs. Nelson's meddling isn't making that easy." Mac said.

"This really isn't a problem if you think about it." Sturgis said.

"How is it not?" Mac asked.

"Well, no one knows you're together." Sturgis said. "Should any one see you together, you can always blame it on her."

"I never thought of that," Harm said.

"Neither did I," Mac laughed. "We could actually go out in public and if someone was to see us, we just say Mrs. Nelson set it up."

"Now you're thinking," Sturgis smiled.

"Who knows, this may all work out." Harm said.

"I need to get back to work," Sturgis said. "I just wanted to let you know, the secret is safe with me."

"I know you're good at keeping secrets." Mac laughed as he left.

"So, dinner out tonight?" Harm asked.

"Sounds wonderful," Mac said. "You know this will be the second time we've gone on an actual date."

"The second of many," Harm replied.

"Where are we going?" Mac asked.

"Benzinger's," Harm replied. "But first you need to make a call."

"I'm on it," Mac laughed as Harm left her office.

Mac picked up the phone and called Mrs. Nelson.  She chatted a bit about the auction and then Mrs. Nelson brought up Harm.

"So how is the Commander?" Mrs. Nelson asked.

"He's fine, I heard him say he was going to Benzinger's tonight." Mac said.

"Colonel, would you care to join me for dinner this evening?" Mrs. Nelson asked. "I won't take no for an answer."

"Then I guess we are having dinner tonight," Mac said with a smile. "Where would you like to meet?"

"Benzinger's of course." Mrs. Nelson said. "I'll meet you at 7."

BENZINGER'S

Harm and Mac pulled into Benzinger's at 7. Harm dropped her off and let her walk in alone.  Mac went to the lounge, where Mrs. Nelson was waiting.

"You look lovely Sarah," Mrs. Nelson said.

"Thank you Dottie," Mac smiled.

"I haven't seen the Commander," Mrs. Nelson said.

"I haven't spoken with him since this afternoon, his plans may have changed." Mac said.

"Oh I hope not," Mrs. Nelson frowned. "Oh look, there he is. Is that Commander Turner?"

"Yes it is," Mac said turning at looking at them.

"Yoohoo, Commanders," Mrs. Nelson waved and Mac just covered her eyes with her hand as to hide.

"Good evening, this is a nice surprise." Harm smiled.

"Harm, Sturgis how are you?" Mac said.

"Mrs. Nelson it's a pleasure to see you again." Sturgis said.

"Yes, it is lovely," Mrs. Nelson said.  "What brings you here this evening?"

"We're meeting my father for dinner." Sturgis said.

"How nice," Mrs. Nelson said.

"He's probably at the table already. Harm you ready?" Sturgis said.

"Let's go," Harm said. "Mrs. Nelson it's always a pleasure. Mac, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night guys," Mac smiled.

"Oh my goodness," Mrs. Nelson said. "What is today?"

"Wednesday why?" Harm asked.

"I just remembered, I have a meeting at 8 with my committee." Mrs. Nelson said.

"Oh that's ok. We can have dinner another time." Mac said turning to leave.

"Nonsense, Commander Turner does Commander Rabb have to have dinner with your father this evening?"

"Not really," Sturgis replied.

"Then it's settled, Harm you have dinner with Sarah in my place." Mrs. Nelson said. "I do apologize for the mix up."

"It's ok," Mac said, "Harm do you mind?"

"Of course he doesn't." Mrs. Nelson said giving Mac a hug. "Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow."

"That would be very nice," Mac said.

"Good night everyone," Mrs. Nelson said and left.

"Sturgis, you are brilliant." Harm said.

"Stay and have a drink with us?" Mac asked.

"No thanks," Sturgis laughed. "My father really is waiting at table for me. You guys enjoy yourselves."

Mac and Harm made their way to a table and laughed. Sturgis was right, while Mrs. Nelson's mission could cause problems, they could also use it to their advantage.

They ate dinner and then went back to Harm's for dessert.  This was going to be fun, they thought as they fell into bed.