Chapter Two: Jackson's Regret

Jack arrived at his loft at 6:45pm. Reggie was dressed to go out. "Going somewhere?", he asked Reggie.

"Hey J, I was thinking I'd go catch a movie and get some dinner. I'll see you later." Reggie started for the door.

"Hey, hey, hey. Just wait a minute.", Jack responded, blocking Reggie's exit. "I may be a little rusty on the rules of parenting, but aren't you supposed to ask my permission first?, Jack asked.

"Oh, J, you know, there's this real pretty girl and she needs me. So, you know, I have to be there for her. I know you understand. So, let's just skip the rules, and I'll see you later, okay?" Reggie hated lying to Jack. But, it was for a worthy cause. Besides, there was some truth in his statement. Erica is pretty, and she does need him.

Jack laughed. He had only adopted Reggie a few weeks ago. But, somehow it seemed that they had been in one another's lives from the very beginning. As much as he wanted to keep Reggie under his watchful eye, he knew that he needed his space. Obviously, Reggie wanted to help a damsel in distress. Jack understood that more than anyone.

"Okay, Reggie. But, please stay out of trouble. The Pine Valley P.D. has you on radar.", he joked. "Besides, it's a school night".

"It's cool, J. I'll be back by 11".

"Whoa, 11:00? How's about 10?'

"Come on Jack. This girl's problems could take a long time to solve. How about 10:30?"

Jack laughed. "Okay, she sounds like someone I know. 10:30. Have fun".

With that, Reggie headed for the door. With Reggie out for the evening, Jack thought that he'd finally get some much needed rest. He sat wearily on the sofa, sighing deeply. He thought about his earlier discussion with Erica. She wanted him. She had given him "the look". After all that they had been through, they still retained the unspoken bond of love and passion. He had asked for a raincheck. "Good move Jack" he scolded himself. In the moment, it had seemed the right thing to say. But now, faced with the honesty of hindsight, he knew that he had blown it. Truth was that he had wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Why hadn't he told her?

Jack couldn't stop replaying his earlier meeting with Erica. In his mind, he rewound that scene a thousand times. Each time, he changed the way the scene played out. In his replayed version, Erica would understand that he had a job to do, but that she was still the center of his world. In his new and improved version, they would end up in each other's arms.

Jack decided to get some rest. He'd figure out a way to fix the mess that he had made with Erica. But, right now he needed sleep. As he headed for his bedroom, there was a knock at his door. Too tired to deal with anyone else, he opened the door abruptly, intending to get rid of whoever it was immediately. His mood brightened when, to his pleasant surprise, it was Erica.