Chapter 8
The next morning, Jack woke up early, about half an hour before he usually did. He had been doing that lately, though he had no idea why. Well...actually, he did. Being with Janet had made him very...aware of the little things in life. It might have been because of what had happened weeks ago, but he never wanted to miss anything that was going on with her. Often, he stood in the doorway of her room for a while, watching her sleep. Jack knew that he was turning into a wuss, but he didn't care. At least today he had an excuse. It was Christmas, and he wanted to prepare his girl a very special breakfast. He made some delicious fluffy and soft pancakes, fresh orange juice and his own special strawberry jam. To finish off the surprise, he placed a pink flower in the vase on the middle of the round table.
He retreated back to the bedroom that his girlfriend and Terri shared, and walked up to her bed. "Janet..." he whispered softly, gently shaking her a little. "Sweetheart? Hey baby, it's time to get up."
Janet stirred, raised an eyebrow, and pulled her pillow over her head. "Too early," she mumbled. "No."
He laughed. "Come on, hon, its Christmas! Plus, I made you a special breakfast. You wouldn't turn down free food, would you?"
She sighed, reluctantly letting her boyfriend pull her out of bed. "I don't really have a choice, now do I? No, really, you made me breakfast? How sweet is that?" She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him, quite passionately for 7:00 in the morning. "Okay, I'll come. Just give me about five minuets so I can get beautiful for you."
"That is one thing you know you never have to work on, babe," he said softly before leaving the room.
Janet smiled to herself, put her robe on and headed to the bathroom. Before turning the knob, she glanced back at their empty as of yet Christmas tree. "I wish Terri was here," she thought. After applying some makeup and brushing her hair, Janet made her way into the kitchen, and it was as that moment that she saw the special table that Jack had set up, and she couldn't help but to smile. "Jack..." she whispered.
"You are too perfect."
"Do you like it?"
"I love it," she assured him. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" she wondered before their lips met. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Janet," Jack murmured, wrapping his arms around her as the kiss become deeper.
Reluctantly, though, she pulled out of his embrace as they sat down to breakfast. However, it was at that precise moment that the doorbell rang. "Why can't we ever have a normal meal?" Jack complained.
"Its okay, honey... I'll get it," Janet offered, a smile on her face.
"No, its fine. I'll go. But don't you be stealing my food, understand?" Jack put his napkin on the table, managing to steal a quick kiss before he went to get the door. "Oh, Larry, what now?" he moaned.
"Merry Christmas to you too, bud," Larry retorted sarcastically as he walked over to the couch.
"Sorry, pal. This is just really not a good time. Merry Christmas, though."
"Oh, Jack! Have I got us a treat for tonight!!!!" Larry exclaimed happily, biting his lower lip and smiling at the same time.
"And you just know how much I live for treats." Jack replied dryly. "What's up?"
"You will absolutely love me forever for this, Jack-O! I got us a date with the Twinkle Twins!!" he cried, as he jumped around excitedly, but stopped mid-jump when he noticed the look on his friend's face. "Try to contain yourself, Jack."
"Thanks, but no thanks, Larry."
"Excuse me? I'm – I'm sorry, I guess I didn't clean my ears this morning. Did I just hear the word no? You're going to reject the most beautiful girls on the face of this earth?" Larry asked incredulously.
"No! I mean, yes, I did say no."
"Why?? Why, Jack, why?" he asked, much too dramatically, in Jack's not-so- private opinion. "Oh...wait. I bet I know why. You devil! You finally got a date with that hot chick down the street, right? Clean Peaches?"
"No, Lar, I'm not dating Clean Peaches or any other girl like that. Actually, I have a girlfriend now...and I love her."
"Yeah...okay, buddy. If you don't want the twins, you just have to say so."
"Larry...I...I don't really need this. What exactly is so shocking about me having a girlfriend?"
At that moment, Janet entered the living room, but hung back. She had heard everything – the door wasn't exactly soundproof – but she was still uneasy. She wanted – needed - so badly to rush into his arms and have him kiss her like she knew he would, but she didn't want to do anything to broadcast their relationship in front of Larry. If the beginning of their conversation were any indication, he wouldn't take it too well. All of her fears were subdued immediately, however, when Jack walked toward her. In one instinctive motion, he took her in his arms, capturing her lips in a long, passionate kiss. She responded almost immediately, melting in his embrace as his mouth explored hers. It was most definitely the best kiss they had ever shared. Janet pulled away then, breathing heavily, but most definitely smiling. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" she asked him softly.
"I really don't care anymore," was his answer. "I love you, and I don't care who knows. Not even Furley."
Larry just simply stared at them. Finally, his face broke into a grin. "Buddy, Janet better be your girlfriend or else she is going to hurt you big time for that!"
All three of them laughed. "You are happy for us, aren't you?" Janet asked him suddenly. "We need all the support we can get."
Larry smiled at her reassuringly. "Of course I am. You two are perfect for each other. And good luck keeping this from Furley."
Janet looked at the two men worriedly. "Oh, I know. How are we ever going to get this past him? He manages to figure out everything, so there's not even a point in sneaking around."
"Sneaking around what?" came a voice from the doorway. Janet visibly jumped as Mr. Furley's body came into view.
"N – Nothing! Don't you ever knock?" Janet asked irritably, pushing her sleeves to where they lay slightly above her elbow.
"Why? Nothing's ever happening."
"No thanks to you," Jack muttered.
"Actually, Janet, I came to invite you kids to my Christmas Party," he said. "See? I do have a reason. Don't I always?" He glanced suspiciously at Jack, who quickly removed his arms from Janet's waist. "I had a hot date for tonight, but decided to give her up in order to spend a nice evening with my dearest friends." R.F said in his typical macho way as the other three tried to hide their smiles.
"Gosh, Mr. Furley, I'd love to, but Janet and I ..."
"We'll be there," Janet finished for him, begging with her eyes not to say anything and that she'd explain later.
"Okay, cool, I'll see you guys at about eight," he said excitedly before leaving. He started out the door, but soon entered again. "Larry, I need to talk to you. Come here. "
Larry looked at Jack and Janet, shrugging, before walking outside to RF and shutting the door to the apartment. "Larry, ah, do you think you can liven up the party tonight, by...oh let's say, by bringing some chicks over?" he asked. "I would, but everyone I know already has plans." "Sure, RF. Just leave everything up to me, Larry the Love Machine."
Later that night, Jack and Janet were ready to go down to their landlord's party. "Janet, why do we have to go? I wanted us to be able do something special this holiday. Just you and me." "Baby, you're whining."
"I am not!" She shot him a look. "Well, maybe a little..."
Janet burst out laughing. "You really are adorable, you know that? No, honey, I know, and I'm sorry. I want to be with you too, but we really can't. Not until we figure out how we're going to do this. See, if we just disappeared tonight and people knew we were together, they might get weird and start talking." She absently played with his collar as they talked. "And I really don't want to have that get back around to Furley. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"Yeah, okay, fine...well, why disillusion a perfectly good idea?" Jack whispered, kissing her behind her ear in the spot he knew she loved.
Sure enough, a moan of pleasure escaped her lips as his mouth met her bare flesh. "Jack, no," she murmured, using all of her willpower to push him away. "We've honestly got to be careful."
"I know. Furley, right?" She nodded dolefully. "I swear, Janet, I've had it with him. That man just walks into this house like no one even lives here." He then stared her up and down. "Is that the red sweater I gave you for your birthday?"
"Yes, it is, actually. How does it look? Do I look all right?" she asked, modeling it for him and giving him a twirl for show.
"Oh, way more than all right. It's perfect," Jack said as he pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. "You're perfect."
She blushed and gave him a quick kiss. "Keep that up and I won't want to go anywhere ever again."
"Would that be...so awful?"
When they arrived at the party, the first person they saw was RF. Jack regretfully let go of her hand as they made their way over to where he was standing with Larry and many other tenants. Janet noticed with a twinge of displeasure that most of them were very attractive girls. Jack seemed to notice the look in her eyes, because suddenly Janet felt Jack's breath in her ear. "I love you, hon. You know that. Don't ever forget."
"Jack-O! Hey!" Larry greeted his friend with an extra big smile. His hand was placed on some random girl's waist.
"Hi, Larry," they both said in unison.
"Excuse us," he told Janet as he took Jack's hand, dragging him to a remote corner. Jack turned back to Janet, blowing her a kiss and shrugging helplessly.
"Hey, lover. Larry told me all about you and he said that you could show me a real good time tonight." Erin, the taller of the twins, was inching closer and closer to Jack as she spoke seductively.
Jack turned and shot an accusing glare at his friend, who was smiling at him. "He did, did he?" Jack asked, firmly entangling himself from her grasp. "Isn't that nice. Remind me to say something to him later."
"Oh, definitely," she purred. When he didn't respond to her flirting techniques, she titled her head to look at him. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you don't want to be with me. But we both know that's not true, don't we?"
"Baby, you're wasting your precious time," Mr. Furley interrupted, suddenly walking up to them. "Didn't Larry tell you Jack's gay?"
"Furley..." Larry groaned as the blond, blue – eyed girl looked curiously at Jack.
"I knew there had to be a reason! How could you not love me?" Erin exclaimed, impulsively leaning toward him. "But before I let you go..." Before any of them could say a word, her lips were on his. "Bye"
"Jack Tripper, what is the matter with you?" Larry asked furiously as Furley ran off in search of Erin, who had fled. "Are you insane?? You just turned down Erin Bradley! She's not called Twinkle for nothing, you know."
Jack's voice was like steel, quietly furious. "How could you set me up like that? You know I have a girlfriend. I just hope she didn't see, otherwise there will be heck to pay."
"You can't honestly expect me to believe that just because Janet's your girlfriend, you intend to pass up gorgeous opportunities like Erin! Then you might as well be married!"
"Lawrence Dallas, you listen to me, and you listen good, because I'm only going to say this once. I shouldn't even have to say this to you at all, but I don't want there to be any confusion. Janet is my girlfriend, okay? She's everything to me, and I love her with all my heart. As long as she'll have me, I intend to be there. Understand?"
Larry could only gape. He had never heard his friend so angry, or so passionate about anyone. "You really love her, don't you? I mean, this isn't just one of those things that dies the next day."
"I don't want it to be."
Just then Janet strode up to them, purposefully not looking at Jack. "Larry, do me a favor and tell Furley that I'm sorry, but I've got to go. Suddenly I don't feel well."
"What's wrong, sweetie?" Jack asked softly, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Want me to take you home?"
Janet twisted out of his grasp and looked at him, her eyes blazing. If looks could kill, he'd be on the autopsy board already. "You've done quite enough for one evening, thank you."
They were silent for a moment as Janet stomped off, then Larry spoke up timidly. "Maybe she saw Erin kissing you."
"You think???" Jack snapped, stopping himself then from saying anything worse. "Sorry, bud. I...I've got to go find her and make this up somehow before she hates me."
The cool breeze of the night was blowing slightly as the waves danced against the edge of the beach. Jack sighed softly as he approached her. Janet was sitting on the sand, hugging her knees to her chest. It was obvious that she had been crying, and he hated himself even more for hurting her. Janet's body stiffened as she felt him come close. She sighed heavily, and her voice was hard and emotionless. "I suppose you want to talk."
"If you're willing."
"Go ahead." She didn't trust herself to look at him; afraid she would cry again, so she concentrated on the sand beneath her feet. "I'm so thrilled to hear what you have to say."
Jack thought it a step in the right direction that she was willing to hear him out, so he ignored the dry sarcasm. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that you saw me kissing her, and I'm sorry that you're hurting."
Janet turned to him then, her eyes wild and blazing with fury. "Good for you, Jack! You're sorry! Well, you know what? It doesn't help! I did see you, and it does hurt! Score one for the blonde bimbo."
"Janet, she was the one who kissed me! I swear to you, I never initiated anything. I wouldn't do that to you. My god, honey, I love you. And I never thought I'd say this, but I hated kissing her."
That statement brought a tiny smile to her face, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "Don't put all this on her. It takes two people to kiss, Jack."
"But she kissed me!"
"What difference does it make?"
"Plenty!" he exclaimed. The sharpness in his voice caused Janet to turn and face him. Slowly, he reached forward to caress her cheek, whispering her name. When she didn't shrink away from his touch, he continued. "Please listen to me, hon. She was the one coming on to me. She was the one who kissed me. You want to know what else?"
"I'm sure I'll regret this, but okay."
"The only thing I was thinking about when she kissed me was you. You, and how I wished it was you that was in my arms and that I could kiss you like that."
She looked at him for a few moments, the awkward silence looming like a dark cloud. Finally, Janet smiled. "I'm right here, sweetie," she murmured. "Right here, right now, and no one's watching." In less then a minute, she was in Jack's arms, being kissed so long and hard you'd think they'd been apart for days. "Wow," she whispered softly as she broke away from him. "I should get mad at you more often." At her boyfriend's crestfallen look, she laughed. "Kidding!"
Jack smiled, pulling her onto his lap. "Here, baby." She glanced at him suspiciously as he handed her a small box. He laughed gently as he saw the look on her face. "Relax, hon. I'm not proposing...yet."
"Then what is it?"
"Why don't you open it and find out?"
Playfully sticking her tongue out at him, Janet opened the little box, gasping with pleasure and surprise. Inside was a necklace with a silver heart...inscribed on the back was the words, "Here's to being more than just friends...I love you."
"Do you like it?" he asked as he took it out of the box, fastening around her neck.
"Jack..." she replied softly, trying desperately not to cry. It was in vain, however, and tears slipped down her cheek. Jack wiped them away with his thumb as she leaned back into his arms. "I love you," she said softly.
"I love you, too, sweetheart. More than anything."
After doing nothing at the beach but lying in each other's arms, they finally arrived at the apartment at around 10:00. They began to go upstairs. Jack took her in his arms and leaned into kiss her, but Janet quickly pushed him away when she spied Mr. Furley saying goodbye to his guests.
"Where've y'all been?" a drunken Mr. Furley slurred.
"Out, not that it's any of your business," Jack said, irritably, annoyed that he had interrupted the kiss.
"Jack!" Surprised, but hiding a smile, Janet elbowed him in the ribs. "We went...uh, we went for a walk."
"Together."
"Yes...listen, RF, I personally would love to chat with you now, but it's been a long day and I'm tired. We're going to bed. Separately, " she added quickly, seeing Jack raise his eyebrows.
"Hey, hey, hey! RF's no dummy."
"Could've fooled me," Janet muttered softly, but Jack overheard and laughed quietly.
"You two have been together too much lately. Now you better not be doing anything kinky."
Janet forced a laugh. "That's just the alcohol talking. Really, why would we be doing anything?" She opened her mouth to say more, but Jack quickly dragged her upstairs and in the door.
Once they were alone, Jack pulled her close. "'What would we be doing?'" he mocked, feigning shock.
"Really Janet, that hurts."
"Well, I suppose I could think of something," she teased before his lips eagerly met hers.
"Jack! I said close your eyes!" Janet ordered him, barely suppressing a grin. "For the last time, no peeking!!" Sighing, she went into her bedroom and not a moment a later he heard the rustling of paper and the pattering of feet as she came back out. She handed Jack the box and he eagerly took it. She couldn't help but laugh. He looked so adorable, just like a little boy. "Do you want to guess what it is first?"
"Well, hon, it's kind of small. There's only so many things it could be, and you know I stink at guessing."
"Fine...just open it! You're no fun. But I don't mind...you're lucky I love you, mister." Janet looked at him anxiously, desperately trying to read his face as he opened the present. "Do you like it? Even if you don't, humor me, cause they cost a fortune."
Jack gasped when he opened the envelope to find two tickets to the next Lakers game. "My God, sweetheart, these are 3rd row! How did you get these?"
"My secret," she answered. "You really like it?"
"Of course...but there's two. Why'd you buy two?"
"Yeah...um, I'd figured you'd ask that." Janet began pacing quickly and twirling her hair around her finger, two traits Jack had come to realize as her nervousness talking. "See...what that's for...well I was wondering...I mean you don't have to or feel obligated or anything just because I'm your girlfriend..."
"Janet, calm!" Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her on to his lap. "You are so cute when you're nervous, you know that? No, seriously, baby...just say it."
"Can I go with you? I mean, it's all right if you'd rather ask Larry, but I want first dibs."
"Really, Janet? You'd actually go with me?"
"Don't sound so shocked."
"You hate watching sports! You always have! You say it's boring!"
"Well, I don't have to go. I just thought you might want me to. I thought you might want to be with me...but maybe I was wrong."
"Oh, baby, no!" Jack assured her quickly. "I didn't mean...I'd love for you to go, but honestly, Janet, you really do hate basketball."
"Yes...but you love it," she said quietly as he toyed with her hair. "And I love you. So I'll make the sacrifice. Besides, how boring can a couple of hours be?"
"You're the greatest, you know that?" Jack murmured, kissing her softly. "Thank you."
The next morning, Jack woke up early, about half an hour before he usually did. He had been doing that lately, though he had no idea why. Well...actually, he did. Being with Janet had made him very...aware of the little things in life. It might have been because of what had happened weeks ago, but he never wanted to miss anything that was going on with her. Often, he stood in the doorway of her room for a while, watching her sleep. Jack knew that he was turning into a wuss, but he didn't care. At least today he had an excuse. It was Christmas, and he wanted to prepare his girl a very special breakfast. He made some delicious fluffy and soft pancakes, fresh orange juice and his own special strawberry jam. To finish off the surprise, he placed a pink flower in the vase on the middle of the round table.
He retreated back to the bedroom that his girlfriend and Terri shared, and walked up to her bed. "Janet..." he whispered softly, gently shaking her a little. "Sweetheart? Hey baby, it's time to get up."
Janet stirred, raised an eyebrow, and pulled her pillow over her head. "Too early," she mumbled. "No."
He laughed. "Come on, hon, its Christmas! Plus, I made you a special breakfast. You wouldn't turn down free food, would you?"
She sighed, reluctantly letting her boyfriend pull her out of bed. "I don't really have a choice, now do I? No, really, you made me breakfast? How sweet is that?" She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him, quite passionately for 7:00 in the morning. "Okay, I'll come. Just give me about five minuets so I can get beautiful for you."
"That is one thing you know you never have to work on, babe," he said softly before leaving the room.
Janet smiled to herself, put her robe on and headed to the bathroom. Before turning the knob, she glanced back at their empty as of yet Christmas tree. "I wish Terri was here," she thought. After applying some makeup and brushing her hair, Janet made her way into the kitchen, and it was as that moment that she saw the special table that Jack had set up, and she couldn't help but to smile. "Jack..." she whispered.
"You are too perfect."
"Do you like it?"
"I love it," she assured him. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" she wondered before their lips met. "I love you so much."
"I love you, too, Janet," Jack murmured, wrapping his arms around her as the kiss become deeper.
Reluctantly, though, she pulled out of his embrace as they sat down to breakfast. However, it was at that precise moment that the doorbell rang. "Why can't we ever have a normal meal?" Jack complained.
"Its okay, honey... I'll get it," Janet offered, a smile on her face.
"No, its fine. I'll go. But don't you be stealing my food, understand?" Jack put his napkin on the table, managing to steal a quick kiss before he went to get the door. "Oh, Larry, what now?" he moaned.
"Merry Christmas to you too, bud," Larry retorted sarcastically as he walked over to the couch.
"Sorry, pal. This is just really not a good time. Merry Christmas, though."
"Oh, Jack! Have I got us a treat for tonight!!!!" Larry exclaimed happily, biting his lower lip and smiling at the same time.
"And you just know how much I live for treats." Jack replied dryly. "What's up?"
"You will absolutely love me forever for this, Jack-O! I got us a date with the Twinkle Twins!!" he cried, as he jumped around excitedly, but stopped mid-jump when he noticed the look on his friend's face. "Try to contain yourself, Jack."
"Thanks, but no thanks, Larry."
"Excuse me? I'm – I'm sorry, I guess I didn't clean my ears this morning. Did I just hear the word no? You're going to reject the most beautiful girls on the face of this earth?" Larry asked incredulously.
"No! I mean, yes, I did say no."
"Why?? Why, Jack, why?" he asked, much too dramatically, in Jack's not-so- private opinion. "Oh...wait. I bet I know why. You devil! You finally got a date with that hot chick down the street, right? Clean Peaches?"
"No, Lar, I'm not dating Clean Peaches or any other girl like that. Actually, I have a girlfriend now...and I love her."
"Yeah...okay, buddy. If you don't want the twins, you just have to say so."
"Larry...I...I don't really need this. What exactly is so shocking about me having a girlfriend?"
At that moment, Janet entered the living room, but hung back. She had heard everything – the door wasn't exactly soundproof – but she was still uneasy. She wanted – needed - so badly to rush into his arms and have him kiss her like she knew he would, but she didn't want to do anything to broadcast their relationship in front of Larry. If the beginning of their conversation were any indication, he wouldn't take it too well. All of her fears were subdued immediately, however, when Jack walked toward her. In one instinctive motion, he took her in his arms, capturing her lips in a long, passionate kiss. She responded almost immediately, melting in his embrace as his mouth explored hers. It was most definitely the best kiss they had ever shared. Janet pulled away then, breathing heavily, but most definitely smiling. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" she asked him softly.
"I really don't care anymore," was his answer. "I love you, and I don't care who knows. Not even Furley."
Larry just simply stared at them. Finally, his face broke into a grin. "Buddy, Janet better be your girlfriend or else she is going to hurt you big time for that!"
All three of them laughed. "You are happy for us, aren't you?" Janet asked him suddenly. "We need all the support we can get."
Larry smiled at her reassuringly. "Of course I am. You two are perfect for each other. And good luck keeping this from Furley."
Janet looked at the two men worriedly. "Oh, I know. How are we ever going to get this past him? He manages to figure out everything, so there's not even a point in sneaking around."
"Sneaking around what?" came a voice from the doorway. Janet visibly jumped as Mr. Furley's body came into view.
"N – Nothing! Don't you ever knock?" Janet asked irritably, pushing her sleeves to where they lay slightly above her elbow.
"Why? Nothing's ever happening."
"No thanks to you," Jack muttered.
"Actually, Janet, I came to invite you kids to my Christmas Party," he said. "See? I do have a reason. Don't I always?" He glanced suspiciously at Jack, who quickly removed his arms from Janet's waist. "I had a hot date for tonight, but decided to give her up in order to spend a nice evening with my dearest friends." R.F said in his typical macho way as the other three tried to hide their smiles.
"Gosh, Mr. Furley, I'd love to, but Janet and I ..."
"We'll be there," Janet finished for him, begging with her eyes not to say anything and that she'd explain later.
"Okay, cool, I'll see you guys at about eight," he said excitedly before leaving. He started out the door, but soon entered again. "Larry, I need to talk to you. Come here. "
Larry looked at Jack and Janet, shrugging, before walking outside to RF and shutting the door to the apartment. "Larry, ah, do you think you can liven up the party tonight, by...oh let's say, by bringing some chicks over?" he asked. "I would, but everyone I know already has plans." "Sure, RF. Just leave everything up to me, Larry the Love Machine."
Later that night, Jack and Janet were ready to go down to their landlord's party. "Janet, why do we have to go? I wanted us to be able do something special this holiday. Just you and me." "Baby, you're whining."
"I am not!" She shot him a look. "Well, maybe a little..."
Janet burst out laughing. "You really are adorable, you know that? No, honey, I know, and I'm sorry. I want to be with you too, but we really can't. Not until we figure out how we're going to do this. See, if we just disappeared tonight and people knew we were together, they might get weird and start talking." She absently played with his collar as they talked. "And I really don't want to have that get back around to Furley. What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"Yeah, okay, fine...well, why disillusion a perfectly good idea?" Jack whispered, kissing her behind her ear in the spot he knew she loved.
Sure enough, a moan of pleasure escaped her lips as his mouth met her bare flesh. "Jack, no," she murmured, using all of her willpower to push him away. "We've honestly got to be careful."
"I know. Furley, right?" She nodded dolefully. "I swear, Janet, I've had it with him. That man just walks into this house like no one even lives here." He then stared her up and down. "Is that the red sweater I gave you for your birthday?"
"Yes, it is, actually. How does it look? Do I look all right?" she asked, modeling it for him and giving him a twirl for show.
"Oh, way more than all right. It's perfect," Jack said as he pulled her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her. "You're perfect."
She blushed and gave him a quick kiss. "Keep that up and I won't want to go anywhere ever again."
"Would that be...so awful?"
When they arrived at the party, the first person they saw was RF. Jack regretfully let go of her hand as they made their way over to where he was standing with Larry and many other tenants. Janet noticed with a twinge of displeasure that most of them were very attractive girls. Jack seemed to notice the look in her eyes, because suddenly Janet felt Jack's breath in her ear. "I love you, hon. You know that. Don't ever forget."
"Jack-O! Hey!" Larry greeted his friend with an extra big smile. His hand was placed on some random girl's waist.
"Hi, Larry," they both said in unison.
"Excuse us," he told Janet as he took Jack's hand, dragging him to a remote corner. Jack turned back to Janet, blowing her a kiss and shrugging helplessly.
"Hey, lover. Larry told me all about you and he said that you could show me a real good time tonight." Erin, the taller of the twins, was inching closer and closer to Jack as she spoke seductively.
Jack turned and shot an accusing glare at his friend, who was smiling at him. "He did, did he?" Jack asked, firmly entangling himself from her grasp. "Isn't that nice. Remind me to say something to him later."
"Oh, definitely," she purred. When he didn't respond to her flirting techniques, she titled her head to look at him. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you don't want to be with me. But we both know that's not true, don't we?"
"Baby, you're wasting your precious time," Mr. Furley interrupted, suddenly walking up to them. "Didn't Larry tell you Jack's gay?"
"Furley..." Larry groaned as the blond, blue – eyed girl looked curiously at Jack.
"I knew there had to be a reason! How could you not love me?" Erin exclaimed, impulsively leaning toward him. "But before I let you go..." Before any of them could say a word, her lips were on his. "Bye"
"Jack Tripper, what is the matter with you?" Larry asked furiously as Furley ran off in search of Erin, who had fled. "Are you insane?? You just turned down Erin Bradley! She's not called Twinkle for nothing, you know."
Jack's voice was like steel, quietly furious. "How could you set me up like that? You know I have a girlfriend. I just hope she didn't see, otherwise there will be heck to pay."
"You can't honestly expect me to believe that just because Janet's your girlfriend, you intend to pass up gorgeous opportunities like Erin! Then you might as well be married!"
"Lawrence Dallas, you listen to me, and you listen good, because I'm only going to say this once. I shouldn't even have to say this to you at all, but I don't want there to be any confusion. Janet is my girlfriend, okay? She's everything to me, and I love her with all my heart. As long as she'll have me, I intend to be there. Understand?"
Larry could only gape. He had never heard his friend so angry, or so passionate about anyone. "You really love her, don't you? I mean, this isn't just one of those things that dies the next day."
"I don't want it to be."
Just then Janet strode up to them, purposefully not looking at Jack. "Larry, do me a favor and tell Furley that I'm sorry, but I've got to go. Suddenly I don't feel well."
"What's wrong, sweetie?" Jack asked softly, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Want me to take you home?"
Janet twisted out of his grasp and looked at him, her eyes blazing. If looks could kill, he'd be on the autopsy board already. "You've done quite enough for one evening, thank you."
They were silent for a moment as Janet stomped off, then Larry spoke up timidly. "Maybe she saw Erin kissing you."
"You think???" Jack snapped, stopping himself then from saying anything worse. "Sorry, bud. I...I've got to go find her and make this up somehow before she hates me."
The cool breeze of the night was blowing slightly as the waves danced against the edge of the beach. Jack sighed softly as he approached her. Janet was sitting on the sand, hugging her knees to her chest. It was obvious that she had been crying, and he hated himself even more for hurting her. Janet's body stiffened as she felt him come close. She sighed heavily, and her voice was hard and emotionless. "I suppose you want to talk."
"If you're willing."
"Go ahead." She didn't trust herself to look at him; afraid she would cry again, so she concentrated on the sand beneath her feet. "I'm so thrilled to hear what you have to say."
Jack thought it a step in the right direction that she was willing to hear him out, so he ignored the dry sarcasm. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that you saw me kissing her, and I'm sorry that you're hurting."
Janet turned to him then, her eyes wild and blazing with fury. "Good for you, Jack! You're sorry! Well, you know what? It doesn't help! I did see you, and it does hurt! Score one for the blonde bimbo."
"Janet, she was the one who kissed me! I swear to you, I never initiated anything. I wouldn't do that to you. My god, honey, I love you. And I never thought I'd say this, but I hated kissing her."
That statement brought a tiny smile to her face, but it was gone as quickly as it came. "Don't put all this on her. It takes two people to kiss, Jack."
"But she kissed me!"
"What difference does it make?"
"Plenty!" he exclaimed. The sharpness in his voice caused Janet to turn and face him. Slowly, he reached forward to caress her cheek, whispering her name. When she didn't shrink away from his touch, he continued. "Please listen to me, hon. She was the one coming on to me. She was the one who kissed me. You want to know what else?"
"I'm sure I'll regret this, but okay."
"The only thing I was thinking about when she kissed me was you. You, and how I wished it was you that was in my arms and that I could kiss you like that."
She looked at him for a few moments, the awkward silence looming like a dark cloud. Finally, Janet smiled. "I'm right here, sweetie," she murmured. "Right here, right now, and no one's watching." In less then a minute, she was in Jack's arms, being kissed so long and hard you'd think they'd been apart for days. "Wow," she whispered softly as she broke away from him. "I should get mad at you more often." At her boyfriend's crestfallen look, she laughed. "Kidding!"
Jack smiled, pulling her onto his lap. "Here, baby." She glanced at him suspiciously as he handed her a small box. He laughed gently as he saw the look on her face. "Relax, hon. I'm not proposing...yet."
"Then what is it?"
"Why don't you open it and find out?"
Playfully sticking her tongue out at him, Janet opened the little box, gasping with pleasure and surprise. Inside was a necklace with a silver heart...inscribed on the back was the words, "Here's to being more than just friends...I love you."
"Do you like it?" he asked as he took it out of the box, fastening around her neck.
"Jack..." she replied softly, trying desperately not to cry. It was in vain, however, and tears slipped down her cheek. Jack wiped them away with his thumb as she leaned back into his arms. "I love you," she said softly.
"I love you, too, sweetheart. More than anything."
After doing nothing at the beach but lying in each other's arms, they finally arrived at the apartment at around 10:00. They began to go upstairs. Jack took her in his arms and leaned into kiss her, but Janet quickly pushed him away when she spied Mr. Furley saying goodbye to his guests.
"Where've y'all been?" a drunken Mr. Furley slurred.
"Out, not that it's any of your business," Jack said, irritably, annoyed that he had interrupted the kiss.
"Jack!" Surprised, but hiding a smile, Janet elbowed him in the ribs. "We went...uh, we went for a walk."
"Together."
"Yes...listen, RF, I personally would love to chat with you now, but it's been a long day and I'm tired. We're going to bed. Separately, " she added quickly, seeing Jack raise his eyebrows.
"Hey, hey, hey! RF's no dummy."
"Could've fooled me," Janet muttered softly, but Jack overheard and laughed quietly.
"You two have been together too much lately. Now you better not be doing anything kinky."
Janet forced a laugh. "That's just the alcohol talking. Really, why would we be doing anything?" She opened her mouth to say more, but Jack quickly dragged her upstairs and in the door.
Once they were alone, Jack pulled her close. "'What would we be doing?'" he mocked, feigning shock.
"Really Janet, that hurts."
"Well, I suppose I could think of something," she teased before his lips eagerly met hers.
"Jack! I said close your eyes!" Janet ordered him, barely suppressing a grin. "For the last time, no peeking!!" Sighing, she went into her bedroom and not a moment a later he heard the rustling of paper and the pattering of feet as she came back out. She handed Jack the box and he eagerly took it. She couldn't help but laugh. He looked so adorable, just like a little boy. "Do you want to guess what it is first?"
"Well, hon, it's kind of small. There's only so many things it could be, and you know I stink at guessing."
"Fine...just open it! You're no fun. But I don't mind...you're lucky I love you, mister." Janet looked at him anxiously, desperately trying to read his face as he opened the present. "Do you like it? Even if you don't, humor me, cause they cost a fortune."
Jack gasped when he opened the envelope to find two tickets to the next Lakers game. "My God, sweetheart, these are 3rd row! How did you get these?"
"My secret," she answered. "You really like it?"
"Of course...but there's two. Why'd you buy two?"
"Yeah...um, I'd figured you'd ask that." Janet began pacing quickly and twirling her hair around her finger, two traits Jack had come to realize as her nervousness talking. "See...what that's for...well I was wondering...I mean you don't have to or feel obligated or anything just because I'm your girlfriend..."
"Janet, calm!" Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her on to his lap. "You are so cute when you're nervous, you know that? No, seriously, baby...just say it."
"Can I go with you? I mean, it's all right if you'd rather ask Larry, but I want first dibs."
"Really, Janet? You'd actually go with me?"
"Don't sound so shocked."
"You hate watching sports! You always have! You say it's boring!"
"Well, I don't have to go. I just thought you might want me to. I thought you might want to be with me...but maybe I was wrong."
"Oh, baby, no!" Jack assured her quickly. "I didn't mean...I'd love for you to go, but honestly, Janet, you really do hate basketball."
"Yes...but you love it," she said quietly as he toyed with her hair. "And I love you. So I'll make the sacrifice. Besides, how boring can a couple of hours be?"
"You're the greatest, you know that?" Jack murmured, kissing her softly. "Thank you."