Hey, thanx for the reviews on my first ff. It's been fun writing chapter 2. Enjoy! Chapter 3 is in the works….

Chapter 2

Furley: Jack? Janet? What are you two doing here?

(Jack and Janet jump. Jack spills his glass of wine on the table and scrambles to pick it up. Janet manages not to get wet. Beside their booth stands Mr. Furley, dressed in a white leisure suit with gold trim around the pockets and lapel, and a huge, white cowboy hat. He's accompanied by a lady in her 30's. His eyes are popping out and he looks nervous).

Jack: Mr. Furley…

Furley: Yes, son, that's me, good ol' Mr. Furleyson. Just got back from that ranch of mine.

Janet: The ranch…

(Furley leans into Janet with a stern look on his face).

Furley: Yes! The ranch out in Wyoming!

Janet: Ooooh, (Catching on).That ranch.

Furley: Yeah (He sniffs,) they can't quite manage the place without me. I can't afford to be away for too long. Just can't find good help these days.

Jack: Shame on you, Mr. Furleyson, you haven't introduced us to your lady-friend.

Furley: What? Oh… Jack, Janet this is Rhonda. Rhonda, honey, this is Jack and Janet. They're good friends of mine.

Jack: Hi, the name's Jack. (He shakes her hand).

Rhonda: Hi.

Janet: Nice to meet you, Rhonda. (She shakes her hand).

Rhonda: You too.

Furley: Hey, mind if we join you for a few minutes while they get our table ready…

(Furley starts to slide into the booth next to Janet, pulling Rhonda in behind him).

Jack: Well, actually Mr. Furley, uh, Furleyson, Janet and I were just…

Furley: Thanks. Like I was telling Rhonda….

(Furley starts on a detailed lie of how he managed to acquire the ranch in Wyoming, how much it's worth etc. Jack and Janet listen to be polite, but can't seem to keep from stealing glances at each other).

Furley: Jack… are you listening?

(Jack leans his head in the direction of Mr. Furley, but doesn't take his eyes off Janet).

Jack: Oh, I'm riveted.

(Janet smiles).

Rhonda: Janet?

Janet: Huh? (She looks at Rhonda). Oh, I'm sorry, Rhonda, what did you say?

Rhonda: I'm going to the ladies room. Do you want to join me?

Janet: Why?

Rhonda: To freshen up.

Janet: Oh… no thanks. (She steals a glance at Jack). I freshened up a few moments ago.

Rhonda: Please?

Janet: Uh…… Yeah, I guess I could.

(Jack stands up to let Janet out. Undetected by Furley or Rhonda, Janet quickly squeezes Jack's hand as she leaves. He smiles, waits for them to leave and sits back down).

Jack: What's up with this "Mr. Furleyson" and a ranch in Wyoming?

Furley: Jack, promise me you won't laugh?

Jack: Well, that depends (He's trying to be funny, but stops when he sees that Mr. Furley isn't amused). Sure, Mr. Furley.

Furley: I know it's hard to believe, but I got into a little dry spell in the romance department. I heard about this computer dating service and decided to give it the old Ralph Furley try. "Mr. Furleyson" is just a name I chose to keep mine confidential, in case things don't work out. And the ranch…well…(his tempo doubles), I know it's a lie, Jack, but it's only one date, and I'm not going to have you ruin it for me with the truth. Kapeesh? (That warning look of his).

Jack: Relax, Mr. Furley, your secret's safe with me.

Furley: Good. (He sighs, pauses and then looks a little dejected). Jack? Do you think that's pathetic—resorting to a computer dating service to meet women?

Jack: Nah. A good idea is more like it.

Furley: Really?

Jack: Yeah. Think about it, Mr. Furley. You tell the computer that you're looking for someone who's funny, smart and easy to talk to. It finds her for you. All you have to do is show up and see how well it worked. Not only is she exactly what you said you wanted, but someone who makes you feel good about yourself, and surprisingly, the lovliest woman you know.

Furley: Smart? Who said anything about smart? I said "pretty" and "likes money." The loveliest woman I know? Rhonda? Really, Jack….

Jack: Mr. Furley, the point is that you got what you asked for.

Furley: Oh, well why didn't you just say so?

Jack: I…

(Jack is interrupted by the ladies' return. He gets up to let Janet back in. Janet remains standing).

Janet: Jack, if we don't get going, we're going to be late. (Wink).

(Jack looks at his watch, and quickly covers his wrist when he sees he's not wearing one).

Jack: Oh, that's right. (Following her lead). I'm sorry, Rhonda and Mr. Furleyson, but Janet and I are going to be late if we don't leave now. (He pulls out his wallet and leaves money to pay the bill, while Janet grabs his tie from the dry part of the table and tucks it into her purse). Janet… (He holds out his right hand…)

Janet: (She places her hand in his and then addresses the others). Goodnight. It was nice to meet you, Rhonda. Enjoy the rest of your evening, you two.

(Hand in hand, Jack and Janet quickly leave).