Slipping Through the Cracks
Part Five: Getting There
See Part 1 for disclaimers
Two months later, Natalie had an individual therapy session twice a week, as did John. They also had a session together once a week to talk about everything they had been through. They were making major breakthroughs according to Dr. Charles Welkes, so they decided to celebrate by going to Rodi's.
When they got there, the lights were all turned off and nobody was inside. Natalie frowned. "That's strange." Her puzzled expression only got more so when John pulled out a key and unlocked the door. "I thought we could have a private celebration without anyone else around… This really means a lot to us you know?" Natalie smiled, touched beyond words. "Yeah, I do." She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks."
John grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. "It's the least I could do." He closed the door and locked it as Natalie drew the blinds. She had a feeling that something was going to happen tonight that she really wouldn't want anyone to witness. John couldn't help but smile as she closed the blinds, knowing she must be feeling the same thing he was—tonight was going to be their night.
" So what exactly what were you planning on doing tonight McBain?" Natalie's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Well, I thought we would start off with a burger." Natalie smiled and laughed as the baby kicked just as John said 'burger.' "You know us so well." John went behind the counter and got the burgers Mac had cooked just moments earlier before jumping ship.
They sat in companionable silence as they ate. When they finished, John pulled her to feet and then used the momentum to bring her flush against his body. "Now, how about a game of pool?" Natalie's voice was husky, she could feel John's arousal rubbing against her as she replied, "You're on." She pulled away and walked over to the pool table.
Suddenly her eyes lit up. "I have an idea." "Should I be nervous?" Natalie laughed as she replied, "Quite possibly. This could be better therapy than the one we're paying over two hundred dollars an hour for. Every shot you miss, you have to reveal something about your past." A bit of the light faded as she saw the fear pass briefly through John's eyes. "Never mind… It was a stupid idea. Let's just play."
Hearing the disappointment in her voice, John replied, "No, I think you're right. It'll be better than the therapy we've got now, plus it might help you understand why I am the way I am… But maybe we should do it a different way." Natalie smiled her thanks at him as she asked, "What way are you thinking about?" "Every shot we miss, the other gets to ask a question, and no matter how hard it is we have to answer." Their eyes locked in a gaze of heat and wariness, both of them knew this game could be very dangerous. Natalie mulled it over and then nodded. "You're on."
" Ladies break." John smiled as he watched Natalie take her position. The balls scattered and three striped balls went in. She smiled at him gently, knowing that he knew what he was up against and still wanted to do this for her. She aimed again but the baby kicked just as she shot. "Ooh!" She rubbed her belly. "You're on Daddy's side aren't you?" They laughed. "You can have a do-over if you want." Natalie tossed her hair back and looked at John. "No, fair is fair. What did you want to ask me?"
TO BE CONTINUED