Chapter 5
Jack arrived fifteen minutes before noon as expected the flower shop was swamped with customers. He walked in with a smile which just grew bigger as he spotted Janet. She was wearing a lovely pink dress that hugged her body in just the right places. "Morning Mr. Tripper." Jason greeted him.
"Good morning Jason. Looks like business is doing great."
"Terrific."
"Super. Hopefully that means our next investment will hopefully bring in successful revenues." Jack said laughing as he winked at his store manager.
"Mr. Tripper, Janet is busy with a customer and since everyone else seems to be taken care of, do you think we could have a moment alone in my office?"
"Why of course." Jack said as he finally caught Janet's attention. Both friends smile at each other as she continued to help the elderly customer.
Jack followed Jason into his office. "What is the matter?" Jack asked as he saw the concern on his friend's face.
"Well I really don't know how to start but," he cleared his throat. "Mrs. Tripper was here yesterday afternoon."
"Damn." Jack cursed softly; Jason didn't even have to continue Jack knew the reason why his wife had come back to the flower shop.
"To our disadvantage, Janet thinks she may need to start looking for a new job."
"What?" He asked upset as she stood up. "No, I won't let her," he spoke firmly as he place his hands inside his pant's pockets.
"Jack. I would really hate for her to leave us. It took us a while to find someone with such an experience and after just one day it was obvious she was perfect for the job and we can not afford to have her leave. You must talk to Vicky."
"I am …I definitely am she won't ruin it this time. I won't let Janet get away. Not this time."
There was a moment of silence as Jack started pacing the room. He took in a deep breath before he turned around, "Jack even though I do not know how far you and Janet go back I know that she definitely makes you happy. It's easy to see. And I am obviously not the only one to pick up on that. Vicky won't stop until she is gone, you and I know that. And Janet looks like a very determine woman."
"Boy is she."
"She said she made up her mind about a new job but I am hoping you will get a chance to talk to her about this today. Hopefully she will bring it up if not I don't care if she tags me as the 'tattle teller'. Please talk to her."
"I will." Jack said as the gentlemen heard a knock on the door.
"Come in." Jason ordered.
Janet opened the door and smiled at the men looking at her. "I just wanted to let you know I am ready when you are."
"Great." Jack answered. "Let's go."
"You two have fun." The store manger said as the trio made their way out the nice furnished office.
"We will." Jack answered for both himself and Janet as he took her hand in his and they made their way out the door.
Janet loved her new job and enjoyed being around her new customers but there is nothing else in the world she would rather be doing right now then spending time with Jack, "So how do you like the job?" Jack asked while they stopped at a red light.
"I'm enjoying it very much. I was ready to get back to my usual routine." She said smiling at the same time she turned to look at him.
"I'm glad." He said in a content tone as he patted her hand. She slowly turned back to look outside her window. He noticed the concern in her face, after all these years it was still so easy to read her emotions. "Then what is bothering you?" He asked as he turned the corner.
She smiled again, "Nothing. I just find it so unbelievably wonderful that we are together again." She paused and thought of what she had just said, "I mean …."
"I know what you meant to say. But are you sure that is all that is on your mind; you seem kind of far away. Like you are lost in distant thoughts."
"I'm fine, Jack. Promise." Janet answered when he pulled up to the restaurants valet parking.
The couple was immediately taken to a small table for two outside the restaurants patio. "It's a beautiful day to eat outside." Jack said as the waiter pulled Janet's chair out for her.
"It really is." She echoed is words.
"This sky reminds me the many times we would go to the beach. Remember those days?"
"Like it was just yesterday."
The host informed them that their waiter would be with them in a moment. "You look lovely today." Jack praised his old roommate as he took her hand in his and softly caressed it.
Janet blushed and thanked Jack for his nice words just before the waiter came to ask what they would like to drink and handed them their menus. Once they let the young man know what they wanted to drink and ordered their food Jack turned to Janet who smiled at him tenderly.
"Janet, I know Vicky was at the shop yesterday." He informed her.
"How do you know?"
"Jason told me." She opened her mouth softly as to protest but he interrupted her. "I know that probably upsets you but he is concern about you leaving and I am the owner I need to be up to date with these kinds of things. Jason has not stopped raving about how great of an employee you have turned out to be." He chuckled a bit, "Of course I already knew that."
"You don't understand Jack. I know that if I stay it will be a problem for your marriage and I couldn't live with something like that in my conscience."
"The problem is my marriage. Vicky and I have had problems for years now. Since the beginning it was a mistake to ask her to be my wife. It was a mistake to think I could make it work. Janet please." He begged as their eyes met. "Don't leave me again."
"Your drinks." The blonde waiter spoke as he placed their beverages on the table. Your meals should be out soon.
Jack's words made Janet heart melt as he pleaded her to stay but he was a married man now. She had her chance just like Vicky reminded her yesterday. And no matter how bad their marriage may be they were still together and under God's words united till death do them apart.
"Please don't make any immediate decisions. Vicky is just like that. She knows our marriage is over and for some reason thinks every woman that crosses my path is the reason why we are so drawn apart from each other. You and I are friends and she knows we go back a long time. We were best friends and never anything else. And for some crazy reason that still bothers her."
"She is you wife it's suppose to bother her. You and her are still marry and nothing changes that." She said staring at the table cloth with disappointment.
"Yes it does. It does because I love you Janet."
"Good morning Mrs. Tripper." Jason greeted her as she came in with wondering eyes.
"Hi Jason. Is my husband here?" She asked looking around the large room.
Jason crossed his arms across his chest, "No. I have not seen Mr. Tripper since yesterday afternoon. He hasn't been around here at all today."
"What about Janet. Where is she?"
"She's at lunch."
"In the back?"
"No. She went out for lunch."
Vicky kept looking around as she bitted her lower lip. She seemed lost in thought. "Well if he comes by tell him I need to talk to him. He can page me I will probably be home."
"Yes ma'm."
"By the way you might want to do more then just stand there." She said as she ran her index finger through the counter. "It's filthy in here."
"I will be sure to keep that in mind." Jason responded as he opened the door for her to walk out.
At Jack's sincere yet passionate words Janet instantly turned to look at him with a surprised look. "You love me?" She questioned him, her voice just above a whisper.
"Yeah. You are like a younger sister to me and I love you just like one. I've always have. When we lived in Santa Monica you and the rest of the girls were always my first priority." He said stumbling threw the words.
"Promise me you will just think about staying please." He asked once again.
Janet took in a deep breath and looked around. 'Just like eight years ago he loves me just like a sister. Just as a friend.' She thought to herself sadly. 'There is no reason for Vicky to be upset, nothing could ever happen between the two of us. Plus their marriage is already on the rocks and if something were to happen between us it wouldn't be my fault.' She tried to force herself into believing. 'Most important I have to think about little Jack. He's moved around from school to school three times already, you need the job. Your son should be the only priority in your life right now.' She reminded herself.
"I'll think about it." She answered him removing her hand from his. "But I can't make any promises." She warned him.
"That's all I ask." He smiled the biggest smiled which made Janet heart skip a beat. It's amazing how he still gets to her. Just one look from his baby blue eyes made her weak in the knees.
Their food was brought to their table shortly after. Jack had ordered a salmon filet while Janet decided to get their chicken special. "So what are your plans after work?" Jack asked hoping there could be a chance of them doing something later on.
She though for a moment, "Just my usual, I will go pick up my son from scho…"
Jack almost choked on his food, "Your son." He asked between coughs.
She nodded her head laughing, "Yup. I have the most adorable little boy you have ever seen."
"Wow, who would have thought my little Janet a mother. You were always great with kids." Jack complimented her.
"Thank you Jack."
"What's his name?" Jack asked, as he took a sip of his drink. "What am I asking; of course I bet he has his father's name."
"Well, part of it is." She answered him overjoyed to see Jack so excited about her son, "his full name is Philip Jack Dawson. But he just goes by Jack."
Jack froze for a moment, 'She named her son after me that has to mean something.' He placed his glass down and stared into Janet's almond brown eyes, "May I ask why you named him after me?"
"Well," she paused, "because you have always meant so much to me and…oh I don't know it just seem to go well with Philip's name."
He reached over and took her hand in his once again. "You too have also meant so much to me, Janet. More then you'll ever know."
"Thanks Jack."
For the rest of the time Jack and Janet talked about her son and the joy that he has brought to her life. Jack excited about the fact that his old roommate was now a mother began planning different activities he could do with the child. Deep down he always wanted to have a kid of his own. It was his biggest dream, but Vicky had always refused the idea. Maybe if they would have had children things might have been different between them.
"So do you think we could do something tonight?" Jack asked as they reached the flower shop. "I'm eager to meet your son." He said as he clapped his hands together.
"I don't know if that is such a good idea." She reminded him.
"Janet please, I told you Vicky has her life and I have my own. We are only together because we live together. Come on." He said giving her a sad puppy face knowing she wouldn't be able to say no.
"Alright." Janet agreed with a smile.
"Great." He said leaning over to kiss her rosy cheek. "How about a movie?"
"That sounds perfect. There is a movie theater by the house."
"Will seven o' clock be okay?" He asked as they made their way towards the entrance of the flower shop.
"Seven is great, it will give me enough time to help Jack with his homework and make us something for dinner."
Jack took Janet's hand in his as they reached the door to the shop, "Thanks again for accepting my lunch invitation."
"My pleasure. It gave us sometime to catch up." She winked.
"See you tonight." Jack said before calling out her name again.
"Yes?"
"Enjoy your afternoon." He said as he leaned in to kiss her lips but Janet quickly turned her face causing him to kiss her cheek.
After dinner Janet told her son to get ready because they were going to go out. "We are going to see a movie"
"A movie!" the little boy exclaimed, "Yay." He screamed as he ran down the hall his arms opened wide as he came back into the kitchen to hug his mommy.
Janet laughed at her boy's excitement. She put the dishes in the dishwasher as she picked up her little man and carried him to the couch. She figured it was a good time to let him know that they wouldn't be going alone, that Jack would be coming with them. "His name is Jack just like you," she said helping him tie his shoes, "he is an old friend of mine."
The little boy just smiled he was so happy about going that he wasn't really listening to what his mother was telling him.
Precisely at seven Jack was at the door. Janet had changed into some comfortable jeans and a purple sweater. She took in a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror one more time before she opened the door.
"Hi." She greeted her friend. Jack was wearing kaki shorts with a nice yellow polo shirt. Janet stood at the door studying him; he was so handsome she thought as he smiled at her. "Hope you didn't have trouble finding the house."
"No not at all. You are great with directions."
"Well we are ready. Come on in. I am going to go get my purse and let Jack know you are here."
"Take your time." He said as he came into the small two-bedroom home.
Jack watched Janet disappear into the hall as he took a sit in the living room. The house seemed extremely small but then again he was used to his enormous home. It was nicely decorate and had a welcoming touch to it. It reminded him of a home you would see in some family movie.
"We'll be right there Jack." He heard Janet shout from one of the bedrooms.
"Don't worry honey I've made myself at home." Jack spoke as a picture of Janet and her son caught his eye. He was adorable no doubt. He had most of Janet's good looks but it was obvious Philip was the father. The next picture that drew Jack's attention was the one of Janet and Philip on their wedding day. He took it in his hand and observed the couple. Their smiles, the light on their eyes and the way they held each other. They were obviously happy, 'You made the right decision Jack. He made her happy and that is what you wanted.' He told himself.
"Okay. We are ready to go." Janet scared Jack as she came into the living room with her son by her side.
He quickly placed the picture back to its original place, "Sorry I was just looking."
"That's okay." She said softly walking towards him. "Jack I'll like you to meet my son."
"Hey there cowboy." Jack said as he kneeled down to be at an almost eye level with the little boy.
The child looked up at his mother with a questionable look on his cute face. "It's okay Jack. He is mommy's friend."
"Hello." The little boy answered. "My name is Jack too."
"Well then I guess that makes me Jack one." Jack joked with the child as he stood up straight.
"I see you haven't lost your sense of humor." Janet teased him as she made her way towards the door.
"No, you know that is my best asset." He said placing his forehead against hers while he leaned in to kiss her nose.
"You are hopeless, come on lets go before we miss the movie."
After they purchase their tickets both Jacks made their way towards the food court while Janet went to the lady's room.
"Do you want popcorn or candy?"
"Popcorn." He little boy replied with a grin on his face as he watch the popcorn pop.
"Great choice champ." Jack smiled at the small child next to him. Oh how he wished he had a child of his own. He had always dreamed of having all girls and being the most jealous father there was. "Do you want juice or soda pop to drink?"
"Mom only lets me drink juice or water." He answered.
"Okay well let's not make mommy mad." He said ordering a small apple juice for him.
He handed Jack his juice and small bag of popcorn as they waited for Janet to come back. He ordered a small diet soda for him and one for Janet as well as a large bowl of popcorn for them to share.
"So how old are you buddy?"
"Five and a half."
"Wow you are almost a grown man." Jack said as he saw Janet coming towards them.
"Jack." He heard a familiar voice from behind as both him and the little boy turned around. "I knew that was you."
"Chad, buddy long time no see. How are you doing?" Jack asked.
"Good. I am doing well. In for a week then back to Hawaii again."
"Aww, what a pain that must be?" They both laughed, "So did your project go threw?"
"Yes we start building in two weeks that is why I am going to Hawaii, to keep a close eye on the business."
"Good, that is always important." He congratulated him as he saw Jack wave at his mom.
"I didn't know you had a son?"
"Oh, he's not-" Jack tried to inform him as Janet stood next to him.
"And this must be Mrs. Tripper; finally it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Chad Whiteman. Jack's friend from Hawaii." He said shaking Janet's hand. "Jack you old dog, you never mention how lovely your wife was." He said letting go of her hand.
She smiled at Chad as she turned from one man to the other her cheeks turning scarlet red. "Actually this is not my son and this is not my wife either."
"Janet, this is Chad. Chad, Janet Dawson an old friend of mine and her son Jack."
The man looked confused as he smiled and apologized, "Sorry, I'm really sorry I just thought…forget it. It's nice to meet you Mrs. Dawson."
"Like wise."
"Well Chad if you'll excuse us."
"Oh yes of course, go ahead. It was nice seeing you Jack. Call me next time you are in Hawaii." He said shaking his hand.
"I will."
"Again, a pleasure meeting you." He said taking Janet's hand in his. "Hope you enjoy your movie."
"Thank you." She smiled at him and wished him luck on his trip back home.
The trio found a good spot to sit near the middle of the theater. Janet sat between her friend and her son. Through out the movie the young boy caught his mother and her friend stealing glances which distracted him from the movie. Philip left Janet soon after they found out she was pregnant so he was not used to sharing his mom with anyone else.
Half way threw the movie Jack fell asleep, "He is not used to staying up this late." Janet informed her friend. "Sorry we had to leave the show early."
"It's okay Janet. I wanted to spend time with you and your son, not watch a movie." He said when she opened the door to let Jack in. He carried the brown eye boy into his room. "He looks so peaceful." Jack said observing him. "Do you mind if I kiss him good night?"
"Of course not." Janet answered surprised at Jack's question.
Jack gave the small child a kiss on the forehead afterwards Janet placed his racecar blanket on top of his tiny body before she kissed him good night. "Nite honey." She said running her hand threw his hair.
The two adults made their way towards the living room, "Well I guess I better go now. It's getting late." Jack said in a sorrow voice, not wanting to leave.
"I guess." Janet answered. "Unless you want to have a cup of coffee before you leave." She asked eagerly for him to accept.
"If you want me to spend the night just ask me," he joked placing his hand around her shoulder, "I promise you won't regret it."
Janet pushed him away softly. "You never will change, will you Jack?" She laughed.
"Would you want me to?" He asked in a semi serious voice.
She thought about it for a moment, and no, she wouldn't change a hair on his head. She shook her head, "No. For some strange reason I like you just the way you are."
Jack smiled proudly as he followed his friend to the kitchen. "I hope you had a good time."
"We did. Only God knows how long it's been since we have gone out." Janet said deep into thought.
"Why do you say that?"
"Well being a single mom is hard and when you live on a budget its not easy finding fun things to do without any money to do them with."
"I don't mean to be personal but does Philip not help out with Jack, I mean he is his son too."
"Philip does help out. Actually if it weren't for him I don't know where I would be."
"I don't understand. I thought you two were divorce."
"We are but when we divorced he left almost everything to me, expect for the gallery. I kept the house and the car I drove, furniture, jewelry, everything. I have to admit I was very lucky to have a husband like him. With such a kind heart. He always said he wanted me to be able to live without a job until Jack was in school. And if I ever needed anything he always reminded me he was just a phone call away."
"So what happened to all that?" Jack asked while she poured his coffee into a small mug.
"I sold it. All of it."
"Why?"
"Because I couldn't just call him and ask for money whenever I felt like I needed something. By selling most of those assets I was able to live comfortably while I raised my son without having to worry about money, until now. He did what no other man would have done; he gave me almost all that he had because he loved me and his son."
"What? He loved you and left you with a son?" Jack asked. "If Vicky and I would have family I doubt I would be able to leave her the way he left you. He didn't deserve you or your son."
"He loved me Jack. All he wanted was for me to be happy. But if you don't mind I rather not talk about that."
He saw the sorrow in her eyes as she spoke he pervious words, "Sorry babe, I didn't mean to make you cry." He said wiping a tear from her eye. "I just don't understand but I know you will open up when you are ready to. And I will be here to listen." He reminded her.
"Thanks Jack." She patted his hand and smiled.
"So you think things would be different if you and Vicky had a child?"
He sat his cup down and took in a deep breath. "I don't know how much different but yes I think I would be different. I've always picture my self as a father to three girls." He laughed. "But Vicky has never liked children. She thinks they are a waste of time. My father in law always told me to be patient and that she would change her mind, he too wanted lots of grandchildren."
"Well, don't give up Jack. Maybe some day life will grant you your wish. I can certainly see you as a father and am sure you will be a great one too."
"That's what I've miss about you all these years. The way you always find the best in me." Jack said as he lifted his hand to caress her.
"Well it's getting late," Janet reminded him when she looked at the clock on her wall.
"You're right, I better get going. I'll see you in the flower shop tomorrow."
She nodded her head as they made their way towards the door. "Thank you for taking us out. I had a wonderful time and am sure Jack did too."
"Thank you for letting me take you out." He said placing his finger on her nose. "I really enjoyed meeting your son.
There was an awkward moment of silence as both adults stood outside the door.
"Be careful going home."
"I will."
Another silent moment.
"Well, sweet dreams." Jack smiled.
"Sweet dreams." She said turning around as he took a step down the set of steps.
"Janet." Jack called out running back up the steps to the door, "Good night." He said just above a whisper as he pulled her into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips.
His lips caught her by surprise as she stood there, her body stiff, unable to move for a second or two. His eyes were closed as she looked up at him. His lips searching the rhythm in her hip as she slowly surrender into the kiss and her body slowly began to relax in his arms. He pulled her closer as he rested his left hand on her face. Slowly their lips dance in a slow yet romantic union.
