August 8. The air in Savannah could drown a man, Pacey thought. It was a unique city, with beautiful architecture, squares full of well-built brick buildings and fountains and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The humidity, however, was suffocating, and it was barely nine o'clock. He couldn't wait to get back out on the open water. Yet here he was, traipsing hand in hand with his girlfriend through the almost unbearable heat all because she wanted some Georgia peaches. He'd probably never be able to give her much, but peaches he could do.
"Pace, do you mind if we pop into this café?" Joey asked. "I told Bessie and Jen that I'd write them from the next port."
He looked up at a building ahead on the sidewalk with The Busy Bean Internet Café etched in black letters across the front window between two sheer mint green curtains. "Yeah, sure."
When they walked inside, they were greeted by the welcome relief of air-conditioning. "Thank Christ," he muttered under his breath. "Take your time, Jo. I'm in no rush to leave."
She smirked. After giving her boyfriend's hand a quick squeeze, Joey left his side and logged onto one of the available computers. She opened a new message and wrote "Hello from the Peach State" in the subject line.
"Bessie,
I hope things are going well and that you and Bodie are finding some time to enjoy your summer despite how busy you both are. I'm currently writing you from Savannah, Georgia. It's beautiful and right near the ocean and it's hotter than hell. I had thought that the bar in Key West would be the last of our employment this summer, but apparently not. When we docked in Daytona, Pacey managed to get a gig taking people on a "Dolphin Tour" when a tour company overbooked. It was pretty hilarious. They gave us a group of tourists who didn't speak English, so they had no idea what Pacey was saying, which was a good thing because neither did Pacey. He was making up the whole thing as he went along, complete with perfect comedic timing. Despite the language barrier, he managed to make them laugh as only Pacey knows how. They all wanted a group photo with him afterwards. It was cute.
I stayed out of it and kept to the front of the boat, just looking out over the blue water and wondering at its magnitude and how it seems to stretch on forever. It doesn't, really, and you'll eventually find land again. That made me think of Pacey and me and the fact we're heading home to Capeside. This summer has been an absolute dream and right now our feelings seem so strong and powerful, but I guess it's inevitable we're going to come face to face with reality sooner or later. I'm trying not to worry about what might be awaiting us when we return to the real world, but you know me, Bess. If worrying was an Olympic sport, I'd be a gold medalist.
After finishing Moby Dick, we read The Picture of Dorian Gray, and now we've started The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I have to say Shakespeare isn't really Pacey's thing. He's started up again with saying that I'm crazy for doing homework over the summer. Well, is it my fault that the AP English class I'm taking next year requires us to do summer reading? Pacey probably doesn't even know if there's a summer reading requirement for his class! He doesn't exactly focus on things like that, which is fine, but I need to get a decent enough class ranking to get a scholarship since it's not like I can exactly afford my choice of Ivies. If I don't get a scholarship, there won't be any choices at all and I'll just end up at Capeside Community College. Well, Pacey may not enjoy Shakespeare that much, but I still love listening to him read. His voice has become the most comforting sound I know.
Give all my love to Alexander and Bodie. Write back soon, if you can.
Love,
Joey"
After she hit the send button, she glanced behind her to see Pacey sitting on the leather couch against the wall, drinking a cold soda and flipping through ESPN magazine. Her shopping bag had been set on the couch beside him. She smiled as her heart skipped a beat; she loved watching him when he didn't know she was looking.
He could suddenly feel her eyes on him and looked up to meet her gaze, returning her smile. "Do you want me to get you anything, Jo? You want something to drink?"
She shook her head and smiled again. "Not right now." Turning back to the computer, she opened up the new message from Jen and began to read.
"Joey,
It sounds like you had a magical time in Key West. I'm happy you were able to stretch out your wings and do something like this for yourself. I'm sure this is a summer you'll never forget, and I hope you and Pacey cherish these memories you're creating. I sound like a real sap, don't I? I think I'm just missing Henry. Phone calls and letters are great, but I haven't seen him in weeks. Anyway, enough about my lack of romance…
Let's talk about Andie's! We all went to see Coyote Ugly on Friday night. We got there early to get good seats and there was this really cute guy sitting behind us who was flirting with Andie before the previews started. He even invited her to come sit with him during the movie but she wouldn't. Jack and I both told her she was crazy. She needs to get back out there and meet somebody. I think you and me should make that our mission for senior year: get Andie McPhee a boyfriend in time for prom. Come to think of it, Jack needs a boyfriend, too. What do you say? As for the movie, Dawson said it was "low brow" but the three of us loved it, so whatever. Not everyone can be Spielberg, Dawson. Broaden your horizons, buddy. We told him he has to go see Bring It On with us when it comes out in a couple weeks and I think he audibly groaned.
Anyway… I'm leaving in a few minutes. I'm picking up Andie, then we have to swing by a house on Barcliff Ave to get Jack and Dawson, and then we're going to Harding Beach. I want to have a nice summer glow when we go back to school, so I gotta perfect this tan.
Let me know what you've been up to since leaving Key West. Take care of yourself, and say hi to Pacey for me.
Love,
Jen
P.S. I'm going to hold you to that promise. When you get back, you have to give me ALL the sordid details!"
Joey grinned at the screen, feeling a blush creep into her cheeks. She read the email again, the realization dawning on her that in a few short weeks she would be reunited with her friends and they'd be embarking on their senior year together. It was hard for her to imagine being back in school. She could read Shakespeare's play and even write up a brief summary of its basic plot points—it wasn't the work that she minded—but it was so hard to imagine being back in a classroom, back in Capeside, watching the snow fall outside the window, thinking about her next class, or what she was going to eat for lunch… or whatever topic had permeated their already angst-filled lives.
She thought about seeing Jen and Jack and Andie and Dawson every day. It was going to be strange, especially now that she and Pacey were a couple. She wondered how things would be different, how complicated navigating senior year could be with everyone having to adjust to this new shift in the group dynamic. Yet it was so hard to even conceptualize school while she was still spending her days sailing on the ocean, basking out on the deck, watching Pacey fish while the sun sets over the horizon.
"Jen,
Well, we're moving back up the coast. It hasn't changed that much since the trip down, except the shore is on the left side of the boat instead of the right. I don't think I told you about what happened with the Hemingway Days Fair in Key West! Well, Pacey surprised me and signed me up as a vendor to sell my artwork. We had our own booth and I sold five pieces! Isn't that amazing? I was shocked. Pacey wasn't, though. He said he thought I'd sell them all, but I think that was just his personal bias showing.
I bought a Carolina Jasmine plant in a florist shop here in Savannah. I thought it would be good to draw since it's so beautiful and vibrant, but I also think it'll make a nice gift for someone back home. Maybe Bessie or Mrs. Leery. It's hard for me to imagine what it's going to be like when I get home, so I haven't really given it much thought. Reality is slowly starting to creep in whenever I remember practical things, like, my summer reading list for AP English, like how soon the SATs will be coming up, college applications…
But it's almost impossible to dwell too long on these things when Pacey is showing me sea birds and jellyfish and otters. He's so content to live in the present moment. It's amazing to me. And sometimes annoying because he refuses to plan for anything. Pacey is so very smart and he's very driven when he's made his mind up about something. He has a lot going for him, much more than he gives himself credit for. He could do anything he wanted if he just made a little bit more of an effort. The world is his oyster, so to speak. He just needs to believe it. Sometimes he gets irritated when I even talk about the future. But can I help it? I want to live in the moment – I want to experience each day just for what it is – but there's the ever-present reality that I want my life to be different from the rest of the Potters' screwed up lives. They all lived in the moment and just let life happen to them. My mom ended up dying young and poor, my dad ended up in jail, and my sister ended up an unmarried mother way before she was ready. And if I don't worry about my future, that's how I'd end up, too.
Anyway, I'm glad you're all having fun together. I take it Jack and Dawson are still hard at work with their house painting job? Good for them. An afternoon on the beach sounds like a great way to spend the day to me. Even a night at the movie theater with a bucket of popcorn. I have to say reading your emails makes me miss home and hanging out with you guys. Funny how it's really the little things that bring so much joy to our otherwise mundane existence. Regarding Andie and Jack's love lives, well, I'm not one to meddle in other people's personal affairs, but if anyone deserves to meet a nice guy, they both do. The only problem is finding one in Capeside…
I'm not sure where our next port of call will be. Pacey mentioned the possibility that we may mostly anchor for the night instead of pulling into port to save on docking fees as much as possible, but that would also mean we'd probably end up back home about two weeks earlier than he'd planned. So, I'm not sure what he'll decide to do. I'll email you again as soon as we're docked somewhere and I have access to a computer.
Love,
Joey
P.S. I hope you'll be able to see Henry soon. Have you thought about going out to see him? Still have a few weeks left of summer vacation. A little road trip might be good. But with school starting back up again, I imagine he'll be back in Capeside soon enough? Either way, I hope it won't be long until you're reunited."
She logged off the computer and got up from the desk.
Pacey looked up at the sound of Joey's chair sliding back. His gaze rested on her mouth while he thought about kissing her again. Her kisses melted him. "All set?" he asked, setting aside the magazine he'd been reading.
"Yep. We can go. Jen says hello, by the way," she said, and he smiled.
Following her out the door, he watched her ponytail swing as she walked into the blazing heat. Her dark hair was so soft; he knew he'd never get tired of running his fingers through it. He reached for her hand, holding it tight as they made their way further along the downtown street that overlooked the south channel of the Savannah River. They soon came upon an A-frame sign on the sidewalk that read, "Georgia peaches sold here."
When they stepped inside the small shop, they were greeted by a pretty young woman with deep brown skin, high cheekbones, dark almond-shaped eyes, and long shiny black hair. "Welcome to Lawson's Orchard & Farm Store," she greeted in a friendly tone with a thick southern drawl. "My name is Essie Mae. How can I help y'all?"
"We're here for some Georgia peaches," Joey said.
The woman grinned. "Well, you've sure come to the right place."
He watched his girlfriend pick up a small shopping basket and go perusing among the many bushels of peaches, blackberries, and other fruits and vegetables.
"So, how long have you worked here, Essie Mae?" he asked conversationally, leaning against the front counter near the register. "I guess you know all the ins and outs of the peach business."
"I've been workin' here at the store for eight years now, ever since I graduated from Beach High. My daddy said it would help me build character and learn responsibility. He runs the orchard and farm with my momma and my older brothers. My family's made a living out of the peach-pickin' business for over three decades now. Why, folks from all around come to Savannah to buy Georgia homegrown peaches. They're the freshest, tastiest, and juiciest peaches grown around the world." She smiled suggestively as she emphasized each word, her dark eyes sparkling at him. "So, where y'all come from? I can tell you're not from around here."
He nodded, smiling. "We're from Massachusetts. We sailed down to Key West for the summer, and now we're sailing back north."
"How excitin'! I hope you're enjoyin' your visit here. We have steeped southern traditions here in Savannah. After Atlanta burned, lotta folks moved here and staked roots. My family was one of 'em. We have a deep love for Savannah. I hope you will, too." She leaned closer over the counter, revealing ample cleavage beneath her pink polo shirt, and her eyes twinkled as she gazed at him. "If there's anything you need to find, or if you have problems with directions and gettin' 'round, lemme know. I'll be happy to oblige ya in findin' whatever it is you need. Anything at all. I knows Savannah like the backa my hand, I do," she said, all while reaching out and gently patting the back of his own hand as she did so.
A soft smile graced Essie Mae's face, and her eyes screamed her obvious attraction to him, which made him feel somewhat like fresh meat on a platter in front of her. He glanced at Joey, who was now walking with her basket back towards the front, her gaze steady in his direction. Feeling uneasy with the way Essie Mae kept looking at him, he chuckled nervously and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, thank you," he said. "That's very nice of you, but we arrived yesterday afternoon and had a great time sightseeing. We're only here for the morning, and then we'll be heading back to the docks in a little bit."
A moment later, Joey set her basket down next to the register, and he thought she'd dropped it on the counter a little harder than was necessary. She turned her head to look at him, a steely glint in her eye. After she was rung up, she handed over the cash for the fresh fruit.
"Thanks for stopping by Lawson's. Come back anytime." Essie Mae winked at him and shot him a wicked smile.
He swallowed, feeling his cheeks redden with embarrassment in spite of himself. "Thanks. Have a nice day."
With a tight smile and curt nod, Joey took the bag of peaches and turned away without a word, heading for the door. Once outside, she turned a sarcastic smirk in his direction. "You have a cute nose, Pacey. Don't make me break it."
"What did I do?" he balked. "I didn't do anything!"
Joey made a little noise of disgust. "I can't believe you let her talk to you like that."
"Like what?" He shrugged, trying not to make a big deal out of something so small. "We were just talking. She was being friendly. Southern hospitality, and all that."
Her mouth tightened. "She was shamelessly flirting with you, Pacey. Don't deny it. I saw her and I heard her. She wasn't particularly subtle about it, was she?"
"Do you actually think I care about that woman and her peaches, Jo?" he teased. "I mean, come on. I'm here with you."
She frowned, and inwardly chided herself. Why did she always react this way whenever women showed Pacey any attention? She always got irritated and angry, even before when they were just friends. She remembered the constant annoyance that was the barrage of Valentines the girls would shove at him in middle school every year and the anger she felt over it. It wasn't his fault he had a strong magnetic field that he was apparently clueless about.
Joey gazed into his deep blue eyes, taking in his buzzed short hair and suntanned face. He was probably the handsomest man she'd ever seen. She'd always thought so, and that was before she ever ventured out of Capeside. Now that she'd seen more of the world, her summation still held true. She still didn't quite understand why he was as attached to her as he was, why exactly he loved and wanted her so much. With his innate charm, comfortable masculinity, and penchant for grand romantic gestures, he could easily have anyone he wanted—women who would be more than willing to share their bed with him whenever he wanted. Older women. More beautiful women. Women who were far more experienced. Women who wouldn't make him wait for anything.
Her brows knitted while she pursed her lips. "Well, I wouldn't want to get in the way of a secret romantic liaison," she said sarcastically, her tone more bitter than she'd intended.
What? He laughed in disbelief. "When and how could I ever pull that off? We're practically becoming each other's appendages, Jo."
She rolled her eyes.
He took her in his arms and gave her a pointed look. "Now, why would I ever need to run off with some wanton hussy when I already have the coolest girl in all the ports as my first mate?"
Joey looked sheepishly up at him, fighting a smile.
Kissing her forehead, he then rested his brow against hers. "You're my one and only, and no one could ever take your place. I can't even imagine myself wanting to be with anyone other than you." He sighed, pulling back to gaze down at her, wondering where the sudden jealousy and anger had come from. "What's going on inside that head of yours, Potter?"
"I don't know," she said. She honestly didn't. She knew Pacey loved her, knew he was a loyal and faithful person. She knew she could trust him without a single doubt. Why didn't she just try to explain it to him? He would've understood, or at least tried to. She wanted to make sense of her thoughts, her confusing emotions, but didn't know how to put them into words.
He nodded his silent acceptance of her non-answer and took her by the hand. She threaded their fingers. The walk back to the docks was mostly small talk with little attempt at serious conversation. It was obvious to Pacey that Joey still had something on her mind, but he made no great effort to find out what it was; he knew she'd tell him when she was ready.
Once they were back aboard the True Love, he got the boat all set for departure. They were soon sailing southeast on the Savannah River and heading back to the Atlantic Ocean, just fifteen miles downstream from the city. The wind was kind and he maneuvered a strong current to their advantage. It was around eight o'clock in the evening when they arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, where they were going to spend a couple days. In no rush to arrive back in Capeside any sooner than was necessary, they'd decided to take their time with their return trip up the coast. Pacey also thought it would be more romantic to spend their two-month anniversary ashore in a beautiful city than fishing for their dinner in the middle of the Atlantic.
The marina where they moored was quiet, with only a few people coming and going from their boats along the dock near the True Love. Pacey sat on the floor of the cockpit up on deck, its lights glowing beneath the night sky, and watched Joey put a knife into a peach's shallow groove, ever so carefully. Its juice spilled out, and she lifted her hand to lick it from her fingers. "Have you decided who you're going to give that jasmine plant to?" he asked her. "Well, after you draw it."
She began to cut and remove the pit. She was sitting across from him, her bronze legs stretched out in front of her. For as long as he could remember, he'd loved her long legs, and the summertime when she'd finally reveal them after an entire school year of keeping them hidden beneath loose-fitting jeans and cargo pants. The hem of her red pajama top stopped at her waist, and the strap kept slipping down on one side, giving him a view of her soft suntanned shoulder.
"Hmm… I think Bessie," Joey answered, spearing a slice of peach and bringing it to her lips, her hand cupped underneath to catch the juices. "I want to do some shopping on the way home. I still have to get a souvenir for Bodie. I have to say I love what I got for Alexander. The Mickey Mouse bib is so cute, and the 'My Aunt Went To Florida But All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt' is up there on the cheese-o-meter. But it made me laugh, so oh well."
As he watched, her tongue came out to meet the succulent morsel a split second before her mouth closed over the fork. He licked his own lips and could have sworn he could taste the peach himself.
"This is so good," she groaned in appreciation. The first bite was heaven—a sweet, sugary rush. "I think my body has realized there's been a severe lack of fresh fruit this summer." She grinned. "Here, you gotta have some, Pacey."
He took his own fork to the small plate in her hand where she'd cut several pieces, speared a peach, and then quickly lifted it to his mouth and popped the dripping slice in. That Essie Mae woman was right; this was the juiciest peach he'd ever had. "Delicious."
"Are you going to get anymore souvenirs?" she asked.
"I don't think so," he answered, thinking it over. "I'm pretty sure I got gifts for everyone I want to buy gifts for. You wouldn't let me get the Minnie Mouse bow for Doug at the Disney Store in Daytona Beach, which was a damn shame, so I got him the Florida snowman paperweight thingy. He can add it to his collection of useless art pieces and whatnot. I got the Minnie Mouse hats for my nieces, and the Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville coffee mugs for Carrie and Gretchen. Oh, and I got the Dumbo keychain for Andie. That's it. Although, now I'm wondering if I should've gotten those 'You Can't Drink All Day If You Don't Start In The Morning' T-shirts for my parents when we were in Key West?"
She shook her head, fighting a grin. "Yeah, Pace, I'm sure that would've gone over like a lead balloon."
"It's the thought that counts," he said, and she laughed.
"You're really going to give Andie that souvenir?" Joey probed.
He shrugged. Pacey didn't know whether he was going to give it to her or not… but how could he not have thought about Andie when he saw that display case with the plethora of gifts dedicated to Dumbo. He couldn't help thinking she would've loved going to that Disney Store. "I hope she can forgive me," he finally said. But… most importantly he hoped she could forgive Joey. She needed friendship more than he did; he was afraid after this summer he was going to have to become accustomed to pretty much living without it. Joey was his whole world now.
"I think she will, Pace, if she hasn't already."
"Andie is a really good person, and a good friend." He paused, sighing. "She was basically my only friend last spring when all that bullshit with Dawson went down. I hope we can be friends when this boat makes its way back to Capeside's shores. But, in the meantime, I'm with my best friend having the best damn summer of my life."
She smiled. "You're right. Andie is a good person. I think things with you and Andie will be fine."
He hoped so. Pacey then watched Joey ravenously wolf down the rest of the peach slices. Then he leaned forward. His fingers reached for her cheek. "You've got some juice on the corner of your mouth."
She leaned forward. His fingers brushed against the corner of her lips. Her gaze went to his face as he touched her, and she watched him with a growing tension. She was intensely aware of him all of a sudden, of the electricity between them. It was always there, the sexual attraction that was an undercurrent to everything they said and did together, but it had now come to the fore, suddenly vibrating. Their shoulders were now barely touching, their legs only inches apart.
As Joey sat there, he caressed her lower lip with his thumb. His gaze went to her mouth. Then he pulled his thumb away and licked it, tasting the peaches… and her. "Delicious," he said again, smirking.
She could feel the flush cross her face even as her heart sped up. She sucked in a breath at the electric tension sparking in the air around them. He loved the way she reacted to him. Pacey reached out and pulled Joey onto his lap and squeezed her. Then he kissed her tenderly and whispered her name. Her lips were warm against his. The heart inside his chest began to pound. "You make me so happy. Let's go back down below and make out."
"How romantic," Joey laughed. "How about we go back down and finish our book?"
He scrunched up his face. "I'm not in the mood for Shakespeare. It's boring."
"But I want you to read to me," she said quietly, kissing his nose. "Your voice is sexy."
"Your ass is sexy." He waggled his brows, grinning at her.
She rolled her eyes. "Why did I start dating you?" she questioned teasingly.
"It took a lot of convincing."
She laughed. "You know, it's not fair that you're sexy and funny."
He shook his head. "Look who's talking, Potter… Just kidding. Your jokes suck."
Affronted, her mouth fell open and she let out a breathy laugh of disbelief, playfully hitting him on the arm.
"Ooh, I love it when you get rough," Pacey teased.
"I hate you."
He grinned at her, holding her tight and gazing at her with eyes full of affection. "No, you don't."
Smiling, Joey leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, claiming his mouth with a slow, passionate kiss. Pulling her closer, he softly kissed her neck. It was obvious to him she wanted to fool around—he could practically smell the desire coming off her. Sliding his hand up beneath her tank top, he cupped her bare breast and rubbed her hardened nipple.
Her head dropped back. His touch felt so good, but she had to keep her head on straight. "Pacey… we… can't."
Running his tongue along her neck, he kissed the sensitive spot behind her earlobe and gently suckled. She moaned and his groin tightened. "Why can't we, Jo?"
"Well, not out here! Someone could walk by on the dock and see us."
"Okay, okay," he replied, and pulled his hand out from under her top. "Okay, fine. Let's go read some more Shakespeare. The sooner we finish that boring play, the sooner we can move on to a more interesting book."
Joey climbed off his lap and stood up. Looking down at him and smiling, she reached out her hand. "Let's go below deck and make out."
Taking her hand, Pacey was more than willing to honor her request.
Later that night they lay cuddled up in the bottom hammock, taking turns reading aloud from The Two Gentlemen of Verona until they finished the play. For nearly an hour, Pacey held Joey in his arms as they whispered to one another about anything and everything. Then she lay awake for a while longer, just watching him sleep, and her thoughts drifted back to their morning spent in Savannah. She could finally put words to her angry reaction over the shop girl flirting with Pacey.
It was fear.
It was the same fear she'd had when Pacey first kissed her on the side of the road on that cold March morning. It was the same fear that had welled up inside her when she'd stood outside with him at Aunt Gwen's house and he forced her to finally confront what was happening between them. She knew that Pacey was the one person on earth who had the power to hurt her more deeply than anyone else. In some way she'd always known, Joey realized.
She'd spent years hardening herself against his charm, his humor, his good looks, his kind heart, all in an effort to prevent herself from being drawn in like a fool and falling for him. Because she knew deep down that he was the one person who could rip her life apart if she let him get too close. But Joey had been fighting the inevitable in vain. She'd fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with Pacey. Losing him would be intolerable. To live in a world where Pacey didn't want her or love her anymore would be unbearable. And she knew if she lost him, she'd also lose herself, and might never recover from the pain of it. So, when something made her feel threatened, even something as silly and harmless as that flirtatious woman in the shop, the anger would rise up along with her bitter attitude, like old familiar friends.
Joey softly caressed Pacey's face. Though still asleep, his lips curved into a slight smile at her touch. She momentarily thought about waking him up to talk to him again, considered explaining her earlier behavior and admitting how she felt. But the fear was still there, holding her back. She continued to stroke his cheek with the backs of her fingers before snuggling closer. The solid feel of him was a comfort, as was the scent of him and the sound of his breathing, and it wasn't long before she was lulled to sleep.
August 26. On Saturday evening, Joey stepped inside a large Cyber Café and logged onto a computer while Pacey went up to the counter at the back of the café to peruse the selection of cookies and pastries and other baked goods behind the glass display case. Once she signed into her email, she opened a new message and selected Jen's email address.
"Jen,
Guess where I am? NEW YORK CITY! We didn't stop here on the way south because Pacey had said it was too expensive to dock here, but he'd remembered that I had been quite bummed about missing my chance to see the Empire State Building and decided to stop here for me on the return trip. We still couldn't exactly dock here, but Pacey ended up making some deal and gave a guard $100 to let the boat sit for a few hours in one of the smaller loading areas in South Street Seaport. We have to be back by 10:00 tonight. I can't believe how many people are in this city. It's crazy! Let's just say when you've been spending all summer at little southeastern ports, New York City is something of an eye-opener. It's such a whirlwind of activity. I have to try and find some way to take in all the city's splendor in just a few short hours.
Being here made me think of you, so I had to send you a quick message. I can't believe you actually grew up here. How did you go from all this to Capeside? I know I was pretty tough on you when you first got to town… well, OK, I was a total bitch. I cringe when I think about it. Did I ever apologize? If not, I'm sorry for being a total bitch to you. But I look around at this amazing city and no wonder I was threatened. Just to think of this world you came from… with the exception of a couple trips to Boston and Providence, before this summer I'd barely been 10 miles from my backyard. I don't know how you manage not to look back and wish you were here instead. I think I would, if I were you.
Pacey bought me a bouquet of flowers from a street vendor at the seaport. I couldn't believe he'd spend money on flowers! But still… they're so beautiful and it was very romantic. A year or two ago, I never would've admitted to even being remotely interested in stuff like that. It's so cliché, for one thing. For another, I probably would've said something like, "flowers are just an antiquated symbol that no longer carries any meaning except a desperate, sexist attempt to prove that the guy has seen one too many movies on the Romance Channel." But… I have to admit that in the here and now I can see why it carries meaning for people. Because in its old-fashioned sentiment, it says "I love you" without actually speaking those trite, overused words. Much to my surprise, I've learned that Pacey, for all his glibness and sarcasm, is actually quite old-fashioned in a lot of ways. Andie was right – whoever said chivalry is dead has never been charmed by Pacey Witter. He's just amazing… He's promised that tonight will be the most romantic night of my life. I don't know what he has planned, but I know I can't wait to find out.
We'll be home next weekend. It feels so weird to type that. I still can't comprehend returning to everyday life in Capeside. I'm looking forward to seeing you, though! We'll talk soon.
Love,
Joey"
After logging off the computer, Joey returned to her boyfriend's side and he gave her the small cup of coffee he'd ordered for her.
Moments later, they stepped out of the café and onto the sidewalk. Taking Joey by the hand, Pacey stepped close to the curb and raised his arm to hail a cab. "You hungry?" he asked her.
"I'm starving."
"Where do you want to eat? I'm sure we could find a nice little restaurant around here."
She thought for a moment. "I want a New York hot dog."
Chuckling, he threw her a look. "We're in the greatest city on earth and you want a hot dog?"
"Yep!"
It wasn't long before a taxi pulled up alongside the curb. He opened the door, and after Joey slid into the back seat, he climbed in after her.
"Where we goin'?" the driver asked.
"Where can we find the best hot dogs in this city?" Pacey asked.
The driver glanced over his shoulder at them and grinned. "Katz's Deli, of course."
He looked at Joey and winked. "Then I guess that's where we're going."
After several minutes of stop-and-go traffic, the taxi let them off in front of Katz's Delicatessen on Houston Street in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The large, old-fashioned deli was packed with customers. When they got up to the counter, they each ordered a classic hot dog, piled high with dripping condiments, and sat down together at a Formica table.
Pacey watched his girlfriend bite into her dog happily. Amused, he said, "I thought you didn't even like sauerkraut."
Joey shrugged. "I don't, but this is New York we're talking about!"
"Ah. When in Rome…"
"Exactly."
Once they'd finished eating and Joey had snapped some pictures, they were back outside. They walked along together, pointing out the sights as cars whizzed by and the city buzzed with aliveness around them. Pacey had never felt anything like it. He knew the best of the best came to New York City to pursue their dreams and find success. You could feel it in the air, the creative energy of eight million souls pulsing like its own life force. He wondered what it would be like to live in a city this big and with this much energy.
Joey felt so comfortable strolling down the busy street with her arm draped through Pacey's. It felt as though she were in a movie: yellow flashes of taxis driving by; people rushing by purposefully; and grand, tall buildings surrounding them on all sides. It didn't feel real. Except it was real, and she was really here, part of this magical world, and all because of Pacey.
When they reached 2nd Ave, they hailed another taxi cab. "Empire State Building," Pacey announced to the driver when they got into the back seat. Joey beamed and hugged his arm tight, snuggling against him. They soon arrived at their destination on East 34th Street and joined the long line of people waiting to get inside the historical landmark. It was a little crowded and it took them almost half an hour to take the two sets of elevators up to the roof balcony, where it was predictably busy.
They couldn't believe what it was like to be up on the top of such a huge building and take in the vast metropolis all around them. They could barely see the cars, and the wind was so strong it sometimes felt as though the building was swaying. It was a very warm evening, but the wind would occasionally give them a chill. The views of the city were amazing, with its lights punctuating the darkness like sparkling jewels, along with the sights and sounds of the teeming humanity below.
After getting a tourist to take their picture in front of one of the lookout binoculars, Joey wrapped her arms around her boyfriend's waist. "This is so romantic, Pacey. What a shame it isn't Valentine's Day." She grinned up at him.
"Would I be Cary Grant or Tom Hanks in this scenario?" he quipped.
"Neither. You don't ever have to be anyone else. I love you best when you're just yourself."
He gazed down at her, his heart full. He drank in the sight of her. "There is nothing in my life more valuable than you," he murmured. His heart—and mouth—overtook his mind, and he pressed a kiss to her lips. Her very soft, welcoming lips.
The velvet warmth of Pacey's mouth was like a drug, and though her mind screamed not in public, her heart wasn't listening. Her desire for him was as potent as ever, and she sighed into his kiss, opening her mouth, letting him in. His taste, and scent, the way his tongue lightly caressed hers… all of it was as familiar as if they'd been doing this for years, but at the same time there was the excited, urgent feeling of new love. It was bliss.
He quickly gentled the kiss, savoring the feel of her lips on his. Nothing could ever be more real than this, and his heart told him he needed her forever.
Soon after, they left the Empire State Building and approached one of the many taxis out on the curb. "Central Park South," Pacey informed the driver as they got into the cab. "At 7th Ave and West 59th."
"We're going to walk around Central Park?" Joey arched her brows as the taxi pulled into traffic. "In the dark? That's probably not the smartest thing to do." She'd heard of people getting mugged in that park. Raped and killed, even. She didn't want to be neurotic and ruin their perfect evening, but she had to listen to her common sense. Walking through Central Park at night, even if she was with a tall, strong guy like Pacey, would be taking a foolish risk. "I really don't want to take the chance of being assaulted. You told me this was going to be the most romantic night of my life, and a bad blow to the head would certainly ruin the moment, especially if one of us ends up in the hospital. Or dead, Pacey."
"Well, you're right about that. Dying is a mood killer for sure, Potter." He grinned at her unamused expressed. "Would you just trust me, Jo? I know what I'm doing."
She remained skeptical. That is, until the taxi turned onto West 59th Street and she saw the horse carriages lined up along the park. Her eyes went wide and she turned a surprised gaze in her boyfriend's direction. He gave her a knowing smile and raised his brows as if to say I told you so. "Oh, my God," she whispered excitedly.
When they departed from the cab, they were greeted by a charming middle-aged man who seemed to be from another era with his Irish brogue and top hat. "Hallo, me name is Paul," he said with a smile and took out some carrots from his pocket before offering them to Joey. "Would you like to feed the horse?"
She beamed, and Pacey's heart swelled at her look of happiness.
"Her name is Sunny," Paul told them as he patted the horse's smooth chestnut brown coat. Joey took a carrot and brought her palm up to the horse's mouth, giggling as its teeth gently nibbled against her skin. She and Pacey then pulled themselves up into the white, half-top Cinderella-style carriage with the red, slightly worn plush interior. Paul set off at a nice pace going west on Central Park South to the nearest park entrance. He happily chatted with them as he held onto Sunny's reins, but he also knew when to stop talking and let them enjoy their time together.
Joey immediately felt caught up in the experience—it was something so new, so different. She snuggled against Pacey and slid her hand around his waist as he threw an arm around her shoulder, holding her close. The leisurely pace of the carriage ride was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle that appeared to be the usual speed of life in New York. It was also surprisingly quiet in the park, the sounds of the city seemingly disappearing. They talked about nothing and just enjoyed the carriage ride.
"Pacey," she whispered, and he turned his head to gaze at her. "I've never felt more like a fairy tale princess in my entire life. And up until now I never would've even admitted that was something I even wanted to feel like."
His expression softened, giving her a look that melted her insides, and he brushed her nose with his. "I love you, Joey."
"I love you, too, Pace."
His thumb traced her lower lip as if he was trying to savor the feel of her words and not just the sound. "You and me," he said quietly. "Nothing else matters. Tonight couldn't have been more perfect."
Tilting her head, she leaned closer and kissed him. "In a few years when we're older, promise me we'll come back here and take another carriage ride, but this time we'll bring a bottle of champagne along with us. Then it'll really be perfect."
He laughed. "You've got yourself a deal, Potter."
When the carriage ride was over, they took some pictures and said goodbye to Paul and Sunny. The taxi ride back to South Street Seaport was a contemplative one. Pacey held onto Joey's hand while they sat quietly in the back seat. They gazed out the windows, lost in thought as they took in the sights. It was nearly ten o'clock, a time when Capeside would have all but shut down until the next morning, but New York seemed just as alive as it was a few hours ago. It truly was the city that never sleeps.
Pacey glanced over at Joey, his heart swelling with love and self-satisfaction at the look of pure contentment on her face. He had wanted to give her a night she'd never forget, and felt pretty sure he'd managed to achieve that. He thought back to earlier when he had bought her the bouquet of flowers. Maybe it was a little silly, but he couldn't help himself. The flowers were pretty and had made him think of her. To his astonishment, she hadn't laughed at him when he gave them to her and had actually seemed touched at the gesture. He never even knew she liked flowers.
He was learning new things about Joey every day, which was incredible since he had known her practically his entire life. As long as Dawson had… in spite of the way Dawson acted like he invented the whole 'friends forever' thing. But enough about Dawson. He didn't want to think about the guy right now. He would be home sooner than he was ready for and knew there would be no escaping thinking about Dawson once he set foot back in Capeside. Tonight was all about him and Joey. It definitely had been the most romantic night ever… for both of them.