Chapter 21

Traversing the city sidewalks, Elliot found himself in the middle of Central Park, looking up at the building Jennifer Edwards no longer called home. He couldn't remember how he had arrived at this place. Physically, he couldn't remember if he walked or took a cab from the bar he had been drinking in, and figuratively, Elliot couldn't remember how it was he managed to let Jennifer become his ex-girlfriend.

Watching the dark window, he thought about holding her close as they walked this very park, the feel of her hand in his, the brush of her lips on his… his body involuntarily shuddered. She had been good for him, made him look good, but she didn't want to stay in her place, she was a fighter, and that damn blond had been so enticing. Apparently, Jennifer frowned on a guy seeing more than just her.

A flicker of light caught his attention. The light in Jennifer's apartment came on. That meant she was home. He started her direction and then came back to where he had been. What if she was serious this afternoon? What if she just needs some convincing? Could he live with himself if he didn't try? Could he live with the rejection if he did try?

What was so attractive about Jonathan Hart? OK, sure, the man had money, but money never seemed to be that important to Jennifer. Maybe it was his looks? But Elliot considered himself to be good looking, so that couldn't be it. Did Hart have more charm than he did? Pacing in Central Park, Elliot could not figure out what Jennifer would see in Jonathan Hart over him.

Maybe he should ask her?

Or, since he knew she had a thing for animals, maybe he should tell her about the safari place he was thinking about purchasing. Well, she probably wouldn't like the fact that they hunt the animals there. However, if he called it a reserve, perhaps she would like that. She might even talk to him about that.

***

Jennifer and Suzanne were singing lyrics from the songs and laughing about the play the whole way home. Hanging out with her Mom, Jennifer felt a bit like a schoolgirl. One of her favorite sounds was a full belly laugh from her usually proper mother. The pure joy was contagious.

Once they entered the apartment, the two women changed into warm comfy clothing and fixed some more tea. They were just sitting down to drink a cup when the doorman buzzed on her intercom to inform her she had a guest waiting downstairs. She told him he could send the man up.

Turning to her mother, Jennifer wondered out loud, "What would he want this time of night?"

"Je ne sais pas, Jenny. What did he want earlier today?"

"To ask me if I was still marrying Jonathan."

"Then he probably wants to finish that conversation. I will step out of the room."

"We finished it, Momma."

"This man thinks he can talk you out of your decision."

"He is in for a rude awakening."

The knock on the door set Jennifer on edge. She looked at Suzanne, who turned to head down the hall, saying, "I won't be far." Jennifer placed her hand on the doorknob and took a deep breath.

"Good evening, Elliot. Please, come in. To what do I owe this visit?"

Elliot was already agitated, Jennifer could tell. And the stench of alcohol on him was nearly overwhelming. He began to pace her apartment living room like a caged animal. She tried to figure out if he was rehearsing words or writing his script. "Jennifer," he finally started, "I've been thinking…"

"And drinking, which is never a good combination," she added. Elliot either didn't hear her, or he ignored her.

"… I know we could be good together if you would just give us a chance."

"There is no chance for us. You made sure of that. I told you then, I will tell you now, I will not have a man who is not all mine."

"But she meant nothing to me. You are everything."

"That only makes it worse, Elliot. Clearly, I meant nothing to you if another woman could so easily move you."

"I made a mistake, Jennifer." He was nearly begging her with his voice, "Letting you go was the worst mistake of my life."

"You didn't let me go. You ran out with another woman. I didn't let you come back in."

"I want you back."

"Elliot. I told you this afternoon, and I will tell you again. I am marrying Jonathan Hart…"

Elliot stopped, and turned to face her, "Damn it, Jennifer, what does he have that I don't?"

"Well, for starters, my heart."

He half lunged, half stumbled towards her, grabbing her wrists, nearly growling, "Your heart? Does he have your heart? That heart belongs to me…"

"No, Elliot. It does not. It never did. Now, let go. You are hurting me." He tightened his grip on her as she struggled to break free. "Elliot. Stop." Despite her willing it not to, fear began creeping into her voice. "Let go of me."

As suddenly as he had grabbed her, he let go, with a cry of his own, "Owww. Oww. Ouch! Damn it, that hurts!"

"Tu es un homme stupide. La femme a dit non. Sort d'ici." Neither of them had noticed Suzanne stepping into the room, nor did they see her move towards Elliot as he moved to Jennifer. She started yelling as she grabbed him by the ear and pulled on him. As soon as he let go of Jennifer, Suzanne walked to the door, nearly dragging him by his ear. "Ne reviens jamais."

When Suzanne shut the door with Elliot on the outside, Jennifer hugged her and told her, "Momma, I don't think Elliot speaks French." Suzanne looked at her daughter, a bit wide-eyed, and then started laughing.

"Oh, Jenny. I didn't even realize I was speaking French," which made Jennifer laugh also.

Then she went to the intercom and informed the doorman that the man, Elliot, should be on his way down and was not to be allowed back in.

"Thank you, Ms. Edwards. I will send security up to make sure he leaves."

"You are a gem. Thank you, Eddie."

***

Elliot awoke the next morning with a splitting headache and a vague recollection of being kicked out of Jennifer's apartment building. "Shit," he swore out loud, realizing two things were for sure. The first being he had worked himself up so much, he forgot to tell her about the animal reserve. The second was that Jennifer Edwards was going to marry his former friend, and there was nothing he could do about it. He let his anger burn inside him, wondering if there was any way to rid himself of Jonathan Hart. He vowed to himself, if it took him forever, he would find a way.

***

The next morning, Jennifer woke up more on edge than she had been before.

"Chérie, are you worried this Elliot will come back?"

"Honestly, Momma, I just want to be done with the wedding, and have Jonathan and Max at the house." She took a drink of coffee before she continued, "I don't like the idea of being at the house alone."

"Then don't, Chérie."

"How can I avoid it, other than not going back until the wedding. I sure don't want that. I am already feeling a bit desperate to see Jonathan."

"How long until the wedding?"

"Two weeks," Jennifer sighed.

"And there are still things to do, no?"

"Yes, Momma, there is still lots to do."

"Then Papa and I will just have to come out earlier than planned."

"Seriously? Oh, Momma!" Jennifer jumped up and hugged her Momma's neck. "Should we head to DC today?"

"Oui. That would be perfect."

"I'll call Leonard."

***

Jonathan paced in front of the hanger. His errand had taken less time than he expected, and he was a good 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Jennifer had called him earlier that morning to tell him her parents would be coming with her, and about what time their flight would land. He was both nervous and excited. Jonathan was excited to have her back with him. He hoped she had missed him as much as he had missed her. To his amazement, Jonathan found he was even excited to see Suzanne and Stephen.

He watched the plane as it landed, and taxied towards him. Once the stairs were in place and the doors opened, Jennifer was the first one to the opening, calling out, "Darling!" as she climbed off the plane. He greeted her at the bottom of the stairs, and she nearly jumped into his arms. He kissed her and buried his face in her neck.

"I missed you," he whispered in her ear.

"You did?" she grinned at him, "I'm so glad!"

"Glad?"

"Uh huh." Her smile was infectious, "I wouldn't want to be the only one missing us together."

"Definitely not." He turned and greeted Suzanne and Stephen as they also deplaned.

Leonard brought the bags around and placed them in the open car. Jennifer watched him walk to the unfamiliar vehicle. She turned to Jonathan, a quizzical look on her face. He smirked.

"I figured you didn't have a car in New York, because it wasn't necessary. However, you need one in LA… So I bought you one."

Jennifer looked to the light yellow Mercedes-Benz station wagon. Then back at him. "Are you serious?"

"Very. I also ordered a personalized license plate that reads '3HARTS'."

"Oh, Jonathan! I love it." She hugged his neck again and kissed him hard.

"I'm so glad." He replied, kissing her again. "Now, let's go home, shall we?"

"I love the sound of that," Jennifer said with a smile.