Author's note: I realized after I posted the last chapter that I forgot to thank the usual suspects as I normally do and absolutely should. So, a double thank you to ACD, BBC, Mofitiss, et al. I apologize for the oversight. Credit for all that is good and pure in the world of course goes to them. Except for credit for Andrew Scott. All credit for his existence is split between God and Satan. It's good to see those two enemies coming together to create something so perfect. Like Biggie and Tupac, but with a better smile and ass. Special thank you goes out to President Donald Trump. By being elected el Presidente of my country, you sir have given scores of complete and utter morons with single digit IQs solid proof that in this great and proud country even they can be elected president. Hell, you did and every day that passes, you show definitive proof that your IQ is in the negatives. A hearty thank you from our next president, President Applesauce in a jar.
Chapter 13
"So, Jim, what kind of song do you want to sing? Something slow or fast? Classic rock? Country? Metal? What's your favorite song?" Heather looked at him expectedly.
"Let me see what they have. I assume they have a catalog of something, right."
"Yeah, probably. This is so exciting. I can't wait to hear you sing, honey. I bet you sound great." Heather was beaming at him. Jim knew better. His mother had sent him for singing lessons when he was a boy. After the first lesson, his teacher sent him home with a note suggesting that the family's money could be better spent on a different kind of lesson for the tyke. Jim's parents never let him forget this failing, just as they never let him forget his imperfections, especially when they had been drinking. "Oh, well, I shut them up finally. Poisoning has a funny way of silencing people. Some people just can't hold their arsenic," Jim thought to himself.
Sebastian knew about this little weakness and was so looking forward to later in the night. "Heather, what do you want to sing?"
"Well, I was thinking for our duo, we could either do 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' or 'Anything You Can Do' from 'Annie Get Your Gun.' What do you think? I feel like too many people do the first one, but I'm pretty open."
"What about Tale Old as Time from 'Beauty and the Beast?' I know you love both the movie and that song."
"Oh, Bash, seriously? I always suggest that one, but you always say no because of how high the male vocal part is. You would do it with me tonight? Oh, you are the BEST! Okay, let's do that one!" Heather burst into a face-splitting grin and had tears in her eyes. She grabbed his hands and squeezed them tight. "Honey, this means so much to me. You are so awesome! I love you!" Turning towards Jim, "Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie ever! Like when I was a little girl, I used to pretend that I was Belle and I would dance around the living room like in the ballroom scene in the movie. The one with that gorgeous yellow ball gown. My sisters used to make fun of me, but I didn't care. That scene is so magical. It's when Belle and the Beast realize that they love each other, and Mrs. Potts sings that amazing song and they dance and at the end they go out the balcony and oh my gosh, it's so awesome! Bashie, you are the best ever! I'm so excited. This is going to be so great! I can't wait. I want to skip eating and go do it right now."
"No, Kitten, we need to eat first. We'll have plenty of time after we eat," Jim said as he pried her hands out of Sebastian's grip. He wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him, while shooting Moran a murderous look. "I love that movie too. I heard they're doing a live action version of it with that girl who was in the Harry Potter movies."
"Yeah, Emma Watson. I just heard about that. I'm really excited about that too. She's an amazing actress and I'm sure she'll do a great job as Belle. I loved the Potter movies. I liked the books better, but that's usually how it works. The books are almost always better than the movies. What did you think about the Harry Potter movies? Did you watch the movies or read the books?"
"I haven't had a chance to do either, but now that you recommend them, I'll make sure I do."
"Oh, you have to. I own all of the movies on Blu-ray. Maybe one night, we can have a movie marathon. I think the total running time of all 8 movies is around 19 hours or so. We can an all-nighter! When the last one came out, I went to the theatre with a few friends. They showed all 8 movies back to back. There was a 15-minute break in between each one. We were so tired by the end, but it was a blast! They had trivia and merchandise giveaways. I won a replica of Lucius's wand. It's at my office. I won it by answering by being the only person who knew all of the Weasley children's' birthdays. Yeah, I'm a dork, but the wand is freaking awesome. It looks like a pimp cane, okay," Heather threw her hands up in self-defense. "Oh, here comes the appetizer."
Tabitha set the huge plate down in the center of the table. "Here you guys go. Anything else I can get you right now?"
Jim ordered another scotch and soda. He knew he was going to need some liquid courage to survive the evening. Everyone else deferred.
"Heather, Sebastian said that you were working on a blood substitute for trauma patients. Tell me more about that," requested Jim.
"Well, it's not really a substitute for blood. The patients will need actual blood, but it more like a product that we can use out in the field that will hopefully extend what's called 'The Golden Hour.' Are you familiar with what that is?" Jim shook his head. Heather then explained what it was and the importance of receiving advanced and preferably definitive care during that time, particularly in trauma patients. She then went on to explain her research and her findings. Jim was impressed with not only teaching method, but also the ingenuity she showed when she encountered the failures and limitations. She had explained that the concept was not new, but progress was slow and fraught with failures. The method she was using had first been developed during the Vietnam Conflict, but she was looking to change the chemical structure of the substance being used. He found himself getting a bit turned on by how smart his new girlfriend was. "I'm sorry guys. Y'all are probably bored out of your minds listening to me prattle on about this. It's just really exciting stuff for me. If we can just figure this out, it will completely revolutionize trauma care and save so many lives. Oh, I think our food's up."
The waitress placed the order down in front of the respective diner. "Anything I can get you right now," she asked.
"Guys, anything you need? Nope? Okay, I think we're good. Thanks," responded Heather. "I'm starving. Bash, that steak looks amazing. Jim, that looks to die for. I'm jealous."
The trio tucked into their dinners and they were quickly devoured. "Heather, thank you so much for the suggestion. This was excellent." Jim gave Heather a big kiss. "I'm so glad you liked it Jim. Does anyone want dessert? I'm stuffed, but don't let that stop you two," asked Heather.
"No, I'm good. What about you Sebastian? Dessert?" queried the dark-haired man.
"Nope, let's get upstairs and do some singing. What do you say, Jim? You ready," challenged Sebastian with a gleam in his eye.
"Bring it, Moran!"
"Okay, well let me pay the bill and then we can head up. I'm happy you guys are so eager. Neither of you sounded that enthusiastic before. I'm glad you changed your minds." Heather glanced back and forth at the two men.
She saw Tabitha and gestured her over. "I think we are all ready to pay the bill and head upstairs for some karaoke. Here's my card."
"Heather, I'll pay. You paid for everything else today. Put your card away. It's the least I can do." Jim had his gold card out and in the waitress's hand in a flash.
"Oh, thanks, honey. That's sweet of you. Actually, if you guys will excuse me. I'm going to powder my nose quick. I'll be right back."
Jim slid out of the booth and let Heather pass. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her in for a deep, soulful kiss. "Don't be gone for too long. I'll start to miss you," he cooed at her. Heather just blushed and rolled her eyes. "Oh, you!"
As soon as Heather was out of earshot, he turned his head and dark, keen eyes to Sebastian. "I don't know what you are trying to pull, Moran, but you are walking a very thin line. Watch yourself! You may be highly skilled, but you are not irreplaceable. You would do well to remember that," hissed Jim.
"Jim, I realized something on our walk back from the car. Do you want to know what I realized?"
"What is that?"
"I own you now."
"WHAT," sputtered Jim. "How do you figure that?"
"As Heather's best friend, I own you. You may have her heart, but I have her ear. She listens to me. She trusts me completely. Implicitly! Hell, with a couple words last night, I convinced her to interview for a job that she didn't even really want. Now, she's seriously considering leaving everything behind to move to take a part-time job. Her research, her house, her entire life, her husband's grave site, everything. Why? Because I encouraged her to. That's power. Now, I would never use that power to hurt her, but if I must, I will use it to hurt you. I suggest you don't put me in a position where I feel it is necessary to do that to protect her or myself. Now, yes, you can have me killed. There are a lot of people who would suck your dick for that job and pay you a pretty price for the privilege, but what would Heather think if I suddenly disappeared? She would be heartbroken. She would never be the same again. I wager she would break up with you because she will always link the two of us in her mind. What are you going to do? Kill her? I somehow don't think so. Yeah, I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt it. So, like I said, I own you Jimmy. Now smile. Heather's coming back, and we don't want to upset her, now do we?"
Tabitha and Heather reached the table at the same time. Tabitha handed Jim his card and receipt. He signed it, adding a very healthy tip. Heather reached out to help Sebastian stand up. "Ugh, Bash, you weigh a ton. Getting fat isn't going to land you any ladies," she teased her friend.
Jim stood up. Heather reached her hand out to take his, but he didn't immediately take it. "Jim, you okay? Did you stand up too fast?"
"No, love. I'm good. I'm good." He reached out and grabbed her hand. "Let's head upstairs. I can't wait to hear my beautiful songbird live in concert." He smiled at her and started to lead her to the elevator.
"Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear."
The threesome reached the second floor and walked out of the lift. The upstairs lounge wasn't very crowded. They claimed a table and then Sebastian and Heather walked over to the employee in charge of karaoke. They looked through the catalog and saw that the song was available. They signed up for it. "Bash, send Jim over here so I can help him pick something out." Heather flipped a few pages and picked out two songs that she wanted to do as solos. Jim arrived and together they found a simple tune for him to perform. They returned to the table and sat down. The singer on stage finished a moment later. They applauded. She was clearly rather intoxicated, but had given it all she had. Heather had to appreciate the gusto, if not the screeched high notes. "Most people should really just leave Mariah Carey's music to Mariah Carey." She thought to herself. "I hate her, but the woman does have a seven-octave range for God's sake. Very few other people do, and it shows."
The makeshift M.C. called Sebastian and Heather's names and announced their song. "You ready, big guy? You are going to be great. The words come up on the screen and if you get nervous, just look at me and I'll get you through!" They walked up to the stage.
"Tale as old as time/True as it can be/Barely even friends/Then somebody bends/Unexpectedly." Heather's voice rang out true and loud. Her face filled with dream-like wonder.
"Just a little change/Small to say the least/Both a little scared/Neither one prepared/Beauty and the Beast." Sebastian started off a little low, but quickly adjusted to the right notes. He had heard it from Heather enough times to know the song by heart. A man in love knew his beloved's favorite song as if it was his own.
They started singing the song facing each other, but by the end, Heather had found Jim and had eyes only for him. She sang it directly to him as if they were the only two in the room. What she didn't see was Sebastian's staring at her like they were the only two in the world. When the song finished, she turned to him and gave him a big hug and thanked him for the song. She wiped tears from her eyes and started to rejoin Jim, but then remembered she had signed up to do two solos in a row. She stepped back up on stage and before the employee could announce her next song, she spoke into the mic. "I'm going to do two more songs. I hope you don't mind. The first song I want to dedicate to a very special guy in the audience. Jim, this is for you. I hope you like it." She motioned to the employee to start the music.
"I've been a walking heartache/I've made a mess of me/The person that I've been lately/Ain't who I wanna be/But you stay here right beside me/Watch as the storm goes through/And I need you/Cause God gave me you for the ups and downs/God gave me you for the days of doubt/For when I think I've lost my way/There are no words here left to say, it's true/God gave me you, gave me you …"
Heather's voice poured out over the entire second floor. Jim felt a stir of emotions in his heart. "This amazing creature thinks that I'm her gift from God? She's wrong. She's mine," he thought to himself. "Just when I was certain that God didn't exist, he drops this woman in my life. I don't deserve her."
By the end of the song, a small crowd had developed around the lounge. As Heather opened her eyes and sang the last note, wild applause broke out. Heather blushed furiously and touched her hand to her lips. She didn't realize just how many people were watching and she immediately felt very self-conscious. She looked at Jim for reassurance and he stared back at her in amazement. She looked over at Bash with tears in her eyes and he stood up clapping furiously. Everyone started standing up and the cheers grew louder. Heather felt very overwhelmed and left the stage, running to Jim. "Jim, everyone is staring at me! What do I do?"
"You kiss me, you amazing woman. You let me hold you and you kiss me. Then you never leave my arms!"
The M.C. came over after a moment and asked her if she still wanted to do her second song. "You're very popular and you did sign up for two, miss. Do you want to go ahead and do it now?"
"Okay. Just give me a minute." Heather walked back up to the stage for a third time. "Thank you so much everyone. For my next and last song, I'm going to do an old James Taylor song. I was actually really surprised they had it. It's probably my favorite J.T. song. I hope you guys like it too."
Five minutes later, as the song faded out. The lounge again erupted in cheers. Heather blushed and ducked her head. "Thanks, everyone. Now I'll sit down and stop hogging the stage."
She sat down, and the M.C. called out Jim's name. "Oh, yeah, I forgot we signed you up to go right after me. Are you ready? You can do this, honey. I believe in you. Just remember the words will appear on the monitor and light up as you sing them. Knock em dead, baby!"
Jim sighed and walked up to the stage. "Ok. That is a very hard act to follow, so don't expect much, but here goes. My girlfriend, who you just saw, helped me pick this out. Baby, I hope I make you proud."
"Whenever life gets you down, Mrs. Brown, and things seem hard or tough and people are stupid, obnoxious, or daft/And you feel like you have had quite enough/Just remember that you're standing on a planet that's evolving/And revolving at 900 miles an hour/It's orbiting at 19 miles a second, so it's reckoned/The sun that is the source of all our power/Now the sun, and you and me, and all the stars that we can see/Are moving at a million miles a day/In the outer spiral arm, at 40,000 miles an hour/Of a galaxy we call the Milky Way/ Our galaxy itself contains a hundred billion stars/It's a hundred thousand light years side to side/It bulges in the middle sixteen thousand light years thick/But out by us it's just three thousand light years wide/We're thirty thousand light years from Galactic Central Point/We go round every two hundred million years/And our galaxy itself is one of millions of billions/In this amazing and expanding universe/Our universe itself keeps on expanding and expanding/In all of the directions it can whiz/As fast as it can go, at the speed of light, you know/Twelve million miles a minute and that's the fastest speed there is/So remember, when you're feeling very small and insecure/How amazingly unlikely is your birth/And pray that there's intelligent somewhere out in space/Cause there's bugger all down here on Earth!"
Heather jumped from her seat and started clapping as loud as she could. She rushed to the stage and enveloped Jim in a hug. "Jim, that was awesome! You sounded amazing! I love that song. How did that feel? Great, right?" Heather's face was lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Um, it felt okay. I really sounded okay?"
"You sounded perfect! I'm so proud of you. I knew you would hit it outta the park! Bash, what did you think? Great, right?"
Sebastian thought his boss sounded a little flat to be honest, but he knew that he wasn't going to convince Heather of anything less than Jim's perfection. "Yeah, that was certainly something. I don't think I've ever heard Monty Python done quite that way."
"Let's go sit down and let someone else go. Oh, Jim. You rocked!"
Sebastian sat and watched his friend cuddle up and coo over his boss. Clearly his plan to embarrass Jim had not worked. "Damn! Okay, think Moran. New plan, new plan. What do I do now?" He sat and pouted for a moment. "I'm going to get a beer. Does anyone want anything?"
"No thanks, hun. Jim, do you want anything?"
"Yeah, I'm not sure what I want. I'll go with Seb and see what they have on tap. Will you be okay if we leave you alone for a couple of minutes?"
"Yep. You know what, get me a Coke, please sweetie. Thanks!"
"You got it, Kitten."
Sebastian and Jim walked downstairs. "So, Sebastian, still think you own me? I don't think you do so much right now. Maybe you should reassess your plan. Cause I figured out why you were so insistent in getting me to sing. You thought I would embarrass myself. Fortunately, Heather helped me pick a song that was basically a chant. Don't worry. I don't think she sees what you are trying to do, but I do. I'm on to you now. Little tip, Sebby, never reveal your hand until after the game is over. You will pay for this little power play. Just wait! Karma is a bitch and so am I."
"Understood, sir."
"That's a good, little puppy! Now I believe I'll have a Coke and a scotch and soda. And you will have water. First part of your punishment is no more alcohol for the remainder of this trip. Hmmm … and no more cigarettes. Yes, that is a good start. There'll be more, but this will do to start."
The tall blonde nodded his head and placed the order at the bar. Jim paid for the order and carried Heather's soda and his scotch and soda upstairs. Upon arrival to the table, Jim placed the drinks down. "Here my love. One Coke. Did I miss anything?"
"Nope. Just more warbling from the lady who went before me. More Mariah Carey. It was mildly painful."
Sebastian had made a side trip to the M.C. He returned to the table and placed his water down. He then got called to the stage. "Jim, I thought Bash was getting a beer. That looks and smells like water. He does know it missing some parts, right? Like the hops, the caramel coloring, the alcohol, just three things I can think of off the top of my mind."
"He decided not to get a beer because he wants to be sober enough to drive tonight."
"Oh, that's why I ordered a Coke. I was going to let you two kick back and enjoy yourselves. It's fine. I don't mind being the designated driver."
"No, he insisted. Said he was happy to drive tonight."
From the stage, Heather heard the opening strains of a familiar song. She cocked her head towards the stage and listened carefully. "This goes out to my best friend Heather. Heather, I'm so glad that you and Jim found each other. You deserve one another."
For the next three minutes and twelve seconds, Sebastian poured his heart out on stage. To everyone in the lounge except for one, it was painfully obvious that this was a man at the depths of profound lovesickness; a man who was singing his swan song, releasing his final hold on the woman he loved so she could be loved by another. But all the painfully thick redhead heard was her best friend singing another one of her favorite songs. While everyone else blinked back the tears in their eyes, Heather just smiled and enjoyed her friend's voice. For a woman with a genius IQ, she sure was a dumbass. Even Jim felt a twinge of pity for a second towards the man. Sebastian finished the song and sat down at the table.
"Basher, that was beautiful. Thank you so much. Don't worry. I know the right girl is out there for you. You're an amazing catch. Any lady would be lucky to have you."
After a moment, Heather suggested they leave the lounge and go play some games. They exited the seating area and walked over to the arcade. "Jim, have you ever played Skee-ball?" Heather asked.
"No, how do you play?"
"Oh, it's easy. I'll show you." She taught Jim how to play and Jim was surprisingly a natural at it. The trio played for an hour and then counted all their tickets. All combined, they had 400 tickets. They voted 2:1 to give them to a little kid. Jim pouted, but Heather promised she would make it up to him later.
"Is there anything else you guys want to do while we are here? I'm starting to get tired." Heather yawned.
The two men looked at each other. "Sebastian, what do you say we get our sleepy princess home?"
"Sounds like a plan to me."
Jim put his arm around her and pulled her tight. "C'mon on Sleepy Head. Let's get back to the carriage before it turns into a pumpkin. Sebastian, lead the way please."
The threesome exited the restaurant and walked back to the car. Sebastian held the door open as Jim helped Heather into the car and fastened her seat belt. "Jim, sit back here with me."
"Was planning on it, love. I just wanted to get you situated first." Sebastian shut the door and started to walk around the car to get the door for Jim. Jim stopped him, "I've got it. Thanks, Seb." Sebastian nodded. Jim walked around the car and got in next to Heather. He put his seat belt on. She undid her belt and shifted over to the middle seat and snuggled against him. "Baby, let's get your seat belt back on." He fastened the middle belt across her and gently pulled her back to her previous position. She wrapped her right arm across his chest and nuzzled against him. Normally this would have made Jim feel a bit cramped, but with Heather, it felt right. He laughed to himself, "It's amazing how much has changed in less than a day's time. I was ready to kill this woman not even 24 hours ago, now I want to spend my life with her. Me, Jim Moriarty, Mr. Ice in His Veins, in love with this amazing little creature. Maybe I should rethink some other life decisions. What else have I been wrong about?" He stared out the window and pondered life. A few minutes later, he felt Heather's hand slip from his side to his hip. He looked down and her eyes were closed, and her breathing had slowed down. Poor thing really had been tired. He wondered how long she had been tired and was just faking being wide awake for his benefit. He whispered into her hair, "You never have to be fake with me, princess. Anything you need just tell me and it's yours. I promise. Always." He kissed the top of her head and relaxed back into the seat, closing his eyes. "This moment feels so perfect. Just me and my angel," he murmured to himself.
"What's that, boss?" Sebastian yelled from the front.
"Ssshhh, Sebastian! She's sleeping," hissed Jim.
"Sorry, boss!"
"Did you say something, Jim," Heather murmured sleepily.
"No, baby. It's okay. Just go back to sleep. Everything's okay."
"I'm sorry, baby. Did I fall asleep? I'm sorry, Jim. Did you need something?"
"No, love. Just close your eyes. Everything is fine. Do you want me to sing to you?"
"Okay," exhaled Heather as she drifted back to sleep.
"On Raglan Road on an Autumn day/I saw her first and knew /that her dark hair would weave a snare/ that I may one day rue …"
Sebastian joined along with the old Irish folk song, singing softly to himself. The two men serenaded the sleeping woman. After the song was over, the car fell silent. They arrived at Heather's home 20 minutes later. Sebastian opened the security gate. He was the only other person with access to the security system. Heather didn't give her parents or sisters the security clearance. The car pulled alongside the house and parked. Sebastian exited the vehicle and opened Jim's door. Jim rubbed Heather's arm gently. "Kitten, we're home. Can you wake up for me? Let's get inside, okay? Wake up for me, angel." Heather stirred and looked at Jim sleepily. "Kitten, we're home now. Let's go inside."
"Okay, baby. I'll be right there." Heather laid her head back down and closed her eyes. Jim chuckled softly, "Heather, wake up baby. Let me help you inside. C'mon."
Heather opened her eyes and smiled weakly. Jim undid her seatbelt and started to slide the two of them out as a single unit. Heather frowned. She blinked a few times and gave Jim a gentle push. "I've got it. I'll be right behind you." Jim climbed out, now noticing a wet spot on his chest. Heather reached up and lazily wiped a bit of drool off her cheek. "Sorry. I think I drooled on you a little."
"It's okay. Here, give me your hand. C'mon, let's get inside, beautiful."
Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her to the front door. He helped her over to the couch and propped her up against some cushions on one side. Sebastian closed and locked the door.
"Do you guys want to watch a movie? I'm going to change into my jammies. You guys pick one out and I'll be back in a minute."
Heather went upstairs, brushed her teeth quickly, brushed her hair, and reapplied some lipstick. She picked a black silk pajama set that was low-key sexy, but didn't look like she was trying too hard. She grabbed her leopard prints slippers and threw them on as she descended the stairs. "Did you find something we could watch? What do you guys want to eat? Popcorn, lots of butter? I have some chocolate chip cookies too." Heather walked into the kitchen and made the popcorn. She poured it into a big bowl and poured too much melted butter on top. She grabbed the cookies out of the freezer, turned the oven on, and laid them out on a cookie sheet. Jim came out into the kitchen. "You look nice. Do you need any help?" He grazed her behind with the tip of his forefinger. "We could just skip the movie. I can think of a main feature playing in your bedroom that I like to see."
"That will come later, I promise. Right now, I want to watch a movie with my guys. What did you guys pick out?"
"I picked Die Hard. Sebastian suggested "The Princess Bride. Told me to trust him. I've never seen it. Is it any good?"
"Jim, The Princess Bride is the best movie ever! It has everything! Sword fights, true love, pirates, danger, princesses, everything! I have yet to meet a person who does not love The Princess Bride. In fact, if I did meet such a person, I couldn't accept that they were in fact human. They would have to be a soulless automaton. Everyone loves The Princess Bride. It is literally impossible not to love that movie. It is. It is a proven scientific fact. You can NOT not love this movie! Science supports this fact."
Post chapter notes: 1. Live Action Beauty and The Beast movie with Emma Watson was awesome.
2. Actual running time of all 8 HP films is 19 hours and 38 minutes. I did what Heather described in the story. I was exhausted by the end, but it was the best $30 I ever spent.
3. Lots of music in this chapter. Here are the titles and artists in order if they weren't specifically named in the story.
"God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
"Copperline" by James Taylor
"The Galaxy Song" by Monty Python
"You Look So Good in Love" by George Strait
"On Raglan Road" by Van Morrison. Andrew Scott sings an amazing version in the movie "The Stag." Look it up on YouTube. Beautiful voice. Awesome Movie
4. All of these songs are off my Favorites list on YouTube. I share them with you because each one is fantastic in its own way and each one has made an impact on my life and/or played an important part of my life. Some made me laugh. Some made cry. Some helped me through a rough patch somehow, sometimes more than one rough patch. Listen. Enjoy.
