Joker on the Beach
Chapter 5: Conversations
"That was a great meal and the wine superb" Shaggy said when they had returned home.
"Glad you liked it...I have some yard work tomorrow...good night. MJ you were beautiful tonight." Matt said.
"Thanks Dad, good night, Good night mom" MJ said accepting hugs from her parents.
"Don't stay up too late, if you are going to run tomorrow morning" Gennie added.
"We wont" MJ answered as her parents left the room for their bedroom.
While Shaggy and MJ settled in the den, there was another conversation going on in Matt and Gennie's room.
"Matt, I do believe our MJ is in love" Gennie observed as she slipped her nightgown over her head.
"Gennie, I think you are right and Shaggy(What a name!) is in love with her for sure."
"I'm so happy for her, and Shaggy seems like a nice man, I think they'll be good for each other."
"As long as he doesn't try to serenade her!" Matt added as they slipped into bed.
"Like you did, standing outside my window" Gennie reminded him.
"And your father calling the police."
"And the officer called one of his buddies and the three of you continued the serenade as a trio!"
Meanwhile MJ was saying "We can talk in the den, after you let Scooby out, it'll be quieter."
'and more private' she added to herself.
They watched Scooby for a while, enjoying the cool ocean breeze.
"I agree with your father, you were so beautiful tonight" he whispered, kissing her.
Scooby came bounding in "Scrooby Snack!!"
"Come on Scooby, I laid in a supply in the den just for you"MJ said, breaking the kiss reluctantly, taking Shaggy's hand and leading them to the den.
After eating his snack in one big gulp, Scooby laid down at MJ's feet.
"About Scooby, does he take orders from any one else besides you?"
"Only from the gang...I've seen him accept and obey orders from Fred, Daphne, and Velma. No one else I don't think...Why?"
"Just wondering is all...if he'd take orders from me for example."
"We will just have to wait and see."
"Ok...now about tonight...and no kissing until you tell me, then the kissing can start...What was that about Jon?"
"That little handshake game just put him on the top of my suspects list and based on what happens tomorrow, he stays there until someone bumps him off. Tell me where he is in the scheme of things."
"We had a couple of dates...nothing came of them...he's the type that when he snaps his fingers he expects to be obeyed immediately...that's why I left him off my boyfriend list you asked about"
"MJ I love you. I don't want any thing to happen to you."
"That's the first time you've said that"
"What?"
"That you love me..."
Later
"I didn't realize it was so late! If you are going to run me into the ground, I need to get some sleep...I'll let Scooby out one more time, then walk you to your room." Shaggy offered.
They stood a MJ's door, reluctant to part, yet knowing they must.
"Good night MJ...I love you" Shaggy whispered.
"Good night...I love you too" She whispered back.
A good night kiss and Shaggy walked back to get Scooby in and lock up.
Part two
Shaggy noticed the cookies on the counter for the first time.
"There is milk in the refrigerator...mind if I join you?"
Startled, Shaggy turned to see Gennie standing in the doorway in her robe.
"I need to get Scooby in and no, I don't mind at all."
Gennie came in, placing the cookies on the table, along with the milk. Shaggy called Scooby in, locking the door. He poured two glasses of milk, sitting one in front of Gennie, while Scoobie picked a spot at Shaggy's feet.
"What is your first question?" Shaggy asked, handing a cookie to Scooby."It's the father that gives the third degree but I guess a mom has some questions of her own."
"I can tell that MJ loves you. I've never seen her look at another man like she looked at you tonight. My question is 'do you really and truly love her?'
"Yes, Gennie...I do love her...but she's opened a room full of feelings I thought was closed and locked forever...don't ask...it's still a tender spot even after all these years."
"Good enough...Are you two going steady and have you set a date?"
"Yes to the first, no to the second. We haven't had time to talk about setting any date."
"What is this a conspiracy to eat all the cookies so I wont get any?"
They turned to see MJ as she walked into the dinning room to join them. She had changed into pink pj's and robe. Shaggy started to rise but MJ motioned him to stay seated. She poured a small glass of milk for herself, sitting it in front of Shaggy and sitting on his lap, her arm around his neck, kissing his cheek. "I heard voices, thought I'd come out to see what was going on. Good thing too or I wouldn't get any cookies."
"Your mom has been asking questions about our going steady and setting some kind of date for something" Shaggy joked.
"Mom, I'm sorry. We've been so busy with dinner and everything. Guess it slipped our minds." MJ explained to her mom, her head resting on Shaggy's shoulder, holding his hand in both of hers.
"Doesn't he have the brightest eyes? He's my 'bright eyes' now"
"One thing...I need to ask your permission Gennie. I need to make a phone call and have a package delivered here" Shaggy asked.
"I don't see a problem...enough talking and questions for tonight...good night...again."
"I think she fell asleep" Shaggy observed.
"You take care of her...I'll rinse the dishes and leave them for tomorrow. Now, off with you."
Shaggy picked her up in his arms, carrying her down the hall to her room.
He had just entered the room when "You can put me down, now" was whispered in his ear.
"you little sneak! You were awake the whole time?"
"Well, I had to see if you could carry me over the threshold didn't I?...Good night..."