The Jenkins Girl

by RosalindB

Chapter 13 - Unwelcome Guest

Real life finally intruded. CJ came home from an assignment, only to hear another offer on her answering machine.

"So you have to go to San Fran?" CJ could hear Chet's puppy dog sad face. She sighed.

"Yep. It's a modeling gig, which I'm not thrilled about. But I have a mouth to feed, and the Roselli's should be paid rent on time."

"How long will you be gone?"

"They promised me only 1 week, if that. It's for that crazy shoe designer. He has a tendency to set up a 1 week shoot, then be done in a day. But it's all expenses paid plus my fee."

Chet sighed.

"Well I hope it's just one day then. And what mouth do you have to feed?"

CJ laughed at the indignant tone. "Mine silly!"

Chet had to laugh.

"I'm going to miss you. I wish I could be with you before you go."

"Me too," she said. "Could use a little mustache therapy beforehand."

"You sure it's just for a week?"

CJ reassured her lineman, "Yes just a week. I told them I had a deadline on another project."

"What other project do you have?" Chet began to worry. "You are spreading yourself thin missy."

"My other project is working on a certain blue eyed gentleman in my private studio. I didn't exactly say that of course."

Silence.

"I can hear you blush Chet." CJ laughed. "I gotta get packing. I'll call once I'm at my hotel."

"Okay doll. I love you."

"Love you too."

On the way to the airport, CJ had the driver make a detour. Luckily, only the squad was out. She ran into the bay, tapped Chet on the shoulder, and in front of the other shocked firemen, kissed him within an inch of his life.

"Gotcha!"

Chet was too stunned to answer. They watched her wave then hop back into the car.

Cap shook his head, laughing all the way back to his office.

Mike and Marco cracked up.

...

The shoe designer, as expected was his usual eccentric self. The shoot was done in two days, so CJ came home early. Fortunately she was paid for the full week, so the rent was paid with money to spare. Unfortunately, it was brush fire season. The guys were on the brush assignment for two days straight. By the time their schedules matched, Chet was too exhausted for company.

As a matter of fact Chet was downright surly.

"Okay you're obviously tired and cranky so you call me when you're ready," CJ said.

"Babe, I'm worn out. I'll call you."

They didn't tell each other "I love you", just hung up.

CJ took a deep breath. She understood these things happen. It wasn't just the work schedule. Chet had been hinting that the engineer's exam was coming around again. He wasn't sure if he should take it. His problem with testing bothered him more than he admitted. She suggested a session with Dr. Westin.

"I don't need a shrink! I just need to pass the test-if I take it. I'm tired of being the the ditz of the shift."

They hadn't spoken since. Aunt Mary told CJ to let it go for now.

"He's got a lot on his mind. Let him sort things out. He loves you. If the shoe were on the other foot, he'd back off."

CJ took on two more assignments, partly for the money, mainly to keep her mind off Chet. She resisted the urge to call. However she ran into Johnny and Roy when she had her follow up visit.

"He misses you," Roy said. "He has a lot on his mind."

CJ's face shifted to relief. "I miss him too, but he needs his time."

"Yeah, he's freaking out over the engineer's test. But he talks about you just as much."

CJ hugged Roy and Johnny, then headed for home.

When she arrived, there was a certified letter waiting in her mailbox.

Chet tried to study, but couldn't. The questions were running together. He answered one, only to blank on the next. He couldn't take it any longer. He walked over to the pay phone, plunked in some change, and dialed.

"Dr. Westin speaking."

"Um, hi. My name's Chet Kelly. Um, a friend recommended you."

CJ opened the envelope.

Dear Miss Jenkins,

This letter will serve as notice that the trust account established by Charles Jenkins will mature in 15 days. As stipulated upon your 26th birthday, all funds in the amount of $50,000 will transfer to the bank account of your choice.

The current trustees Mr. and Mrs. Michael Renault, wish to review the revised stipulations for adminstering the funds. You and/or your counsel may contact me at: 555-555-1212 to review the terms with the Renaults.

Sincerely,

Revised stipulations? Trust fund? Dad had a trust fund for me?

CJ sighed. She needed an attorney and fast.