Chapter 9

Jack and Janet were inseparable during the following week. They exchanged secret glances, hugs, and playful banter. New picture of them used up Janet's film.

"Good afternoon," Janet said as she cooked lunched. Janet cooking? He raised an eyebrow and watched her. Her beauty entranced Jack. He watched her cook her, undressing her with his eyes. Banishing those thoughts, he shook his head.

"Hey hot mama," He walked up to her and gave her a quick peck. Janet smiled at the taste of his lips, peppermint mocha. Janet licked her lips as she resumed cooking. Jack was passing through the kitchen; he hadn't intend to stay for lunch.

"My God Janet, that is terrific," Jack exclaimed as he took another bite of chicken. Janet smiled at him.

"I'm glad you like it. It's the one you always made for me and Terri." Janet blushed and looked down at her plate; twirling her fork over her plate.

"Well it was delicious," He stood, smiling as her grabbed her plate. He stopped and looked into her eyes.

"I never noticed that before," He spoke softly to himself.

"What?" Her voice quiet and full of concern. Jack leaned closer to her.

"Your eyes, they're so, beautiful," Janet blushed and looked him in the eyes. Their eyes locked, her heart raced. Jack wanted her, yet something kept pushing him away. Janet doesn't love me, who am I kidding. Jack stopped himself.

I knew Jack didn't love me.

"How about the two of us have dinner before you leave?"

"I'd like that," Janet smiled up at him then looked away. I know I am just kidding myself.

"I'm gonna go read," She said as she stood from the table and walked down the hall. She sat on to the bed and picked up her book. I'm going to miss you. A tear ran down her cheek as she opened her book. I love you.

Jack stared at his freshly shaven, neatly coiffed reflection. He adjusted his tie and straightened his navy blue sports coat. He looked down at his watch. After one last check of his appearance, he looked at his watch again, eight o'clock.

Janet finished applying mascara. She wore a sexy black dress stopping knees, her short hair framing her face. She looked at the clock, eight o'clock. She smoothed out her dress once more. She walked to the stairs, clutching her black purse. Jack appeared at the top. His gaze never left Janet as he descended the stairs. He stopped in front of her.

"Ready?" His eyes twinkled. She nodded, burning the imagine into her mind.

They rode to the restaurant in a comfortable silence. Neither of them looked over at each other. Jack focused on the road while Janet looked out the window. Both resisted the urge to hold the other's hand. When they arrived at the restaurant, valet parked the car. He extended his arm to Janet. Janet glanced at his arm with hesitation then looked him in the eyes. She finally took his arm and they walked into the restaurant. The dim lighting and arrangement gave the restaurant a romantic atmosphere. They were seated in the back by a window.

"Je crois que nous sommes prêts à passer commande," Jack said to the waiter and then looked over his menu at Janet. Janet was engrossed in trying to read the menu. "Votre plus bon poulet et deux salades, and deux vins blancs." The waiter smiled and took the menus. Janet smiled at the man and looked back down. Don't set yourself up for heartache. Janet looked up to Jack and gave a half-heated smile then looked out at the stars. They ate quietly, hardly looking up. When Janet finished, she played around with her salad fork.

A violinist began playing on the patio. His music flowed into the restaurant. Jack watched as three couples walked outside into the crisp night air. He looked at Janet; a grin came across his face. He stood and walked over to Janet, leaned over and whispered in her ear. She jumped and looked at him, their lips inches from the other's. Janet inhaled sharply.

"May I have this dance?" He asked, extending his hand. Janet took his hand and stood. They walked out to the patio to the other dancing couples. Jack's blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Janet fought not to get lost in them. She looked away.

"My, everything is so beautiful. You have everything you need here," Janet off into the distance.

"Well…not everything," Jack said his voice low. His eyes twinkled as he looked down at Janet. She looked at him. He didn't really mean that…did he? Jack lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it tenderly. Janet blushed and looked up to the sky.

Michelle and Margaret spent the evening out on the town.

"It's been so long Michelle. I still can't believe I ran into you," Michelle smiled and looked at Margaret.

"Yes, it's been very serendipitous," Michelle smiled.

"So, how long have you and Jack been together?" Margaret asked.

"Oh, about two and a half years, but… it's nothing serious," Michelle paused and looked at her friend. "I know he loves her. He always has. I saw it the day I met him, there was defeat and anguish in his eyes. I stayed with him because he enjoyed my company and I enjoyed his." Margaret looked at Michelle, who was looking up at the sky.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying, I've enjoyed his company, Janet will be luck to enjoy his," She smiled at Margaret and stood from the small table. "Come on let's go."

"I hope you have enjoyed your stay," Jack said as they continued dancing. She looked into his eyes.

"I have," The strong connection caused Janet to look away. The violinist's melody slowed. Jack slid his hands languidly around Janet's waist, pulling her closer. Janet rested her arms around his neck. They swayed beautifully to the music.

"I'm going to miss you so much," His voice was low and slightly broken. The tears stung her eyes.

"Me too," She diverted her gaze. Jack pulled her closer and inhaled her sweet perfume. Janet closed her eyes and laid her head on his chest. Before she knew it, the song was over. Jack pulled away and looked to her.

"Would you like dessert?" Janet blinked profusely at his comment. "Ice cream, yogurt?" She blushed and chuckled to herself. "I would love some."

The ride home was quiet. The darkness greeted them upon returning home.

"Would you like some coffee?" Jack asked as he took her coat and laid it on a chair in the corner. Clutching her purse tightly and fiddling with the zipper, she nodded and walked towards the couch. Janet stared out the window. A few minutes later Jack emerged from the kitchen with two cups of coffee.

"You're leaving tomorrow," Janet took the coffee from Jack and nodded. Absentmindedly, she snuggled into Jack. Jack lend back, allowing Janet to rest her head on his chest. Jack sighed, sipped some of his coffee, and set it on the table. Janet clutched her coffee tightly.

"I really missed you," He stroked her soft silky hair.

"You keep saying that," She chuckled, sadly.

"Because it's true," She smiled.

Janet placed her cup on the coffee table and snuggled into Jack. No words were needed as they soaked in the moment, ten years in the making. She fought a losing battle with sleep.

Soft rumbles in the distance echoed while a gloomy haze illuminated the living room. Janet struggled to open her eyes. Jack had his arm wrapped around her abdomen. His warm hand felt so good on her body. She sat up and looked around the room. She realized that she was still in the living room. Watching the rain, she pulled herself out of Jack's embrace and walked to the window. Jack opened an eye, then the other one. He blinked and smiled upon seeing Janet. He slowly got off the couch and walked quietly over to her.

"Good morning," he said as he kissed her neck. Janet closed her eyes and savored the kiss.

"Good morning," She walked out of his embrace and into the kitchen. Jack sighed and silently scolded himself. She doesn't love you. He wrinkled his brow and rubbed his nose. Damn it Jack.

Janet daydreamed as she waited for the coffee. Janet stop acting like this! She fought back tears and inhaled deeply.

"Janet," Jack grabbed her and pulled her to his lips. Timidly, Janet brought a hand to his face then pulled away.

"I have to pack," she said, breaking their embrace. Tears streamed down her face as she hurried back to her room. There's nothing I can do.

"Michelle, Jack, I had a wonderful time. Thank you for letting us stay here," Janet hugged Michelle goodbye.

"Thank you so much Jack. Michelle," Margaret had tears in her eyes as she hugged her friend goodbye. "I'll call you." Both of them smiled and hugged.

"Thank you for keeping me company girls," She smiled and hugged them one last time. She turned to Jack.

"Well you better get going, or you're gonna be late," Michelle kissed Jack and waved as the trio walked to the car. Janet took the back seat; Margaret sat up front with Jack. Again, the ride was a quiet one. Janet stared out the window and Jack kept his eyes on the road.

They soon arrived at the airport. Jack walked the women to load their luggage.

"Janet what is the matter," Jack asked, stopping her. A voice came over the loud speaker. "Vol vers San Diego embarquant main tenant." Margaret called out to Janet.

"That's us," She turned and was concern to see the interaction between the two.

"Jack, I have to go," She removed her arm from Jack's touch, fighting the tears as she walked over to Margaret. He chased after her.

"Janet, don't do this," He eyes pleaded as he reached for her again.

"Jack, I don't want to play this game, it hurt me once before. Now, please just let me go,"

"I'm sorry," He stood there, paralyzed, as his heart shattered as he watched the two walk down the terminal and board the plane.

"Janet," Margaret asked as they buckled seatbelts.

"I'm fine," She lied.

The plane slowly began picking up speed as it traveled down the runway. Janet took a deep breath and looked out the window. Goodbye Jack. She settled in for the long flight home and silently cried herself to sleep.