Sixteen Months Later…
The Ridge looked exactly the same as she had left it. Locked in time, frozen in amber. But everything was different. Janet and Rory sat in the back of the cab as it drove up October Road, it was mid-spring and the pear and cherry trees were in full bloom, the tulips in town square were a rainbow of red and pink and yellow. Everything was for lack of a better word perfection. This had always been Janet's favorite time of year in Knights Ridge, everything was new and possible. She had ran out of the Ridge a year and a half ago, in the dead of winter, broken and hollow and now she returned to celebrate Hannah and Nick's long awaited wedding. Filled with dread and anticipation, Janet booked the plane tickets from New York to Boston. New York had been so good to her. It was a place to heal, to grow past the fears and insecurities that had held her back most of her life. She felt like she was coming back to the Ridge as a whole person. Rory had proven to be a loyal and life changing friend and Janet was the same for her. They each brought something to each others life that had been missing. They shared a small apartment, Rory worked as a model, sometimes for catalogues, sometimes just her leg or backside depending on the ad but she was making a living as a working model. Janet was still tending bar, only this time it was in a very chic Zagat rated restaurant, and she loved it. Getting to experiment with different drinks pairing them with the food, she really found something that fulfilled her. And then there was Brett, her not quite boyfriend, her first and an ever present figure in her life, and despite his arrogance, his frat-boy personality and his inability to commit he was always there for Janet when it really mattered.
"Hellllooo," Janet sang into the phone.
"Hey baby cakes, how was the flight?" Brett knew that Janet hated to fly and wanted to make sure all went well.
"It was good, we just pulled into the Ridge, I will be home in like five minutes. Thanks for upgrading us by the way."
"Nahhh, don't worry about it, I have more miles then I will ever know what to do with. So I am driving up Thursday morning, ok. So stay out of trouble until then," Janet could hear the smirk in his voice.
"I'm gonna try but it is the Ridge after all."
"J, don't let Latekka get to you ok. "
"I know, Brett, I am just…"
"I know babe, but just be strong and let it roll."
"Like water off a duck's ass."
"Exactly. I have to go, I am heading back into my meeting. Call me tonight of you need me."
"I will. I hate you Brett." Neither one wanted to saw that they loved each other, so after a drunken night during a fight I hate you became their term of endearment.
"I hate you too baby."
"You two, I just don't get it." Rory joked as she reapplied her lip gloss. "So Sully's tonight?'
The thought of returning to Sully's sent Janet into a panic. She had seen Hannah and Pizza Girl when they came to New York for Hannah's wedding dress almost a year ago, Owen and Alison have been up to visit twice and Brett showed them all a night on the town. Janet knew that tonight she was going to see Eddie, and Eddie was going to see her.
Janet and Rory pulled into Sully's parking lot a few hours later, it too looked exactly the same. Janet saw Eddie truck in its usual spot and a wave of nausea too her over.
"Are you ok J?"
"No, not really, is to late to go back to New York?" Janet let out a nervous giggle.
"J, listen to me you look amazing, you have great job, you and Brett are still going strong and you live in the greatest city in the world with the greatest roommate in the world. Life is good. Eddie is history. Ok."
"I know, its just so strange being back here after all this time." Doubt stared to creep into Janet's mind. "no you are right Rory, lets do this!"
Janet walked into Sully's with her head held high, Rory right behind her having her back.
"There she is!" Owen yelled across the bar. It ran to Janet and lifted her in a big bear hug.
"Big O! God its great to see you!" Owen put her down and gave her a big peck on the cheek.
"Allison!" Janet squealed. "Oh my god you are huge! When is my godson due? Tomorrow?" After all that Owen and Allison had been through together they were able to find a way back and now they were having a baby, the ultimate tribute to love and commitment.
"Oh I know right, I still have four more months to go. The Rowan men grow them big" Janet lovingly rubbed her hands over Allison's belly. "Ali you look breathtaking."
"Janet so do you." Owen interjected "You look HOT!" Owen embraced Rory "You don't look to shabby you're self."
"JANET!" Hannah yelled and the two girls embraced jumping and screaming! "I can't believe you are here! I am getting MARRIED!"
"NICK!" Nick to gave Janet a huge hug.
"Thank god you are here, maybe now Hannah can relax."
"That's the plan Nicky."
"EMILY!"
"There's my girl!" Now Pizza Girl, Janet and Hannah all embraced and jumped up and down screaming.
"Quiet down, your gonna scare off all my paying customers." Sully yelled from behind the bar. When Janet heard his voice, her eyes filled with tears.
"SULLY!" She ran into his open arms.
"Hey there girly, boy I have missed you!"
"Can't breathe, can's see…" Sully released her from his death grip.
"Wow Janet you look great! New York agrees with you don't it?"
"It looks that way." His voice came from behind her, like haunting dream. She turned to him, his voice pulling her.
"Hey Jem. WOW." Not a day had passed that Eddie had not thought of Janet. She was always on the edge of his thoughts, and a song or a smell could bring her right into the middle of them. And now she stood before him a completely different person. For starters Janet was thin, not an ounce of Janet the Planet to be seen, her hair and makeup were perfect and she had that New York edge about here now, she was just in jeans, a tee and flip flops but it was the entire effect that took Eddie by surprise. He realized that his Janet was long gone.
"Thanks Eddie, back at you." Eddie had not changed a bit, it still looked like sex standing in work boots. He opened his arms to her, she stepped into him and they embraced. One word came into Janet's mind. Home. The group around them was quiet watching what was a perfect quiet moment. Eddie realizing that the embrace was lasting longer then it should have, he pulled away. "Janet, there is someone I would like for you to meet." Eddie stretched his arm back, and a small, brown haired women walked to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"This is my fiancée Cassie."
"Hi, Cassie. It's really nice to meet you." She was pretty, and sweet and not at all what Janet was expecting. "Hannah had told me you got engaged. Congrats to you both."
"Oh, you knew." Eddie looked at her trying to get a read on what she was thinking.
"Yeah, good news travels fast you know."
"Uh, Ed are you going to you know…"
"Oh, Sorry Cas, this is Janet Meadows, and this is Rory Dunlop. Actually they are both exes of mine and now they live together in New York."
"Oh, you two are a couple?" Cassie asked raising her eyebrows. She had known about Eddie's reputation and she has also known that he had his heart shattered before they had met and that despite his conquests he had only had two girlfriends both of which stood before her now.
Janet laughed "No, we're just friends" Rory wrapped her arms around Janet suggestively.
"Brett and I keep trying but Janet's so square." Rory and Janet burst into a fit of laughter. "Sorry guys, private joke."
Eddie's mouth dropped, as did Owens's, Nick's and Ikey's.
After Eddie was able to regain his thoughts "So you and Brett are still together?"
"Um, yeah. We are. He's coming up on Thursday for the Jack and Jill stag party?" Eddie just exhaled.
"So two of Eddie's exes in town. I am going to have to pick your brains clean…This one, not so much of a talker." Janet and Rory just nodded and the three girls shared in a laugh.
"You are so in trouble buddy."
"Shut up O."
"So, do we hate Cassie?" Rory asked when the girls had a chance to be alone
"Well, she is nice enough, she goes to the Duf wants to be a teacher." Hannah offered. She nice to Sam, she drinks white wine, she has a cat!"
"She hates me and Phil."
"I am sure that's not true Pizza Girl"
"Janet you have no idea, she is not rude or anything just I don't know. She avoids 32 Gelson like the plague, she never comes to Sully's, she is just here tonight because she knew you were coming."
"We were all shocked shitless when Eddie told us he proposed." Allison added. "It was so left field"
"Well he seems… happy… or at least not sad…"Janet was trying to see the bright side.
"I think we hate her." Rory joked raising her glass. Everyone else joined and they clinked them together laughing.
"Wow Eddie, Janet looks, crazy hot."
"Thanks O. Thanks. I hadn't noticed." Eddie grimaced.
"New York does a body good" Ikey added.
"I always thought that she was…" Eddie stopped himself.
"Hey baby, can we get going. I am beat and I still have a paper to finish. I am in the middle of finals after all." Cassie plopped on his lap giving him a long kiss.
"Sure baby, lets go."
Eddie got up to leave and waved to Janet's table.
"Don't forget band practice is 2:30 tomorrow buddy." Cassie grimaced and Eddie just ignored her.
"See you guys then."
Janet was a ball over nerves and anxiety when she woke up the next morning, she needed to be alone and clear her head. She pulled on her sweats and running shoes and made her way out her front door, it was a perfect morning and the run would do her good. She stretched and set her watch and stared was would be at least a six mile run. She made her way out of town, three miles from her front door, running down that long one road stretch when her mind finally went blank. Her solace. When the sky opened up in a down pour, "April showers bring May flowers.' Janet laughed to her self. Soaked through she turned around and stared to make her way back.
When Eddie saw her in the distance, his heart smiled. Having her backing the Ridge felt right. They had left with so many things hanging he was hoping to carve out some time to talk to her alone and he hoped this was it.
"Need a lift?"
"Hey there Eddie! Uh you know what yeah I think I do." Janet jumped into his truck and smiled at him.
"Thanks guy, as usual your timing is perfect.'
"Here, you can dry off with this." He took off his flannel and passed it to her. Just the feel of one his flannels under her finger tips warmed Janet thru and thru. So many amazing memories of removing this particular shirt from Eddie body…
"So you run now?"
"Huh, what… Oh yeah. Rory is like a great influence. She gets me up every morning to go to the gym or to run. She is like my own personal Jillian Michaels." Janet giggled and the sound made Eddies stomach twist, he loved when Janet giggled.
"Well you look…great but I always though you did." Eddie said sheepishly.
"Thanks for saying that Eddie."
"Well its true… So do you want to I don't know go for a ride and catch up?"
"Um, Ok… I would like that but I have to be back for band practice."
"You're going to band practice?"
"Yeah, the boys invited me last night after you left, Hannah and Emily are coming too." Eddie just laughed
"Dorks."
"Yup, the best dorks." Eddie smiled. Janet got it. She knew how important those Dorks were.
"So Cassie, she seems really sweet." for a few minutes Eddie had forgotten all about Cassie.
"Yeah she really is, she is good for me."
"I am really excited for you Eddie you deserve to be happy, how did you guys meet?"
"Um, Murph's. I got her chicken club she got my meatball sub and the rest is history."
"Fate has a funny way of stepping in you know." Eddie turned on to Springbay Road, it was a long curvy stretch and the trees were so dense that it made a leave tunnel.
"Oh god I love this road this time of year."
"Yeah, I remember. We had many a fun time not to far from here." Janet blushed.
"Yes, yes we did. But I had fun times here long before you." Janet smirked when Eddie's face dropped, now it was his turn to blush.
"You and Brett?"
"Yup, I lost my virginity right up there." Janet pointed to a clearing of trees.
"I always wondered how you too ended up together. I could never work it out in my head."
"Oh that's a long story, too long for today." Janet waved him off.
"So, there was something I wanted to talk to you about. I was glad I ran into today actually." Eddie cleared his throat. "I feel like there is some unfinished business between us and I don't want it to you know spoil the week." Janet knew what Eddie was talking about and she had hoped to avoid this conversation but here it was and there was no hiding from it.
"Rooster?" She hadn't said his name in months and it soured in he mouth
"Rooster." Eddie said through gritted teeth.
"I don't really know what to say Eddie. I mean it was so long ago. At the time it was a huge weight of that I never had sex with him. You have no idea how great that felt to know. But it didn't really change anything at the end of the day."
"I know, I just wanted to tell you that I was sorry. I am just… sorry." Eddie put his hand over hers.
"I am sorry too."
"I have really missed you Jem, just talking to you."
"I have missed you too Eddie. But look were are here now, and its not nearly as awful as I thought it would be."
"Gee thanks,"
"You know what I mean."
"Yeah, I do."
"So friends?"
"Friends."
They drove in silence for a while and Eddie pulled up to Janet's house.
"Ok, this was good, Janet. I'll see you at band practice.
"See you later.."
"What was that?" Rory saw Eddie drop Janet off and she was hoping for a juicy story.
"Nothing, I went for a run and got caught in the ran, he just picked me up."
"You do know that you can see right thru you shirt right?"
"What?" Janet ran to a mirror. "Holy Shit!"
Eddie was wound up like a drum, to have Janet so close to him, soaking wet, her face free of makeup, just Janet the way she was intended, and her shirt and sports bra practically see through. He could hardly stand the tightening in his jeans "Great, friends… why did you pick her up Jackass. Just think about Cassie. FUUUCKKK!" Eddie muttered to himself as he drove away.
Janet walked up the steps to 32 Gelson, and a million memories kept flooding back to her. It almost took her breath away. The hardest to remember was what it felt like watching Eddie kiss Rory on the porch swing. She ran her hands over it, it felt like a life time ago but it somehow still felt like yesterday. A tear formed in her eye. "Get your shit together Meadows" She said to her self and she quickly whipped it away. She walked thru the front door and heard the familiar sounds of her friends bickering about random nothings.
"JANET!" Phil called out to her, he gave her a hug and as much as she tried to hold back she started to cry.
"Phil, I think I have missed you most of all." Janet felt silly and the boys all feigned mock pain that she just professed that Phil was her favorite.
"I missed you to Janet, you have no idea how much. Come, you must tell these newts that there is no way that Luke Skywalker could beat Hans Solo in a caged death match…" Janet Laughed.
"Hell to the NO." Janet yelled out to the room "Hans Solo with wipe the floor with Luke."
"See I told you…"
The group all sat around for hours, dinking beers and catching up.
"Gosh Janet it feels like you never ever left." Pizza Girl cooed.
"I know, its like crazy, here you are like you always were."
"Well put Ikey." joked Owen.
"It is really good to have you back Janet." Eddie looked at her, and raised his beer before he took a sip.
"Thanks Eddie, It's really good to be back."
"Where is Rory today?'
"She went to lunch with her mom."
"Ok guys,' Phil Announced. " Lets get down to business, You know I am not going to be able to make it to the wedding so I wanted to give you guys a little present in the form of a song. So this goes out to Hannah and Nick. Owen, Ikey, Emily if you would please join me."
"Emily you are playing in the band?" Janet was stunned.
'It's a one time only thing Janet, for Hannah and Nick." They all took their places, in front of the mic stands and Pizza Girl was standing in Phil's usual position. She was going to be singing lead and when she grasped the harmonica in her hand Hannah, Nick and Janet knew exactly what song they were about to sing.
"Janet.." Hannah choked out grabbing Nick's hand.
The opening three guitar strums confirmed their theory and Alanis Morrissette's voice filled the room.
"If I had a dollar for every time you made me listen to this song Hannah." This was Nick and Hannah's when they were teenagers, they had danced to it once at the lake and it just stuck. Hannah spent the whole summer playing it over and over again.
I had no choice but to hear youYou stated your case time and againI thought about itYou treat me like I'm a princessI'm not used to liking thatYou ask how my day was
Janet looked over at Eddie, he was sitting back on the sofa, relaxed smiling at his friends. The lyric caused Janet to stop and think … You treat me like a princess… I'm not used to liking that.. She smiled at him and he caught her, she blushed slightly but neither broke away.
You've already won me over in spite of meAnd don't be alarmed if I fall head over feetDon't be surprised if I love you for all that you areI couldn't help itIt's all your fault
Nick stood and extended his hand to Hannah, she took it and jumped off the sofa into his arms and they dancing together, twirling around the room laughing. Eddie and Janet looked on, it was hard not to smile and be happy with so much love in one room. Your love is thick and it swallowed me wholeYou're so much braver than I gave you credit forThat's not lip serviceYou've already won me over in spite of meAnd don't be alarmed if I fall head over feetDon't be surprised if I love you for all that you areI couldn't help itIt's all your faultYou are the bearer of unconditional thingsYou held your breath and the door for meThanks for your patience
Eddie finally worked up the nerve, he stood slowly and reached out his hand to Janet. She resisted grabbing it, instead she slowly placed in in his and he pulled her off the sofa and into his arm. She felt so small to him, as he wrapped his arms around her and they swayed to the music. He rested his chin on the top of her head and they both relaxed together. Just her smell was a tonic to him, a soothing elixir, he felt strong and centered when she was in his arms. You're my best friend…Best friend with benefits…What took me so longYou're the best listener that I've ever metYou're my best friendBest friend with benefitsWhat took me so long
Eddie spun Janet around causing her to laugh out loud and Eddie joined in. He pulled her in again and Janet rested her hand on his rock solid chest, being this close to him sent a jolt right to Janet's core. A feeling that she had forgotten was even possible fully clothed in a crowded room, but Eddie had always done that to her.
I've never felt this healthy beforeI've never wanted something rationalI am aware nowI am aware nowYou've already won me over in spite of meAnd don't be alarmed if I fall head over feetDon't be surprised if I love you for all that you areI couldn't help itIt's all your fault
The song was finally over, and the room filled with cheers and applause.
"You really killed it on the harmonic Emily." Janet Shouted.
"Thank you thank you." Pizza Girl took a bow.
"That was great guys, thank you. Hannah we have to make sure the DJ plays that on Saturday." Nick gave Hannah and slow deep kiss.
"Ok I think its time to go." Owen Joked.
"Janet stay for a few, we need to catch up." Pizza girl asked.
"Sounds good." They group said there good buys and Pizza Girl dragged Janet into the kitchen.
"Well Eddie, that was something?"
"What?" Eddie really had no idea what Phil was talking about.
"Uhhh you and Janet, Dancing. That was… Wow… I forgot how well you guys… fit.. Together. I guess."
"Phil, it was just a dance, we decided to be friends. And I have Cassie and she is with Brett." He hated even saying his name.
"Well if that's how friends dance, I would love to see how lovers dance cause that was hot."
"Stick a cork in it Phiz." Eddie knew that Phil was right, the whole time Eddie was dancing with Janet he just wanted to drag her upstairs and make love to her. It was an urge he had fought since is saw her in Sully's and he wasn't sure how he was going to deal with for the next seven days.
"Hot, Hot, Hot." Pizza Girl taunted
"What, what, what?"
"You and Eddie dancing, wow."
"It was just a dance, Emily, seriously he is engaged. It's not like that we are trying to be… friends…"
"MmmmmHmmmm sure friends, do you want an ice cream sundae?"
"Sure… And wipe that smirk off your face."
"Janet?" Eddie poked his head into the kitchen, he walked in just in time to watch Janet lick whipped cream off her thumb. "I need to stop by the shop do you want a ride home?"
"Yes, please." Janet stood up, and took one more spoonful of her ice cream. She gave Emily a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow, dress fitting. BEHAVE" Pizza Girl gave a mock innocent look and batted her eyelashes.
Eddie and Janet pulled up to her house. They sat there for moment before Eddie finally spoke.
"This was really fun today Jem." His voice was soft and melodic.
"Yeah, it really was, like old times. Only better in away because all the drama has… you know… disappeared."
"Yeah…" As much as Eddie tried he couldn't squash the desire to kiss her. He imagined the ice cream still on her lips and he wanted to taste her again. Before he could think he grabbed her to him, Janet was stunned and before she could react his lips were on her. His hot familiar mouth, touching hers, she parted her lips for him and he slid his tongue across hers, every part of her body ached for him. Every memory that she had tried to suppress, every feeling bubbled up to the surface as she laced her fingers in his hair. Eddie felt whole, that was the only way to describe it, whole and full and happy. He wanted more of her so much more. But as quickly as their kiss had started it ended. Janet pulled away and pushed Eddie backwards.
"Eddie, NO. STOP" She was breathless. "I won't do this. We have been here before. Only this time. I am the Rory, Cassie is the Janet and YOU are still YOU not knowing what the FUCK you want. I guess some things never do change." Janet whipped away a tear.
"Janet, this is not like THAT." He was so confused and her words cut him like a straight razor.
"ENOUGH, this is JUST like that. Maybe this friends thing is too much to hope for. Maybe there is just too much between us. Good night Eddie." Janet jumped out of his truck and ran into her front door slamming it behind her.