I do not own EUReKA.

The Law of Attraction

Chapter 3: What's Love Got To Do With It?

Allison lay staring up at the ceiling early that morning, a gentle breeze flowed in through the open window creating a slight chill in the room. She'd slept uncomfortably the entire night, her mind and body now feeling the effects of her restless slumber. Her concerted effort to erase the memories of the time spent with Nathan only resulted in her dreaming of both men. In her nightmare, as she chose to call it, Jack and Nathan both berated her in front of an on looking crowd in the middle of the rotunda at GD. They accused her of leading them on and demanded that she choose right then and there who she wanted to be with. She'd awoken in a cold sweat, venturing downstairs to retrieve a cold glass of water to cool down and shake away the last remnants of the unpleasant dream. Frankly, she'd be content to lie here all day if it meant she didn't have to deal with seeing either of them. She was tempted to call out sick but thought better of it since rarely did anyone in Eureka come down with any of the normal ailments, besides, knowing Jack and Nathan, they'd be over to check on her and a confrontation between the three of them was what she was trying to avoid.

Slowly she eased herself into a seated position, using her hands to push hard against the mattress, propelling herself upward so that she stood tall. Her footing a bit unsure, she meandered over to the bathroom to prepare for the day ahead. Kevin would be up soon and she needed to make him breakfast then drop him off at school before heading off to get her morning caffeine fix from Vincent. As she stood under the shower head, the water cascading down her frame, she wished she had the ability to turn back the hands of time. Maybe she would have asked Nathan to meet her at Café Diem instead of her house. Even though Nathan wasn't shy about what he wanted, he may not have been as forthcoming if they had been surrounded by others. Or, what if she and Jack had spoken to Nathan together? Nah, that would have been ten times more uncomfortable, ultimately causing Nathan to resent her more than he probably did right now. Whey couldn't this be easier? Why didn't she put her foot down from the very beginning? She asked herself all these questions except the one she was afraid to – why hadn't she told Nathan emphatically and without a shadow of a doubt that they were over? She knew she'd made a mistake by leaving the window open, for Nathan obviously took it as a sign that they just may rekindle what they once had. She turned the shower handle further to the left, reaching the hottest temperature she could tolerate and let the beads of water pound against her flesh in her own attempt at self punishment. There was no sense in trying to avoid the inevitable so, she kicked it into high gear and set off to greet the day.

After dropping Kevin off at school, she headed straight over for her much needed Vinspresso, intentionally taking her time as she made her way over to the restaurant. One thing about living and working with a group of people for so long, she had gotten to know many of their habits and routines. Now with Nathan, she could usually clock his activities to the minute. Like his mind, Nathan treated his body like a temple. And, much like a temple where deities where worshiped, he thought himself a person to be revered, his character and status supreme above all others in the scientific community. An early riser, he hit the gym just after dawn, went home, showered, made a breakfast that typically consisted of an egg white omelet, whole wheat toast and fruit then picked up a coffee, black, before heading up to GD.

Jack on the other hand, was a bit more unpredictable.

Since his arrival, she had tried desperately to figure him out. Unlike Nathan, his actions were based upon the safety of the towns residents, earning the respect of the community, fostering a positive image and not boosting his ego. Jack's place of work set almost directly across from Café Diem, he quite often stopped over at various times during his day to fill up on a cup of his one addiction. There was often many a morning when he'd be seated at the counter, enjoying a meal, and unlike Nathan, Jack didn't necessarily treat his body like a temple. His chosen breakfast was usually made of up eggs, bacon or sausage, either pancakes or a pastry and a glass of orange juice on the side which was placed next to his standard cup of coffee. She never could understand how he managed to his maintain his physique. Sure he ran, and biked, but a hardcore gym rat he was not. Smirking devilishly to herself, she had to admit that whatever it was he did, he looked and felt damn good.

As she pulled up to the parking spot directly across from the café, she tentatively walked toward the eatery, planning to double back to her car if by chance she spotted one of them inside. Determining that it was safe to advance, she quickly ordered a cup to go, explaining to Vincent that she was in a hurry as to avoid getting into a conversation with him where he would unsuccessfully try to pry out information.

Every so often, she would crane her next so she could view the oncoming patrons, silently wishing to herself that she could escape the area unseen.

"Allison...Allison!"

Allison whipped her head back round, unaware that Vincent had been calling out to her, her coffee displayed in his out stretched hand.

"Oh, sorry Vincent."

Not wanting to linger, she thanked him and trotted to her car, taking a much needed sip along the way, now somewhat prepared to tackle the day ahead.

Allison always enjoyed the ride from town up to Global Dynamics. If the weather was pleasant, she'd roll down her window and take in the fragrant air permeated by the Aspen, Pine and Douglas-Fir trees. The sky was mostly clear that morning, dotted periodically by Altocumulus clouds. The short but tranquil jaunt allowed her to temporarily forget the predicament she'd placed herself in. Thankfully when she arrived, making her way to the main floor, she could see through the glass partition and took note that Nathan was not yet in his office. Her pace quickened as she turned the corner toward her own office space, stopping dead in her tracks at the sight of a gift that sat upon her desk. A half-dozen of the most exquisite white calla lilies presented in a crystal vase, a small note card rested against the glass. She pondered who the arrangement could have come from, determining it definitely looked like something Nathan would have sent, but then again, Jack knew that lilies were her favorite and he may have gotten them to cheer her up after what he likely assumed had been a difficult evening for her. As she closed the distance and reached out for the note, she felt a pair of strong hands wrap around her waist swiftly accompanied by a kiss upon her neck.

She promptly turned, a mixture of surprise and anger in her voice.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Jack offered a half chuckle, obviously taken aback by her response.

"Wha...nothing. I just wanted to give you a good morning kiss. I missed you."

"Well, don't do that. Anyone could walk in here and catch us."

His brow furrowed, Allison knew he couldn't figure what brought on this sudden change of attitude. It had only been the day before and the weeks proceeding that they'd sneak into her office for a make out session whenever he was at the facility.

Placing his hands in his pockets, he backed off, taking immediate notice of the bouquet on her desk.

"Who are those from?"

Well, it was plainly apparent to her now that Jack was not the sender.

"Um, I'm not sure. I just walked in before you and saw them there."

She walked around to the opposite side of the desk and took a seat, burying her head in a report in hopes that he would take the hint and leave. Right now she had neither the energy or the clear thought process to deal with any questions he had about her "date" with Nathan.

"So...?"

Allison glanced up at him as he stood rocking on his heels, otherwise unmoving from his spot.

"So, what?"

"So, aren't you going to read the card?"

Allison had forgotten that fast that she'd left the card against the vase and with lightening speed reached out for it. Her heart began to beat rapidly as Jack patiently waited for her to read the card. Opening the tiny envelope, she at once recognized the handwriting. The flowers were indeed from Nathan with a note stating... "To the promise of tomorrow."

Her expression indecipherable, she promptly tore up the card and tossed it into the trash.

Jack waited patiently for her to answer but she couldn't tell them who they were really from and she didn't want to lie. If things had gone as planned last night, there was no way Nathan would have sent her such a sweet and thoughtful gesture. Twelve dozen thorn ridden black roses would have been more suitable.

Allison had to think fast, the answer coming to her in a flash.

"They're from the organizer of a conference I spoke at recently."

Allison felt she had to implicate someone Jack had no knowledge of just in case he made a remark to them about the gift. She didn't want to involve anyone she knew in web of deceit if at all possible. Besides, there was no way he'd track down the chairperson and why would he want to.

When he smiled that innocently trusting smile that she adored she couldn't help but return in kind, though she wasn't fully convinced that he believed her.

"Do you want to meet for lunch?"

"I'm sorry, I can't."

"How about dinner tonight then?"

"I'll try but I can't promise anything."

"Oh. Okay then. Well, I have to head over and speak to Henry then I'm going back to the station. Call you later?"

"Yeah, I'd like that." And she truly meant it.

After he left out of the room, Allison's head immediately fell forward onto the desktop. An exaggerated groan escaped her lips at what she'd just done and realizing there was no sense in trying to focus on her personnel problems at this precise moment, she decided to get some work done.

Not fifteen minutes into her current task, she was interrupted by an all too familiar voice.

"I see you got the flowers."

"Yes, I did. Thank you Nathan."

"You know, lilies always remind me of you. Delicate, graceful, beautiful, unique."

Allison really wasn't in the mood for any of his flattering remarks. What she really needed right now was to be left alone.

"What do you want Nathan?"

"Wow, straight to the point huh?"

His attempt at humor having no effect on her, he pressed on.

"Have lunch with me."

"I can't. I'm swamped with reports, paperwork, you name it."

"Take a break. I promise, I won't tell your boss."

"I can't."

"Well, have dinner with me then."

"I have plans."

"Let me guess. Do they happen to involve a certain affable Sheriff we both know?"

"Look Nathan, I can't deal with this right now."

"So when do we talk about this? You can't avoid me forever."

"Soon. We'll talk soon. I need time to think."

"I'll give you your space Allie but, we will talk."

With that he left out, leaving Allison alone with her thoughts.

This isn't what she wanted. Had Nathan let his intentions be known first, would she even have considered Jack?

She couldn't think about that right now. She really did have an abundance of work to get through before heading down to the medical lab and that's exactly what she did. She focused on work, staying fully engaged on the assignments at hand and before she knew it, her day was done.

On her way home, she stopped and got takeout. She was in no mood to cook this evening, besides she wanted to spend some quality time with Kevin. Her time with him was limited as it was with work, school, the occasional disaster, his therapy sessions, plus trying to maintain a relationship. That's if she was even still in one.

The remainder of the evening was filled with connecting with Kevin and frankly they were both having a wonderful time only to be interrupted just after nine by the phone. The anticipation of who may be on the other end caused the hair to stand on the nape of her neck. The phone rang again and what were in fact dulcet tones sounded more like a screeching siren.

What was she doing? She couldn't continue avoiding them. She would have to say something eventually and it looked as if she would not be the one who would be controlling the situation.

"Hello?"

"Allison, hi."

"Hi Cart...I mean Jack."

"Um, I know it's getting late but I wondered if it'd be okay if I stopped by. I'd really like to talk to you."

"I'm sorry Jack, it's been a long day and I'm dead tired. I'm about to put Kevin to bed, I have to load the dishwasher, get his clothes together for tomorrow, then head up to bed myself."

Allison knew she was rambling and as intuitive as Jack was, he'd surely be wise to her poor attempt at stalling.

"Listen, how about you come over early and we can have breakfast together?"

"That sounds great. See ya round eight?"

"That'll be fine. I'll talk to you in the morning Jack. Goodnight."

"Night Allie."

There was no point in denying it. She could no longer hold off telling Jack what happened with Nathan. The dishes would have to wait as she headed upstairs and turned in. Tomorrow was sure to be an interesting day.

Allison woke at seven, showered, dressed, got Kevin ready and dropped him at his friends Caleb's house who lived across the street. Caleb's mom would be taking the boys to school as she often did when Allison had an early engagement.

Back inside, she stood in the middle of the kitchen floor, perplexed. She wasn't sure what to make for breakfast. To tell the truth, she wasn't very hungry and she felt more nauseas than anything. She brewed a strong pot of coffee and took these few quiet moments to formulate exactly what she should say. Problem was, she really didn't know. It didn't matter anyway because at precisely eight o'clock, her doorbell rang.

"Hi Jack, come on in."

Allison led him directly to the kitchen, immediately tossing out recommendations for their morning meal.

"Actually, I'll just have a cup of coffee if that's okay."

"Sure."

Allison poured to steaming hot mugs, cream and three sugars for her, two for Jack.

Taking a seat across from her at the kitchen table, he began.

"Allison, I wanted to ask you. Have I done something wrong?"

She was startled by his question. "What?"

"Well, ever since the other night, I feel like you've been avoiding me."

"No, that's not it at all. The last few days have been somewhat overwhelming and I guess I haven't been very sensitive to what's been going on around me."

Allison could tell he was struggling to find the right words as he bit at his lower lip.

"I know it's probably none of my business and we've only been dating for little over a month, but why haven't we talked about your conversation with Stark."

Allison hung her head low in order to avoid his eyes.

"I've been meaning to."

"Well, I'm here now and I'm listening."

Looking back to him, she the tears forming in her eyes.

"Jack. I don't know where to start."

His own eyes now downcast, she could see the pain on his face as he fiddled with his coffee mug, afraid to ask his next question.

"The flowers were from him, weren't they?"

Allison knew it didn't make sense to lie any longer.

"Yes, Nathan sent me the flowers."

"Yeah, somehow I suspected that."

He seemed to stutter a bit as the next few words tumbled from his mouth.

"Does this mean that the two of you are back together?"

"No!"

His eyes pleaded with hers. "What happened then. I thought we'd made a connection. One day we were fine, then the next, you're standoffish and almost cold to me. It's like you don't want me around. It's like you're hiding something."

The jig was up. She had to be honest with not only Jack, but herself.

"Jack, I do need to tell you something."

Allison reached across the table and took his hand in hers.

"The night Nathan came by, something happened that I didn't expect. What initially began as my attempt to be upfront and honest with Nathan about the end of our romantic relationship changed unexpectedly. Jack, Nathan told me that he wanted me back."

"And do you want him back?"

"I...don't know."

Allison moved to the chair beside him.

"Jack, I know this is unfair to you, but right now, I'm very confused. I find myself in a difficult spot. I do have feelings for you and even though I thought they had been resolved, I still have feelings for Nathan. I'm just not sure if it's love."

Jack snorted in disbelief.

"Um, You know what. I'd better get going, I don't want to be late."

He bolted from the chair and headed for the door.

"Jack wait. Stay. Talk to me."

His hand on the door handle, she reached out for him.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I do care about you. I only ask that you give me time to think."

"Take all the time you need."

With that, he flung the door open, leaving without so much as a goodbye.

Allison followed him out as he jumped into his jeep and backed out. She called out to him, in hopes he would come back to her.

"Jack. Jack, Wait! Damn."

She'd really fucked up this time. He had been upset with her before, but this was the first time in which she knew she'd deeply hurt him to the core. Whatever happened from this point on, she had to make things right with him.

Next - Chapter 4: Three's a Crowd