I do not own EUReKA. Now, what's up with that?
The Law of Attraction
Chapter 6: The Best Laid Plans
"Oh my God Dad, would you please stop pacing. You're gonna wear a hole in the floor."
Coming to a complete standstill, Jack offered her his very best wry sneer.
Zoë let out a long exasperated sigh; the typical teenage retort. "What are you so nervous about? It's not as if you and Allison haven't been on a date before."
"Yeah, well...things are different this time."
Jack plopped down onto the couch and sank into the seat next to her.
"You wouldn't understand. It's...complicated."
"Are you talking about her date with Stark?"
Jack's eyes widened as stared at her in disbelief. "How is it everybody knows?"
"Relax dad. Nobody knows about you and Allison, they just know that she went on a date with Dr. Stark."
He groaned disgustedly. It was bad enough that he lived in a house that was privy to all of his personal business and every intimacy that occurred, but why should he have to share his love life with the entire town. These were the moments he yearned for the days when his comings and goings were his own to worry about.
"Let's face it dad. The love life of the adults in this town are the closest we're going get to our very own Peyton Place so, we pay attention."
Jack threw his hands up in frustration. "What is it about this town?"
"Well, Sheriff Carter, the town itself was established in 1947..."
He promptly cut her off. "Thanks S.A.R.A.H, but that's not what I meant. I don't need a history lesson."
Jack rolled his eyes in vexation; just another case in point of how his private life no longer belonged only to him.
"Dad, don't worry. Allison's a smart woman, she'll make the right choice."
And in an unpatented move she rose from the couch and gave him a hug.
"Thanks Zo."
She headed upstairs leaving Jack to contemplate precisely how in the hell he'd landed himself in this predicament. He had been thinking long and hard all week about what he could do to out maneuver Stark and had come up blank. He'd considered all the cliche gestures, running them over like a checklist in his head. He could do the intimate dinner for two, but that had been done death so that was out of the question. Besides, from what he'd learned, Stark had outdone himself and there was no way he could compete. They could go to a movie, but he wanted to take her somewhere they could be alone and being surrounded by dozens of theatre patrons was not his idea of an intimate evening for two. He had even considered the unusual. There was an actual carnival four towns over, but he didn't want to spend the majority of the night driving when he could spend those precious moments with her. S.A.R.A.H. even suggested a hot air ballon ride, but there was no way he was getting up in one of those, not even for her. As he mulled over the many choices, he realized that none of those ideas were remotely like him, and that's when it hit him and if he said so himself, it was genius.
Jack had orchestrated what he believed was going to be the perfect day. He told Allison to be ready at three o'clock, but wouldn't clue her in on what the day involved. The only information he would offer was that she should dress down. To her credit, she didn't question his request which signified to him that she trusted him implicitly. Once he'd figured what he wanted to do, he delved into the project. The first thing he did was to plan the menu with the aide of S.A.R.A.H because he felt he couldn't intrust Vincent with any of the details. To Vincent's credit, it's not as if he would purposely spill the beans, but it was extremely hard for him to keep a secret. So, Jack enlisted a small crew of coconspirator's to assist him. Zoë of course insisted on helping him and to his surprise, Jo even leant a hand. She claimed that she was only helping because she didn't want Allison to have a horrible experience, but he knew she didn't want to see him go down in flames. Fargo was the last piece of the puzzle and offered up what would be the evenings topper.
On the short jaunt over to her place, Jack found himself reflecting on his last serious relationship. It had been with Abby, his now ex-wife. She was a beautiful brilliant woman whom he'd fallen in love with while hey were both still very young. In the beginning, the fact that the two of them had been completely opposites was exciting. She introduced him to the refined side of life and he showed her how to enjoy the simple things. It was disheartening how quickly things began to deteriorate. They had tried counseling; which Jack absolutely hated and what a monumental disaster that had been. They even separated for some time and reunited mainly for Zoë's sake, despite that, he managed to fuck it up. In the end, they both came to the realization that they just weren't meant to be, and that's what got him started on his next train of thought.
What if he was setting himself up for failure yet again? What did he really have to offer this relationship? Allison and Stark already seemed like a perfect match; they had so much in common; family structure, educational background, field of study, occupation, you name it. Not to mention, Stark could converse with her unlike he could. Truthfully, he knew what he was really doing was talking himself into accepting the inevitable. Problem was, he still had a small chance of hope that it may be him. He had fallen so hard and so fast, he couldn't fathom the impact if she ended up choosing Stark over him.
Maybe he and Allison should have let on right from the beginning that they were dating. Even if that hadn't solved their Stark problem, at least he wouldn't have invested so much into the prospect of a romantic relationship with her. The past weeks with her were like heaven. If he had not experienced the warmth of being in her embrace or tasted the sweetness of her lips, maybe, just maybe he could have moved on. Something he'd soon find was easier said than done.
As he turned the corner onto her street, the bile rose in the pit of his stomach. Parked outside of her house, right next to her car was Stark's BMW 760Li. What the hell was he doing there, he couldn't fathom? Couldn't he allow Jack to have this one day without any interference? Well, whatever Stark was plotting today, Jack was having none of it.
He pulled his car along side the curb so that it blocked the driveway and marched up toward the entryway. Rapping resoundingly at the front door, as predicted, Stark's face was the one that greeted him.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Little Boy Blue." A self-righteous simper of superiority shone on his face.
Clearly, he was making remark to Jack's outfit of choice. Denim jeans, blue and white gingham shirt and hiking boots. Sure, it didn't appear that he were going out on a date, but then again, Stark didn't know what Jack had in mind. Actually, no one knew it totality what he was up to.
Right now what worried him most was Stark's presence. On the surface it all appeared innocent enough and he surmised Stark had more than likely come over to persuade Allison to call off her date. He was sure of one thing, he wanted to leave there as quickly as possible.
Jack stared him down; he wanted Stark to realize that he did not fear him. Never had, never would.
"Can you let Allison know I'm here?"
Stark braced his forearm against the doorframe. It was a physical attempt at blocking Jack's entrance, but also a poor psychological attempt at asserting his own dominance.
"I can, but what's the point?"
Just as Jack was about to tell that narcissistic bastard were he could stick it, Allison cut in.
"Nathan!"
From behind him she emerged, the scowl on her face showing her overt impatience with his continued childish behavior. He finally got the hint and retired into the house's interior when she jokingly shoved him out of the way.
"Hi Carter."
Jack's previous dour mood instantly changed as she beamed at him, and just like that, all seemed right with the world. And if this was to be the very last time that her smile was meant only for him, he wanted to make sure he committed it to memory.
"Hi."
She was dressed as he'd instructed; comfortably, yet she somehow managed to look ravishingly sexy. Her long silken hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, a tie front button down checkered shirt, trail walking boots and though the weather no longer lent itself to hot summer days but the warm sometimes cool crisp days of fall, she wore tan chino shorts. Her flawlessly smooth legs caused a wave of nostalgia to pass over him. He craved for the days when he had been blessed by her touch. His lips hungered for the taste of her honeyed skin, to feel the solid weight of her body as she leaned against him. He yearned to at last make love to her and hear the voracious sounds of her impassioned screams. Visualizing her...
"Carter?"
His private fantasy was interrupted as she beckoned him forward. Apparently, he had been standing motionless just at the bottom of the steps, his eyes trailing her as she made her way round to the passenger side of his jeep.
"Coming!"
He bounded after her, hopped in and headed off to their destination.
He was nervous and figured she was a bit on edge too. He needed desperately to break the tension and intended to use levity to lighten the mood but apparently the insecure part of him had other plans.
He sheepishly probed. "Long time no see huh?"
"Yeah, seems that way. Listen Carter...I want to thank you for being so patient and understanding about this whole situation. I've asked a lot of you and to your credit, you haven't complained once. It means a lot to me that you agreed to this. I want you to know that this is just as difficult for me."
"I know it is, and I'm not going to make it any harder. Today, I want us to relax and enjoy each others company."
"I'd like that."
"Can I just ask one favor?"
Her interest piqued, she raised one eyebrow inquisitively. "Sure."
"Please stop calling me Carter."
With a withering look she giggled, unaware that she had gone back to using the moniker the majority of his close friends utilized.
Honestly, he couldn't be mad with her if he tried. Jack. Carter. It didn't matter to him, just as long as his name dripped from her delightfully captivating lips, it was fine by him. But, it seemed he couldn't let the moment pass without sticking his foot in his mouth, luckily she was prepared for it.
"So...Stark?"
From her gleeful expression, she had evidently been waiting for him to ask her why Stark had been at her house.
"I mean, not that it's any of my business."
"It's okay. Nathan volunteered to watch Kevin for me until the nanny came by. She had an appointment that ran over and would be running late."
Jack blushed profusely, breathing an inaudible sigh of relief. He also took notice that she'd snickered briefly at the unmistakable emergence of his little green-eyed monster. Altruistic that she was, she didn't allow him to stew uncomfortably as she turned her head and remarked on the items she'd spied on the back seat upon entering the vehicle, which were covered by a blanket.
"So, what is all this anyway?"
Jack continued to play his card's close to his chest and refused to let on, assuring her that all would be reviled shorty.
They rode straight along the main road and when they eventually passed the sign informing visitors 'Now leaving Eureka', Allison turned to him, a look of suspicion crossed her flawless features.
"Come on, spill it. What are we doing today? You're being awfully tightlipped."
Jack smiled at her mischievously. "Don't worry. Trust me."
And she did just that.
They drove on for several miles more until they came to a fork in the road. Jack took the path left, and after some time pulled up to a concealed spot and turned off the jeep. All that could be seen from their position along the dirt trail were hundreds of pine trees.
"Uh, Jack...?"
He never said anything as he climbed out of the truck and headed toward the rear of the vehicle, the sound of freshly fallen leaves crunching loudly under foot. From beneath the blanket in back he produced a picnic basket and a small container which Allison couldn't readily identify.
"Okay Jack, enough with the covert mission."
He couldn't help but chuckle. Jubilant that he finally had his chance to show her not only his idea of a good time, but how he felt about her, he moved to her side of the vehicle. He'd heard about her date with Stark and he didn't want to repeat or try to compete with what he'd done. Today, he would show her the real him; no pretenses.
Jack took hold of her hand, conscious of how her fingers fit seamlessly inside of his; it was an exhilarating sensation. He led her from under the shade of trees along a hidden path, about five hundred feet in they reached a clearing. Jack couldn't contain his joy as she gasped in awe of the sight before her.
A luscious green pasture, dotted with vividly striking hues made by the plants and flowers spread throughout the area. The bright blue sky reflected the calm waters of the lake that lay beneath it. A swallowtail butterfly proudly showcasing it brilliant colors, landed on a bush of azalea's by her side. And as if the scene could not be improved upon further, they spotted a doe and her fawn approach from the forest edge and drink from the clean cool waters of the stream.
"Jack, what is this? Where are we?"
"It's something, isn't it?"
"It's...breathtaking."
Gazing deep into her eyes, he cupped her chin and in all sincerity corrected what he thought was an erroneous statement.
"No, you're breathtaking. This all pale's in comparison to you."
As he leaned in for a kiss, her lips puckered in anticipation, Allison shrieked as the spell was unceremoniously broken by a flock of Magnolia Warble's that swarmed overhead, brazenly swooping down on them and spoiling the moment. They both craned their necks skyward in wonder at the freakish encounter.
"What the...?"
"I have no idea, but that has got to be the strangest thing I've ever seen. It's like they were on the attack."
As the moment passed, they decided to chalk it up as a freak incident. Jack looped an arm around her waist and led her further into the interior.
"Oh my God. Jack, this is amazing. How did you find this place?"
Jack didn't want to tell her about the reconnaissance mission he'd gone in search of the ideal location. On weekends, when he needed a break from the insanity that too often occurred in town or at GD, he'd take a long drive for a bit of solitude. It reminded him fondly of his U.S. Marshal days. While on the job, he was required to perform a variety of tasks; he acted as judicial security, protected witnesses and performed prisoner transport. His favorite times though had to be the trips he would take in order to track down and apprehend escaped fugitives. During those excursions, he'd had the opportunity to see much of the country as he traversed state to state. These were also the times he was thankful for his Acrophobia; it kept him off of a lot of plane rides. But on one particular outing from Eureka, he'd come across this picturesque landscape. He had entered through the main entrance of the park were kids played, lovers walked hand in hand, and dogs ran merrily through the grass. He went for a hike and found himself on the opposite side of the park and ultimately to this hidden cove. It was like a little piece of nirvana.
Jack didn't want to hold her in suspense any longer and laid out his plans. They'd start with an early dinner, take a leisurely stroll through a field of flowers he'd found, followed by a special surprise. Later that night, he proposed they spread a blanket on top of a grassy knoll and watch as the sun set and the stars came out to light up the night sky.
She placed her hand back inside of his. "Now, how could I say no to that."
Their food was simple; an assortment of pates, sliced meats, fruits, cheeses, Dijon mustard and of course a fresh baked baguette of French bread along with a white Briolo to share with their meal.
As they ate, they eased into conversation. Jack told her of his exploits at the bureau, progressing into the trouble he'd gotten too as a teen. He was floored when she offered up a story of her own dabble with the law. She wouldn't go into great detail, but it involved a teenage boy and a late night call to her parents by an extended friend of the family who was in law enforcement. Jack was stunned to find that she had an adventurous side. No, she hadn't been as daring as he was, or even Zoë was for that matter, but for what he knew of her, it was hard to believe. He found it titillating that she had a dark side. If he didn't misinterpret her flirtatious grin, she was stimulated too. He knew he shouldn't, but how could he not. Inching closer to her on the blanket, he brushed an errant strand of hair out of her eye and leaned in, intent on stealing a kiss. Their mouths connecting, he immediately felt dizzy. Her lips were just as he'd remembered; full, soft, inviting. When she didn't rebuff him, he took it as the signal to go ahead. He eased her down onto her side, his hands roaming over her the contours of her curvaceous hips.
It was just as it had been those few short weeks ago, the two of them wrapped in each others arms, and if he wasn't mistaken, she'd missed him as much as he did her. Finally, it seemed as if the planet's had aligned. They were all alone; no interruptions from work, family, friends, or whatever Stark was. As the sun's warm rays beat upon them, he boldly rolled on top of her, his arm placed snuggly behind her head. Jack wanted to make the most of the moment, and if he played his cards right, she would forget all about Dr. Nathan Stark. She moaned wantonly as he drew at her neck. Her short gasps of breath let him know that he had located an erogenous zone. Jack had found his groove when suddenly, she let out a sharp yelp.
"What is it? What happened?"
"I'm caught."
Apparently Jack's watch had tangled in her hair. She winced as he attempted to remove it from around the stem and crow, all without ripping away any strands of hair.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
It was awkward, he was embarrassed, and just like that, the spell had been broken. Jack tried to laugh it off and after a few tense seconds, she brushed it off too.
Jack needed to shift the momentum back to the pleasant time they had been having. Standing up, he took her by the hand and led her down an unseen path. Off the beaten track, he knew that this would erase any doubts in her mind. He wanted it to be a complete surprise so he covered her eyes as she strode in front of him.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
Dropping his hands, revealed before her stretched a field of the most beautiful dark-blue and violet flowers ever seen. Rows upon rows of the most magnificent, fragrant blooms. They began walking amongst them when abruptly, she stopped dead in her tracks.
"Jack? When you found this field, did you by chance take a walk through?"
What could possibly be the importance of him strolling through the field beforehand? Shrugging his shoulders, he confessed. "No. Why?"
"Well, that's because this isn't Lavender."
"Then what is it?"
The terseness of her voice alerted Jack to the fact that what he'd assumed was harmless, were in fact not.
"It's Silver Lupine."
Dumbfounded, he peered at her blankly.
"They're poisonous. They can cause trembling and agitation followed by vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and impaired breathing."
"Oh. Oh!"
Judging by the look on her face, she was not happy with him, but he knew he could salvage this. He had one more ace up his sleeve and if he said so himself, it was a doozy.
Jack held up one solitary finger. "Okay...now just wait a minute. I can fix this."
Her arms crossed angrily over her chest, Jack knew her patience was wearing thin.
He took her back to the spot where their blanket lay and picked up the mysterious, unadorned box.
"Now, I was going to save this for later, but I think this is just as an appropriate time as any."
Her features relaxed as her jaw un-cliched, he could see he'd piqued her curiosity.
Jack moved down to the edge of the water, his surprise tucked neatly under his arm.
"What I have here is an experiment; on loan of course. One which is going to take us on a much needed voyage."
Jack laid the box down and stepped back fifteen feet, removed a small remote from his jeans pocket and pressed a button. Magically, before their eyes emerged a beautifully crafted row boat. Made of solid teak, with cast bronze fittings, oars included, it contained two stations to allow for tandem rowing.
From the gasp she made, Jack knew he'd done good.
Her eyes aglow, it seemed he'd made up for all of his previous faux pas.
"This is amazing, but...how did you get this?"
"As a matter of fact, it was Fargo's idea. He told me about a project for an amphibious vehicle he had been a member of. He said they'd started with simpler versions and this was one of them. It had never been out in real world conditions so, he offered it up."
She seemed skeptical and he couldn't blame her.
"Jack, I don't know about this."
"Come on, let me make up for all that other stuff. It'll be fun." Then he gave her one of his patented 'aww shucks' smiles and she acquiesced.
They left off for a leisurely ride. Jack rowed while she lay back. The setting sun beamed the last of it's golden on her glittering skin. She was so beautiful. Her hand trailed along the outside of the boat, causing small ripples in the water. Her other arm thrown carelessly over her head, she reclined against the rear.
All of his attention focused on her, he didn't take notice of her fervent warning.
She sat up straight and stared at the bottom of the boat.
"Jack, what is that?"
Still in a daze, her cries went unanswered.
"Jack!"
He at last saw what all the panic was for and they watched helplessly as water began seeping into the bottom of the boat."
"Uh, oh uh..."
Jack stood up in the boat and peered at the shoreline in hopes someone could see that they were in distress. Unfortunately, his zeal in finding a quiet secluded spot had worked out only to well. It wouldn't have mattered any for as he turned back to her, their feet were now submerged beneath ten inches of water.
His waved his arms over his head wildly and as he did, he stepped forward, effectively tipping the boat over. Limbs flailing in every direction, they swam to the water's edge. Climbing onto the bank, her expression was not hard to decipher. She was furious.
"And this, is exactly why we test items in controlled conditions before using them in real life. I'll call someone to come retrieve the boat before anyone else can get their hands on it."
"Allison..."
Jack prepared himself to be admonished but her words managed to cut him much deeper.
"Take me home Carter."
What else could he say. He'd ruined everything. So soaked and now cold, Jack gathered up their items and headed for the jeep.
They road home in silence, Jack feeling defeated as well as dejected. It seemed as if each time he surmounted one obstacle, a new one arrived. He'd blown it big time. There was no way she'd choose him now. He'd turned the ideal date into a colossal failure. He'd wanted it to be perfect, only to end up looking like a boob.
Before he knew it, they were back at her house. She said nothing as she hopped out of the jeep and headed inside.
"Allison!"
She turned to face him, her expression sullen.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for things to go this way."
"I know you didn't Carter. Thanks, for an...interesting night."
And with that, he left for home.
Allison climbed the stairs to her bedroom, but not before checking in on Kevin. Seeing him always brightened her day. She asked the nanny if she could stay a while longer, at least until she could clean up. All Allison wanted right now was a long hot bath and a glass of wine.
She went straight to the bathroom and peeled off her sopping clothes. Standing in front of the sink basin, she pulled a clump of leaves from her hair. She stood for some time watching her reflection in the mirror and without warning, she began laughing hysterically.
Despite all the mishaps during the days events; the birds, his watch, the toxic flowers, the sunken boat, she'd had a great time with Jack, soaked clothes and all. It was spontaneous, she felt venturesome and never had she had so much fun in her life. Soon after her laugher subsided, reality hit. She had to make a decision.
Crestfallen, she sat back onto the rim of the tub. It seemed as she had met a crucial stage. She couldn't continue to string them along; that wasn't within her personality and besides, neither man would stand for it. She'd debated repeatedly in her head the positives and negatives of pursuing a relationship with each man, so there was no point in rehashing it all again. Deep down, she knew who the man for her was.
Jack, her opposite; Nathan, her equal.
She moved into action, jumping into the tub, she showered quickly, threw on a pair of jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. In all her excitement she failed to dry her still damp hair. She yelled out to the nanny, grabbed her keys and ran out the door.
How could she have been so stupid? How could she have even thought it could have been anyone but him? As she drove to his house; surely braking a few dozen laws along the way, her joy grew exponentially.
She came to a screeching halt outside of his place, silently praying she was making the right choice, but now was not the time for second guessing. She was in love and this time would be different, she would make sure of that.
As she approached the door, it opened, and there he stood.
A huge grin on her face which he instantly emulated, she ventured forward.
"Well, isn't this is a nice surprise."
"Hi, Nathan. Can I come in?"
Next: Chapter 7 - And Then There Was One