Chapter 14 – Sunshine Days
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Red lifted his brow, "What does Donna think about going to California?"
Eric sighed and sat down on the ottoman opposite his father. It was time. He needed to tell his parents before they heard it from the Pinciottis. "Dad. About me and Donna. What if…."
Kitty sensed the serious tone in her son's voice. "What about you and Donna?"
Eric took a deep breath. "What if….what if I told you guys that she filed for a divorce?"
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Red and Kitty were silent as their son told his parents about the slowly dissolving marriage that had culminated in Donna secretly filing documents to end the Forman-Pinciotti union. Eric tried not to cry for the happy times that he truly shared with Donna. He bit back the bitterness that threatened to explode from his lips when he told them about the letter. His bewilderedness at how he didn't know she was so unhappy was conveyed in the uneven tenor of his voice. His resolution at the end of the marriage was saddened further by confessing that he sought out his own attorney to handle the paperwork.
Red closed his eyes and Kitty shed a tear. "I knew something was happening with that girl." Kitty confessed, "I – I just didn't know what it was."
The elder Forman shook his head sadly. "Bob said something once and I didn't really pay attention…I rarely pay attention, but he said something like, 'My little girl is going to go places – nothing will stop her or tie her down.' He was proud of that." Red looked at Eric, "Maybe the first time you didn't marry her….you should have stayed that way."
Kitty was still sniffling. "All those years and she didn't love you? You two only stayed married to be married? Was that why there were no grandchildren?"
Eric shook his head and replied, "As she told me in the letter, "We never had a family and you're right, it was all my fault – I can't conceive, and no, I didn't want to adopt." I just went along with her because I figured that made Donna happy."
Kitty didn't like the idea that her son married for the sake of being married and she stood up and walked over to sit on the arm of Red's chair. "Honey, there have been times that your father and I didn't see eye to eye on subjects but we worked it out. Did you try….Red, what is it called – Phil Donahue would know…."
Red rolled his eyes, "Counseling son. Did you and Donna see a counselor?"
Eric held out his hands palms up. "No…because there wasn't any time. I didn't realize what was wrong until she wrote me that damn letter and the next thing I know I get a collect call from Prague because she's chasing a story. Dad….is this my fault?"
Red put a big hand over his sons and in a gravelly voice said, "Eric. You are a man and you have to make a man's decision. If chasing after your wife will make you happy, well….your mother and I will support you. However, if you grant her this divorce to make her happy…you might find happiness yourself and again, your mom and I will support you."
Eric just realized at that moment those were the wisest words Red Forman had even expressed and the longest serious conversation he had ever had with either of his parents! Looking at them through adult eyes, Eric could see that he didn't let them down. They weren't going to be pissed because Donna left him. He felt like he could breathe a little easier.
Kitty cleared her throat, "Uh….so this weekend thing in Hollywood. What's that all about?"
Eric shrugged, "Jackie invited me. She's fun and we have a good time together. There must be something happening and she wanted me to join her. Of course I have to wear this ugly shirt she sewed."
Kitty wanted to put the terrible d-i-v-o-r-c-e matters behind them so she smiled, "I think I can cut in the seam and let the sleeve out a bit. I can't do anything about these buttons but at least it will fit you better."
Red still chuckled at the shirt. "I hope all the people in Hollywood don't dress like that – my foot would just start shaking at the thought of…."
Eric laughed and surprisingly gave his father a hug. "Thanks dad. Thanks for letting me talk to you guys."
Kitty smiled, "Honey – that's what we're here for!'
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After work that Friday afternoon, Eric drove home, put on the hideous shirt and packed an overnight bag of toiletries and men's underwear. He certainly didn't want to wear anything of Mel's or Jackie's girly panties – although Fez might. Eric laughed. He was going to have fun this weekend. No thoughts about the past. No worries about what his parents would think. This was just Eric and he was going to have a nice weekend with a celebrity he had a crush on. What could be better than that?
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The United Airlines private first-class terminal was both reserved and posh and Eric had never been privy to such luxuries. A lounge attendant made sure his complimentary cola was cold enough and even brought a blanket so he could watch the planes depart and arrive through the large glass window without getting a chill. It was like being in a super-secret club.
Eric was almost in the beginning of an intense nap when a chime announced that the first class passengers could board through the jet bridge. A pretty smiling stewardess waved him towards the front of the plane while a conservatively dressed steward stowed his overnight bag in the cabin above.
Meanwhile Eric eased into a soft comfortable leather seat and noticed the complimentary headphones and the large television screen on the wall ahead of him. This was going to be wonderful.
Somewhere during the halfway point of the four hour flight complimentary drinks were served on a linen covered trolley and Eric dined on fresh strawberries and a glass of champagne. He didn't want to admit it, but Eric couldn't imagine flying any other way.
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Donna looked at the clock and waited for the hand to strike exactly at 11:00 o'clock. If she called later, her dad would already be on the way to Denny's for the Senior Special dinner. The phone rang four times before he picked up, "Heidy Ho! It's your dime!"
At first she was scared. How did you tell your father that you were putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation and that he shouldn't have to worry about it? Bob Pinciotti was the kind of guy who cried at a good Kleenex commercial!
She bit the proverbial bullet. "Dad! Hey it's me! How are you?"
"Donna?" his voice sounded warm and familiar even though it was thousands of miles away.
"How's mom?" she asked as she twisted the phone line around her finger. Her dad's voice was soothing, "Well pumpkin, she's been watching Donahue again and practicing on me….how are you? How's that story going?"
"Ummm…yeah….that's kinda why I'm calling. Somethings are going to be really….difficult…and dangerous…."
"Well Donna, you're a big girl." Bob replied. ' I don't think you would put yourself in harm's way on purpose….right?"
Donna answered back, comforted by her dad's support. "Right Dad. I guess I was just really missing you and mom. I love you guys!"
"We love you too honey. Oh, did you talk to Eric?"
Alarm bells went off in Donna's head. "Why? Did he say something to you?"
Donna could hear her dad scratching his wig before he answered, "Oh, I saw him at the pharmacy and he said that your old boss wants to know what to do with your stuff."
Her shoulders sagged with relief. Eric hadn't said anything yet. "Thanks dad. Just let Eric know that he can donate my stuff to charity."
Bob asked the easy question, "Why don't you just call him?"
"Dad, you know we don't have long distance at the house…and this is international so I must be costing you a fortune!"
"Hey…there is no price on a call from my little girl! Take care honey and come home soon….Midge!" Bob hollered, "Do you wanna talk to Donna? Donna...honey? I think your mom is in the bathtub again. Love you!" and he hung up the phone while Donna looked at the receiver in her hand.
Why hadn't Eric said anything yet? Jackie Burkhart had the biggest mouth in the world – why didn't she tell Eric what she saw in the tavern that night? Donna bit her knuckle and thought that maybe…just maybe…in the grand scheme of things – it didn't really matter. She was with Anna Cantana now and everyone else be damned!
For the first time in days, Donna smiled a happy smile.
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It was a cardboard sign with the handwritten letters *F.O.R.M.A.N* on them that greeted Eric after he landed. He didn't need to visit the luggage carousel since he'd brought an overnight bag and was wearing the blessed ugly shirt. The sign greeter spotted him instantly and waved him over. "Mr. Forman – welcome to California."
Eric shook hands with the slender man who easily took the luggage bag and tossed it in the back seat of the sleek blue Camaro. He opened the passenger door and Eric felt a little awkward having a guy open the car door for him. "Thanks man."
"Penn's the name and you are welcome. Miss Jackie said to take you the long way." Penn smiled as he said that and Eric noticed that the fellow had the whitest teeth he had ever seen. There must be great dentists in Hollywood!
The long way consisted of an obligatory drive through Santa Monica, down the boulevards lined with tall palms and even a quick pass through Malibu where Eric could see the beach. Little did Penn know that Eric had been to the Pacific Ocean prior – he was there for Donna. But, today he was here because a friend invited him.
The weather was warm, the air was hazy and all the people walking the streets seemed to be caricatures of pedestrians. Padded shoulders walking in oversize high heels, peacock bright blazers matched with parachute pants and basketball shoes. 'Who dresses like that!' Eric mused.
It was a short time later that the Camaro pulled up to the curb of a well maintained suburban house. It was quite nondescript with flowers along the walkway, a driveway that lead to a two car garage and a warning to strangers that this home was protected by a security service. Eric poised to knock but the door flew open and he was entrenched in a female hug that nearly bowled him over.
Jackie smiled, "You made it!"
He smiled back and pushed her hair from his face. "Nice hug…..eh….can I come in?"
Jackie laughed, "Sure, let me give you the grand tour!" She tugged his hand and of course her first stop was the Oscar that graced the mantle of the fireplace. He saw the huge kitchen his mother would have loved, one of the two bathrooms and then it was out the back door and past the swimming pool.
There was a guest house on the other side of the pool. It was cute and obviously meant for one person. The door opened and a tall pair of legs in red heels stepped out. Jackie grinned, "That's Mel."
Finally….the mysterious Mel. Eric stepped forward to meet her and he was pulled into a hug against a hard chest that smelled like a lot like Jackie's perfume. Eric stumbled back and blinked – Mel had the perfect face. Long dark eyelashes, ruby red lips, thicker than average eyebrows but that didn't destroy the overall attractiveness. Wait...what that an adam's apple?
"Oh you are a darling." Mel purred. Looking over Eric's head, Mel added, "You're right…he is a hottie."
Jackie gasped, "Mel!"
Eric grinned. He was a hottie? When was the last time he got a compliment like that?
A little finger wave and Mel turned, "I have to get ready for the premier tonight. You two make nice and don't forget the limo picks us up at seven. Jackie don't make us late….again."
Jackie giggled and looped her arm through Eric's, leading him back to the kitchen. "I didn't tell you the plan did I?"
Eric shook his head no. "You basically said to wear this horrid shirt and be here."
She laughed, "It looks good on you! I had trouble with the buttons but see? I'm improving." Secretly, Eric wondered what the shirts predecessors looked like. He loved Jackie's kitchen. The big tiled island in the center held newspapers and magazines and a basket of assorted tea bags. Fresh flowers overflowed their vases and it was sunny and bright.
"And you miss Point Place….why?"
She grinned, "I know, it's gorgeous out here but….Wisconsin is my home. I'm just renting. Anyways….how was your flight?"
The friendly pair chatted and reminisced until the grandfather clock in the living room struck 5:00 p.m. Jackie gasped, "Oh no! Only have two hours to get ready!"
Eric was confused. How long did it take to put on a tuxedo? Jackie glared, "Not you! Me! I have to dress and do my hair and makeup and shower and….and…your tux is in my sewing room!" With that said Jackie got up and ran to the other bedroom. Eric heard the shower go on and he was left on his own.
He wandered through the living room and found framed pictures of Jackie and her parents, some of the gang in the basement laughing over something stupid and even a picture of his parents. Of course, there were plenty of Jackie-the-actress shots with famous celebrities: Warren Beatty, John Cusack, Molly Ringwold, Harrison Ford (why didn't she tell him she met Han Solo?) Marisa Tomei and Jamie Farr.
Eventually Eric moved on to the sewing room aka second bedroom and it looked like a whirlwind of color had blown through the room. There were bolts of cloth, a rack of ribbons and the infamous sewing machine (she really did sew!). A day bed was pushed against the wall and held boxes labelled JBB Enterprises just like the ones in his garage. This was one busy bedroom!
Eric laughed and turned towards the closet to find a very expensive and tasteful tuxedo hanging on the frame of the mirrored door. On the floor were some shiny leather shoes which he had a pretty good feeling they would fit just fine. Smiling, Eric sat down and closed his eyes waiting for the sound of the shower to end.
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The limo door opened and Eric stepped out first, dressed smartly in his tuxedo with the shiny leather Capezio Oxford shoes. Amid all the gleeful shouting and flashbulbs going off, he held out his hand for the most beautiful brunette who would rock the red carpet of this premiere. Jackie beamed for the cameras as she eased out of the limo door squeezing Eric's fingers so she wouldn't trip in her gold sequined heels. Fans were calling her name and holding out pens and pictures hoping for an autograph.
Eric blinked, those lights were so bright – how did Jackie see where she was going? He leaned close and tried not to shout, "Where's Mel?"
Jackie waved at one of her old costars and replied, "Second limo….just wave Eric, tonight you are a celebrity." Eric looked at all the people waving at him as they walked towards the entrance of the theater and he waved back.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Eric saw a large fellow climb over the rope barricade and start running towards them. Eric took a step to put himself between Jackie and the assailant when out of nowhere, a man dove out of the shadows, fists flying furiously, strong legs flipping the would-be attacker onto his back and stopped him cold with a karate chop to the neck. Jackie tugged Eric's hand and they kept walking. "Thanks Mel." She smiled and he waved his hand while pulling the uninvited fan towards the policemen that were running up the carpet.
Eric looked back at the tall handsome rescuer as he adjusted his suit. That was Mel? Jackie tugged Eric's hand again as they crossed the threshold into the theater.
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The high backed seats were comfortable and roomy and they would be able to see the screen without any interference. Eric tapped his shoe and opened his mouth to speak but Jackie only looked at him and smiled.
Damn, she was giving him those butterflies again. He silently fumed but this time was determined to get to the bottom of this Mel thing! "Jackie….we have to talk about Mel."
"What about Mel?" Jackie replied.
A figure scooted passed them and sat down on the other side of Jackie. "Yeah, what about me…Eric?"
Eric blinked. Clean shaven, handsome and some kind of jujitsu expert – that was Mel? "I…I uh…I mean I thought…"
Mel whispered, "You thought correctly. Don't beat yourself up over it."
Still confused, Eric whispered back, "But…I thought you were a Mel-anie."
The man laughed, "Well, when I wear women's clothing I am. But when I have a beautiful starlet under my naked body I am all Mel Du-pree. I can show you ….if you need proof."
Eric's eyes nearly bugged out. "No! I mean that's not necessary…" Everything about Mel shouted that he was a self-assured and confident man. Okay, a man that liked to wear women's clothing and could take down a crazed fan with a jujitsu chop to the neck. Oh my god, this was too much for his head!
Jackie shushed both men and whispered, "The movie's about to start."
The opening theme song to Richard Gere's movie Internal Affairs began and Jackie kicked off her shoes. She tilted her head towards Eric's shoulder and whispered, "Can you get me a Diet Coke and some popcorn?"
Jackie acted like she was back home in Point Place and this was just an ordinary night at the movies minus the gang: Kelso, Hyde, Fez and Donna. Well, if he could count Mel as Fez/Donna, then they were only minus two people. Eric stood up, "Are you sure that's all you want?"
She nodded, "Ooh! Extra butter!"
Eric exhaled and shuffled to the middle aisle and noticed that of all the movie stars in the theater, they were all acting as if this was something normal. Like there wasn't a crowd of excited fans screaming outside for a kiss or an autograph. So this was….Hollywood normal. He missed Point Place already!
The movie was more interesting than Eric thought it could be, once he let his guard down, he could enjoy being in the company of someone that liked him. Eric could feel Jackie's fingers intertwined with him and it's like they belonged together. Her head was resting on his shoulder and she murmured, "Quit hogging all the popcorn."
Eric laughed and put the tub of buttered popcorn in the lap of her expensive dress. He thought for a second that maybe…perhaps possibly…this friendship could be something more. Then the light from the move screen caught the glint of his wedding ring. Just a reminder of his failed marriage. Trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, Eric used his thumb to push the band up his finger far enough that he could drop it into the palm of his hand and then slid it into his pocket.
Jackie did see the magic ring finger exchange and smiled. She determined that inviting Eric to Hollywood was a good thing. He needed to get out and explore his options and if removing his tie to Donna was something he did on his own….then she didn't really need to tell Eric that his wife had a lover on the side!
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