Chapter 20 – Mel and Red

After collecting his days' pay for being a background actor, Eric hurried to a payphone and called his mother. He needed to warn her that company was coming for dinner.

"Oh honey, I'm so excited! I haven't seen Michael or Fez in weeks!" Kitty exclaimed.

Eric replied, "Add Jackie and her manager Mel to the menu….if you need, I can pick up something extra from the market."

Kitty answered, "Oh dear….don't worry about that. I made a chicken casserole that could feed the whole neighborhood. Just bring your friends and we'll have a wonderful dinner."

Eric smiled. He knew his mom would always welcome his friends and he just hoped that Mel wouldn't say or do anything that would warrant a kick in the ass from Red Forman. This would be interesting at the very least!

•*¨*• •*¨*

Jackie was filing her nails in the back of the limo and half-reading a new script. Mel poured a small measure of whiskey from the crystal decanter into his glass. "You did tell them I was coming correct dear?"

Jackie looked up and brushed her hair from her cheek. "Yes, I did….why, are you nervous?"

Mel scoffed, "Me? Have you ever seen me nervous?"

Jackie's forehead wrinkled just a little, "In fact no….I never have. You are always calm, cool and collected."

Mel leaned back against the leather seat. He brushed his knuckles against his lapel. "That's me….Mr. Cool. We have to swing by the hotel…I need to change clothes and pick up some gifts."

A delicate arch lifted as Jackie bit back a smile, "You ARE nervous! Getting gifts and dressing up are your signature move for a date, but this is a family dinner…Mel…you surprise me."

He shrugged a shoulder, "Hey, even Mr. Cool wants to make a good impression sometimes. Besides, I'm rather fond of your Eric."

…rather fond of your Eric….Jackie smiled, as she thought back to that New Year's Eve where he kissed her with reckless abandon. All those movie star kisses she received from actors were no match for a heated kiss from the basement boy. She felt a little shiver at the memory.

"…and from what I've heard Eric talk about his father, I need to be on my best behavior." Mel realized Jackie wasn't listening, but rather looking off into the distance with an adorable smile on her beautiful face. That was when Mel understood his little actress was falling in love.

(✿◠‿◠) *

Eric was pacing the kitchen floor. Jackie and Mel would be arriving at any moment and he was praying it would be Mel Dupree and not Melanie. If Mel showed up in a dress, Red Forman would probably choke on a green bean or some insignificant vegetable. Kitty gave her nervous son the salad bowl. "Honey, put this on the dining room table and tell your friends in the basement to wash their hands."

She looked at her husband, "I swear he's going to pace a rut in my good floor. Why is he so anxious about Jackie's visit this time?"

Red shrugged and tipped the can of beer to his lips before replying. "Maybe he's just being twitchy again."

Kitty frowned, "Red, our son outgrew twitchy ten years ago. Something is bothering him."

Red fingered the pull tab on his beer, "Maybe it's because Kettlehead and Tonto downstairs are going to eat all the food…. I told you that you should have fed us first."

Kitty pushed at her husband's shoulder, "It wouldn't hurt you to be nice once in a while."

Red grinned and covered his heart with his right palm, "I did it one time and it landed me in the hospital."

She smiled at his gentle teasing and then looked up to see Eric sprinting towards the glass sliders. "I guess they're here."

•*¨*• •*¨*

Jackie emerged from the limo first wearing casual denim and a soft cashmere sweater. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail that bounced as she walked. Eric met her halfway down the driveway and they collided into a mutual hug. "I'm glad you came." He confessed.

Jackie let her hand rest on his chest as she replied, "Me too." His heart was thumping under her palm but she didn't say anything – she just smiled.

The car door opened a second time and Eric held his breath. Mel stepped out clad in a sport jacket and designer pants. Eric breathed a mental sigh of relief. The California manager looked completely normal. Eric saw Jackie smiling at him and he grinned.

Mel straightened his jacket and brushed at the imaginary lint on his pants. He stood up to see Eric studying him. "What?!"

Eric replied, "Uh…nothing…everything's fine. I was just curious about ….how you were going to….what you were going to….uh….wear."

With a pseudo snap of his fingers, Mel pouted overdramatically, "Eric….you disappoint me. I'm going to meet the famous Forman's and you are sad that I didn't dress in my best Versace gown?"

Eric's eyes flew open, "No! That wasn't it! I mean…you look great."

Jackie's fingers pulled on his collar until Eric was leaning over, "Relax, he's kidding with you." She said low into his ear until he shivered.

"Oh….oh! Ha ha. Yeah, that was funny. Not." Eric answered irritably, "You don't know my dad."

Jackie smiled back at her manager and replied, "That's true. You don't know Red Forman."

Mel flashed a set of pearly whites and answered, "I may not know this Red Forman, but I know what parents like and they will love me."

•*¨*• •*¨*

Eric opened the slider doors and waited until Jackie and Mel walked into the kitchen. Kitty was wiping her hands on a towel and exclaimed, "Who is this?"

Mel strode over and grasped Kitty's hand, bringing her knuckles to his lips for a kiss. His kind eyes twinkled as he said, "Eric, you didn't tell me you had an older sister."

Kitty Forman tittered, "Ahahahaha…..I'm his mother." Mel's fingers twirled Kitty into a circle and he began in impromptu waltz in the middle of the kitchen, ending the dance with a dip. Kitty squealed with excitement and almost swooned as Mel brought her back to her feet. "It is such a delight to dance with a beautiful woman."

Kitty looked over at her husband who only rolled his eyes at the theatrics. Ignoring Red's disregard, she sighed, "You must be Jackie's manager."

Mel leaned forward to whisper against her ear, "Mel Dupree….lover of women and threat to mankind. What is that wonderful smell?"

Kitty was caught up in the flirtatious enchantment of a handsome man lavishing her with attention. She was a little star struck herself. "It's…..chicken casserole…in the dining room." Upon realizing that Red was still watching the little show, Kitty Forman shook off the goose pimples and smoothed her apron. "I – I still need to finish setting the table." With that said, she hurried towards the dining room.

Mel turned his attention to Red. "Your wife is such a charmer."

Red raised a brow, "You always flirt with another man's wife in his own home?"

Mel walked over to the door and picked up paper bag he had set on the floor and returned it to the table where he placed it right in front of the elder Forman. "I only flirt with the wife, when I give the husband something of significance." Mel reached in the paper sack and pulled out a six pack of beer in bottles – the kind of beer Red would consider an extravagance.

Eric could see the arched eyebrow was the only inclination that his father was interested and then Mel handed him an envelope. Red's brow furrowed, "What's this? A bill for the brew?"

Mel laughed and waited until Red Forman opened the envelope. "I bought you a subscription to Beer of the Month club. Every month you'll get a sample of old and new ales and such."

Red was impressed. "Okay, you can eat at my table. Eric, get the man a chair and the bottle opener." Red said with a smile. "I think we deserve a beer before dinner."

Jackie breathed a sigh of relief. Mel, at his most charming, won over both of the Forman's. Mission accomplished. Mel looked over at his protégé and winked.

Kitty, still a little flustered hurried back into the kitchen for the condiments. Mel beckoned her with his crocked finger. "I haven't forgotten about Eric's sister….I mean mother."

From another sack, Jackie's manager produced a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers. The scent of roses, honeysuckle, jasmine and expensive flowers filled the room. "Oh….ahahaha….this is too much. Red? Honey, tell him this is too much."

Red uncapped his beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "Kitty…if the man wants to give you flowers….don't deprive him of his joy."

Seeing his parents faces lit with happiness, Eric knew Mel and Jackie had won the evening. Now, if only Kelso and Fez don't screw things up.

(✿◠‿◠) *

Kelso actually made Eric proud. His plate was full of small portions and he was drinking a tall glass of ice water. Jackie had kissed his chubby cheek while commenting that he was looking "wonderful these days", never eluding to the weight gain at all. Kelso smiled and whipped out a picture of 10 year old Betsy Kelso.

"She is going to be gorgeous Michael. You must be very proud." Jackie smiled.

He nodded and replied, "I'm saving for her college fund. She wants to be a people doctor…but last week she wanted to be a cat doctor so I don't know."

Fez was amazed that Mel was a man. All the years they had spoken over the phone, Fez could have sworn he was speaking to a woman. Mel was courteous and conversed politely all the while watching Eric staring at Jackie.

The meal was delicious. As always, Jackie missed Kitty's home cooked meals. She might have to work out a bit more at the gym, but the calories were worth the effort. Sitting back in his chair, Red looked at Mel and asked the question, "So….what war did you fight in?"

Not missing a beat, Mel wiped his mouth with the colorful linen napkin and replied, "Well, I was born a little late and missed Vietnam by a couple of months…."

Red was about to launch into a tirade about sissy boys going to college to avoid service when Mel continued, "…since I hadn't decided on a career, I signed onto the army and worked as a recruiter for a couple years. The cold war was on but since I have flat feet and a heart murmur, the powers that be decided that I could just serve my term. I went to college after that and mastered in business." He pointed towards Jackie, "You can see that I have had a lucrative career."

Red seemed satisfied with that answer and Jackie was a successful actress and if Mel Dupree was her agent, he must have been doing something right. "Well, I respect that you served our country even if there was no activity on the front lines….sometimes that happens."

Eric could feel the conversation winding down and smiled at Jackie. "Hey, you want to go outside for a minute? I want to talk to you about….." he realized everyone was looking at them. Eric gulped and continued, "…the garage….the fan club stuff."

She smiled, "Sure. Mrs. Forman…would you excuse us?"

Kitty beamed, "You two go ahead. I'll have the boys clean up and Michael, that does not mean having seconds on the leftovers."

Kelso had the decency to look chagrined. "Like I was going to lick the plates or something." He scoffed.

Mel stood up, "Red, I have a couple of Cuban cigars if you partake of that kind of thing."

Red had never really been a cigar smoker but he liked this Mel fellow and could at least accompany him to the front porch to smoke his vice.

(✿◠‿◠) *

Eric took Jackie's hand and pulled her to the side yard and uncovered a couple of patio chairs. "Here. Do you need a jacket or something?" She shook her head no.

It was still chilly, but Jackie was fine. "No, sit. What did you want to talk about?" Eric looked at the lights of the house and walked around the chair feeling a bit nervous. Jackie grabbed his arm and pointed to the other seat. "You're making me dizzy with all this walking around. Sit. What's on your mind?"

Eric sat down, feeling emboldened. "I talked to a realtor. I'm going to buy a townhouse."

Jackie reached over and hugged her friend. "Good for you!"

He smiled, "I mean the house belonged to me and Donna and now that it's just me….well, I don't want to live there anymore….memories and all that. I want to start something new."

She grinned, "Of course that means my fan club will have a new address….right?"

"Of course." Eric said reassuringly. "The house I'm thinking of has a two car garage….one side for you and one for me."

Half-smiling, Jackie prodded, "One side for….your car?"

He looked proud as he answered, "My new business. Mel inspired me." Eric remembered his excitement at opening the dusty box Donna had stashed in an unused corner of the garage. All of his "action figures" were in pristine condition, his comic books almost mint-like and a couple reminders of his teenage years brought back a smile.

"Well, I think having your own business is a good thing. Being your own boss is emancipating. Well, of course I have Mel to guide me through the jungle of Hollywood but I'm making my own way. I won't be acting forever."

Eric suddenly felt hopeful. He felt around in his back pocket to make sure card was still there. Whew! It was still there. He wondered what Jackie would think about it when she read the note inside. "Hey, did I tell you that me and the guys had fun working on the set?"

"You do know that we aren't in the same movie….right? Yours in set in the future and mine is more dramatic. At least you got a little taste of Hollywood."

Eric wanted to hug her or kiss her or both and that was his intention until the slider opened he could hear Mel's voice. "Thanks for the dinner Mrs. Gorgeous." Mel was shaking Red's hand. "It was really nice meeting you Red. Jackie only had good things to say about you and one of them was that I needed to be on my best behavior."

Her manager was looking out into the darkness. "Oh cupcake….time to leave. We have an early flight."

Jackie sighed. She wanted to talk to Eric and tell him about her new plans and stay longer but Mel politely forced her hand. She stood up and gave Eric a hug. "I'll call you in a couple of days."

He mumbled with a frown, "It's not fair. You just got here." Jackie smiled sadly, "I know! I feel like Cinderella and my stepmother just told me it's midnight." Eric liked how the stars in the sky reflected in her big eyes. He reached behind his back and pulled the card from his pocket. "I got you something…but don't open it until the 14th okay?"

Jackie took the card and her heart beat a little faster. A Valentine's card? This was unexpected! She put her hand over her heart and crossed her fingers behind her back as she nodded her head, "I won't open it."

"Promise?" She nodded her head, "I promise." And then Mel caught her arm and turned her towards the waiting limo. "Sorry Eric but we really have to go and Jackie has six suitcases to pack. Why a little pipsqueak of a woman needs that many clothes….."

Kitty stepped forward and gave Jackie a hug and giggled when Mel winked at her. "Don't forget about me." Kitty waved with a blush, "I won't."

Red shook Mel's hand once again and replied, "Yeah….uh….thanks for the beer club. I'll be looking forward to it."

Eric could only watch as Jackie tucked the envelope into her pocket and climbed into the back of the limo taking a piece of his heart with her. Mel slid in the door and the car eased back out onto the street. Red smiled thinking about the free beer he would be getting in the next 12 months and Kitty sighed thinking how she could get some of that romance back into her husband.

Red turned on his heel. "Eric, get your friends out of my dining room and go home." He took Kitty by the hand. "I need to dance with my wife." Kitty almost swooned a second time that evening. "Oh Red! You are romantic!" She pulled her husband's arm down so she could kiss him on the cheek. She looked at Eric, "You heard your father….go home!"

•*¨*• •*¨*

Jackie's fingers tapped the edges of the envelope and it felt fat or did she imagine it? Her name was written on the front with Eric's neat scrawl and she wanted to open it. She knew Mel was watching her with eyes half closed.

He smiled softly, "Love…I can see that curiosity is eating you alive. Just open the damn thing."

She grinned at his remark and carefully slid her index finger under the flap until she could pull out a tri-folded piece of paper. It was a Valentine's card with little cherubs shooting arrows at heart shaped balloons. The card was cute but it was the letter she was more interested in. She held her breath and began reading:

Dear Jackie

I suppose I should start by wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day but instead, I want to thank you for being a friend. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world around me and thank you for listening to my relationship woes. I could not have gone through it without your support and your insistent barging into my life.

Since your first visit to Wisconsin last December, you made me question myself and what I thought about relationships. Not every person is meant to be married. Maybe some people are just meant to be really really good friends. I think now, that's what I had with Donna.

However, I can't get through the day without thinking: What would Jackie do? Would Jackie like this? In my room, I can still smell your perfume. My clothes you slept in, they are still hanging in my closet….they make me think of you.

How am I supposed to move on when all I can think of is you and how my life is better because of you? I want to say it's unfair that you inserted yourself into my house and exposed me to forces beyond comprehension, but I won't because it's made my life different. Better.

My heart is still fragile but I have a little happiness inside because you shook me, turned me upside down and made me a better person. In my mind, I see your face. On the television, I see your commercials – it makes me miss you. I miss your voice and your wisdom.

Come home soon again….won't you?

Love Eric.

A fat tear fell on the letter and Jackie hastily brushed it away. A linen handkerchief appeared under her nose as Mel asked, "Was it sweet?"

She blew her nose and sniffed, "It was wonderful." She looked at her manager with watery eyes. "I want to start building the mall when we get home."

Mel nodded. "I could see this train wreck coming miles ago. Of course love, we'll take care of things when you get home."

Eric's letter touched her heart more than any script she had read. He was vulnerable yes, but he trusted her and he more than liked her and Jackie got those pitter patts Mel kept joking about. Jackie took a deep breath and folded the letter. This was so much better than a box of candy or bouquet of flowers – this was from his heart to hers.

But was this love?

Jackie really needed to know.

•*¨*• •*¨*