Author Note: Thanks for all the great reviews – just a fun little chapter pivotal to the story line
Chapter 06 – The Chicken Dance
With the warm days of April and Spring Break beginning, Eric was busier at work than he had ever been. He promoted Vickie, the counter girl to a night auditor position because she proved to be a valuable employee during the Bram Carver death incident. He interviewed and hired three new temporary employees to help with the addition of seasonal guests.
With the passing of Bram, the hotel owner officially promoted Eric and gave him a much deserved raise. Eric was proud of this accomplishment and desperately wished he could show Donna that he did amount to something. The divorce devastated his self confidence – he and Donna said words in anger that although they later apologized for, still had a lasting effect.
Eric was looking at the Housekeeping Inventory log and ordering supplies when someone knocked on his door. "Come in." The door opened up and a pretty face peered around the corner. "Hey, you got a minute?"
Jackie. His face broke into a big smile. "For you? Anytime. Come in."
She opened the door and Eric appreciated the feminine business suit that accentuated her curvy little figure. She was wearing high heels and black stockings – he sighed happily. "What can I do for you pretty lady?"
She put her schedule book on the edge of his desk. "First, since I'm here on business, I'll call you Mr. Forman. So, Mr. Forman, I'd like to book your Sapphire Room for Friday night. I have a 50th Anniversary party with about 150 guests. I'll also need one of your sub-zero freezes and it looks like we need to book an entire floor for sleepovers."
Eric grinned – this was big business but he liked doing business with Jackie. "On Friday, I can have the 10th floor clear. Do you need extra security for the floor?"
She shook her head. "No. But did you ever find out if the rooms get porn? I was asked this question."
Eric laughed. "Not directly, but we have VCR's and there is a library available at the front desk or they can bring their own."
Jackie scribbled some notes in her book. "I'll need a small stage and podium. Do you have one or do I need to bring my own?"
"Have it."
"Are the bathrooms wheelchair accessible?"
"How many do you need?"
Jackie looked at her book. "At least three. I have a live band coming, is that a problem?"
Eric loved this back and forth banter with Jackie. "What kind of band?"
She smiled cheekily. "They're a German family so it'll be lots of polka music and an Oom-Pa-Pa band. Trust me on this, your banquet hall will smell like sausage when this party's over."
Eric smirked, "Well then I'll just have to add 10% to your deposit." Jackie grinned, "Then I'll just have to add 15% to the customer."
Eric laughed. "Have you had lunch yet?"
Jackie closed her book. "No, are you inviting me?"
He leaned forward, "I know the cook here, and I think I can get us a nice table and a good meal." Jackie smiled at the mock clandestine lunch planning. "Well then Eric, let's have some lunch."
*
As they passed the front desk, Eric got the attention of the clerk. "Dave, I'm taking Miss Burkhart to lunch, if anything comes up just page me." Eric put his hand on the small of Jackie's back and steered her towards the hotel restaurant.
Thick wood doors swung open to a cozy den-like tavern. Thick padded booths curled around heavy wooden tables; it was very intimate and trendy at the same time. The sports bar was playing the current game of the day.
Eric led his friend to a booth in the back of the room where he could still see the doors. Jackie slid in and noticed that the seats were either leather or a very good imitation. A couple or small party could have a private conversation here and not worry about other patrons listening. She added this note to her book.
Eric grinned, "Are you always making notes?"
She looked up, "How else am I supposed to remember? I learned that lesson the hard way. Some idiot at a different hotel quoted me a price and I didn't write it down and then when it came time to pay up he shorted me $2,000 – now I always write shit down!"
A cute waitress came over and when she saw it was the manager, her smile got brighter. "Mr. Forman, what can I do for you and your guest?"
Jackie glanced at her uniform. Nice little touches for the gentlemen patrons. "I'd like a glass of tea please."
Eric ordered a coffee and the waitress left two menus. He watched as Jackie examined the size, the color and all the features. "Are you done inspecting the quality of the plastic?" He teased. She smirked, "Now if this menu was sticky or has disgusting faded pictures of food, I would be out of here so fast….."
Eric grinned. "So the menu passes. What would you like to order?" Jackie browsed the lunch selection. "A Cobb salad with dressing on the side - please."
"So, this party on Friday, how long do you have to work?"
She smiled, "Till it's over or midnight, whichever comes first. I have to get the chicken dance started."
Eric blinked. "What?" Jackie looked at his confused face and laughed, "The chicken dance. You've seen it, people flapping elbows and knees to the Oom-pa-pa band."
"Maybe in Africa when they were roasting boar in celebration but never willingly on American soil."
Jackie started laughing, "Eric, you need to get out more. Have you started dating yet?"
He frowned. "I told you I'm not ready yet. And don't go trying to set me up again."
"Pfft, how are you going to take care of, how does Fez say it, your needs?" Jackie smirked and Eric glared at her. "I'll take care of my needs just fine thank you very much. Jackie just roared with laughter. "Eric, I'm messing with you. Chill out. I just think you spend too much time at home."
"Yeah, you and my dad must have been talking." He groaned.
Jackie put her hand on his. "No, I don't talk about you to your parents, I just happen to live in the same apartment building. Now if you don't watch out, Fez is going to start bringing women over and trust me, it ain't pretty!"
It was Eric's turn to laugh. "I forgot you lived with him for a while."
The waitress came back and Eric gave her the order and turned his attention back to Jackie. "So let me ask you a question. Why aren't you dating?"
She hadn't expected that question! "Well, I haven't met the right guy yet. I've been out here and there but most guys think that if they buy me dinner it's a free pass into my bedroom. I don't play that game. I'd rather be single than wake up next to a stranger wondering how drunk I was to end up next to a stranger!"
Eric nodded – dating was difficult. Jackie continued, "I know you were in Africa for a while and married, but it's also dangerous out there. It's a wonder that Fez hasn't contracted every STD available!"
Eric didn't know what the acronym stood for but had a general idea. "So it's a bit dangerous." Jackie nodded her head in agreement. "You're mom's a nurse – ask her and then be prepared to be afraid. Very afraid!"
Eric's sandwich and Jackie's salad arrived fairly quickly. He was heartened to see that she enjoyed it. If she didn't she would probably storm the kitchen and insult the chef. "Why are you smiling at me?"
He blinked, "I'm sorry. I was just watching you eat. The salad, is it good?" Caught like a rat in a trap!
"It's very good. Thank you. Now, if you aren't busy Friday….maybe you can stop by the party and check it out? I promise not to set you up with any girls."
He wasn't going to be able to easily get out of this one. "Okay, I'll stop by, but I don't promise to stay. I have to at least see you do the Chicken Dance!"
Jackie grinned, "And you have to try German cuisine!"
"And I'll bring some antacid." He promised.
Jackie sat back against the booth. "Good. I'm looking forward to Friday night."
Eric was thinking, was this a date? "Friday it is!"
*
Friday came around quickly. Eric was helping at the check in desk when the majority of the party goers arrived. The tenth floor was quickly booked up with extra rooms added on separate floors. Jackie wasn't kidding when she said she could fill the hotel.
Eric was at the back door watching the wooden barrels of beer get rolled into the Sapphire Room. Large drums and horns and some short stocky men in lederhosen and shorts were carrying musical equipment while following the beer.
A giant six tiered cake was rolled into the kitchen and Jackie's caterers started setting up tables in the hall. Eric was fascinated with the organization of the party and the coordinator hadn't even got there yet. Large trays filled with sizzling meats and cheeses were loaded onto pushcarts, decadent desserts were pushed into the freezer.
Large glass mugs were sprayed and pushed into the freezer for the beer and Eric was unceremoniously pushed out of the kitchen. He wandered into the hall and watched as some of Jackie's crew was hanging banners and creating balloon displays for Mr. and Mrs. Karl Guttenberg.
Towards the end of Eric's shift, many of the party guests were wandering down in the lobby looking for the party. Someone had put up nicely prepared signs pointing to the party room. Maybe he would hang around and see how Jackie pulled this one off.
*
Jackie was in the ladies room trying to fit the blonde braided wig over her dark hair. She looked like a fake Barbie doll! The Dirndl dress reminded her of when she sold cheese. She wore clunky black heels with tall white stockings and the blouse was formfitting and exposed more of her chest than she liked but the skirt was cute with little ruffles peeking out of the bottom. Still, she looked like Gretel looking for Hansel. She applied an extra layer of mascara and smiled at her reflection. If she didn't look German now, then they better tip her very well!
Eric was sitting at a table near the exit when the last of the guests came in and he was still looking for Jackie. If she missed this party, his hotel was in for big trouble. A beautiful blond in a cute little milkmaid dress picked up a microphone and stepped up to the stage. The chatter in the room quieted down as she spoke in German.
"Herzlich willkommen in die 50. anniversary Partei für Karl und Lil Guttenberg." She pointed to the guests of honor at the front of the table. "Das glückliche Paar will, dass ganzer ihr Gast ihre Liebe feiert und das ganze Bier und Würste hat, die Sie wollen! "Then she pointed to a table stacked with presents. "Der Geschenktisch ist da drüben. Genießen Sie! danken Sie Ihnen!"
She waited for the applause to settle down and then in English said the same thing, "Welcome to the 50th anniversary party for Karl and Lil Guttenberg. The happy couple wants all of their guests to celebrate their love and have all the beer and sausages you want! The gift table is over there. Enjoy!"
The audience applauded again and she said, '"Thank you and Danke!" That was when Eric realized the blonde was really Jackie. He was totally blown away.
She set the microphone down on the stage and walked over to the caterers and gave some instructions. Eric's feet moved towards her of there own accord. The Oom-pa-pa band started playing some beer drinking polka music and Jackie grabbed her day planner and moved towards the edge of the room.
She was making notes when she saw a pair of shoes standing just outside of her peripheral vision. Making sure she had a smile on her face she looked up – it was Eric. She groaned. "Oh please don't make fun of me. I had planned to change but Mrs. Guttenberg begged me to wear this outfit."
Eric thought she was charming and cute and sexy to boot. He loved the tall stockings and the little ruffle at the bottom of her skirt – not to mention all the soft cleavage he could see. His mouth was dry. "Jackie, you look – you look beautiful."
She rolled her eyes. "I feel like I'm in a Hansel and Gretel story! Look at this!" She tugged on the wig braids. "I'm not a blonde! I hate blondes!"
Eric took her hand and twirled her around. Right now, she was every man's fantasy. And right now, Eric was her official body guard! "Hey, I know you're not blond and you don't act blond so it'll be our secret okay?"
She sighed loudly, "Danke. I mean thank you." Eric took her hand and led her over to an empty table. "I didn't know you spoke German."
She blushed. "I did in high school but I only got a B." Eric smiled. "Little Jackie Burkhart was a serious student. Who knew?"
"Eric, don't start making fun of me. I couldn't have Michael thinking I was smarter than him could I? Anyways, the alternative was Spanish and I didn't want to know anything my mom's boyfriends were saying."
Eric's eyes were glowing. "I knew that you had a secret. You're like Commissioner Gordon's daughter who was really Batgirl!"
Jackie gasped. "I loved that show! Yes! Sometimes I felt like I was Mary Jane and I was just waiting for Peter Parker to show me that he was Spiderman because I knew!"
Eric's heart started thumping again. Did she know he grew up with Spiderman sheets? "So… you are secretly a comic book fan?" She blushed. "Yes, but you would only see me buying Archie, I subscribed to Marvel comics by mail." She admitted.
They spent the next hour just chatting and enjoying themselves when Jackie's radio crackled to life. "Burkhart."
"The cake is ready."
"Give me 20 minutes. I have to start the Chicken Dance." She saw Eric smirk and impulsively grabbed his hand and despite his protests pulled him with her towards the stage. "Jackie, what the hell are you doing?"
She smiled and picked up the mike. Pointing to Eric she said, "Ich liebe meinen freund." There were cheers and hoots and whistles from the single ladies. He whispered, "What did you say?" Jackie pointed to the band to start the music.
"I told them you were my boyfriend. Now be quiet and do what I do."
"Bossy little bitch aren't you?"
She leaned forward and gave him a glimpse of cleavage. "Yes I am so quit complaining!" A young girl, Greta, came forward to translate.
"Everyone please make a beak with your hands like this." She held up her hands while Greta translated. "Open and close it four times!"
She looked at Eric who was actually paying attention. "Now make chicken wings with your arms and flap four times." Greta translated. "Make a chicken tail with your arms and hands and wiggle!" Eric was starting to laugh – if he looked half as funny as the 150 people did….
Jackie stood up and clapped four more times. "Let's all do it together with the music!" The music tempo picked up a beat as the chicken hands turned into wings and everyone started wiggling their butts.
"Okay! Arms out like an airplane and everybody spin! Link arms and turn right! Step step – switch arms and link….step step…chicken beaks!"
The group easily picked up the steps and the music got faster. Eric was lost some where in the eight steps when Jackie plucked him out and they dashed between dancers until they reached the side lines.
"God, kill me now!" She wiped her brow with her forearm. "Forman, if you EVER tell anyone I taught the Chicken Dance you will be singing soprano for the rest of your life."
Eric was laughing, "But Jackie you looked so cute! Do the wiggle for me!" She glared at him. "I have to go see to the cake and quit looking at my butt!"
Eric watched her flounce off towards the kitchen. He was an idiot for thinking about skipping this party. He was having too much fun watching the old people dancing like maniacs and the food did smell wonderful. Jackie created a great party. He noticed she forgot her day planner and picked up to take it to the kitchen.
"Yes, I know your dad is paying for the party, but I am not included in the price!" Jackie said angrily. Eric stepped out of the door just in time to hear her remark and see a tall German man get kneed in the groin. She looked down at him with steely eyes. "That's going to cost extra!" She waved at her security guard who quickly ran down to drag the unwanted guest from the floor.
Eric touched her shoulder and she whipped around ready to take him out but stopped when he flinched and shielded his manhood with her day planner. "Eric," she said much relieved. "God, men are so….frustrating!"
"Jackie, what happened?"
She looked at the guy being dragged down the long hallway. 'Oh, every now and then some guy tries to hit on me. This little party dress seems to turn on the guys. Ugh!" Eric didn't want to tell her that she looked freaking wonderful in that little party dress! "I brought your book."
"Oh, thank you, if I lost that…." She smiled, "Thank you for coming Eric, I really appreciate your being here. Let's go check out the cake so I can go home!"
*