Author Note: A lot of dialog to move the story along

Chapter 08 – You Were the Glue

Eric heard someone knocking on his door a short while later. He looked out the window to find it was Jackie. He unlocked the door and she was standing there tapping her foot. 'I'd like to go pick up my car if you're not too busy."

"Are you pissed or something?" he dared to ask. Jackie tilted her head. "Maybe. Is he still in pain?"

Eric shrugged, "I think he's recovering." She smirked, "Well, he deserved it. Do you know how many times I've told him to stop ogling women? Then he goes and ogles ME? Ugh. Please get your keys."

Eric grinned and grabbed his keys from the little tray by the door. "Jackie are you always this bossy?"

She looked back over her shoulder. "Most of the time, yes." She skipped down the last three steps and her sundress floated around her tan legs. "So the moral of the story is… don't make Jackie mad!"

He grinned and unlocked the passenger door.

*

Her little red Mustang was parked right where she left it. Eric didn't want to go into the hotel on his day off for fear he might get sucked into a work related issue. Before Jackie had a chance to get out of the Vista Cruiser, Eric touched her hand - "Hey, would you be interested in just going somewhere to talk? I sort of need a friend right now."

Jackie looked at him like he was dim. "You want to talk with me - without anyone else around to protect you?"

"I've been around you without my friends – protecting me."

Jackie laughed, "Yeah sure, but I was working and I was being nice."

"Well, you made dinner and talked to me over coffee." He argued. She lifted a brow, "Sure, for five minutes after Fez left."

Eric frowned. 'We sang at the club." Jackie quipped back, "We were with a group – you were still protected."

"Damn. You're right. Okay, well, right now, we're in my car and I have no one to protect me!" There - that argument was won!

Jackie opened the car door and stepped out shutting the door. She leaned in the passenger window. "Eric, I don't think you've ever really considered me your friend. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing. We are just polar opposites. I was friends with Michael and Donna and ugh, Hyde while you were friends with everyone but me. I was that tag-a-long pain in the ass you couldn't get rid of and finally just tolerated."

Eric shifted in his seat. "But at the club we kissed and you called me your friend…"

Jackie smiled. 'I never said you weren't my friend." She walked slowly around the front of the Vista Cruiser, watching him through the windshield, her fingers trailing around the metal hood. She stopped at the driver's window. Leaning down her sundress gaped open and Eric swallowed hard.

"I've always considered you my friend Eric. That night when you kissed me and said that if I wasn't your friend…well you were just caught up in the moment. You were drinking, hell we both were drinking and everybody was making out…People say things when they're drunk."

Eric was mesmerized by the ruffles and lace on the bodice of her frilly sundress. "So…you're saying that I am your friend?"

"Do I have to spell it out for you? I may have been a teenager then, but I called you before you went to Africa, I sent you more letters than Donna and I kept an eye on your mom and dad. Would I do any that if I didn't think you were my friend?"

She lifted his chin with her finger so he could look her in the eyes. He blushed when he realized she caught him staring. "So I'll ask you again –do you still want to talk with me - without anyone else around to protect you?"

"Are you implying that I'm afraid of you…midget?"

She winked, "Yes I am…nerd boy."

"Then the answer is yes. I would like to talk to you – and I would like to be friends."

She patted him on the cheek. "That wasn't so hard now was it? There's a quiet little park about two miles from here. Meet me there." She started to walk away and then turned and said, "I like to drink Tab!"

Eric grinned – he had to admire her boldness. She didn't mince words and was very straightforward with him. I like to drink Tab. Typical bossy Jackie Burkhart!

*

After stopping by a mom and pop store, Eric grabbed some drinks remembering to make one of them a Tab, and found Jackie sitting on a bench under a shady tree. He was sweating from the late April sunshine while she looked as cool as a cucumber.

"Tab?" he asked by way of a greeting.

She looked up, surprised that he actually stopped and got her a drink. Her lips curled into a smile and she pointed to the empty seat on the bench. "Thank you, it's a little warm out today."

Eric sat on the bench, kicking his legs out in front of him. "Look at me – alone with you and no body guards."

Jackie laughed. "Eric, how can you be afraid of me? I'm barely a hundred pounds and I'm younger than you."

Eric smirked, "You have a loud voice, you're snarky and I've seen you make guys cry. You're size has nothing to do with it."

She snickered. "Snarky…hmm… I like that. I'm a snarky business woman. So…. what made you decide to talk to me? When you said you needed a friend, I would have assumed you would talk to Fez or Michael."

Eric laughed. "I already tried Fez and it was a disaster! I told him I wanted to get back into the dating world."

Jackie started giggling. "Please tell me he didn't take you to the mall."

Eric closed his eyes. "Yes he did." He could hear her snickering and then she asked, "Did he give you the pharmacy tour?"

Eric hung his head as Jackie howled with laughter. "Oh God…Eric, did he take you to the library too?" She couldn't help the laughter in her voice.

He sighed and looked at her twinkling eyes. "So, I wasted my whole day didn't I?" Jackie was trying to hold back a smile but managed to nod her head. "You're making me laugh, what else did he do?"

Eric gave it up – he told her about Fez wearing his Speedo on the boat with the retired couples and she just fell over laughing. Jackie wiped tears from her eyes and covered her mouth. "That just kills me! I can't believe he did that again."

Eric looked confused. "What do you mean again?"

She grinned, "He had a roommate for a couple of weeks last year and tried to show Frankie his picking-up-the-ladies routine. Frankie moved out pretty fast."

"Then how did Fez get Big Rhonda?"

Jackie smiled. "Actually it was mutual. He always liked her and one day he saw her at the pool giving swim instructions to some kids, he didn't realize it was Big Rhonda but asked her to lunch and since she already knew who he was - they just hit it off."

"But he still likes to chase the ladies, why is that." Eric replied. Jackie drank some Tab and confessed, "He had this mantra – why can't a hungry man still smell the cookies? For some obscure reason, it makes sense. He's very faithful to Rhonda but likes to see if he can still attract other women. I think he has some insecurities."

Eric agreed. "Well, if anything, Fez is a good friend." Jackie smiled, "Yes he is. Just don't ask him to teach you anything. Ever!"

"Okay Miss-Knows-It-All. I'm going to take your advice and started dating. How do you recommend I go about it?"

Jackie smirked. "First, don't go out there like your trying to score. Girls pick up on that. Relax; be regular Eric Forman, you'll attract more attention that way. You have this nice unassuming personality that totally lets a girl put her guard down. Then, when the two of you feel comfortable, move a coffee date into a dinner date. If you still feel comfortable, then take a dinner date to the movies…see where I'm going?"

Eric did see and she made it sound so easy. "So, how do I find the girl?"

Jackie clicked her tongue and exhaled. "Okay, this works for me and I've seen it work for other girls. Make a reservation for two at a restaurant you really want to eat at. Make sure you reserve it at rush hour when the tables are always booked. When they call your name, ask if you can sit near the front because your date hasn't shown up yet."

"But I don't have a date." He argued.

Jackie touched a finger to his lips. "Yet is the operative word – there are going to be plenty of hungry girls tired of waiting for a table. Look through the crowd until you find someone that interests you, and have the waiter send her a drink. Soda or something cold – I guarantee you that this girl will come over to thank you. She'll ask why you're sitting alone and you give her the sob story that you think you've been stood up and would she have dinner with you?"

Eric frowned. "That seems like a lot of work."

Jackie glared at him, "Or you can go on a boat tour with Fez."

"Ouch! You are being snarky again!" Eric complained. "How do you get dates?"

Jackie smiled. "I like to go to dance clubs. Even sad people like to dance and it's easy to dance onto someone new until I find someone I like. Then I'll let it turn into coffee or dinner or….."

"…or the movies…okay, I see the natural progression here. But Jackie, women now are so different than the ones before I went to Africa."

"Eric, women are all basically the same. We're all looking for that one guy that touches our heart, and makes us feel special. You thought you found that with Donna but after you left, she found the same thing with Randy. Only, she broke it off when she learned you were coming home. You were easy."

Eric grimaced. "I was boring."

Jackie shook her head. "No, you're not boring. Eric, you had adventures – you've been places, seen stuff – you are interesting. Donna was just…she just went through the motions and because you loved her; it was easy to pick up where you guys left off."

"That was my mistake."

Jackie smiled. "It takes two to make a marriage and two to break it up. You both were equally guilty. You can kick your ass all day asking what you did wrong, but then ask yourself what she did to keep you interested and feeling special."

Jackie sat back against the bench and watched a couple walking hand in hand along the grassy path. She smiled at the innocence and was touched when they stopped to kiss under the shade of a tall tree. Eric followed her eyes to see what she was looking at. He wanted that – he never had that with Donna but he could have it with someone new…..

"Jackie – you are a great friend. You have good advice and I may try that restaurant thing."

Jackie grinned. "One last word of advice - I know you're going to ask Michael the same questions, because you're a guy, but if he suggests the Laundromat thing…don't! It's always a disaster and someone gets burnt on a dryer. Usually it's Michael because he puts the dryer on high tumble…"

Eric started laughing; he actually could imagine Kelso climbing in a dryer to prove a point. "Thanks again Jackie – I need to stop by my folks house for dinner. You want to come along?"

Jackie smirked, "Actually, I have a date tonight. But we'll catch up later okay?"

Eric was sorry to see her go. Why was it out of all the people in the world he could only have an honest discussion with Jackie Burkhart? She was brass and snarky but she was truthful and told him what he didn't want to hear but still needed to hear - and she had a great sense of humor! He was glad that they became official friends right there on that park bench on a hot April afternoon.

*

Eric had a great dinner at his folk's house when he pleaded insanity and decided to go home. He parked his car and was whistling a happy tune as he jogged up the flight of steps. He heard, "C'mon baby just let me in – I promise you won't regret it…."

Eric turned the corner and saw Jackie trapped between the long arms and paws of an amorous football player who was trying unsuccessfully to kiss her good night.

"Tom, I had a nice dinner but really that's all it was. I have busy day tomorrow so you have to go."

Tom tried to plant another kiss but got a mouthful of hair. Jackie squeaked and tried to duck under his beefy arm. "Jackie, baby…you know you wanna…."

"No Tom, I don't. Please leave." Her ire was rising with every word.

Eric coughed loudly. "Hey Jackie, I think I left my wallet in your kitchen. Do you mind if I get it?"

Tom was momentarily distracted. "What? Are you two-timing me with this … this guy?" Eric grabbed Jackie's hand and pulled her behind him. "Hey Tom, Jackie asked you to leave so…there's the stairs."

Tom frowned. "So I'm not going to – you know…."

Eric smiled. "No you're not... I'm sure you'll find someone who will though. Have a great evening!" Jackie slipped her door key into Eric's hand and moved with him and around Tom's huge body. Eric unlocked the door, waved at Tom and bolted it as soon as they were both inside.

Jackie's eyes were huge. "Damn Eric, I owe you big time! I couldn't get rid of him! Thank you!" Eric looked out the window. "What was he driving?"

"He has a black Trans Am."

Eric frowned. "Well, he's still sitting in the parking lot." Jackie moved to stand behind Eric so she could see out the window. "Crap. I mean I can't call the cops because technically he hasn't done anything except get a little busy with his hands."

"You didn't meet this guy dancing did you?"

Jackie swatted his arm. "No, it was a blind date and I'd talked to him a couple times on the phone and he sounded nice." She dropped on her sofa and crushed a pillow in her lap. "I hate blind dates but this was a favor. Man, I am so stupid sometimes." Eric dropped the curtain and went to sit on the sofa with her.

"I don't think you're stupid. Now that I know you're not perfect, it makes us little people feel better!" he quipped.

Jackie threw her pillow at him. "Hey, now be nice!" Eric easily dodged the pillow. "I'm just saying that for me personally, it's good to know that someone as pretty as you can date a stinker once in a while."

Jackie didn't know how to take that statement. It sounded like a burn but also sounded like a compliment at the same time. "So you think I'm pretty?"

Eric shook his head. "Jackie, you don't need to fish for compliments. You know you're gorgeous. Cut it out."

She smirked, "Well, I was just checking to see if you were still human. I mean you stood up to that guy pretty good and he plays for Green Bay."

Eric blanched. "He's really a football player? Crap, my dad would've wanted an autograph!"

"Eric! Not funny! You saved my reputation. The last thing I need is have my phone number on some locker room wall."

Eric looked at her cute little pout. "Poor Jackie Burkhart – actually I was saving that guy from getting whacked in the groin. You seem to do that very well!"

Jackie chuckled. "Well, that was my next move but he was too tall. So how long do you think he's going to sit out there waiting for you to leave?"

"How much did he drink?"

"Just a couple of beers." She replied.

"I'd give him 20 minutes tops and then he'll have to find a gas station or go home. So, why don't we watch some television while we wait?" Eric plopped down on the sofa next to her and they watched the ending of some crime drama.

The show turned out to be interesting and Eric realized that he just spent 30 minutes with Jackie and no one else to protect him. She wasn't so scary after all. She saw he was looking at her. "What?"

He smirked. "Nothing."

She frowned. "You were staring."

Eric smiled. "I was just thinking that here I am, alone with you, and there are no friends to protect me."

"My, we've become a big boy now haven't we?" she teased. "My snarky attitude hasn't scared you away?" Eric liked seeing the twinkle in her eye. Her company was easy and he felt relaxed – he was nostalgic for his old basement.

"Do you ever miss hanging out in the basement?"

She closed her eyes. 'Sometimes I do. We had some fun and did some crazy shit. But for me, after you left, it all went to crap. You were the only one that kept the group together."

Eric cringed. Africa – that trip caused everyone so much misery but it was a growing experience for him. Jackie put her arm on his wrist. "I don't mean to say that the group fell apart after you left, it's just that we were all growing up and looking for something…different."

Eric looked down at her small hand. "Leaving was hard on my folks. Did I thank you for watching out for them? I thought Hyde would help out…"

Jackie laughed bitterly. "Yeah, he was no help. He moved in his stripper wife and caused grief to everyone. Donna became her best friend – Kelso quit coming by. Fez came by because well, there was a stripper in the basement."

"Well, my mom really appreciated you. Red told me that."

Jackie looked at his face for sincerity and it was there. "He really said that?" Eric grinned. "Yes - and he thinks of you as a daughter."

Jackie stretched her arms over her head, "Well, Mr. Forman is really just a big softie. If you can find them, check out their Hawaii pictures. He wore shorts!"

Eric grinned. "My dad wore shorts? Really - I've never seen his legs!" Jackie stood up and shook out her stiff limbs. "Hey, check the parking lot again okay? I'd like to go to bed soon."

Eric roused himself from the soft couch and looked out the curtain. The Trans Am was gone and someone else had parked in that spot. Eric turned around quickly almost knocking Jackie over in the process. He grabbed her arms to keep her from falling. "I think he's gone. There's a Chevy parked in the same space."

Jackie was suddenly very aware of how strong his hands were as they kept her upright when she should have landed on the floor. Four years ago, he had spindly little arms and now they were muscled and tan and warm. If she closed her eyes she could smell his cologne – the same brand he wore during the Karaoke dance - when he kissed her…and she let him.

"Eric," she said softly. "Turn off the light." Eric let the curtain drop and hit the light switch on the wall with one hand, leaving the room glowing in dim light. He looked back at Jackie who was still standing with her eyes closed. "Jackie?"

"Shhh - close your eyes." She instructed him. He closed his eyes and remembered he was still holding her arm in his hand. "Sorry, I almost knocked you over."

"Don't say anything." She brought her hands to his shoulders and ran them down his biceps and down over his forearms and weaved her fingers with his. Eric didn't know what she was up to but it felt wonderful. She stepped closer until their bodies were almost touching. Eric could smell her perfume and her silky hair tickled his chin.

In a very soft voice she said, "Just for this moment. This one exquisite moment, I'm not Jackie and you just met me. All I want is for you to kiss me goodnight… as if I was on a date with you."

Eric kept his eyes closed and the only face he could conjure was Jackie's. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and lightly pressed his lips to hers. He could feel his heart thumping against his ribs as she parted her lips to accept his kiss. He ran his fingers through her soft hair and fisted it in his hand deepening the kiss. Still devouring her mouth, he pushed her gently against the front door and he could feel her trembling. She had set her hands over his heart and he knew she could feel how this was affecting him. She snaked an arm up and around his neck and drew herself up on her tip toes.

Eric adjusted his stance so they could see eye to eye. Her beautiful mis-matched eyes were locked on his emerald green. He buried his face in the hollow of her throat and she groaned pulling his head closer. And she tasted sweet – just as good as he had imagined. Her skin was warmer and softer than a woman's flesh could ever possibly be. Her blood pulsed under his lips and he knew she was just as affected as he was.

His name slipped from her lips with a moan and he liked the way it sounded. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and dropped tiny kisses along her jaw until his mouth crashed into hers for the last time.

"Good night Jackie." He said with one last kiss. She slowly opened her eyes and stepped aside as he slid through the opening in the door. "Remember - that was only a good night kiss" and he winked, shutting the door behind him.

Outside the door, Eric fell against the wall. God, he was still shaking. He couldn't ever remember a kiss as passionate as that! What was she doing to him?

Jackie pressed a hand against the grain of the wood. She could still feel the door against her back and Eric's steamy kiss on her mouth. What was he doing to her?

*