Author Note: Some mushy filler and pondering thoughts but fun!
Chapter 12 – That's No Bull!
Friday was the busiest the Happy Day's Hotel had been in a long time. Eric came out to the front desk to help register the new guests and caught frequent glimpses of Jackie running back and forth in the hallways. The piglets arrived and Eric stood at the backdoor watching as Jackie orchestrated setting up the hay bales and the pristine little pig sty. Where did she ever find one?
He smiled as he saw his friend Brooke offloading the pigs from the truck. She waved hello and ushered the squealing animals to the pen. He walked 15 steps to the Diamond Hall and watched the dance floor get laid out and bales of hay and picnic tables placed in random spots. Jackie was now perched on a ladder helping an electrician hang twinkle lights at the windows. It looked like everything was progressing according to schedule so he went back to his office to see if the guests needed anything.
"Eric!" Eric turned around to find his mother and dad dressed in western garb – Kitty smiling happily and proudly wearing her Event Staffer badge. Red was carrying luggage. "Son, get some dumbass to carry this to our room."
Eric went to the desk and got the room keys and a luggage cart. "Dad, this gentleman will take you and mom to your suite on the fourth floor."
Red looked at the long haired young man. "Well let him know I'm not tipping him. Come on Kitty; let's see how Jackie set us up this time."
*
Next up at the desk was Michael Kelso. Eric was paged and Kelso jumped over the lobby desk to grab his friend in a big man hug. "Dude, is this awesome or what? I'm a rodeo clown! Look, I finally got an Event badge!"
Eric felt like he was the only one that didn't have a badge! "Hey man, here's your room key, you and Brooke are on the eighth floor. Brooke is working out on the back lawn if you want to go check the pigs."
Kelso's face lit up. "Pigs - My little piglets are here? Who-hoo!" Kelso tore down the hallway looking for the back lawn. Eric smiled and shook his head in amazement. Ashley cleared her throat, "Mr. Forman? The tenth floor master suite is asking for a case of champagne. Price is no object. What should we send up?"
Ahh, music to Eric's ears – "Send them a case of the Dom Perignon and call me when the cow gets here."
*
It was finally 4:00 o'clock and Jackie had Kitty summoned to the Diamond Hall. "Mrs. Forman, this is Joe and his band, he'll play the square dance music." Kitty curtsied and admired Joe's fiddle. Red rolled his eyes. Jackie laughed. "Mr. Forman, they're getting the cow ready on the back lawn and I need you to help with whatever they need."
Red was glad to be of some use. He didn't really want to square dance. He waited while Kitty tittered about and kissed his head so he could go drink beer with the guys and start a fire.
The Steele family was milling around and Jackie found the microphone and introduced Joe and the Jangles who would be entertaining starting with the square dancers. Joe's band started the dancing music and when Jackie saw they were off to a good start, she grabbed Brooke's arm. "We need to change now. Line dancing starts in an hour."
Brooke grinned. "Jackie, I am having so much fun…you should have seen Michael playing with the piglets. Betsy would be jealous!"
"I can't wait until tomorrow when he has to chase the pigs. Did you tell him that's part of being the rodeo clown?"
Brooke laughed. "No, it's better when it spontaneous!" Both girls started giggling.
*
Eric's shift had officially ended and he gave instructions to the night manager and headed down to the Diamond Hall to just sit in and watch the party. His mom was wearing a bright red dress and swinging arms with an older gentleman to Turkey in the Straw. His mom never looked as happy as she did when she was dancing and twirling. A short time later, his attention was diverted when a tall beautiful chestnut haired girl in jeans, cowboy boots and a tall hat commandeered the microphone.
"I'm calling all the ladies in the house down to the dance floor!" Brooke announced into the mike. Eric looked over and saw his mother nearly running and skidding to the join the crowd of women that were forming a line. Last but not least, was his favorite event planner wearing tight jeans, those "ass-free" chaps, sexy heeled cowboy boots and her very own white cowboy hat.
She stood by Brooke and took the mike. "Miss Brooke will start the dance with basic instructions for you ladies that have never lined danced; and the second song will actually start the dance. Mrs. Steele? Will you be joining us?"
Olivia Steele blushed and pushed her husband out of the way at the invitation to join the girls in the line dance. Jackie signaled the DJ to start the practice song and she gave the mike back to Brooke.
Brooke smiled her 100 watt smile and said, "Okay ladies, we're going to start with a slow song by Willie Nelson and our second song will be I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbitt. Ladies, let's start with the basic Grapevine – feet together and left foot step! Right foot behind your left! One more step left." Brooke had the ladies hitch up their knees and scuff and lock steps into a cute little twist.
All the ladies shuffled forward and back in perfect unison and when they all stomped their shoes on the floor it was as one loud "thunk." Jackie paired off with Mrs. Steele and Brooke paired off with Kitty as the second song began.
Eric enjoyed watching the 50 or so women dancing but it was hard to keep his eyes off one in particular. He was positive at one point that she knew he was there but she never made eye contact or acknowledged his presence. That was okay – he'd catch up with her later.
*
"And then I told the dumbass to give me the gun or I'd shoot him myself!" Spencer Steele laughed at Red's account of an enemy ambush. "Forman, you are a cowboy at heart. If you're ever in Texas come out to the ranch and I'll show you my shooting range." Red grinned and threw his beer can in the barrel behind him. Yep, this was a good party and tomorrow it would be good eating.
Eric watched his as his dad was relaxed and enjoying himself. He hadn't laughed like that since his heart attack. Eric thought back at his own selfishness – forget Dad and Mom and just follow Donna. No – the cure for everyone is if Eric runs to Africa to earn money for college – but look at me now, I'm a hotel manager! Yay for Eric Forman.
The more sensible side of Eric reminded him that all of his actions before today led him here, to this moment when he could see his parents having the time of their lives. He could spend time with his real friends and although the learning was painful, he was becoming a better person.
Jackie. She was the glue. She kept it all together. She kept his friends together – she kept his parents happy – she made his coming back to the life of a single guy a smoother transition. She never asked for anything and she only made other peoples lives happy. How did he get so lucky to have a friend all along but never realize it? What an idiot!
"Eric – come over and meet Mr. Steele." Red waved his son over to the huge barbeque grill. Eric shook Spencer's hand. "So you're the hotel manager that helped make all of this possible."
Eric grinned. "I had some help, but yes, the hotel was very fortunate we had the accommodations you required." Red handed Eric a beer. "Quit talking like you're at work and relax. Jackie has everything under control."
So Eric sat with his dad drinking at beer at sundown. There was no foot in the ass insults or derogatory comments – just a relaxing time drinking expensive beer and smelling ribs cooking on the grill with his dad and an obscenely rich oil baron.
*
The stars were shining on the back lawn; the cow was smoking in the barbeque, the twinkling lights were dancing on the ceiling of the Diamond Hall. Red went to find Kitty so they could retire to their room early. Kitty was exhausted and thanked Brooke for the lesson and hugged Jackie for the fun she enjoyed.
Jackie noticed that most of the older family members had also gone up to their rooms for the evening which basically left the room open for the cowboys who were eagerly waiting to show their prowess on the bull and then the couples who just wanted to slow dance.
Jackie spoke to Joe who was going to manage the control and speed of the bull as well as the music. She made sure there was adequate padding for falling cowboys and when deemed safe, she found her microphone and announced the bull riders could line up.
Kelso and Brooke were sitting on a bale of hay when they saw Eric wandering around the hall. Kelso waved him over, "Hey, Jackie said I get to ride the bull after the pros do, Pfft, I can do it SO much better but I'll let these guys tire themselves out first."
Eric laughed, "Sure buddy, you'll do real well." Out of the corner of his eye, Eric saw Jackie walking between the bull and old Joe. She was like a sprite – always flitting about seemingly making magic happen for the party guests.
*
The background music stopped suddenly and the sound of a whip cracking broke the silence. Eric's head snapped up and mouth fell open - Jackie cracked the whip again because it sounded cool. Noticing that she had the attention of the remaining group she picked up the mike.
"Okay cowboys." She smiled that beautiful Burkhart smile. "These are the rules. If you want to ride like man, it's one hand only and your free hand in the air. Ladies are allowed two hands and if you don't like the rules, you have room keys. Joe, back here, will be playing The Yellow Rose of Texas. If you can ride through the first chorus, you can come back for a second ride and if you fall? Bye-bye!"
Brooke leaned over to Eric. "Watch this; she's been practicing all week."
Jackie brought out a lasso and stood in the center of the room in all her rodeo garb looking like she should have been posing for a cowboy centerfold. She spun the rope around her head three times the lasso making a slight hum and she let the rope fly and lassoed the bull. "Let the games begin!"
Jackie tried to contain her joy at nailing the lasso until she got over to Brooke and Kelso. Brooke stood up and cheered. "You did it! First try too – I'm so proud of you!" Jackie grabbed her hat. "God I was so nervous! Michael, move and let me sit down!"
Kelso grumbled and gave up his spot to his friend. "I was gonna go get in line anyways. Brooke, you want something to drink?"
Brooke noticed Eric was admiring Jackie. "Yeah, let me see what they got – I'll go with you."
Jackie felt a hand on her shoulder and tensed – if it was one of those long armed cowpokes…."Jackie, hey mind if I sit with you?"
She breathed a sigh of relief. 'Oh, yes thank you!" She moved over to make room on the hay. "So what do you think of my party? Be honest because I only aim to improve."
Eric smiled at her. Her eyes were shining bright and she looked so cute with the hat and her hair falling out it. And right now, she only wanted his approval. Out of all the people in the room, the crowd, his opinion mattered the most to her. He felt a hitch in his heart and he forced himself to say, his voice not entirely steady, "You are…outstanding. This is brilliant and I don't know how you did it."
She squealed at his compliment and launched at him with a hug. "Oh my god, I was hoping you'd like it. I was practicing all week to get the dance right and the lassoing lessons and it came out perfect!"
You're perfect. He wanted to say to her so badly. Instead he does the friend thing and smiles. "So Kelso is going to ride the bull?"
She stood up and glared at down at him. "Eric Forman, I am having the most exciting time ever and I'm sharing with you and you're looking at me with those puppy dog eyes and can't even kiss me? I guess I'm just going to have to find some cowboy to kiss." She made as if to walk away but Eric grinned and leaned forward grabbing her by the waist and pulled her into his lap.
"So this is a blackmail kiss?"
"I just need to be kissed so badly right now." She confessed. "It's like I'm on a high and I can't come down. Just give me your lips dammit!"
Eric grabbed her jaw and pressed his mouth against hers – the Yellow Rose of Texas was playing in the background and Jackie's mind went blank. His mouth just tasted so good and she pressed in greedily wanting more. Both of his hands were twisted up in her hair knocking her hat to the floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him through an entire chorus of the bull music.
Oh the yellow rose of Texas is the only girl I love
Her eyes are even bluer than Texas skies above
Her heart's as big as Texas and wherever I may go
I'll remember her forever because I love her so
"Are you two joined at the lips or something? Because… I want my seat back." Brooke teased. Eric was startled, her voice broke the moment. Jackie blushed and picked her hat up off the floor. "Uh Brooke…"
"Don't say anything; you two looked so cute together - I could just pinch your cheeks!" she laughed. "Eric, if you apologize, I'm going to have to kick you." Brooke sat next to the couple. "Michael's up next. Ten bucks says he can't make it through the first sentence."
Eric laughed. "You're on; I think he'll go to mid-chorus." Jackie leaned back against his chest and he wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. It just felt natural and she wondered why she never felt this with anyone else before.
*
Kelso approached the mechanical bull with some trepidation. In a low voice he said, "Nice bull. Don't buck me off or I'll have to … I don't know but I'll have to do something to you." He put his foot on the step and swung his leg over the phony saddle. Using his right hand he wrapped the rope around his hand and the pommel then signaled to Joe that he was ready.
The song started playing and the bull began moving under his body. Oh the yellow rose of ….and he was down!
Brooke smirked, "Ten bucks Forman, now I gotta go soothe the ego." Brooke watched as Michael bounced back up and tried to punch the mechanical bull but hurt his fist. "Its okay baby, bull riding is hard work. It takes years of practice! You were up there for at least 30 seconds." Brooke lied through her teeth as she led him back to their friends.
"Yeah, I rode pretty damn good until it took that downward turn and you know what? It's not even a real bull!"
"I know baby but you looked real handsome sitting up there with your hat on. You did better than John Travolta!"
"I Know! " Kelso exclaimed. Eric high-fived his friend and slipped a ten dollar bill to Brooke. Jackie suddenly stood up. "It's my turn!" She ran over to Joe to have him change the record. She looked at the thinning crowd and determined that if she fell off, then there would be less people to witness her humiliation but she really wanted to be a cowgirl!
Brooke touched Eric's arm. "I know what you thought about that movie and Donna being like the Sissy character…Jackie isn't doing this for the reasons you think. She is doing this for herself. Just cheer for her even if she falls okay?"
Eric smiled. "I'll cheer no matter what."
*
Joe put the record needle on the Boz Skaggs song and Jackie walked saucily towards the bull as the piano started playing. All male eyes were watching her tight jeans and chaps as she climbed up in the saddle.
She grabbed both hands on the pommel and waved at Joe who eased the throttle speed down to slow. The bull started rocking slowly and in the downward turn when Kelso fell off, Jackie used her cheerleading muscles and gripped the sides of the machine to rise up. She let go of the pommel and looked for Eric in the next spin. When she saw him, she winked and took off her hat letting her hair spill around her shoulders because she knew he loved that.
She took the bucking and next spin with her hands in the air and loved that she was beating the machine. There was a collective group groan from the single cowboys as she leaned back on the rocking and rotating machine and let her arms hang free.
Love, look what you've done to me
Never thought I'd fall again so easily
Eric's stomach was in knots, she was so damn sexy and the 30 or so cowboys were lusting after her almost as much as he was. When she winked at him he came undone. Brooke grabbed his arm, "Hang in there Eric, this is her moment."
When she lay back on the saddle, Brooke said in a low voice, "Remember the beginning of the ride when Wes kissed Sissy? Go do that. Now!"
Eric climbed over the foam barrier and walked straight up to the bull capturing Jackie's lips in the most intense upside down kiss she ever experienced. Eric's stubble was like fine sandpaper against her skin and his lips were crushing her and it was more powerful that she could have imagined. The bull was still gently rocking and Eric slid her off and into his arms amid cheers and hoots from the admiring cowboys.
Safely away from the bull, Eric slowly let her slide to the floor. "Oh my god, that was so intense!" Eric helped her over the barrier and she latched onto him again. "Eric, that was so amazing!" she breathed.
Kelso and Brooke came over both grinning like fools. "Jackie, you looked pretty hot up there!" Brooke gave him an elbow to the stomach. "Eric, that was so romantic – you should have seen it from back here. You guys should have been in the movie."
Jackie sighed – it was almost like being in the movie – Eric wrapped his arms around her waist and dropped a kiss on her shoulder.
Brooke was watching and noticed how naturally they fit together and just knew that this wasn't a couple of first kisses for either of them. What was Jackie not telling her?
*