Author Note: Don't despair – the group is only being separated for a short time. (Thank you everyone for staying with the story despite Eric's symbolic dreams)
Chapter 16 – Sing No Song for Me
The Kenosha Gazette printed an article about the Steele Family Reunion and the Happy Day's Hotel turned a large profit for last weekend. Jackie's answering machine was filled with messages from worried friends and potential customers.
When she finally emerged from her apartment on Monday, it seemed like Fez was lying in wait. "Goddess, are you okay? You're not answering your phone and everyone is worried about you."
"Fez, I'm fine. I just needed to be alone for awhile. So whose turn is it to cook tonight?"
Fez squinted. "Eric's - I think he's making that pizza on muffins thing. You want me to get us some food before he starts cooking? " Jackie laughed, "I think that would be a great idea, just don't tell him or you'll wound his ego!"
Brooke had been pestering her for a girl-to-girl conversation but Jackie wasn't ready to talk about that wonderful Friday night just yet. It was something she wanted to keep close to her heart. Maybe she and Eric weren't meant to be a couple just yet. There were too many stumbling blocks and it was just awkward.
Jackie found out that there was one opening left for the convention at Chicago's famed Drake Hotel and she eagerly purchased the last ticket. Of course that meant she would miss her Kelso Karaoke weekend. She felt a bit sad about that, but she had been feeling so smothered by everything and everyone all she wanted to do was get lost in a crowd of people who didn't know her.
*
Fez knocked on her door. "Jackie, did you get enough to eat?"
Jackie grinned. "Yes, but why?" Fez looked like he was going to hurl. "I was watching Eric getting the Monday night dinner ready….
"…and what happened?"
"He's putting the muffins in the toaster and using canned tomato sauce."
"That doesn't sound too bad."
"Goat cheese Jackie. Even in my country we don't desecrate the sacred goat for cheese! I can not eat this!" Fez was disturbed by the new pizza. "If he fed that to us before…."
Jackie bit her cheek so she wouldn't laugh. "No, I'm sure he didn't. Maybe he's trying something new? Let's just get this over with." Jackie locked her door and pulled a stubborn Fez with her down the hall to Eric's apartment.
"Is it dinner yet?" she asked into the open doorway. Eric turned and nearly dropped a muffin. He hadn't seen Jackie since Saturday morning. She was a sight for sore eyes and she looked so cute in her overalls and tank top. She elbowed Fez so he would quit pouting.
"Well, it looks like my mini pizzas are a disaster. I can't get the cheese to melt right."
Fez applauded. "Yippee…for the cheese, I mean!" Jackie gave him an evil glare.
"Well, we could order one to be delivered." She suggested. Eric shrugged, "I really wanted to try this tonight. Sure, let's get a pizza. I'm starving."
*
The pizza was delivered quickly and Jackie paid the delivery man. Eric brought out some plates and napkins and they all sat on the floor around the coffee table. Fez wiped the pizza sauce from his mouth and said, "So Jackie, what are you going to sing on Saturday?
She sighed, "Guys, it looks like I'm going to be gone for two weeks. I'll totally miss Saturday's Kelso Karaoke."
Fez and Eric's mouths fell open. "But Goddess, you have never missed a karaoke night."
She smiled, "I know, but I got the last reservation for a convention that I've been dying to go to at the world famous Drake Hotel in Chicago." She turned to Eric, "Not that your hotel isn't famous or anything."
Eric was still a bit stunned. "No, the Drake is extravagant. What kind of convention is it?"
"Wedding Consultants – they are like a go between for the bride and an event coordinator like me. I'm going to find out what's new and popular for the upcoming year. I get to see the cakes and balloon decorations and stuff like that. Oh, and their going to teach classes using these new head sets instead of radios so it won't interrupt the ceremony."
Fez was thinking about cake. "Ooh, can you bring me back a brown bride and groom? Maybe just the candy bride so I can eat her?"
Eric gave Fez a strange look. "Sounds like something you should do." Don't go. "Is this a yearly event?"
She smiled. "Well, the convention is only a week and then I'm flying to New York for a Jeweler's showing. Don't worry; I'll be back for Michael's barbecue. Oh! Brooke says they may be moving to Kenosha!"
Eric had a sick feeling. He and Jackie were on shaky ground – Friday night was still fresh in his mind and now Jackie was running off for two weeks. She isn't running away from you – she's working. She's not like Donna – get your head on straight Eric. "Well, you know where we'll be." He said trying to work up a smile. He rubbed at his forehead and drew in a deep breath, "Maybe you can call us and we'll tell you how Kelso did."
Jackie smiled, "Of course I'll call you – sheesh and I'll only be gone for two weeks! You're big boys – Mrs. Forman can make the Wednesday dinner if you are starving!" She stood up and patted Eric on the cheek. "Thanks for dinner but I have to go pack."
Fez grabbed her arm. "Candy Brides – the ones that go on the top of the cake – bring one back!"
Jackie laughed, "Yes Fez, all bring you back samples of all the new candy." He smiled at her with those dopey brown eyes. "That's why I love you my Goddess. And you better come to my salon, you are getting hat hair!"
Eric stood up, "Hey, can I walk you to your door?" Jackie stopped, "Well I guess but I only live four doors down from here."
Eric looked at Fez who was scraping the hard cheese from the pizza box lid. "It'll just take a minute okay?"
Jackie shrugged, "Whatever." She reached in her pocket for her house key and in a couple of seconds they were at her door. "I'm home."
Eric smiled at the irony. "Jackie, it's just I've wanted to talk to you since Saturday about…." Jackie put a finger to his lips. "Let's not talk about it…now. This isn't a good time. I know you don't want to hear that but I'm asking you – please don't talk about it."
Eric grabbed her hand. "Are we still good?" Jackie mussed his sandy brown hair. "Eric, you and I are always good. We are friends…with a secret okay? For right now, let that be enough. But while I'm gone can I ask a favor?"
"Sure." The pressure in his chest finally went away. They were good and he hadn't ruined anything.
"While I'm gone, I would very much like for you to go on two dates. Two different women and then we'll talk. I'm asking this because I'm getting a Donna vibe from you. I can't explain what that means but do the coffee thing at least and I'll be checking up on you."
Eric blanched. "Two? I have a hard enough time trying to find one."
She touched his cheek. "I know – it's scary out there. Fear of rejection – failure – embarrassment. But I know you can conquer all of those fears. I have faith in you Eric. Do this for me okay?"
He wanted to kiss her so badly and she was just trying to give him a pep talk. She was saying all the right words and everything he needed to hear but it was her – Jackie Burkhart was the girl he wanted to do the coffee thing with. How could that happen if she was in Chicago or New York?
He exhaled. "I'll do it for you, but you have to listen to my complaints all right? You asked for it, so I'll do it."
Jackie smiled. "Hey, you might enjoy yourself – you'll never know! Good night Eric." Then the door closed with a soft snick.
Damn!
*
"She did what?" Brooke asked into the phone. Eric explained about the convention and then the New York trip. "Where is she staying? I'm going to kick her ass. She doesn't abandon Karaoke night. We always go as three couples."
Eric laughed at the idea of Brooke and Jackie in a cat fight. "She told me to get a date. Can you believe that?" Surely, she had to find that funny.
"Well, actually I have a friend from the library that is single. I'll bring her. Her name is Candie – I think you'll like her." Before Eric could protest Brooke hung up the phone.
If he didn't know better he would swear Jackie had set this up ahead of time!
*