One Breath Away

Author's Note: Suspend disbelief to enjoy. POETIC LICENSE, as always.

Carterfinley has 22 brownie points, emmy272005 has 6, My Darker Side is still out of town.

- - - - -

Chapter Five

"Jeremy?"

"Melissa!"

They stood there staring at each other.

Jeremy leaned forward and folded her into a clumsy hug. Melissa stiffened at the contact. "How have you been?" he said in her ear.

"What are you doing here?"

"Watching the show!" he shouted.

Melissa crossed her arms as she rolled her eyes and took a step back. "No, I mean, what are you doing in L.A.?"

"Oh! I'm back at my old job. I moved back about a month ago. I've been trying to call you but you changed your number and the new one is unlisted."

Melissa just stared at him. Damn right it is!

"So, I was wondering if we could, I don't know, go out sometime?" Melissa's expression remained frozen except for the quirking of one eyebrow. "Just to talk," he added.

Is he freaking kidding me? Melissa shook her head. "There's nothing to talk about."

"I feel bad about how we left things."

We? We?! You mean you, you jerk! "Why? That was a long time ago. Ancient history."

Jeremy saw Melissa wasn't going to cave. "Well...we could still go out, catch up on the past few years," he said hopefully.

Melissa looked at him incredulously. She squared her shoulders and said, "I really don't care what you've been doing, Jeremy. Now if you'll excuse me, here comes my boyfriend." Melissa noted the look of surprise and confusion on Jeremy's face as she grabbed a guy that was walking past. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you!"

- - - - -

Jackson started back through the crowd in the direction of the table where he had last seen Eric. Suddenly someone was hugging him and pulling him along then apologizing profusely. She finally stopped and looked up at him. He smiled.

- - - - -

Melissa pulled the stranger along as she leaned toward his ear and said, "Look, I'm really sorry, I don't normally go around randomly hugging people, but I needed an escape from that guy. I hope you don't mind. I really appreciate…" Melissa looked up at the man for the first time and gasped.

He smiled.

She smiled.

I knew we were meant to meet.

Blue eyes.

They stood there staring at each other. Jackson recovered first. "Uh, hi," he said. Melissa stared at him. The crowd had started screaming again and he realized she hadn't heard him. He leaned in close and put his mouth to her ear. "Hi, my name's Cody Jackson but everyone just calls me Jackson."

He smells really good, she couldn't help thinking. She put her hand on his arm to steady herself as she stood on her toes and talked into his ear. "Hi, Jackson. I'm Melissa Wu."

Her breath against his ear sent a shiver down his back. Jackson could smell her perfume and some of her hair brushed his arm. He smiled down at her then put his mouth to her ear again. "Nice to meet you, Melissa."

"I'm really sorry about all of that," she shouted, pointing back in the direction of Jeremy. "Thanks so much for your help!"

"Glad to be of assistance! Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you." He was watching her expectantly. Melissa felt her face color with embarrassment. "An ex who thinks we should catch up," she explained as she shrugged and rolled her eyes.

"Ah!" he nodded with a knowing look on his face. They stood there for a few seconds glancing at each other nervously, neither wanting to leave.

"So, what did you think of the show?" he finally shouted near her ear.

"It was amazing!" she shouted back with a smile. "They just keep getting better with age!"

"They do!" Jackson nodded his agreement. "Would you like another drink?" The crowd started screaming louder, trying to bring the band back for one more song.

"What?"

"Would you like another drink?!" he shouted.

Melissa pointed to her ear while she shook her head and shrugged helplessly.

Jackson brushed her hair back and put his lips right against her ear and said, "Would you like to move somewhere a bit quieter so we can talk? I have a pass to the VIP lounge."

Melissa smiled and nodded while she tried to remain calm as a tingle radiated through her body from where his lips had touched her ear. Then her face changed to a look of disappointment. She leaned in close again. "I can't," she said. "I'm here with someone."

Jackson groaned inwardly. Of course she's here with someone. Why would someone like her be here alone? "Oh. Um, it was nice meeting you, Melissa." Jackson turned away, disheartened.

I can't let him leave. I've been thinking about him since Wilson Park. I agreed to tonight because I was hoping to see him.

I can't just walk away. I've been thinking about her for weeks and NOW is my opportunity.

"Wait, Jackson…" she said, putting her hand on his arm.

He was already turning back toward her. "Melissa, I…"

They smiled at each other. He gestured for her to go ahead. "I'm sure my friend will find me! He brought me out tonight to meet new people and you're new people!" she shouted above the noise.

Jackson smiled. "Good. Then, shall we?" he shouted, gesturing toward the private lounge.

Melissa smiled and nodded. Jackson took her by the elbow and steered her through the crowd toward a door marked VIP. He flashed his credentials to the bouncer and they passed through the doorway. The incident with Jeremy was already forgotten.

- - - - -

Nathan saw Melissa talking to a really handsome guy as he approached, Eric in tow. He stopped and watched her. I've never seen Melissa look at someone like that. He turned to Eric and pointed toward Melissa and said, "Sorry, Eric. I'm afraid it looks like she's already found someone."

Eric had seen Jackson smiling and talking to a pretty girl when Nathan stopped. Go, Jackson! he thought. Then Nathan pointed out his friend as the girl talking to Jackson. Damn! Jackson beat me to her. Oh well. He was happy to see Jackson showing interest in someone. She's got a great ass, he couldn't help thinking with a smirk. Lucky bastard.

He turned to Nathan and said, "It looks like my roomie and your friend hit it off."

"That's your roommate?" Eric nodded. Nathan watched the way Eric's friend was interacting with Melissa, he looked genuinely interested. He liked the way he looked her in the eye and took her arm to guide her through the crowd. He's a gentleman, he thought. Nathan saw they were heading to the VIP lounge. He turned back toward Eric. "Is he a good guy?"

"He truly is," Eric said seriously. "You couldn't ask for better."

"Then how about we give them some time alone?"

"Sounds good to me. I saw some people I know up near the stage. Would you like to come meet them?"

"Sure," Nathan said. "And don't worry, Eric. I'm in a happy relationship, I'm not cruising."

Eric smiled as he clapped him on the back. "I'm not worried, Nathan. Come on, you'll hate their shoes, too."

Nathan laughed and decided he liked this cute, funny man. Who knows, if Melissa hooks up with his roommate, maybe we'll become friends and he'll take me to the set and introduce me to that yummy Justin Bingham. Nathan's smile widened as he followed Eric through the crowd. A boy can dream, he thought.

- - - - -

Jackson and Melissa were sitting on a couch, talking. The band had come through a little earlier and they'd gotten to meet them. They laughed as they both confessed to feeling like dorky fans for being tongue-tied then asking for pictures with them.

"I don't care. That was probably a once in a lifetime opportunity," Jackson said.

"I agree. I'd act like a total dork again to get a picture with The Inner Circle," Melissa laughed.

"Me, too."

"At least we both came up with some legitimate questions and comments so they left knowing we aren't complete morons."

"True."

They fell into chatting easily about music and were happy to learn they had similar tastes.

"How do you know so much about music?"

"I love music and I play a little, myself. How do you know so much?"

"Same. Love it, play a little," she said.

"So, um, I saw you at the Wilson Park music festival. I tried to talk to you, but your uh…lively friend pulled you away before I got the chance."

Melissa smiled. "I remember. That was Nathan, my best friend. That's who brought me here tonight." They were both quiet for a minute as they remembered their almost meeting at the festival. "So, what did you think of the bands that day?" she asked.

They spent the next hour discussing the pros and cons of Brotherhood of Blood, Tramp, Silver Strand and Fruit Loops. Then they discussed other bands on the local scene. They were just starting in on Feeding the Beast when Eric and Nathan walked in.

Introductions were made all around then Nathan apologized profusely. He said he'd just gotten an emergency call from a client and had to leave. Melissa started to get up to leave with him, but he insisted she stay. Eric made excuses as well and he and Nathan left as quickly as they'd come.

"Subtle," Jackson said, smiling and shaking his head.

Melissa laughed. "It's never been one of Nathan's strong suits."

"Eric's either."

They resumed their talk of the local music scene and had just started a spirited discussion about the best local venue when the bartender announced last call. Melissa looked at her watch. "Oh my gosh, I didn't realize it was so late!"

Jackson glanced at his own watch. "Whoa, it is late," he said. "Do you need a ride home?"

"Um, no thanks. I'll take a cab."

"It's no trouble. I'm not a crazy stalker or anything, I promise."

Melissa laughed. "You mentioned you have to work tomorrow, I mean today. I always take a cab, it's no problem."

"You're sure? I really don't mind."

As much as she was enjoying his company and didn't want their evening to end, Melissa shook her head. She pulled out her cell and dialed the cab company she always used. "They'll be here in ten minutes," she said, hanging up.

Jackson walked Melissa outside and stood with her, waiting for the cab. "Can I call you?" he asked.

"I don't know, can you?"

Jackson looked at her then started laughing. "May I call you?" Melissa smiled. God, she has a beautiful smile, he thought.

"Yes, you may." They exchanged numbers and Jackson promised to call her later in the day.

Melissa's cab arrived. Jackson opened the door for her and helped her into the car. "Thanks, Jackson. 'Bye."

"Good night, Melissa. I'll talk to you soon," he said.

- - - - -

Melissa hummed Rampage as she got ready for bed. The other new outfits Nathan had picked out for her were hanging in her closet, complete with accessories. I may have a need for these, yet, she thought with a smile. Melissa crawled into her bed and fell into a deep sleep.

- - - - - -

Jackson arrived home and went straight to bed. Luckily, Eric was already asleep so he wouldn't have to go through his third degree. Jackson set his alarm. He had to work a double shift in six hours. Jackson closed his eyes and tried to sleep but he was too keyed up. I finally met her and she's even better than I could've hoped for. In addition to being beautiful, Melissa had proven to be intelligent, funny and she liked music as much as he did. He couldn't wait to call her later. He thought about their evening together. Meeting totally by chance. The feel of her hair brushing his arm, her breath against his ear, their easy conversation. Jackson sighed and was soon fast asleep. He found himself on a beach with Melissa, she was wearing a blue scarf and they were listening to The Inner Circle.

- - - - -

Melissa woke up and jumped right out of bed, adrenaline already pumping. Why do I feel so good? The events of the previous night came back to her. Oh yeah, I met blue eyes. Melissa smiled. Jackson. He's intelligent, funny, knowledgeable about music and as an added bonus, really good-looking. Melissa couldn't remember the last time she felt so excited about a phone call. I don't remember ever feeling like this about Jeremy's calls. She frowned. I can't believe that asshole's back in town. She shook her head. I'm not going to let him ruin my day, she thought as she remembered a pair of amazing blue eyes and smiled again.

Melissa hadn't been awake more than fifteen minutes when her phone started ringing. She picked it up.

"Girl! Nathan screamed. He was gor-geous! What happened? Tell me everything! Oh, wait, is he there? Did you make him breakfast? Should I call back later?"

"Nathan!" Melissa yelled. "Of course he's not here. We just talked and exchanged numbers. He's going to call me later."

"Wait, what? I gave you the perfect set up. I even stopped by your place on my way home and cleaned up everything so you could bring him home."

"Are you serious? You know I don't just jump into bed with random guys. And thanks for cleaning up."

"You're welcome. He didn't look so random to me. Did you at least kiss him good night at the door?"

"Now, how could I do that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I took a cab home."

"What? Why didn't he drive you home?"

"He offered but I wouldn't let him."

"Why not?"

"Because he had to go to work and I just met him!"

"So, you didn't kiss him?"

"No. Again, we just met, Nathan."

"But he was so cute and you two really seemed to hit it off."

Melissa smiled. Conversing with Jackson had been so effortless and comfortable. "Nathan, you know I don't go around kissing people I've just met."

"Well, maybe you should."

Melissa shook her head. "Nathan…"

"How do you think Evan and I got together?"

"What?"

"I was introduced to him and thought he was really cute so I just planted one on him. We started talking and I took him home."

"Nathan, you are such a slut."

"I can be. Rather, could be. I haven't done that since I met Evan."

"But you used to?"

"All the time."

"Oh, Nathan, I didn't need to know that. I hope you were careful."

"Of course I was," he said matter-of-factly.

"Look, I have some work to do."

"You had better call me right after you talk to him."

"I will, promise. Hey, thanks for last night. I did have a good time."

"I'm glad, sweetie. Love you."

"Love you, too. 'Bye."

Melissa started writing up the review of the band she had been assigned to see and, as a treat for her editor, she wrote up the amazing private concert by The Inner Circle. She'd get a nice bonus for that piece. It took Melissa longer than usual to write, she kept glancing at the phone every few minutes, her mind wandering, butterflies in her stomach. God, I feel like a teenager again. When she finally finished her articles she put some eighties vinyl on the stereo, cranked it up and started cleaning her apartment.

At seven the phone rang. Melissa felt a flare of excitement until she checked the caller I.D. "Hey, Nathan."

"So, what's going on? Has he called yet?" he asked excitedly.

"No, not yet."

"What?! That bastard! His friend told me he was a good guy! I can't believe this!"

"Calm down, Nathan! There could be a million different reasons why he hasn't called."

"Name one."

"He's still at work. He's tired and fell asleep. His cell died. He…"

"Alright, I get it. Maybe he does have a good excuse. He'd better or I'll…"

"If he doesn't call, he doesn't," Melissa said. "That doesn't make him a bad guy."

"Well, I'll find him and kick his ass if he doesn't."

Melissa chuckled. "I'd like to see that."

"Seriously, I can't imagine he won't call, Mel. I saw the way he was looking at you."

Melissa smiled remembering the way he looked into her eyes. She was sure he was going to call. "We'll see. I'm not gonna stress about it."

"I have to run, honey. Evan and I are meeting the boys. Just call me later, doesn't matter how late. I'll be expecting full details."

"Okay. Tell the boys I said hello and have fun. 'Bye, Nathan."

"I will. Later, sweetie."

By the time it was nine p.m. Melissa had thoroughly cleaned her whole apartment, done all her laundry, organized her sock drawer and he still hadn't called. Melissa sighed and sat down at her dining table. She opened her laptop, pulled up her novel and started working on it, trying to keep her mind off the tiny feeling of disappointment that was taking shape in one corner of her mind.

- - - - -

Jackson's day had not been going well. He overslept and was an hour late for work. He'd been on the go non-stop since he'd arrived and hadn't had time for his dinner break. Worse, he didn't have one spare minute to call Melissa. She probably thinks I was just feeding her a line. He checked his watch. It was almost nine-thirty. Is it too late? He remembered seeing her out at all hours so he didn't think it was. He made an excuse to buy himself a few minutes alone and found a quiet hallway to call her.

She picked up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Hi, Melissa. It's Jackson."

"Hi." The feeling of disappointment quickly disappeared.

"I'm so sorry I'm calling this late, it's not too late is it? It's been a crazy day and this is the first break I've had. Is this a bad time?"

She could tell he was nervous by the way all his questions came out in a rush. She smiled. "It's fine. And it's not too late, I'm a night owl."

"Good."

"You're still at work?"

"Yeah, I have a few more hours to go. I'm working a double."

"I was worried you might be too tired for work. Did you get enough sleep?"

"More than enough, I overslept and was late." She worried about me. That made him smile.

"I'm sorry."

"Why? It's not your fault. So…how are you?" That was lame.

"Good. I had a really productive day and I can't remember the last time I slept so well." God, Melissa. Could you be more boring?

"That's good." Jackson suddenly felt tongue-tied. What am I, in high school again? He took a deep breath and said, "So, would you like to go out sometime? Maybe we could get some dinner or something?" Not your smoothest...

"I'd like that very much." Was that too eager?

Jackson felt relieved and excited at the same time. "What's your schedule look like this week?"

"Uh, let me check." Melissa pulled up her calendar of assignments. "I'm free Thursday, next Sunday and the early part of next week."

Jackson fumbled his schedule out of his pocket. "I'm free Sunday and several times next week. Would you like to go to dinner on Sunday?" Why couldn't it be sooner?

"Yes, that sounds nice." I have to wait seven days to see him?

"Do you like Italian?"

"Love it."

"Do you know Angelo's?"

"Little place at the beach?"

"Yes."

"I love Angelo's. I haven't been there in a long time."

"So, how about Angelo's, Sunday night, six-thirty? Is that too early?"

"No, it's fine."

"Shall I pick you up?"

"How about we meet there?"

"Okay. Angelo's, Sunday, six-thirty."

"It's a date," she said.

There was an awkward pause then Jackson said, "That's a whole week. Can I call you before then? To just…talk?" Did that sound too...aggressive?

Melissa smiled. "I don't know, can you?" We're on the same wavelength. She didn't want to wait a whole week to talk to him, either.

Jackson laughed."May I call you?"

Melissa was glad he had a sense of humor. "Yes, you may. Please leave a voice mail if I don't answer and I'll call you back when I can, my schedule can be a little unpredictable sometimes."

"Same goes here." Jackson could hear his name being called. "I have to go, they're looking for me. I'll talk to you soon, Melissa."

"'Bye, Jackson."

"'Bye." Jackson hung up and smiled. He turned and started whistling as he walked toward the sound of his name.

- - - - -

After they hung up, Melissa thought about their brief conversation. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face. He was polite, thoughtful and he picked one of my favorite restaurants. Melissa giggled then stiffened. What the hell was that? A giggle? I don't giggle. Melissa giggled again then called Nathan.

He answered with, "It's about time, honey! I was ready to drive over there and pound on your door until you opened it! So?"

"He called."

"And?"

"And what?"

"And what?!? Melissa, you had better tell me every minuscule detail right now or I'm coming over there and…and…well, I don't know what I'll do, but you won't like it! I can be fierce when I have to be!"

Melissa couldn't help laughing. "Calm down, Nathan. You are such a drama queen sometimes." She told him about their call then said, "What am I going to wear? Nathan, you have to help me! I haven't been on a date in…well, in a long time. And you have to teach me to do my makeup like you did last night. And…"

"Breathe, Melissa." Nathan was amused. He couldn't remember the last time Melissa had actually been nervous about a date. "Let's see, you said you're going to Angelo's?"

"Yes."

"Okay, it's casual so you don't want to be too dressy and it's early so that means he's probably planning something for after… So, we want something that is casual but sexy, but not too sexy, you don't want to come across as desperate…"

"Or slutty," Melissa added.

Nathan continued as if he hadn't heard her. "Angelo's is at the beach so he may be planning a walk in the moonlight...you'll need to wear low-heeled shoes…hmmm…"

"It has to be comfortable," Melissa interjected.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Of course. Let's see, a casual dress might be the answer, but if you walk on the beach the breeze might blow it up and expose your bum. However, that might be a good thing…"

"Nathan!"

"What? Give him a little flash of the goods, it'll be accidental and that much more interesting…Let's see, you'll want something that comes off easily when you go back to his place...Oh! You have to wear the right bra and panties, sexy but again, something that he can remove easily or maybe you should just go commando..."

"Nathan! Stop projecting your life onto mine! I am not taking my clothes off or sleeping with him, it's only our first date!"

"It worked for Evan and me."

"And how many did it not work for?" Dead silence on Nathan's end. "That's what I thought. Nathan, for the last time, I am not going to sleep with him on the first date."

"Okay, point made. I think you're making a mistake but whatever, it's your date," he mumbled, somewhat under his breath.

"I heard that."

"Let me look through my magic closet and I'll bring some things by later in the week."

"I'm free Thursday evening. And don't forget the makeup. You have to teach me how to do it."

"Thursday works for me. Maybe we can have a sleepover? We haven't done that in a long time."

"Maybe. Call me Wednesday and we'll make definite plans. Oh! I totally forgot to tell you!"

"What?"

"I hate to end this conversation on a downer but you'll never guess who I ran into last night, before I met Jackson."

"Who?"

"Jeremy."

"Wha…no way!"

"Way. He's back and he acted like nothing happened, He even had the gall to ask me to go out with him, just to catch up." Melissa shuddered just thinking about it.

"What did you say?"

"I told him I really didn't care what he'd been doing the last few years."

"No you didn't!"

"I did."

"Good for you." Then Nathan said in a quieter tone, "Are you alright?"

Melissa sighed. "I'm fine. I think I shocked him."

"Good! See, I told you that you're stronger than you think."

"You did."

"Never doubt 'the Nathan'."

"I know. I gotta go, I'll talk to you soon. 'Night, Nathan."

"'Night, sweetie!"

- - - - -

"How was it out there?"

Jackson looked up from the stack of mail he was sorting. He had just stepped inside the door. "Very busy but pretty routine. Shouldn't you be at work? I thought every Sunday was an all-nighter."

"Nope, we went in early today and finished up around eight. Did you enjoy yourself last night?"

"You disappeared pretty fast. Did you get your emergency at work taken care of?" Jackson asked, using air quotes.

"Oh please, you're not changing the subject. Tell me about Melissa. She was really pretty, I hope you at least got her digits."

Jackson smiled. "I did. And we're going out next Sunday."

"All right, man! Good for you! Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars, Cody Jackson is officially back on the dating scene! It's about time, dude."

Jackson nodded. "Yeah, it is."

"Where are you taking her?"

"Angelo's."

Eric nodded his approval. "Nice choice. Then what?"

Jackson shrugged. "Depends. Maybe we'll see a movie, go to a club or…I don't know. I made our reservation early enough so that we'd have plenty of time to do something else afterward."

"Smart. Why wait until Sunday? Why not Friday or Saturday?"

"We're both busy. I work. She works."

"Are you sure she just doesn't have another date?" he asked. Jackson looked thoughtful for a moment then a little worried.

Eric smiled. "Don't worry, dude. Her friend, Nathan, told me that she went through a bad breakup some time ago. She's dated a little since so you're not the rebound guy, but it's been a while." Jackson looked relieved.

"You know what that means, right?" Jackson shook his head, looking puzzled. "It means that either anything you do will be great because it's been so long since she's had a date or she'll be disappointed if you don't have something really special planned."

"So, no pressure," Jackson said sarcastically.

"Nope. None at all," Eric smirked. "This just has to be the perfect first date if you want a chance with her."

"Thanks, dude. You're always so helpful."

"That's what I'm here for. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with my mattress."

"When are you going to get out on the dating scene again?" Jackson called after him.

"I already am! Taylor and I are going out Friday night!" Eric yelled as he closed his bedroom door.

Jackson stood frozen to the spot for a second, shock then horror registering on his features. He strode across the room and threw open Eric's door. "What?!? You're not serious!"

Eric was standing there with his arms crossed and the smirk still on his face. He'd been expecting Jackson's reaction. "I am. She was practically begging me, so we're going out clubbing."

"You're not planning to bring her here, are you?"

"No way. If anything, I'll go to her place."

"Dude, are you really going to do her?"

Eric smiled. "Maybe. She's really hot. And I'll bet if I promise to introduce her to Justin Bingham she'll be more than happy to jump into bed with me."

Jackson gave Eric a sardonic look. "We both know you're too nice a guy to do that."

Eric closed his eyes and nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I just thought this might be a fun way to ease back into the dating thing."

"You think Taylor's the way to ease back into dating? She doesn't strike me as the type of girl that makes anything easy."

"Maybe. I'm not kidding myself. It's so obvious she's just using me to get to you or Justin. But I think it'll be fun, and if nothing else, I may get some new material for the show."

Jackson shook his head. "Eric…"

"I know, I'm terrible. Now, if you don't mind, some of us need our beauty sleep. Good night."

"'Night."

Jackson went into his own room. As he took his shower he thought about what he should do on his date with Melissa. Thanks a lot, Eric. I was fine before, now I'm stressing. He finished up then lay back on his bed. He looked at the picture across from him and felt himself relax. She's smart and funny. We'll have a good time no matter what we do. Eric was just messing with me. Jackson smiled as he doused the light, closed his eyes and turned on his side. He fell into a peaceful, exhausted sleep.

- - - - -

A/N: Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed. A review would be lovely and appreciated!