CHAPTER 4

The following day the pair checked in at the office, asking if they can have at least the next couple weeks to practice. D agreed, but if they're needed he'll call. He didn't want to have to pay up the bet! First stop was the gym. Jack had changed into some loose shorts and a t shirt. When he noticed Sue coming out of the women's dressing room, his mouth went dry, his eyes got huge, and his smile bigger. She was wearing a spandex body suit that was bright pink and black. It was a short sleeve leotard, like dancers would wear. Sue noticed his reaction as she approached him. She smiled, trying to hide her blushing cheeks from his view. She walked casually up to him, and explained to him what she wanted him to do. They stood in front of the foam pit.

"Are you sure about this? I don't want you getting hurt." Jack said nervously.

"I won't get hurt, as long as you toss me into the pit." Sue reassured. Jack looked passed her to measure the length of the pit. "Put your hands on my hips, lift straight up, and push me forward, let go. OK?" She instructed. I'm going to need speed so I can do the spins or jumps right after the throws." Sue explained.

"Sure…"he answered hesitantly. He placed his hands on her hips, holding her tightly and close to him. He lifted her straight up, and tried throwing her… he dropped her. Thankfully, right into the foam blocks.

"Jack!" Sue scolded. "I thought you would be able to do the throws with no problem." Sue said.

"So did I!" he answered. "Sorry" he said. "Come on, try again." He said, helping her out of the pit. Again and again, he placed his hands on her hips, pulling her close to him, lifting her up and tossing her out. After about an hour of practice, he was finally able to toss her with enough force and far enough out so the spins and jumps she needed to do would come off without a problem. The two sat on the edge of the mats sipping water, exhausted and covered in sweat.

"I'm starving!" Sue said, rubbing her stomach. "Do you want some brunch?"

"Sounds good. Know some place good?" Jack asked.

"Yeah… I make an awesome omelet." Sue said. She and Jack showed at the gym, then made a quick stop at the store. Back at Jack's house, she started unpacking the bags. Jack had picked up some steaks and chicken breasts and salad stuff for dinner.

"Veggies and meat?" Sue asked as she began chopping up the veggies.

"Surprise me." He said with a wink. He set to making a pot of coffee, then walked to the coffee table and sat down looking at the play book that Sue had put together for their performance. Sue watched as he studied the maps and directions. He was staring at them intensely then he would close his eyes as if he were picturing the moves in his head. Sue smiled at how hard he was trying to get the moves down and how hard he was working with her to make sure she didn't get hurt.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jack could see Sue watching him. He inwardly smiled at how her lips curved up just a bit on the edges. "What are you staring at Ms. Thomas?" He asked with a chuckle.

"You." She answered back smiling.

"Oh? Why is that?" He asked.

"It's like you're studying for a final exam over there." Sue laughed.

"I want to make this right. I don't want to hurt you during the performance." He said.

"And you want to beat Randy." Sue joked.

"Yes, but if we don't, that's OK. WE don't have to pay the wager." He said slyly, laughing.

"Brunch is served." Sue announced as she carried the plates to the table. There were already glasses of orange juice set out. They brought their coffee over and sat to eat.

"It smells incredible." Jack said, smiling. "Thank you." He said. He took a bite. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he smiled wide. "This is incredible." He said taking another big bite.

"I'm glad you like it." She said. "We would always have these omelets the morning after we'd had a baked ham for Sunday dinner. Mom would take pieces of the ham and cut them into chunks and mix it with the eggs and all the veggies she could think of that were in the fridge. I left out the onion because I know you get heart burn from it." Sue chuckled.

Jack smiled and shook his head slightly.

"What?" Sue asked. "Why are you shaking your head?"

"It's just amazing how well you know me." He answered.

"We've been friends for a long time Jack…" Sue said.

"That we have. Did you ever think, the day you walked into the office and told me off, that we would be such good friends OR doing an ice dancing benefit together?" Jack asked, laughing

"No. You've been one of my best friends. You're an important part of my life Jack." She paused, realizing how that might have come out. "And… If it hadn't been for you, I never would have gotten a pair of ice skates back on my feet. Remember, I had vowed to never skate again?" She said, smiling gratefully at Jack.

"We're good for each other." He said.

"Yes, we are." Sue answered. Neither moved, neither took their eyes off the other. Jack reached his hand across the table, placing it on Sue's. She gave his a little squeeze, but instead of Jack taking it away, he left it there, and gently caressed her hand with his thumb. Sue blushed slightly. They finished their brunch, and decided to go to the rink and get some ice time in.