Mac's bedroom

Later that night

After bringing Duke back in from doing his business, she prepared for bed. Sitting on her bed with her laptop, she logged on to her instant messenger to see if Harm was logged on.

***

Sitting aboard his quarters on the Patrick Henry, Harm was talking to Meg on instant messenger.

Blondie: Caitlin has been asking for you, saying 'Where's Daddy?' She really loves and misses you and so does her mom. We can't wait to see you!

Hammer: She did? How do you feel about her calling me that? I miss all of you and love you all SO much!!

A box on his screen popped up indicating Tong just logged on.

Tong: Hey Harm!

Harm moved the message box with 'Blondie' in it over to the other side of the screen before answering Tom.

Hammer: Hey Tom! How did it go with Mac? Did she believe it was an accidental meeting or did she clobber you like I said she would when she figured out the truth?

Tong: No, she figured it out, but didn't clobber me. In fact I gave her a hug and kiss liked you asked.

Hammer: Let me guess, on the lips!

Tong: Only way to kiss a beautiful lady!! ;)

Hammer: Never said it wasn't! LOL!!!!

A chime sounded through Harm's computer. He clicked over to 'Blondie's' box.

Blondie: Harm! Where did you go?

Hammer: Talking to Tom about how his and AJ's meeting went with Mac went.

Blondie: Oh! Let me know what happened! Well, I'm logging off. Have an early morning in court up against Bud. By the way, guess who the new lawyer in-training is.

Hammer: Who?

Blondie: Tiner!!!! : )

Hammer: Really? He finished law school already?

Blondie: Yeah!! And get this!! Top of his class!! Can you believe it?

Hammer: No!! Good for him! I'll let you go. Love you Meg!!!! : )

Blondie: Love you too!!!!(()):

Harm closed out that box and returned to Tom.

Tong: You still there, Hammer, or are you having cyber-sex with your woman?! ;)

Hammer: No, I'm not having cyber-sex, but maybe next time!! -)

Harm received another chime; this time it was Mac.

Ninja Girl: Hey Harm, you having cyber-sex with Meg? LOL!!

Hammer: Hardy har, har, Mac!! You're so not funny, Marine!!!! : )

Ninja Girl: Okay!! Anyway, how's it going on the Henry?

Hammer: Good, but you didn't log on this late at night to ask me that.

The box with Tong chimed in again.

Tong: We, that is, Sarah and I had a wonderful dinner tonight. She made it and you said she couldn't cook!!! Actually, a lady Ester, taught her how and, man, it was the best stew I had in a long time. Sarah's an amazing woman, Harm, what am I going to do? I only have three weeks here before AJ and I meet up with some friends to go sailing for a month.

Hammer: Well, Tom, don't know what to say, except don't push too fast. I have noticed with the guys she used to date, they would pursue her like dogs in heat and it seemed to push her into something she didn't want. I think it was mainly out of loneliness on Mac's part. And when did you start calling her Sarah?

The box with Ninja Girl alerted Harm that she posted another message.

Ninja Girl: No, I didn't. I know that you are aware of the fact that AJ and Tom are here. I'll tell you all about it later. What I want to know is if Tom is seeing anyone? God!! I feel like I'm in high school asking my best friend about a boy I like!! LOL!!!! : )

Hammer: Yeah! Know what you mean! And no, as far as I know, he doesn't and before you ask, he has never been married or to my knowledge has ever been in a serious relationship.

Harm was laughing and thinking, 'If they only knew, this is just like being back in high school and passing notes back and forth, only with e-mail.'

Tong's box chimed again.

Tong: Calling her Sarah just came as second nature to me. I'll take your suggestion and add some things of my own. I have been told I can be romantic at times. I'm signing off, talk to you soon. Say hello to Meg for me! Bye!

Hammer: I will Tom, bye!

Another chime alerted Harm that Tong logged off, so Harm clicked over to finish his conversation with Mac.

Ninja Girl: Thanks, Harm!!!! : ) Do you think he would be interested in me? I know! I sound so pathetic, you don't need to say it.

Hammer: He could be, just give it a chance and see what happens. And, no, I don't think you're pathetic, maybe a little crazy. LOL!!!! ; )

Ninja Girl: Thanks, Harm, you have always been there for me!!!! : )

Hammer: And I always will!!!! : ) I'm going to sign off, Ninja Girl. I've got lots of work to do. Talk to you soon!!

Ninja Girl: Bye Harm!!

Mom+5: has logged on

Ninja Girl: Harriet!!!! : ) Just the person I wanted to talk to.

Mom+5: What can I do to help you with Tom Boone?

Ninja Girl: =O Who told you about him?

Mom+5: Well, Bud was just talking to AJ on instant messenger and told him all about how they set you and Tom up to have dinner together. So, how did it go and did you make out?!

Ninja Girl: Harriet!! What kind of person do you think I am?

Mom+5: The kind that would jump a sexy man like that!;)

Ninja Girl: You're so right!! LOL!!! : ) It was very nice, maybe because I felt so at ease with Tom. We teased each other and just had a relaxing time. I'm not sure if I'm disappointed that my uncle and AJ came back before we watched the movie or relieved. I had butterflies in my stomach most of the evening. It was like being on my very first date!! Goodness, Harriet, I'm not even sure what I'm feeling.

Mom+5: Well, as a mother, all I can say is take your time. You will figure it out on your own soon enough. Oh, I'm sorry Mac, but one of the twins is up. Keep me posted!!!!: ) Bye!!!

Ninja girl: I will! Bye!!!! : )

Logging off Mac closed her laptop and set it on her bedside table. Looking over to Duke as she asked for further counsel, "Well, Duke, what do you think I should do?"

Duke looked up to her and replied with a, "Woof!"

Scratching his head, she said, "Yeah, I agree, time for bed."

Switching the lamp off she buried herself under the covers and tried to get some sleep.