True to his word, Seth was waiting for Jessica as she entered the plush lobby of the hotel. He kissed her on the cheek. "How was your lecture?"

"Fine," said Jessica airily. "It was a good group of young people: interested, curious, outgoing. I really enjoy working with students." She sighed. "I do sometimes miss teaching." She looked at Seth and grinned. "But not enough, you know?"

"I think I do." He took Jessica by the elbow and steered her to the elevator.

Jessica looked at Seth out of the corner of her eye. "You look like you're up to something, Seth. Are we embarking on one of your surprises you mentioned earlier?"

"Could be," replied Seth puckishly as the elevator doors opened. "You'll have plenty of time to get ready. It's only a few minutes after 3:30. I thought we might have drinks at the hotel's bar, then make our way to the restaurant."

"Where are we going, Seth?"

"It's a nice restaurant, but not particularly fancy. I thought maybe we could even do a little honky tonking after our meal."

"That sounds like fun! It is Friday night, after all!"

"A-yuh, and I thought you might want to blow off a little steam after working so hard all week."

She looked askance at him. "Are you having me on?"

Seth put a hand on her back and ushered her out of the elevator and down the hall. "Not a bit!" he cried as he opened the door to their suite. He stood back to allow her to enter first. "You do work hard, Jess. You know how I feel about that."

"You have to admit I'm doing a better job of balancing my schedule!"

"I do," he soothed. He didn't want to argue with her. He wanted to take her out for a meal and some dancing. Who knew what might happen after? "I wasn't teasing or being sarcastic, Jess." He looked at her sincerely. "I just thought we might have a night out on the town. When will we ever be back in Nashville again?"

She smiled at him. "When would you like to have drinks at the bar?"

Seth smiled back, relieved they were back on solid ground. "As I say, where we're going isn't terribly fancy. How much time will you need, Jess?"

"How about 45 minutes?"

"Works for me! We'll have drinks in the bar, then take a taxi to the restaurant. I'm told it's better to get there early on a Friday night. Say around 5:30?"

"Perfect." She moved past him, squeezing his hand as she glided to her room. "I won't be long."

Take your time, he thought. I'll be right here waiting for you.

oOoOoOoOoOoO

Jessica decided to take a quick bath before dinner and dancing. She assumed it would be some kind of country-western dancing; she'd done a bit of that when she'd gone to check on Jill in Saskatchewan. The thought of Seth's hand on her neck caused a nervous thrill.

As she soaked in the tub, her thoughts strayed, as they often did, to Frank. He was her ideal: tall, handsome, sexy…she could say that now without embarrassment or shame. When she first met Frank, she hadn't the experience or even the vocabulary to describe what she felt for him, what he brought out in her. They were a good match intellectually and physically, and theirs had been a happy marriage; blighted only by the lack of children she could never give him, a loss she felt keenly. He'd always told her that didn't matter to him, but she caught the hungry look in his eyes when their nieces and nephews were small. Grady coming to live with them was a blessing, something she was loathe to admit, considering the circumstances. They'd both doted on the boy, but to Frank Grady was something more, an opportunity to pass along the collective male wisdom he'd accumulated. In the afternoons, he played catch with Grady in the front yard while Jessica prepared dinner. On the weekends, he took Grady out on the water to swim and fish. Later, he taught the boy to shave and presumably gave him advice on girls. Jessica smiled fondly. Neither one would ever divulge those confidences. They were close, and it broke Grady's heart anew to lose Frank.

Losing Frank had very nearly shattered her. Without Grady, she might have followed Frank right into the afterlife. But Grady was there every weekend to pull her through and gradually she found a sort of solace in a very unexpected quarter. Writing gave her quick mind an anchor, and her new life as JB Fletcher was fresh and exciting. Gradually she came into herself, no longer Jessica Fletcher, widow and retired schoolteacher, but not precisely JB Fletcher, bestselling novelist, either. Rather she thought of herself as an amalgamation of both, of what she hoped were the best qualities of both sides of her personality. And Seth had been there, steady and patient, as she grew and changed, yet remained stubbornly the same.

Seth was nothing like Frank. He was intelligent, yes, but his intelligence was the kind that isolated him, put people off him. Jessica thought he might have been a loner without Ruth and Margie to ground him in a community. She noticed he had few friends; none, really, save her, at least in Cabot Cove. He often disparaged himself; he was self-deprecating, always quick to point out his physical flaws. She could hear him now. "I'm just being honest, Jess. I see the reflection in the mirror same as everybody else. Besides, the good Lord didn't intend for me to be a matinee idol." And he might pat his belly.

It frustrated her because, in spite of the uniformity of the type of men she occasionally went out with, she was attracted to Seth. Physically attracted to him. She enjoyed snugging up next to him, finding the solid bulk of him immensely comforting and warm. When he pulled her arm through his, she felt safe. Protected. He made her feel…delicate, feminine, and she liked that feeling. She'd been trying to communicate that to him more directly lately, but he hadn't seemed to take the hint. Last night, they'd very nearly kissed. If he hadn't made that bland comment, she would have leaned in and kissed him herself. She thought it likely that he was afraid. He treated her almost like a Brahmin. While he wasn't formal, he was mannerly and he never strayed out of bounds. Perhaps tonight would give her an opportunity to let him know he could relax with her. Into her.

For some time, she'd felt a desire for a deeper companionship. She just hadn't been sure which of the men she knew would suit her. She could have had any number of casual relationships, flings, but that wasn't what she wanted. She didn't want marriage, either; she liked her life as it was, but she did want someone to share it with. Someone who knew her, who had similar attitudes and values as she, someone who would appreciate and cherish her. When she realized there was already a person in her life who did all of those things, she was so surprised she laughed aloud, and the man in question gave her a concerned look even as he asked if there was any more blueberry pie.

She pulled the stopper from the tub and rinsed off as the water drained. As she stepped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a towel, she thought again of how much she had anticipated this trip with Seth and how it might nudge their friendship into romance. She smiled at the thought.

As usual, Seth was proud to have Jessica on his arm. He thought she looked particularly lovely tonight. She was wearing a pleated denim skirt and a blouse that made her eyes appear even more vividly blue. He never quite knew how she managed to look elegant and casual at the same time. He didn't know much, but he knew what he liked, and he liked Jessica. He could imagine dancing with her in that skirt, twirling her around the floor. He could imagine other things as well, but now was neither the time nor the place. He pulled her seat out and placed a gentle hand on her back as she got settled.

The bartender was over in moments. "Would you care for a drink this evening?"

Jessica looked at Seth expectantly. Was he supposed to order for her? This was unusual. He mulled for a moment. "I'll have a Jack Daniels, straight, and for the lady..." He looked at the bartender questioningly. "Could you make her a Pimm's Cup?"

"Of course, sir. I'll be back with your drinks in a moment."

Jessica raised her eyebrows. "Pimm's Cup?"

"Have you ever had one?"

"No. I've never even heard of it!"

Seth smiled. "I wasn't sure they could make one, but it was the only thing I could think of." That faraway look came into his eyes again. "I suppose it's being down here again." He fell silent. Jessica watched him, content to let him reveal what he would when he would. "I've been thinking more about the war. More than I have in recent years." He looked at Jessica, at her beautiful, calm face. He knew she wouldn't pry, wouldn't press him for more than he was capable of sharing. It had been a long time since he'd wanted to speak about his time in the war. Ruthie knew more than anyone, but he had the fleeting thought that perhaps one day he might tell Jess the rest. "When they flew us overseas, we stopped first in England." He looked at Jessica. "I was a paratrooper."

"I never knew," she said quietly. "I've seldom heard you speak about the war."

"Yes, well. I was a paratrooper, and my unit trained for a time with the Royal Air Force. I was in England just over two months." He smiled briefly. "It was...it is...a beautiful country. I always wanted to take Ruthie back there. Show her some of those places." He startled as the bartender brought them their drinks. Seth watched as Jessica took a tentative sip of her drink.

"It's good," she exclaimed.

"You sound surprised, woman!"

"I was a little concerned, but this is delicious. It's so light and fresh. I can't believe it has fruit in it!"

"Fruit was dear in those days. Everything was, of course, but we Yanks had money to burn on all those lovely English roses."

"So I'm having another woman's drink?" Jessica teased.

Seth laughed. "But only one. Funny," he paused. "She was a nurse, too."

"I always say I don't believe in coincidences. Perhaps you just have a type. Most men do."

My type is a blue-eyed ginger who's so lively and mischievous, but gentle and sweet, too. She's got me wrapped around her finger. "Maybe I do," he said in what he hoped was a suitably joking manner.

She took another sip of her drink. "But you were telling me about this beautiful English nurse whom you plied with Pimm's Cups."

Seth nearly choked on his own sip of whiskey. "I wasn't plying her with anything! For heaven's sake, I wasn't much more than 20 years old. Plying a girl with drinks," he grumbled good naturedly. "What you must think of me." Jessica merely looked at him as she sipped her drink. "I was only there for a couple of months," he protested. "But time did seem to move fast in those days."

They sipped their drinks quietly, Seth lost in thought and Jessica watching him closely. "I was at Normandy Beach." He said it so quietly that Jessica almost missed it.

"Oh, Seth." Instinctively she reached for his hand. "Oh my," she breathed.

He turned his palm up and clasped her hand. "I survived," he said lightly. "And I'm here in Music City with my best—well, the best friend I've ever had." He squeezed her palm and exhaled, relieved that he hadn't blurted out the depth of his feelings for her. He felt an odd sort of peace settle over him. Very few people knew he'd been in the Normandy invasion. Very few. And now he'd told Jessica. He could feel that it was the right thing to do, even though she'd come over pensive. "Finish your drink, Jessica." He jerked his chin at her Pimm's Cup, then swallowed the last of his whiskey. "We'll need to find a cab to take us over to the restaurant."

Jessica finished her drink, then leaned over to kiss Seth on the cheek.

"What was that for?"

"For being my best friend." Seth merely grunted, but she could tell he was pleased. Her heart broke over what that brash young man had seen during the war, but he was here, he was safe, and, with any luck, he'd be in her arms later this evening. "Ready?" she asked pertly.

"As I'll ever be," he replied as he helped her from the barstool and drew her arm through his.

He'd read about The Gerst House in preparation for their trip, and he'd checked with the concierge that afternoon just to confirm his research. That fella was right on the money. 5:30 on a Friday night and the place was already almost packed! He had a firm grip on Jessica's elbow as they followed the hostess to their table. Was it his imagination or were the other patrons staring at her? He and Jessica were seated at a small table near what appeared to be a stage.

Jessica leaned forward. "This place looks marvelous, Seth. I don't see very many tourists in here, if any. How did you find it?"

Seth smiled. "As soon as you invited me on this trip, I told Jane* to find me as many newspaper articles on Nashville as she could."

Jessica laughed. "I wondered why we always seemed to bump into each other in the library! I'm surprised Jane didn't mention it."

"I asked her not to. I wanted some of the details of our trip to be a surprise." He stared thoughtfully at the room. "Jane was right."

"About what?"

"Well, she got almost as interested in our trip as I was. She thought this place would appeal to us both, but to you especially."

"Why?"

"She said you always talk about the unique places you find in the cities you visit. How you prize finding out where the locals go rather than visiting the tourist spots." He smiled. "We'll be visiting some of those touristy spots here, Jess, but I thought this sounded like a fun start to our weekend together."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and she fought the urge to rub her foot against his ankle. Not yet. Before the silence grew too heavy, their waitress came to take their order. Seth apologized. "We haven't even looked at the menus yet."

"Better make it snappy. This place fills up quick on a Friday night."

Seth pointed at a neighboring table where a gentleman was drinking from a large frosted glass. "What's he drinking? Is that beer?"

"I'll have one of the boys bring you one. I'll be back in a minute to take your order."

Jessica and Seth exchanged a look. "I suppose we'd better make it snappy," said Jessica as she perused her menu. "We'll have to take quite a bit of exercise to burn off this heavy food." She looked up at Seth over the top of her menu and smiled.

Seth swallowed, trying hard to avoid thinking of the exercise he'd like to take with her. He threw a quick smile, then studied his own menu. "Oyster rolls! I think I'll try that."

Jessica grimaced. "You don't think we're too far inland for that?"

"I'm willing to risk it!" declared Seth rashly as his beer arrived.

"That was something else, wasn't it?"

Jessica smiled. "I don't think anything could have prepared us for that experience."

"I mean, I did quite a bit of research before we came down here, but…"

Jessica leaned in close to Seth. "Nothing could have prepared us for that polka band. Or Mongo*!"

Seth guffawed. "You were a good sport, Jess. You didn't have to do the Chicken Dance." He winked at her. "And you did it without being under the influence of alcohol!"

"Speaking of alcohol, that was quite a beer you drank."

"I've never drunk beer from a fishbowl before. Course I've never seen a live polka band or danced the Chicken Dance outside of a wedding before."

"This trip is full of surprises," said Jessica, and Seth wondered if she realized how flirtatious she sounded.

"It's a good thing I didn't end up renting a car, Jess."

"I'm glad you don't have to do all the driving." She looked out the window. "Where did you tell the driver to take us?"

"We're going to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Jess. I thought we could stop in there to hear some music and maybe do a little dancing?"

Jessica slipped her hand into Seth's. "Alright, Seth. As long as it's not a polka, I'm game."

Seth laughed and squeezed her hand. "Who knows? Maybe the next Willie Nelson is in there right now singing one of his own songs."

"That name certainly sounds familiar."

Seth groaned playfully. "You must know Willie Nelson!"

"Maybe," said Jess, playing along.

The taxi pulled up in front of Tootsie's. Seth paid him and helped Jessica out of the taxi and into the bar. It was dark, smoky, and loud. You're the only person I would ever do this for, Seth, thought Jessica ruefully. When in Rome… Seth had a tight grip on Jessica's arm as he led her through the crowd.

Seth found her a seat at the bar, and he ordered drinks for them. It was too loud to talk, but he was pleased to see Jessica looking around avidly. Every once in awhile, she'd turn to him and smile. Jessica was so lively, her attitude so friendly and curious about others. Little wonder that he'd fallen in love with her so easily. The bartender caught his eye and slid their drinks over to Seth. He handed Jessica a mason jar.

She leaned in close to his ear. Even the air of fried food that hung about them in The Gerst House, even the smell of smoke and stale beer of the bar couldn't overpower that faint lavender scent he'd grown to love so well. "What is this, Seth?"

He cupped his hand against her ear. "It's a Lynchburg Lemonade. It has a little bit of whiskey in it, but it's mostly lemonade." He fought the impulse to press his lips against her earlobe.

She took a tentative sip, then smiled. "It's good!" She held out her glass to him. "Would you like to try it?"

He lifted his whiskey. "I'll stick to this, but thank you." He winked and took a sip. That familiar burn felt good as it went down his throat.

"Jack Daniels?"

He nodded, then jerked his chin at her drink. "You've got a little taste of it, too."

She smiled and sipped her drink, craning her neck to watch the couples dancing, the musicians on stage, the patrons spilling in and out of the doors. She started swaying in her seat. She hoped they might be able to dance tonight, although she was a little nervous. For all her bravado, Jessica didn't like exposing herself to possible ridicule. She didn't like to be embarrassed, and she certainly didn't want to embarrass Seth. She studied the dancers. The steps didn't seem so very complicated, and they weren't dancing as closely as she expected. She sipped her lemonade. It really was quite good and didn't seem to have any whiskey in it at all. She felt Seth behind her and she wanted to lean back against him, but she wasn't sure how he would respond in such a public place. Not that they knew anyone here, not that anyone here seemed to care, judging from the nearby couples she observed. She took another sip of her lemonade. Things definitely felt more relaxed here. There was an air of possibility. Perhaps it was that creative magic of a place where anyone's dream might come true.

Seth longed to place his hand on her shoulder, cup the delightful curve of her neck, but he wasn't sure how she would feel about such a public display. Jessica was such a proper, correct sort of person. He could hardly believe they were sharing a suite, no matter that it was nearly the size of his rooms at home. He wasn't sure what to make of that. And last night, the air between them had grown still and heavy with anticipation. He took another sip of whiskey. Jessica seemed open to the possibility, seemed as though she wanted him to kiss her. He hadn't thought he'd still be trying to understand women at his age. It wasn't that he was past all that; certainly not if his dreams were any indication. If this morning was any indication! But still. Jessica had her own, separate life, and she'd drawn what felt to Seth as pretty firm boundaries between them. But still. They were here, together. She'd invited him to spend this time with her in a place she knew he was excited about. He finished his remaining whiskey in one swallow. Perhaps it was time to take a chance. She certainly seemed receptive to whatever he might suggest. He leaned over her shoulder and placed his mouth close to her ear. "Would you care to dance, Jessica?"

She craned her neck toward him. They were so close that he could smell the faint sweetness of the lemonade and whiskey on her breath. "Just let me finish my lemonade. I think I'll need a little liquid courage."

Seth laughed as she swallowed the last of her lemonade. He placed a hand on her back as she stood, and he propelled her toward the dance floor. She turned smoothly in his arms, and they began to dance.

Jessica laughed as they danced around the floor. Seth drew back to look at her, and she grinned. "You're a very good dancer!"

"So are you, Jess. Having fun?"

Jess nodded, her eyes sparkling. The song drew to a close, something about heartbreak, but if Jessica was learning one thing about country music, it was its consistent theme of sorrow and bad luck in love. She tightened her grip on Seth even as they slowed.

"We're gonna play one last song for y'all before we take a break. It's been a big hit for Mr. Kenny Rogers, and we hope y'all enjoy it."

She was relieved, as it was clearly a ballad. She would never admit this to Seth, who was having such a grand time, but she was beginning to get a little tired. As they moved slowly to the music, she could feel Seth tense.

I know it's late, I know you're weary

I know your plans don't include me

Still here we are, both of us lonely

Longing for shelter from all that we see

Why should we worry?

No one will care, girl

Look at the stars so far away

Seth straightened awkwardly as Jessica moved in more closely. That was odd; they'd been having such a wonderful, relaxed evening together.

We've got tonight

Who needs tomorrow?

We've got tonight, babe

Why don't you stay?

Seth was struggling to maintain his composure. Holding Jessica in his arms, dancing to music that meant something to him, music that had gotten him through some terribly difficult times in his life, sharing this experience with her…well it was like a dream come true, and then the band had to choose this song.

Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely

All of my hopes fading away

I've longed for love like everyone else does

I know I'll keep searchin' even after today

He led her around the dance floor, trying desperately not to listen to the words, not to feel that longing for this woman, not to think of the suite they were sharing…mere minutes from here.

So there it is girl, I've said it all now

And here we are babe, what do you say?

We've got tonight

Who needs tomorrow?

We've got tonight, babe

Why don't you stay?

She smelled like fried food and stale cigarettes and yet what could put him off her? What could she do or say that would cause him to stop wanting her, to stop loving her? Nothing. Nothing save her absolute, explicit refusal of him. And here she was in his arms, giving every indication that there wasn't anywhere in the world she'd rather be. And last night! He might have kissed her. He could have kissed her.

I know it's late I know you're weary

Ooh, I know your plans don't include me

Still here we are both of us lonely

Both of us lonely

We've got tonight

Who needs tomorrow?

He knew he was lonely, of course he was, but that wasn't the cause of his love for Jessica. Now he came to see it as almost the result of his love for her. She had a new life now, a successful career that took her all over the country and introduced her to far more eligible, worthwhile men than he. What could she want with him? Why was she here? Why was he here?

Let's make it last

Let's find a way

Turn out the light (turn out the light)

Come take my hand now

We've got tonight, babe

Why don't you stay?

As the music faded, he drew back from her, feeling embarrassed. He hoped she hadn't been listening too closely to the lyrics. Perhaps it was best if they called it a night. When he was finally brave enough to make eye contact, he saw that she was looking at him curiously. He leaned in close and cupped his hand around her ear. "Shall we go back to the hotel?" He was both elated and nervous by her eager acquiescence. Before he could take her arm, she reached for his hand, squeezing it as he led them through the crowd and out onto the street.

A/N: The Gerst House and Tootsie's are real places. Sadly, The Gerst House has long been torn down, but in the 80s they had a polka band with a performer named Mongo. Patrons would sing and dance along to Beer Barrel Polkaand The Chicken Dance. They also served beer in fishbowl glasses. Tootsie's is still around, and it still connects to the Ryman through an alleyway.

*So Jane makes an appearance in Riptide in a later chapter. She's a crack resesarch librarian who finds Seth everything he asks for. Who doesn't need a Jane?

*Mongo was a real character...a member of the polka band that performed Friday and Saturday nights at The Gerst House. As an awkward teen, I spent my meals practicing my invisibility charm so he wouldn't single me out to perform The Chicken Dance.

Seth and Jessica were dancing to the Kenny Rogers/Sheena Easton duet "We've Got Tonight," written by Bob Seger.

I'm traveling through early June. I should be able to post normally, but I thought I'd post Nashville early, as tomorrow is a travel day. The next Riptide chapter should be up on Sunday. Thanks and I hope you enjoy this latest.