DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Mark VII and NBC Universal, except Julianna. She's mine!
When they were spent, Julianna laid in Johnny's arms, her head resting on his chest. Johnny smiled and placed a soft kiss in her hair. His right hand around her waist, his left drawing lazy circles on her back.
Julianna closed her eyes and just enjoyed the few moments she had in Johnny's arms. She gently traced the outline of his ribs, causing gooseflesh to rise on Johnny's chest.
"Jules," Johnny said.
"Hmm," she answered.
"You know that tickles," he said.
"Yep," she said. She looked up at him and smiled. He kissed her.
"That was amazing," Johnny said.
"Yeah. That was something to remember," Julianna said, smiling, before looking away and grabbing the blanket to cover herself.
"Jules, what's the matter," Johnny asked.
"As incredible as that was, Johnny, and believe me it was incredible, it was wrong," she said.
Johnny pushed himself up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Wrong," he asked.
"You're seeing Sheila and then there's Bill. We should never have done that," Julianna said.
Johnny wrapped his arms around her from the back and kissed her cheek. "Jules, we can figure it out."
Julianna turned to him and quickly kissed him. "I don't know, Johnny. I think this was just a response to all the pent up frustration we've felt with each other," she said.
"Jules, I love you," he said.
"I love you, too, but..." Julianna said before getting up and rushing into the bathroom. She locked the door and turned on the shower. She hoped Johnny would get the message and head outside. She'd make an appearance after saying she had a headache. She just hoped no one figured out they had been together.
"Where'd Johnny go," Joanne asked her husband as she and Barbara set the food on the picnic tables.
"He went to change," Roy said, snagging a carrot stick.
"You know, he's been gone for a while," Chet said.
"Wait. Where's Juli," Mike asked.
All the guys looked at each other. "You don't think," Roy started to say.
Mike jumped up from his seat and rushed inside the house.
He went upstairs and found Julianna's door closed.
"Juju," he called.
Johnny opened the door, wearing his t-shirt and swimming trucks. "Mike, Juli's in the shower. I came up to change and found her on the bed complaining of a headache. I didn't want to leave her. She just went into the shower. She thought that might make her feel better. You doing OK, Jules," Johnny asked, making up a cover story for them.
"Yeah. I'm much better. Tell Mikey I'll be down in a minute," Julianna said.
"You need me to wait for you," Mike asked.
"No. I'll be there in a few," Julianna said.
She stepped into the shower and closed her eyes. Despite telling Johnny that it was wrong, it had felt right. Just like the first time. She closed her eyes and remembered the feel of his hands on her back, his lips against hers. Knowing she'd never feel them again dissolved Julianna into tears. Julianna loved Johnny and it hurt like hell they'd never be together.
Julianna opened her bathroom door and peeked out. She found her bikini laid out neatly on the edge of the bed. 'Johnny must have done that,' she thought to herself. He was one of a kind.
She changed into the bikini and grabbed her sarong. She opened her door and went downstairs to join the party.
She emerged out of the house on to the porch and everyone welcomed her.
"You feeling OK, Juli," Roy asked.
"Yeah. Thanks for waiting with me, Johnny," Julianna said.
"No problem, Juli. I'm just glad your feeling better," Johnny said.
"Do you want a drink, Juju," Mike asked.
"Yeah, but I can get it," she said, heading inside the house.
Johnny wanted to go with her, but thought that might look suspicious.
As Julianna poured herself a glass of water, the doorbell rang. She sat the glass on the counter and went to open the door.
Julianna was surprised to find Sheila standing at her front door.
"Sheila. What a surprise! Johnny said you were working," Julianna said.
"Well, Dixie took pity on me because she knew I was missing the party and spending time with Johnny, so she let me go early," Sheila said.
"That's great. He's in the backyard. Follow me," Julianna said.
Julianna had to will herself to put one foot in front of the other.
"Johnny, someone's here to see you," Julianna said.
Johnny stood up and was shocked to find Sheila come from behind Julianna.
"Sheila! This is a surprise," Johnny said.
Sheila went to him and they shared a kiss. When Johnny pulled her into a hug, he caught Julianna's gaze over Sheila's shoulder. She gave him a sad smile and went to sit with Chet and Marco on the glider swing.