Spring Break: The Beginning

The following days passed in a blur of activity. Joanna escaped her office as much as possible in order to take a more active role with the students and faculty. MacGyver, on the other hand, stayed closeted in his office either researching various security measures implemented in other schools around the country or studying the blueprints of the old school building to get a clearer idea of what lay behind the longstanding walls. It surprised them both when Evelyn beckoned them into her office late Friday afternoon.

"So, how do the two of you plan to spend Spring Break next week?" asked the spunky administrator. Evelyn didn't miss the shadow that briefly crossed each of their faces. The shadow that indicated they feared she was going to interfere with their plans. Oh, if they only knew!

"I was planning on using the time off to visit the Phoenix office in Chicago and see if I could get some security measures in place while the school is empty," MacGyver replied matter-of-factly.

"And you, Joanna?" Evelyn asked.

"I was planning to come in and catch up on some paperwork."

"No," Evelyn declared.

"What do you mean, 'no'?" MacGyver asked.

"With everything you've both been through lately, I want you to take some real time off and 'get out of your heads' so to speak. Relax, forget about work for a while, have some fun!"

Evelyn sighed as Mac and Jo looked at her blankly. Well, she hadn't expected it to be easy. At least not with these two.

"Mr. MacGyver," she prompted, "do you still enjoy fishing and the great outdoors?"

"Yes ma'am," he answered without volunteering more information.

"Joanna, do you and your folks still go to that place on Lake Delton?"

"Yes, every summer," Jo answered succinctly. She and Mac both looking perplexed.

Good grief, was she going to have to spell it out for them? She hoped they were being purposely obtuse because she hated to think that two intelligent adults couldn't put the pieces she was handing them together.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?" she asked, frustration tinged her voice.

Joanna was the first to respond. "Are you suggesting we go up to the lake…together?" Her brow wrinkled with concern.

"Look, Honeypots," she replied, pinning both of them with her steely gaze, "I'm not asking you to elope, just spend some time together, away from work, relaxing and enjoying yourselves."

"With all due respect," Joanna spoke up, "couldn't we do that on our own?"

"You could," she replied, "but where's the fun in that?! Besides, if you're together you'll keep each other honest and not try to sneak back to work!"

Evelyn watched as MacGyver and Joanna exchanged meaningful glances before MacGyver spoke up, answering for both of them. "OK, we'll leave on Monday," he said flatly.

"Lovely!" Evelyn exclaimed gleefully. "I'll see you after the break!"

Once the appropriate farewells were given and the pair had left her office, Evelyn stood looking out the window, hoping she had made the right decision. Best case scenario they'd return with a solid friendship. Worst case scenario….she didn't want to go there, but the words 'justifiable homicide' niggled at her brain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Monday morning Joanna pulled her Cavalier up to Mac's apartment building. By the time she parked and climbed out of the driver's seat, MacGyver was already heading towards her. She popped the trunk to allow him to deposit the duffle bag he carried before they both settled into the car and began their trek.

Sunny and mild, it was the perfect Wisconsin spring day. Three hours after leaving Mac's place and making a quick stop at a nearby grocery store for basic provisions, Joanna maneuvered her car into the small parking lot of The Delton Bay Resort. She released her seatbelt and leaned her head back, allowing her body to relax and soak in the peacefulness she always found here. It was her sanctuary. The one place she could go to forget her worries and just be herself, if only for a few days out of the year. MacGyver, on the other hand, had crawled from the passenger seat as soon as Jo had shifted into park and was now exploring his new surroundings. She heard him let out a prolonged, appreciative whistle and smiled. When she told people about the resort, they generally pictured rustic log cabins, not the two and three bedroom vacation homes that were placed strategically amongst the towering trees that shaded the grassy lawn. Three boat docks and a small, sandy beach beckoned visitors to the water's edge.

Joanna slowly made her way towards the main house and office to check in. MacGyver joined her, insisting she let Phoenix pick up the tab. The long-time owner, Kathy 'Kat' Barnes, smiled widely as the pair entered the small office. She and Jo had become friends over the years and eagerly looked forward to their summer reunions. This extra trip was a bonus. After MacGyver had been properly introduced, the financial transaction completed, and the luggage removed from the car, Joanna led the way across the lawn to the two-bedroom home they would share. She stood back as MacGyver took in the large open living, dining, and kitchen space that occupied the front half of the house. Patio doors opened onto a wraparound deck and large windows overlooked the water. Down the hall was a bathroom and bedroom with two twin beds as well as a master bedroom with a private bath. Joanna was headed directly to the smaller bedroom that she always stayed in when she felt MacGyver's large, gentle hands on her shoulders.

"Oh no, you don't," he announced, halting her progress. "That one's mine," he declared, nodding toward the room.

"But I always stay in this room," Joanna explained.

"Not on my watch," Mac insisted, as he steered her towards the master suite.

Every fiber of her being wanted to protest. She considered him her guest and since he was physically larger than her, he should take advantage of the larger room. Instead, she bit her lip to stay quiet and vowed she would let MacGyver have his way…for now.

After they had stowed their belongings and put away the food they had bought, MacGyver entered the living room and announced he was going fishing. He had a telescopic pole in one hand and tackle box in the other.

"There's a bait shop down the street," Joanna offered.

"No need," Mac replied cryptically as he set down the rod and box and pulled out a stick of gum from his back pocket. He carefully unwrapped it, popped it in his mouth, and began to chew, all the while seeming to enjoy Joanna's quizzical gaze.

"This will do quite nicely," he said, holding up the metallic gum wrapper.

Jo's gaze turned to disbelief and she raised one eyebrow.

"Fish are attracted to shiny objects. When the sun hits this wrapper it should catch their attention and make them want to investigate."

"These are pretty smart fish up here," she warned him. "They always manage to eat the worms off my dad's hook without getting caught."

"That's even better," MacGyver replied seriously. "They won't be expecting this!" His eyes twinkled as Joanna let go a little laugh. "Hey," he continued, "would you mind bringing out that box on the table?"

For the first time, Joanna noticed another tackle box on the dining table. This one was smaller than the other. "Sure thing," she replied lightly as she grabbed the box and headed after Mac. She found him staring at something above the tree line.

"What's that wooden platform up there?" he asked

"One of the zip line stations," she replied. "Have you ever done that before?" She inclined her head toward the attraction.

"Never just for fun," Mac mused, heading toward the lake.

"I assume these are for guests to use?" he asked as he flipped over a canoe that had been pulled onto a grassy incline. Before Joanna could answer, he had the long, thin boat in the water and his fishing gear on its floor. He reached for the box Jo held.

"I don't get it," Joanna commented thoughtfully as she relinquished the box. "You don't use bait but you have two tackle boxes."

"That one," he nodded to the larger box sitting in the canoe, "is my tackle box. This one," he held the other one up high, "is for Phoenix. When Pete found out where I was headed he asked if I'd take some water samples to send back."

MacGyver settled himself in the little boat and took up his paddle. "Care to join me?" he asked Joanna.

"In that?!" she replied with distaste.

"Yeah! Don't you trust me?"

"I trust you all right, it's that floating tin can you're sitting in I don't trust."

"C'mon, people have been using canoes for centuries."

Joanna held up her hand toward him. "I don't need a history lesson and I'm not getting in that thing."

"Suit yourself," MacGyver chuckled, as he expertly turned the canoe toward the open water and began to paddle away.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Joanna watched from shore as Mac reached deep into the water with his oar, causing the canoe to swiftly slide across the glass-like water. His movements were strong yet graceful as he handled the boat efficiently, not expending any unnecessary energy. The gentle breeze ruffled his too-long, darkening-blonde hair and Joanna stood mesmerized.

"So where've you been hiding him?" Kat asked accusingly.

Joanna jumped, unaware that her friend had walked up behind her.

"I haven't been 'hiding' him anywhere. We just met a couple months ago."

"You go, girlfriend!" Kat exclaimed, her long blonde hair waving in the breeze, her hazel eyes glistening with excitement.

"It's not like that, Kat. He's here from L.A. to help out at the school. He's a temporary colleague, that's all."

"Whatever you say, Jo," Kat replied as she patted her friend on the shoulder.

"I have a book I want to finish," Joanna muttered, as she turned her back on Kat and the lake and headed for the house.

Several hours later, Joanna had finished her novel and was knitting a winter scarf. MacGyver still had not returned. It wasn't a big lake and there weren't enough fish in it to keep even the most avid sportsman entertained for this long. And how much time could collecting water samples take? Much to her chagrin, Joanna found herself heading out to the deck to watch for Mac as she heartily tried to convince herself he wasn't worth the effort…but he was. Jo shivered, blaming the lake-cooled breeze, and stepped inside to grab a jacket. When she returned, it was to find MacGyver pulling the canoe ashore, chatting and laughing with Kat who had apparently gone out to help. Joanna's breath caught, hurt and jealousy knotting in her stomach before she could reign in her emotions. As if sensing her presence, Mac turned around and waved to her. She returned the gesture half-heartedly as she watched him say some final words to Kathy before heading towards the house. He carried the case for the water samples but that was all. Joanna figured Kat had assured him his fishing gear would be safe in the canoe.

"What, no fish?" she asked, hoping to sound nonchalant.

"Nope. Not today."

"Oh," Joanna replied. Turning around she mumbled, "But you sure were out there long enough."

"What?"

"Nothing!"

"Hey, I know I kinda lost track of time. You weren't worried or anything, were you?"

"Of course not!" she all but snapped at him. "What do I care how long you sit out there waiting for a fish to chew on your gum wrapper. I'm hungry, let's get something to eat." And with that she headed to her bedroom and closed the door…loudly.

A wide smile began to spread across MacGyver's face. He was finally starting to figure out the puzzle that was Joanna Fairfax, and he knew with certainty that she only got upset with people she cared about.

When Joanna finally emerged from her room after changing clothes, she found a freshly showered MacGyver wearing clean khakis and a collarless shirt flipping through the television channels.

"So, where do you want to go eat?" she asked, trying to sound friendly and in control. She had decided that, since they were stuck with each other anyway, the days would go a lot smoother if she stopped trying to pick a fight with every little thing MacGyver did or said that got under her skin.

"It's a surprise," he answered, holding out his hand to her.

"What's that for?" she asked, looking pointedly at his hand.

"Car keys. I'm driving."

Jo felt herself begin to bristle, but before she could say anything MacGyver responded. "If you drive I'd have to tell you where we're going. Then it wouldn't be a surprise."

Well, the man did make a logical argument. Joanna grabbed her car keys off the dining table and tossed them across the room wear Mac effortlessly snagged them out of the air.

Minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of an exclusive, upscale restaurant that Joanna had passed thousands of times but never stopped to dine there.

"This place is awfully expensive," she informed MacGyver, her front teeth worrying her bottom lip.

"Don't worry. I've got a Phoenix credit card and expense account. Let's just enjoy, OK?"

Joanna quickly agreed which surprised them both, but she figured this might be the only chance she had of darkening the door of this particular supper club. Why look a gift horse in the mouth?

MacGyver escorted Joanna into the restaurant and to their secluded table, his hand never leaving the small of her back. She heard him chuckle softly when she opened her menu and her eyebrows instinctively shot up upon seeing the prices.

"Remember, this is on Phoenix. Order anything. We'll eat tofu sandwiches tomorrow," he teased.

Joanna was still studying the menu and waffling between a few choices when their waitress delivered the glasses of ice water they had requested and stood ready to take the rest of their order. Before Jo could make up her mind she heard Mac talking to the waitress.

"We'll each have a house salad, Maine lobster tail and baked potato."

Joanna's head snapped up. That had to be the most expensive meal on the menu!

"Anything else?" the waitress asked.

"Butter and sour cream for the potato," Joanna added. What the heck, might as well go all out!

"That stuff'll kill you, ya know," Mac whispered as the server walked away.

"Then at least I'll die happy," Joanna whispered back mischievously.

The pair conversed amicably between savoring bites of their delicious meal. Joanna was glad she had allowed MacGyver to splurge. When it was time for dessert, they ordered one Turtle Sundae to share. The server placed it between them and they leaned forward and dug in. Joanna thought this probably looked quite intimate to the other diners, but she didn't care. In fact, she kinda liked that idea.

By the time they arrived back at the resort, the sun had been down for a while and colored lights strung between the trees illuminated the small beach area. The night air was cool, but not uncomfortable. Even so, MacGyver suggested that they relax by the fire before calling it a night. Sated from the large, delicious meal they had just consumed, Joanna didn't have the energy to argue. Besides, it sounded rather nice.

Kat was waiting outside the office when they came walking up the drive.

"So, was Wally's everything I told you it was?" she asked MacGyver.

"That and more. Thanks for the suggestion."

Joanna's inquiring glance flitted between them.

Mac cleared his throat. "I think I'll go get my fishing gear," he told the two women and then headed to the lake.

As soon as MacGyver was out of earshot, Kat grabbed Jo by the arm.

"So, how was it?" she demanded eagerly.

Joanna shrugged, "It was nice."

"Nice?!" Kat exclaimed in frustration. "You go to one of the finest, most romantic restaurants in town with a gorgeous guy who is totally into you and you say it was 'nice'?!"

Joanna worked hard to downplay the dinner. "I told you before that MacGyver is just a temporary colleague, that's all. What's more, the insufferable man made me eat lobster and share his dessert," Joanna pretended to pout.

"The heathen!" Kat exclaimed before the two broke out laughing.

"By the way, how did you know which restaurant we went to," Jo asked, once their giggles had died down.

"This afternoon he asked me the best place to take a girl out to dinner," Kat shrugged.

"Is that what you guys were talking about when he came back from fishing?"

"Yeah, why?"

"No reason," Joanna muttered, suddenly regretting how she had reacted earlier that day. "I better head in."

The two women wished each other a good night and returned to their respective homes. As Joanna walked through the living room, she picked up the remote to turn on the enclosed gas fireplace before changing into jeans and a sweatshirt. She settled herself on the couch and glanced at her watch. Where was MacGyver? How long could it possibly take to retrieve and stow his fishing gear? Once again, she found herself waiting for him.

Unable to sit still any longer, Joanna crossed the room and stepped onto the deck. A shadowy figure headed towards her and she didn't need to see its features to know it was Mac. She had quickly learned to recognize the rhythm of his gait and the way he carried himself…among other things. She stepped off the deck and closed the space between them.

"Where have you been?" they asked in unison.

MacGyver motioned for her to speak first.

"I turned on the fireplace," she gestured towards the house. "I've been waiting for you."

"Well I started a fire in the pit by the shoreline," he explained, nodding his head toward the flames licking the air. "I've been waiting for you!"

They stood staring at each other, as if waiting to see who would flinch first. Finally MacGyver threw his hands in the air, a gesture he was doing more and more often.

"Fine," he exhaled. "We'll go inside." As he stepped past Jo, she put her hand on his arm to stop him.

"No," she contradicted softly. "I like your idea better." And she headed towards the fire pit giving Mac no choice but to follow.

The pair settled themselves side-by-side next to the fire in plastic patio chairs Kat provided for her guests. Joanna slouched and stretched out her legs, crossing them at the ankle while she crossed her arms and rested them on her stomach. MacGyver did the same.

"Cold?" he asked.

"No. I'm fine."

Silence reigned as they stared silently into the fire, watching the bob-and-weave dance of the flames. Occasionally MacGyver got up to add a log or poke at the embers.

"A penny for your thoughts," MacGyver ventured as he allowed the fire to slowly die down."

"I'm not sure they're worth that much," Joanna responded quietly, still staring at the fire.

MacGyver turned his head to look at her. "Enough with the self-deprecating remarks. Is it so hard to just talk to me?" he asked firmly but without censure.

"No, it isn't," Joanna sighed, rolling her head against the back of the chair so she was now looking him in the eye. "It's actually incredibly easy so be careful what you wish for," she warned him.

"I always am," he spoke softly, his eyes searching hers.

Joanna sighed again and turned back to the fire which was now little more than dying embers. She found comfort and safety in the darkness which now enveloped her and she yearned to pour her heart out to MacGyver, but she didn't know how. It wasn't her way.

"It's about work," she confessed after several long minutes of silence.

"What about it?"

"I don't know," she shook her head. "Everything?"

"The school's not turning out the way you envisioned," he stated more than asked.

"No. I remember when we first started the school. Everyone was so excited and hopeful. We had top-notch faculty, the other staff was great, and we all worked together like a well-oiled machine. Now I've got a teacher counting the days to retirement, another that hits on anything in a skirt, and one that cares more about keeping her manicure appointment than turning in grades on time!"

"What needs to happen to improve Challengers?" MacGyver asked.

"I'm at the point where I want to fire everybody, cancel the upcoming summer session and just start from scratch!" There, she had said it. The thoughts that had been keeping her up at night for weeks on end had finally been spoken and now hung in the air over Lake Delton.

"Have you talked to Evelyn about this?"

"Mac, things just don't work like that. It's too complicated!"

"Then un-complicate it. Stand up and fight for your ideas like you fight with me!"

"Do you really think it could work?" Jo asked quietly.

"I think you could make it work," he encouraged her.

"But it would take too much time and money," she countered.

"Would canceling the summer session give you enough time?"

"Yeah, probably."

"Then do it."

"You're starting to sound like a Nike commercial," Joanna laughed. "But what about the money?" she asked, quickly sobering. "You tell us not to worry about it, but this would be a huge undertaking and it costs money to get quality teachers."

"Don't worry about the money," Mac insisted. "We'll take care of it. And by 'we' I mean Pete. He needs something to occupy his time now that he no longer has to think up life-threatening missions to send me on."

"We could really do this!" Joanna said excitedly, finally convinced.

"That's what I've been trying to tell you!" Mac exclaimed as he reached over and grabbed her by the shoulders to give her a shake, making her giggle.

"Now go get some sleep. I have a big day planned for us tomorrow," MacGyver informed her.

"Oh really," she drawled. "Care to enlighten me?"

"Nope."