Finally Home
Evelyn picked up her phone and dialed Joanna's extension.
"In my office, now," she commanded before Jo even had a chance to say hello.
The younger woman arrived thirty seconds later and Evelyn pointed her to a chair.
"What in tarnation is going on?!" she asked.
"It's MacGyver! That man—"
"Hold on! Be quiet and take some deep breaths," Evelyn instructed. Joanna quickly obeyed. After a few minutes Evelyn continued in a calmer tone. "Now, tell me what happened."
"MacGyver just applied for the science teacher position," Jo said disgustedly.
"Why, that's wonderful!" Evelyn couldn't keep the glee from her voice. "I was so hoping he would!"
"What?!" Joanna's jaw literally dropped and the look of horror on her face made Evelyn want to laugh.
"You have to admit, dear, that Mac has extensive scientific knowledge that would greatly benefit our students, not to mention the fact that he has a great rapport with the teens. You told me so yourself."
"But he's not a certified teacher," Jo protested.
"You know darn well that a piece of paper doesn't make a person a good teacher." At this Joanna nodded. "And if he's willing to take courses to obtain his certification while he's working here, I don't see the problem."
"How can you not see the problem?!" Jo retorted. "He doesn't belong here! He belongs in Los Angeles, working at Phoenix, doing whatever he does there! He has no idea what being a real teacher is like. The time, dedication, lesson planning. It's not just doing some cool experiments to impress high-schoolers."
Evelyn leaned back in her chair. "Perhaps you do have a point," she conceded. "This does seem to be rather hasty decision on his part. Did his performance review not go well?"
"I don't know," Joanna sighed, her senses slowly returning. "He called me and told me he had some things to take care of." She paused thoughtfully. "He also asked me why I decided to quit the learning center and if the science position had been filled. He must have resigned from the Foundation!"
"Now let's not go jumping to conclusions," Evelyn advised. "Perhaps he's just playing a joke on you?"
Joanna shook her head. "No," she replied adamantly. "He would never joke about this."
"You sound sure."
"I am. Mac thinks too much of Challengers to pull something like that."
"Then I suggest you speak with him as soon as he returns and get this all straightened out." Evelyn began organizing the stacks of paper on her desk, expecting Joanna to stalk back to her office, but she stayed rooted in her chair.
"Is there something else?" Evelyn inquired.
Joanna sat chewing on her bottom lip, a sure sign of her distress. "If Mac is really serious about working here, I can think of several ways we could use him. I just don't think teaching science full-time is one of them."
"Then talk with him. Work something out. I give you carte blanche to make any hiring decision regarding MacGyver."
"All right," Joanna agreed. "I'm sure if we sit down and talk about this logically we can—"
"No."
"Huh?" Jo asked.
"You both need to forget about logic and listen to your hearts. If your assumptions are correct, Mac is looking at a major life change. It won't be easy for him, and he needs to be sure this is what he truly wants to do. As for you," she continued before Joanna could protest, "you'll be committing to a long-term working relationship with him. You have to be sure about this as well."
"I need to get back to work," Joanna murmured as she got up and walked out the door leaving Evelyn to offer up a quick prayer for guidance.
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Joanna sat at her desk the following day, glancing at her watch for the third time in five minutes. MacGyver had returned to work in time to oversee the installation of the new air conditioning unit that had arrived a week ahead of schedule. They hadn't had a chance to talk privately yet, but he was now back in his office and she knew it was time to speak with him.
Joanna tapped lightly on Mac's door frame.
"Come in!" His handsome face brightened. "Have a seat," he offered, his attention now fully centered on her. "I'm sorry I didn't call, but it was late by the time I got in and—"
Joanna held up her hand to cut him off.
"It's no problem. How did everything go?"
MacGyver's dark eyes clouded over. "Not quite as expected, which I assume you probably figured out by now."
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
Mac shook his head. "Not really, but I will."
Joanna listened intently as MacGyver spent the next several minutes regaling her with the events that led up to his resignation. He judiciously chose not to mention his encounter with Maria. That could wait for another day…or lifetime.
"Wow, Stern sounds like a piece of work," Joanna commented dryly. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that."
"I'm not. It forced me to think about what I really want to do. Where I really belong at this point in my life."
Joanna swallowed hard. "I got your resume."
"And?"
"I'm not gonna hire you, Mac."
"What?!" He stood up and turned away from her, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'm sorry. I just don't think you understand the extent of the commitment you'd be making. You'd be locked into a regular schedule, work evenings and weekends creating lesson plans and correcting papers, the list goes on. I just don't think you'd be happy. At least not for long."
"And just what makes you think you know what will make me happy?" he rounded on her. "For twelve years I thought I was happy traveling around the world getting shot up, locked up, blown up…and all I have to show for it are a collection of concussions and empty roles of duct tape. I'm done with that." His voice softened. "I want to put down roots, have a real job, build a normal life, and I want to do it here."
"Slow down, Mac," Joanna cautioned. "You're making some really big decisions. You need to take some time—"
MacGyver crouched in front of her, putting his hands on her knees. "I know it seems sudden to you, but I've been thinking about this for the past several weeks," he explained, a sense of urgency returning to his voice. "With Pete retiring and Sam setting his own course, it's time for me to move on, too."
His pleading gaze ripped at her heart and she remembered Evelyn's words about letting go of logic. She reached out and covered his hands with hers to keep him close.
"I've been doing some thinking, too," she told him gently. "I have no doubt you belong at Challengers, just not in the way you think."
Joanna went on to explain how she saw Mac in a much more fluid and unorthodox position. One that would keep him both mentally and physically stimulated while carving out a new life for himself.
"So, let me see if I got this straight. You want me to continue on as security advisor, science assistance and tutor, hockey coach and mentor?"
"Yeah," Jo smiled confidently. "And I'm sure we can find a way to fill any spare time you might have so you don't get bored," she teased. "So, what do you say?"
"Do you think Evelyn will go for it?" he asked, excitement growing in his voice.
Joanna nodded. "She gave me permission to hire you in any way I saw fit."
MacGyver rose, pulling Joanna up with him. "In that case, I absolutely accept the job." His soft gaze studied her face now only inches from his. "There's one more thing," he whispered.
"What?" she whispered back, barely breathing.
"I need to find a place to live by the end of August."
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"No, Mother! Absolutely not!"
"Joanna, the house has been in foreclosure for months. The bank will probably agree to anything just to get it rid of it," Judy Fairfax reasoned.
"But it's right next door!" Joanna whined, not caring if she sounded childish.
"What's right next door?" her dad asked as he passed through the kitchen, popping a couple grapes in his mouth.
"Mom thinks MacGyver should buy the Jenson's house," Jo explained with a huff.
"So?"
"Never mind," Joanna replied, waiting for Joe Fairfax to leave the room so she could continue the argument with her mother.
"I think the house would be perfect for MacGyver. It needs a lot of work, both inside and out. He'd enjoy the challenge. Besides, it'd be nice to have a strong young man nearby to help your dad and me out."
Joanna crossed her arms and stared at the floor.
Judy sighed. "What's the matter? You and Mac work together eight hours a day and when you're not at Challengers you're either at his place or he's here! I think having him right next door would be very convenient.
"That's just it, Ma! Mac and I are together a lot. I need to be able to get away from him sometimes."
"Is that the only reason?" Judy asked calmly.
"What, that's not good enough?!" Jo spouted, then cringed under her mother's knowing look.
"Would you just tell him about the house?" Judy asked. "Let him make up his own mind about where he wants to live…and who he wants for neighbors."
"And if I don't tell him, you will," Joanna countered before conceding defeat as her mother smiled and went back to chopping carrots for the stew.
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MacGyver couldn't believe his luck. Just a couple days ago he had mentioned having to find a new home, and here he was, touring a house that could be his in thirty days. The real estate agent explained that the bank was anxious to rid itself of the property, and the fact that MacGyver offered to pay cash ensured a quick transaction. As the agent guided Mac through the small rooms of the old house, Joanna and her mother followed. Judy chattered about the changes and upgrades he should consider making while the agent tried hard to point out the positive aspects of the run-down dwelling. Joanna remained silent.
After inspecting the living room, two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen that made up the main floor of the house, MacGyver was shown to the finished basement and attic that could be used for guests or extra storage. All the rooms needed a thorough scrubbing and fresh coat of paint. Unfortunately, the building's exterior was in much worse shape. Roofing shingles, siding, and windows needed replaced, and the tall grass and knee-high weeds that comprised the yard needed to be tamed. Still, Mac was giddy at the thought of having an actual house for the first time since he left Minnesota in his late teens and immediately made a competitive offer.
That night Mac tossed and turned in his bed. He couldn't believe he had just bought a house! Particularly a house and yard that needed a lot of work with fall and winter just around the corner. Was he biting off more than he could chew? He would need to get a lawn mower, snow blower, and the rest of his belongings that were still in a California storage unit…the list seemed endless. Add to that the fact he'd be working full time at Challengers and it was overwhelming. MacGyver's chest grew tight and perspiration moistened his brow. He couldn't do it. It was too much, too soon.
The following morning he called the real estate agent and rescinded his offer. Next, he called Joanna to tell her of his decision.
"I'm sorry, Jo, but I just don't think it's the right house for me."
"It's no problem," Joanna assured him. "I'm sure you'll find something better. Let me know if there's anything I can do."
"Well, now that you mention it, I saw some other houses for sale in the area and was wondering if you'd take a look at them with me. Give me your opinions."
"Yeah, sure. Just let me know when. I love looking at other people's houses," she said eagerly.
Over the next two weeks, MacGyver dragged Joanna through six different houses, always finding fault with something. The lease on his current place was running out and he needed to find something fast, but he also didn't want to make the wrong choice. Buying a house was a big decision. A big commitment. One he wasn't sure he could make.
"You know, maybe you're not meant to buy a house just yet," Joanna observed. They were in his apartment with Jo sitting at the breakfast bar while he fixed them a quick dinner.
"But I was so sure that's what I wanted," Mac groaned.
"Maybe later, just not now," Jo tried to reason. "You've been living in apartments for a long time. A house is a big adjustment and you've had a lot to deal with these past few weeks."
"I miss my houseboat," he mumbled under his breath.
"What'd you say?" Jo asked.
MacGyver sighed. "Back in L.A. I had this houseboat. I really liked it."
"Tell me about," she urged.
Mac went on to describe, in detail, the layout of the two story structure and its untimely demise in a fire.
"It sounds great," Joanna agreed. "I would have liked to have seen it."
"Yeah, well…."
Jo glanced her watch. "I have to go," she said suddenly.
"Something wrong?"
"No, I just need to check on something. I'll call you later!" she promised as she made a hasty retreat out the door.
Two hours later MacGyver's telephone rang. It was Joanna.
"Hi Mac," she greeted him happily. "I'm sorry I bolted on you, but I had an idea I wanted to look into right away. Meet me at 803 W. Elmhurst tomorrow morning at eight. It's about half-way between your place and Challengers. I called Evelyn and she said we could come in late."
"It's not another house, is it?" MacGyver asked wearily.
"Not quite. Just meet me there tomorrow. Good night!"
Mac stared at the phone and shook his head before hanging up. Maybe he should just pitch a tent in a park and be done with it!
MacGyver arrived at the designated address to find Joanna already standing on the sidewalk in front of a modest, two-story, side-by-side duplex with a 'For Lease' sign stuck in the front yard.
"C'mon!" she insisted excitedly, already heading up the concrete walkway to a door on the left hand side of the house. Her knock was answered by a grey-haired man in his sixties.
"Mr. Rainey? I'm Joanna Fairfax. We spoke on the phone last night." She shook his hand.
"Ah, yes, Ms. Fairfax. And this must be the friend you were talking about. Mr. MacGyver?"
'Please, call me 'Mac'," he said, shaking the older man's hand.
"Well, in that case you must both call me 'Charlie'. I own this property. Come on and take a look at the place," he said, leading them to the other side of the dwelling. "Please take all the time you need," he encouraged as he unlocked the door. "Just let me know when you're ready to leave."
Joanna stepped aside to allow MacGyver to enter first. His jaw went slack with awe as he crossed the threshold. He could hardly believe what he was seeing! It was his houseboat reincarnated only a little larger. The entire main level was open, the kitchen separated from the rest of the room by a half wall and breakfast bar. He could already see his furniture in place. There was enough space for a small kitchen table as well as his computer desk. On the far wall were patio doors leading to a small, wooden deck. A fireplace was angled in the corner. His couch, coffee table and matching cushioned chair would fit nicely in the center. Wood paneled walls doubled as bookshelves and storage areas to hold his books, video tapes and sports equipment, but the sight that made him smile the most was the spiral staircase.
"Go ahead. Check it out!" Jo nudged him with her shoulder.
He climbed the winding stairs to a lofted bed and bathroom suite.
"Well," Joanna called, eager to see his response.
"Well," he echoed her as he made his way back downstairs, "It's perfect! Absolutely perfect!" He grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a sound kiss on the cheek. "How did you ever find this place?"
"When you were describing your houseboat, I remembered my mom showing me an article in a neighborhood newspaper about these new duplexes and this one was pictured."
"You're amazing, you know that?" Mac beamed.
They locked the door and went in search of Charlie. They found him weeding a small garden. He got to his feet when he saw them.
"How do you like it, Mac?" he asked.
"I love it! It's just like a place I had out in L.A. I'm afraid there's only one problem."
"And what might that be?" Chuck looked concerned.
"I'm on a pretty tight deadline," Mac explained. "I need to be out of my current place at the end of the month. I doubt that leaves enough time for us to come to a deal."
"Nonsense," Chuck waved his hand in dismissal. "I've been waiting for a renter since I bought this place. As soon as you can come up with first and last month's rent we can sign the papers and get you moved in."
"It's a deal," MacGyver declared, shaking the man's hand one more time.
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The first day of the fall term arrived and Joanna pulled her Cavalier into the staff parking lot at Challengers, choosing a new space to occupy for the coming year. She grinned, wondering if MacGyver would still park next to her. She didn't have to wait long for the answer as her colleague pulled up in his classic car and eased into the spot next to her.
Jo got out of her car, grabbed her purse and school bag and waited for Mac.
"New year, new spot. Is that it?" he quipped.
"Something like that," she smiled back. "You've been a hard man to find. Are you all moved in to your new place."
"Sure am," he said.
"I could have helped, you know," she replied.
"I know, but this was something I needed to do by myself," he explained. "However, now that I'm all settled in I'd be more than happy to have some company."
"Is that an invitation, sir?" Joanna queried as she playfully batted her eyelashes.
"You bet. And it's a standing invitation as well," he promised, draping his arm around her shoulders as they entered the building together.
They were immediately greeted by Officer Carl who held a pile of envelopes in his hand.
"Looks like someone forgot to check the mailbox on Friday," he scolded with a grin. "There's something here for you, MacGyver."
Mac took the envelope addressed to him. "Thanks Carl."
"Who would send you mail here?" Joanna asked.
"I don't know," he replied, as he cautiously tore off an end and extracted a letter. He scanned the brief note. "It's from Sam. He probably sent it here so you could forward it to me if I was already gone."
"What does it say?" She tried to peek over his shoulder, but he was too tall.
"It just has a phone number and says 'call me'."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Go call him," she urged. "The students won't be arriving for another hour."
Fifteen minutes later MacGyver stood silently in her office doorway.
"Did you get to talk to him?" she asked anxiously. "What did he say?"
"He's living in Germany waiting to rotate out. He's coming home for Thanksgiving and says he has a surprise for me," he grimaced.
"That's great, isn't it?" Joanna asked carefully, confused by Mac's reaction.
"Yeah, of course. It's just that I've got this problem with surprises."
