The Long And Winding Road
Notes: Thanks for the great reviews. I appreciate the feedback and hope you'll continue to let me know what you think of the story. I don't own the show, the characters, etc.
Chapter 15 -- Roll With The Changes
Emma and JT were sitting at their table in Campanelli's.
"He must be really annoyed with us," Emma said with a look of guilt.
"Emma, I'm sure the waiter is used to customers changing their minds," JT assured. "I doubt he was bothered that you decided you wanted to order some dessert after all."
"I know, but…"
"Besides," he interrupted, "it's not like he's going to suffer much. He's already going to get a good tip."
Satisfied, Emma once more began to smile.
"I can't believe we danced for 15 minutes straight," she remarked. "I didn't think I'd get you to stay standing for one full song. Then the next thing I know, it's several songs later."
"Are your feet okay, Emma? I think I stepped on at least one of them once or twice."
"You did?" she asked, sounding surprised.
'Try at least 6 or 7 times,' Emma thought to herself. 'But it was all worth it.'
"No, JT," she then said, "my feet are fine. Don't worry about it."
"I'm not saying I want to start doing that on a regular basis or anything," JT cautioned, "but I had fun dancing with you, and I can't believe we lost track of time like that. I guess you were right about me dancing."
"See? You should go ahead and get a tattoo saying 'Emma is right'. Then you won't need so much convincing in the future."
"Except you can't stand tattoos," he reminded her.
Emma laughed.
"I see you still think you have an answer for everything," she said sarcastically.
"No, but I think I know you very well."
"Yes you do, JT, and I'm very glad that you do. Well, most of the time."
"But that doesn't mean you aren't full of surprises," he added. "You're not usually big on desserts."
"Despite what you said before, I think you wanted dessert but passed because I didn't order any," she explained. "Also, after all that dancing, some cheesecake sounded like a good idea."
With his right hand, JT reached across the table and took hold of her left hand.
"Emma, do you know what I wish?" he then asked.
"That you owned your own theater, if only so you'd have access to all the free popcorn you could ever want?"
"Well yeah, there's that. And I love that popcorn idea, but I wouldn't want to cut into my profits. Besides that, I'd be able to try and show all the older movies I think should be back on the big screen, and then…Hey, you're getting me off track!"
"You were BORN off track," Emma joked.
"I resemble that remark," he replied lightheartedly before returning to his more serious thought. "No, what I wish is that we could spend the whole day together tomorrow."
"I do, too," she responded. "But I have to put the finishing touches on my presentation."
"I bet it's already perfect," JT said confidently. "Not that that's going to stop you from going over everything in your mind again and again."
"You're lucky that you got to give yours today," Emma commented. "Researching the transition from silent movies to talkies was really interesting."
"You and a few others liked it, and thankfully Mr. Simpson liked it, but I don't think most of the others have any interest in movies that came out before last weekend, much less hearing about film history."
"JT, you put enough jokes in your presentation to keep everyone's attention. Anyway, I think the others will gladly take your film research reports over my latest animal investigations any day."
"We both like to do our own thing, Emma, whether anyone else is interested or not. Works for me. And I know it does for you as well."
Emma knew that he was absolutely correct. She had always felt that JT understood her better than just about anyone, and she was pleased that this had continued to be the case even as their relationship was evolving.
"Very true," she confirmed. "As for tomorrow, there's also the fact that you're going to be busy working. Work that I know you enjoy very much. The time will fly by, and then we'll see each other in the afternoon as always."
"You're right," he admitted.
"See? Just keep saying that and you won't need that tattoo after all."
JT laughed.
"But it IS nice to know that you're going to miss me for awhile tomorrow. Believe me, JT, I will too."
"You'll miss yourself as much as I'll miss you?" JT questioned, pretending to sound confused.
"No, silly! I meant that I'll miss you too."
"That makes a little more sense."
Emma shook her head.
"Keep acting so silly, JT, and…"
"And what?" he challenged.
"AND…I'll miss you even more."
"You were going to say something much more sarcastic, weren't you?" he kidded her.
"I gave in to romantic thoughts instead. But don't worry, I'll make up for it and say something extra sarcastic next time."
"Looking forward to it, Emma. Hey, at least I have the next day off. Think you can stomach being around me a little more than usual this Sunday?"
"Just try and stop me, Mr. Yorke."
Still looking across at her boyfriend, Emma heard someone walking into the room.
"And speaking of stomachs," she said, turning her head toward the door, "I hope yours is ready. It looks like the waiter has arrived with dessert."
Manny, meanwhile, walked into Ryan's Grille. Once inside, the first person she saw was Patrick's mother, Helen Ryan, taking care of customers at a table near the door. She then walked over to the counter and ordered a Coke.
"If you need anything else," Mrs. Ryan told the customers, "just let me know."
The woman turned around and noticed Manny standing at the counter receiving her drink.
"Why hello, Manny," she greeted while walking toward the counter. "It's been days since I've seen you in here."
"Hi, Mrs. Ryan. We keep missing each other. You've either been back in the kitchen or away the last few times I've been in."
"Here by yourself tonight?"
"Yeah, but what else is new lately? Then again, I can usually count on your husband to flirt with me."
"That man!" Mrs. Ryan said, laughing. "I think the real reason he wanted to open a restaurant was to flirt with all the beautiful young women in the neighborhood who come in here."
"Hey, after over 20 years of marriage, you must be doing something right to keep his interest."
"Yes," Mrs. Ryan confirmed. "Now if I could just remember what that was."
Both women laughed.
"Where IS Mr. Ryan tonight?" Manny then asked.
"He's in the storeroom doing inventory."
"Sounds awful."
"Oh yes, it's one of his least favorite things to do. But it has to get done at some point, and this time he can't try to bribe Patrick into doing it since he's busy working over at the cinema. Now, what can I get you to eat?"
"Cheeseburger and fries?"
"Done. Go find an empty table or booth and I'll bring it out in a few minutes."
"Thanks."
Manny turned around and looked over the room for a good table that was free. In a corner she noticed a young woman sitting alone facing Manny's direction with a book in front of her face. Manny looked closer and walked over toward the table with her drink.
"Courtney? Is that you?"
For a moment, there was no response.
"Hello, Manny," Courtney finally said with reluctance. Annoyed, she kept the book in front of her face.
"What are you up to this evening?" Manny asked.
"I think with this book in front of me it's obvious," Courtney replied, putting her book down on the table. "I'm windsurfing."
"Reading on a Friday night? You must have a lot of homework to get done."
"Actually, I'm just one of those people who likes to read, even if it's not something that's assigned. I'm crazy that way. Tell me, Manny, in what way are YOU crazy?"
"You have a sense of humor," Manny responded. "I had a feeling we'd get along. Mind if I sit down?"
"I don't mind. In fact, I think I see a nice empty table for you to sit at over…"
Manny sat down, oblivious to the fact that Courtney was trying to encourage her to go elsewhere.
"Or…you could sit right here," Courtney said in defeat.
"Thanks," Manny said happily.
Courtney sighed in frustration.
"Isn't this nice?" Manny asked.
"Nice wouldn't be the exact word I'd use," Courtney replied sarcastically. "Just so you know, JT and Emma are out for the night. If you're hoping they'll come in here later, it's not going to happen."
"I wasn't expecting them to."
"Difficult to believe, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."
The two women looked across the table at one another.
"I know you must find this awkward," Manny commented.
"What's that?"
"Me, the person who used to be Emma's best friend, talking to you, the person who is now Emma's best friend."
"I'm not Emma's best friend," Courtney quickly corrected. "That would be JT."
"No, he's her boyfriend now," Manny countered.
"Emma says he's both, which is good enough for me. Anyway, I don't do the whole 'best friends' thing."
"What do you mean?" Manny asked, confused.
"It's fine for other people," Courtney explained. "But to me, a friend is a friend. I don't want to rate them in order of importance. I have close friends and then other friends I like but may not get to spend that much time with."
"And is Emma one of those close friends?"
"Yes."
"Emma used to be my best friend," Manny lamented. "Then we started fighting. For the past few years she's hated me, even when I've tried to be her friend again."
"Why in the world are you telling me this, Manny? Why are you even at my table? In case you've forgotten, we're not close."
"I've been having these bad dreams lately, so a few days ago my friend Craig said that I should get out and try to make more friends. The right way this time. Talk to people I don't usually talk to."
"So why me?" Courtney asked.
"We know some of the same people. And you seem like you wouldn't be the kind to judge people because of their past."
"And another reason to choose me is because some of those people we both know happen to be JT and Emma?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Manny replied.
Courtney started laughing.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Courtney said, still laughing a little. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't laugh. Let me ask you something. It's really none of my business, but since you seem to want to make it my business, I want to know – How many different times did you and JT go together?"
"Three," Manny answered.
"And what about with Craig Manning?"
"Three."
"A tie," Courtney remarked. "I wonder who you'll try to go back to next to break that tie."
"It's not like that," Manny protested. "I'm not involved with either one anymore. They're just my friends now. My two best friends."
"I don't know Craig all that well," Courtney said. "We've only talked a few times, and I've seen his band perform a time or two. They're a bit overrated, but the drummer…What's his name? Spindle?"
"Spinner," Manny corrected.
"Yeah, that's the one. He's kind of cute. Stupid name, though. Anyway, I only kinda know Craig. I know JT better. Believe me when I say that I do hope you'll write a book someday. Or at least a script for a TV mini-series."
"How come?"
"No offense, Manny, but I'd really like to learn your secret."
"What secret?"
"How you've managed to keep moving between these two otherwise levelheaded guys like a ping-pong ball for the past few years."
"What?" Manny asked, growing confused.
"Despite all the back and forth and betrayal on your part, it seems they've still been drawn to you and kept trying over and over to have a relationship with you. Surprisingly, they're good friends with one another. And after everything that's happened, they each still maintain a good friendship with you and even defend you to everyone who criticizes you."
"So?"
"How does that work exactly? I've never seen another girl able to have such an effect on two people who know better."
"I don't know, Courtney. I've never really thought about it. Not like that. Things always just seem to happen, but then everything works itself out."
"Except now the game has changed, hasn't it?" Courtney suggested.
"Huh?"
"You had a miscarriage, which seems to have pretty much ended things for you and Craig. And JT and Emma finally woke up and changed their friendship into a full-fledged romance. Your two guys are now off-limits, except as your friends. You feel like you're stuck."
"Maybe," Manny admitted. "But you don't have to be so mean about it."
"I'm not being mean. I just think you need to face reality."
"My reality is I lost Emma. I lost my baby. I can't lose my two best friends, too. Why do you and Emma want me to end up all alone?"
Before Courtney could respond, Mrs. Ryan brought Manny's food over to the table.
"Here you go, dear."
"Thanks."
"Can I get you anything else, Courtney?"
"Not right now, thanks."
"Let me know if either of you need anything."
Mrs. Ryan walked away, and Manny's accusatory question was still unanswered.
"You are really something, Manny," Courtney said.
"Thanks," Manny smiled, not catching the sarcastic tone of the comment.
"It wasn't meant as a compliment," Courtney corrected. "I don't think you ever have to worry about losing Craig and JT. For whatever reason, they both seem determined to let you stay a part of their lives as a friend. And Emma is trying to be nice to you again, isn't she?"
"We HAVE talked several times this week without arguing. I'm sure that must be due to JT's influence."
"Probably. Whatever the reason, I'm sure she doesn't hate you. You're hardly going to end up alone, and nobody wants you to. There's no great conspiracy against you. But you're not going to be a good enough friend to anyone until you get your head together."
"How's that?"
Courtney looked into Manny's eyes, making sure Manny was truly paying attention.
"Whatever your issues, Manny – GET OVER IT! It's gotten old. The past is the past, and dreams are just dreams. You've told people you want to move on, so quit talking about it and just do it. From what Emma has said, when you're not obsessing over men you can't have or over the rotten guys you shouldn't want, you're not a bad person to talk to."
"So you and I could be friends?" Manny asked.
"Let's not get carried away. I'm pretty sure your motive in approaching me wasn't the best. Still, you HAVE made a good start by interacting with more people, including me, and by not trying to mess up things for Emma and JT. Give Emma time and she might even start to think of you as a friend again someday."
"I hope so."
That said, Manny finally took her first bite of her cheeseburger. While doing so, a new thought occurred to her.
"Hey, Courtney, since you and I are getting along and being honest with each other…"
"Yes?"
"Level with me. Have you ever thought about JT? I mean REALLY thought about him."
"No."
"Really? Not even a little?"
"Oh, he's a good friend and nice to look at and all, but that bond with Emma has been there ever since I've known them, so I've never given those kind of ideas any real thought. Besides, he talks so much."
Manny laughed.
"Give me the quiet type," Courtney continued. "Emma's the only woman I know who also talks just as much as JT, so she's probably the only one who could keep up with him. They banter more than couples twice their age, and on every conceivable subject."
"Not to mention every inconceivable subject," Manny added.
"Those, too."
Later, at Campanelli's, JT left a generous tip for the waiter and paid the bill. It was a rather large bill, considering he reserved one of the rooms for just the two of them, but JT knew it was worth every penny. He and Emma then made their way out the front door.
"Nicely done, Mr. Yorke," she said. "This evening was everything I could want and more."
JT took Emma's hand.
"Thank you, fair maiden."
He then kissed her hand.
"I'm all for modesty, JT, but a hand kiss just won't do."
Emma grabbed JT, catching him by surprise, and kissed him for several moments.
"Why Miss Nelson," he said once the kiss was over, "you're making me all light-headed."
"How is that any different than your normal behavior?" she teased.
"Very funny."
"Hey, I've learned all about witty comebacks from the master."
"Well tell Groucho to get his own girl," he joked, causing Emma to laugh.
The couple then walked arm-in-arm through the parking lot in the direction of JT's car.
"Is there anywhere else you'd like to go tonight, Emma? A late movie? A long drive? Maybe go to the museum and check out that new exhibit of navel lint from around the world?"
"No thanks."
"You're right, I'm sure the museum's closed by now. We could always go to the all-night laundromat. I'm sure there's plenty of lint around there."
"Very exciting, I'm sure, but I'll pass. Actually, I was thinking it's about time I get you to bed, JT. Don't you agree?"
JT's eyes widened in surprise.