Chapter 10: Reunited: Part 1

MacGyver couldn't believe that Challengers had been officially open for over a week already. New members continued to join daily as did community volunteers. Cynthia had the office running like a well-oiled machine and he easily fell into the familiar role of mentor, troubleshooter, and all around jack-of-all-trades except when it came to paperwork. And speaking of Jack, he had found ways to make himself quietly useful, which was a bit odd for Jack Dalton. Mac knew that one day he'd turn around and his friend would be gone, but for now he'd take whatever help he could get. Even Frog had found a place in his master's new venture. Mac had taken the canine to the Club the second day it was open to save Charlie from the dog's cries if Mac didn't get home on schedule. Since then, every morning found the pooch panting excitedly by the front door as MacGyver prepared to leave for the day. Before he knew it, Frog had taken over a corner at Challengers complete with a doggie bed, blanket, food and water bowls, and toys. The kids loved him and he had quickly become somewhat of a mascot. Mac was, however, concerned about Joanna. She still worked full time at the law firm but was at Challengers every evening tutoring or supervising the ever-growing group of teens and adolescents. While he appreciated her help and commitment, he didn't want her taking on too much. But again, he chose to remain silent, realizing that this was about the only time they got to spend together. That was going to have to change, and Cynthia saw to it that it would happen tonight. She had made MacGyver promise to pick up Joanna, go home early, and eat a proper dinner.

Swallowing the last bite of the zucchini lasagna Jo had prepared for them, he reached across his narrow kitchen table and took her hand, idly playing with her fingers.

"This is nice," he commented softly. "Just you, me, and food."

Jo chuckled lightly. "Oddly enough, I know what you mean. Can you believe that for the first time since we met we're not working together all day long?"

"Yeah," he replied lowly as he weaved his fingers through hers. "I've missed you."

She looked up shyly, her brown eyes full of questions as they both realized they could no longer hide behind titles like 'co-worker' and 'friend'. They were in a full-fledged relationship and they were going to have to find ways to make it work now that life had gotten between them. Both lost in their thoughts, they started when Jack knocked on the door before letting himself in.

"Oops! I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said a bit belatedly causing Mac and Jo to quickly refocus on the present moment.

"You? Interrupt? Never!" Mac replied sarcastically as he prepared to throw Jack out. He finally had an entire evening alone with Joanna and no one was going to take it from him!

"Well, ya see," Jack began as he deftly slipped past MacGyver and into the room, "I was planning on leaving tomorrow and wanted to drop off your Jeep—"

"Then don't let me keep you," Mac cut him off, putting a guiding hand on his friend's shoulder.

"When I found this!" Jack finished in a rush. He held a rumpled piece of paper up to MacGyver's face.

"What is it?" Mac scowled as Joanna came to take a look as well.

"It's an invitation to our high school reunion. I found it crushed up in your glove compartment."

MacGyver's eyes narrowed and his voice became dangerously low. "And just what, exactly, were you doing digging around in my glove compartment?"

"Ummm, looking for a tire pressure gauge?" His left eye twitched furiously.

"Jaaack!"

"All right, all right! I was looking for your registration," he confessed dejectedly.

Mac continued to glare at him.

"Ya see, I was driving over to Challengers, minding my own business—"

"Jack!"

"Fine! I got pulled over for speeding. Okay?!"

Mac blew out a sigh and threw up his hands in resignation.

"Don't worry about it. The cop was this real cute number and I managed to talk her into letting me off with just a warning. Anyway, that's when I found this," he shook the paper for emphasis. "Why didn't you tell me about it? And more importantly, why didn't I get one?"

"You probably didn't get one because they couldn't find you," Mac snarled.

"Well, it's generally best if people don't know exactly where to reach me," Jack murmured, half to himself. "But why didn't you say anything?"

"I honestly forgot all about it," MacGyver replied, his voice and temper returning to normal. "It's not even time for our class reunion."

"So when did that ever stop Mission City High from having a party?" Jack countered. "Are you going?"

"No, I'm not going. Would I have wadded up the invitation and tossed it in my glove compartment if I planned on going?!"

"Afraid an ex-girlfriend might try to kill you again?" Jack laughed.

For the first time since this pointless conversation began, MacGyver became aware of Joanna standing next to him. She cleared her throat and cocked her eyebrow.

"No, Jack," Mac replied firmly. "I just don't have any desire to reconnect with people I haven't seen in almost 30 years. Besides, I got that so long ago it's probably too late anyway."

"Oh, contraire, Kemosabe! According to the invitation, it's this weekend. We still have time."

"We?"

"Yeah! You and me, amigo! It'll be a blast!"

Mac scrambled for a logical response.

"We can't go because I didn't RSVP," he stated.

Jack waved off the excuse. "Nobody RSVP's anymore! I'm sure there'll be enough food for everyone. We can be the surprise guests!"

MacGyver caught his friend's twinkling eyes and his resolve began to melt.

"But this is a busy time at Challengers and it's a pretty long drive…"

"No problemo. We can fly up in my plane! Just promise me you'll think about it! I'll see ya tomorrow!" Jack called as he headed for the door.

"Hey, wait! What about the keys to my Jeep?"

"I'll still need them if I'm staying 'til the weekend," Jack replied flippantly as he closed the door behind him.

Mac turned with a sigh to Joanna only to find her brow furrowed in thought.

"Maybe you should go with Jack," she suggested. "It might be fun."

"No. No way," MacGyver protested. "I am not going anywhere, much less to my class reunion, with Jack! If I have a weekend away from Challengers I'm gonna spend it with you." He looped his arms around her waist and an unbidden plan clicked in his brain.

"On second thought, maybe I should go to the reunion." He smiled when he saw the surprise in her eyes. "With you."

"What about Jack?" she teased.

"Oh, I suppose we could bring him along, as our personal pilot, of course."

Joanna's face turned pale and all signs of amusement disappeared.

"What's wrong?" he asked with alarm.

"Nothing!" she responded a little too quickly. "It's just that I…I mean I don't…"

"You don't want to fly with Jack," he stated for her. "I get it. I usually don't either, but this time he has an honest-to-goodness air-worthy plane."

She remained silent, her gaze now riveted on the floor.

"Hey, talk to me," he gently urged as he placed his finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes, glistening with tears, tore at his heart.

"It's silly, really," she said, jerking away from his touch. "It's just…I'm afraid of flying. Well, actually, I'm afraid of crashing." She wrapped her arms around her middle and headed for the couch.

Mac felt like a heel.

"Aw Baby, I had no idea," he crooned as he sat down next to her and pulled her close. "We can drive or just not go at all."

"No," she protested, turning to him. "That wouldn't be fair to you. Just go without me."

"Absolutely not!" He wiped away an errant tear with his thumb remembering the last time he had gone off without her.

Minutes ticked by while the couple sat in silence, apparently at an impasse.

"You've flown with Jack a lot, right?" Joanna suddenly asked.

"Yeah. More times than I care to remember," and he remembered all of them for less than stellar reasons, but it was best if Jo didn't know that at the moment.

"Well, you trust Jack, and I trust you so…I gotta face my fear sooner or later, right?"

"Jo, you don't have to…"

"I want to, Mac. I want to do it for you."

To Be Continued...

A/N: Yes, I really make a zucchini lasagna (it's one of my mom's favorite dinners!). PM me for the recipe!