She watched him as he sulked toward her, across the parking lot. The truck needed over $1000 in repairs or "updates" as Jack wanted to call it. Lisa was biting her tongue; she'd figured out long ago not to comment on the status of Jack's truck. He would pour endless amounts of money into it, and unless he was driving it to the dealership to trade it in, or perhaps when it might ever reach that point she expected-towing it to the junk yard-Lisa might offer a comment. Until then, she was happy just biting her tongue and throwing him a look every now and then about the status of that ridiculous piece of junk.
"$1000 in repairs," Jack grumbled as he got into Lisa's car and pouted while slamming the door. "Mechanic is robbing me blind, probably making up repairs."
Lisa, who was waiting for him in the driver's seat, gave a small sideways glance at him and just nodded, pursing her lips.
"What?" Jack threw up his hands. She'd agreed to pick him up from the mechanic, the repairs needed at least not so bad that it had to be towed there, but it had broken down twice in the last week, leaving him stranded once and waiting for the radiator to cool off a second time.
"Nothing," she shook her head and gestured. "Are you set here?"
"Yeah," he waved. "Mechanic said it could be a few days. I should get a second opinion. $1000," he shook his head and smacked his hand on his knee, "my guess is that the repairs should be around $200."
Lisa let a laugh escape and quickly covered her mouth. Thankfully, she hadn't pulled out onto the road yet, but that laugh earned her a glare from Jack.
"Whatever you have to say, Lise, just say it," he threw up his hands.
"I'm good," she waved her hand and tried to change the subject, "Lunch at Maggie's?"
"No, no," he shook his head, now turning slightly in the seat and giving her a nod. "You've never held back before."
"Oh, I have," she nodded, "at least regarding your truck. I've held back PLENTY." She reached over and patted his leg, "Sorry about your truck. Hopefully, it is fixable."
"Fixable?" Jack jumped on that and gestured again. "It's fixable. It's always fixable. And," he frowned at her, "I can guess what you think. You think I'm crazy for repairing it."
She gave a shake of her head from side to side, trying to decide if she wanted to take the bait here. He was somewhat asking, which was more than he'd done in the past, but she also knew he was frustrated and probably didn't want to hear her total opinion. They were married now, which she felt did give her a little more of a vested interest, so against maybe her better judgement, she waved her hand.
"Fine," she said, giving him a small smile, "You did ask, just remember that, and I say this lovingly. I think that $1000 is probably low for what I'm guessing needs to be done to that truck. $200, Jack," she rolled her eyes, "you can barely get basic service for that anymore with an oil change, tires rotated, new air filters, and you think they will repair it for that? Jack," she sighed. "It's going to be a lot, and it always surprises you. The last time you had it repaired, it was over $1000, and that was when? It was after we got back together, so not even that long ago. Why would this be different? The fact is the truck is old and dying a slow death, but if you want to keep pouring money into it," she paused and frowned, "that's your choice."
"Well, okay," he said with a nod of his head. "I heard your opinion," he said, enunciating opinion. "That truck just needs the right touch, the right mechanic. It will be good as new as soon as they get this fixed."
"Okay," she said, flashing him a fake smile. "If that is settled, let's get some lunch, eh?"
She looked over at Jack, and he was now sulking in the seat. He waved his hand, "I think you should just take me back to the ranch. I'd prefer to be alone."
Lisa rolled her head back against the headrest and sighed loudly, turning in her seat, unbuckling to turn further to face Jack. She frowned at him and raised an eyebrow, sitting there waiting for him to look at her. The two were silent for at least a minute, but Lisa knew it felt like hours. Finally, Jack turned his head, a pensive look on his face.
Lisa nodded and pursed her lips, reaching over to put her hand on Jack's hand there on his knee, meeting his gaze.
"I'm not going to drop you off at the ranch so you can sulk, Jack. We are going to lunch because I want to spend the day with you, sulking Jack or not." Jack didn't change his expression, and finally, Lisa gave him a sympathetic smile and let a laugh escape. She squeezed his hand, "I am sorry about your truck. I know how much you love it and want it to work, especially after all of these repairs. I'm happy to listen if you want to complain about it more."
He relented and nodded, "I love that truck."
"I know," she said with a small smile and squeezing his hand again, "probably more than me," adding a light chuckle at him, tilting her head. Apparently, that was the right thing to say because it broke Jack's bad mood, and he dropped his head, eyeing her as he frowned.
"Lise, I'm sorry I'm stuck on the truck. And no," he glanced back at her, "I don't love the truck more than you. Promise."
She leaned toward him, putting one arm on his shoulder, looking him square in the eye, "Good. That was the right answer, and I really am sorry about your truck. Let's leave the truck here as planned, let them fix it, and in the meantime, let's enjoy our day, yes? We haven't spent any time together in three days with our crazy schedules, and while the weekend in Calgary with you will be great, that is another two days away. So," she said, with her arm draped over his shoulder, her head now leaning in toward his, "What is your plan today, Cowboy?"
"I suppose we can get some lunch," he agreed, with a nod. " I also suppose," he said now, Lisa sensing the tone change in his voice, "that it would be pretty out of your way to take my all the way back to Heartland later, seeing as how I need a ride with my truck being restored to its perfect self. In the interest of you know, saving gas and all," he shrugged, "I suppose I could be persuaded to just go home with you."
"Well, okay," she grinned with a nod, but she started to laugh, smacking at Jack's shoulder, "Once again, we need to discuss your negotiation tactics. I'm all for you coming back to Fairfield with me, but your argument for me is that I would save gas. Jack," she burst out laughing, "you're spending a fortune on your truck and trying to suggest a couple of miles is a big imposition." She laughed again. "All you have to do is just say you want to come home with me. I don't need to be convinced even with your truck woes. Now," she grinned at him, "if you are okay leaving your truck here to be fixed, may I take you to lunch?"
"Yes," he rolled his head. "I told the mechanic to fix my truck. We can go to lunch."
"Good," she smiled at him. "Look at us-we got through that difference of opinion, and our marriage survived." She clasped Jack's hand in hers, squeezed it, and then, she pulled it only to put the car in gear and head to lunch. Jack finally let out a chuckle, shaking his head and looking out the window at his poor, broken-down truck as Lisa pulled away.
By the time they arrived at Maggie's, both were in a much better mood and already talking about what they wanted to eat for lunch. The day was still chilly with spring on the horizon, but it still not warming up yet. Spring was in the air but had not sprung yet. Maggie's was busy, as it was the late lunch hour, but the two managed to find a seat in the corner up by the windows. Neither one needed a menu as they took off their coats and sat there to try and enjoy their lunch.
"What are you getting today?" Lisa eyed him as they waited for the coffees they'd ordered.
"I'm thinking that Salisbury steak lunch special, but I suppose we should figure out what we're having for dinner first? That might affect my lunch selection."
"Hmm, great minds because I was thinking the same thing, about what to do for dinner. Alright," she gave a small shrug, "what do you want for dinner? We can stop and pick up something at the market to prepare or I can pull something from the freezer."
He pursed his lips, "What about your beef stew? We haven't had that for some time, and that makes some great leftovers too."
"That does sound good. Fine," she agreed, nodding. "We can stop and pick up a few things on the way home. I'm in, and knowing that, I'm going to have the chicken wrap."
"Sticking with the Salisbury steak," Jack said with a nod of his head. "Never can have too much beef."
Lisa chuckled, "Spoken like a true cattle rancher."
"Jack Bartlett, good to see you," they both heard and turned to the source. Lisa tilted her head, a little puzzled not knowing this person, but a quick glance at Jack told her he very much did.
"Tricia Virani, good to see you," Jack chuckled and stood to shake her hand. Lisa watched the interaction, and Jack quickly included her in the greeting.
"Lisa, this is my doctor, Tricia Virani, and Tricia," he nodded at her, gesturing to Lisa, "Lisa Stillman."
"Oh, very nice to meet you," Tricia leaned over and shook Lisa's hand. Lisa's facial expression changed when Jack told her this was his doctor. She'd heard all about this good doctor, very grateful Jack trusted someone, but she had to hold back from laughing as Lou's comments from the doctor kept replaying in her head.
"It's lovely to meet you," Lisa gave her a warm smile and hand shake. Jack sat back down, and the two talked to Tricia. "Jack has had so many nice things to say about you, and believe me," she flashed a smile at Jack, "he doesn't like most doctors."
Tricia laughed at that, nodding, "So, I gather." She gestured at the two and looked to Jack, "So, this is the lady friend Tim mentioned." She looked to Lisa and back to Jack, "Jack, you didn't tell me just how beautiful and how young she was." Jack's face reddened; Lisa could see that, and Tricia looked to Lisa, "I'm sorry, but you're nothing like I imagined. I see how Jack stays so young."
Lisa's eyes widened, and she tried to catch Jack's expression, but he was quietly chuckling with his head dropped. He finally did look at Lisa to explain at least part of Tricia's comments, gesturing as he did, "While you were in France, Tim gave Tricia some riding lessons, and I suggested using your saddle."
"Oh," Lisa's eyes widened, and she thought for a moment. Jack had made that sound very standard, while she was in France, as opposed to the great breakup it had been. Thankfully, both had figured out things, and she nodded in agreement at Jack and glanced at Tricia. "I hope you did use it," Lisa smiled. "It's a great saddle, perfect for woman. I love that saddle," and with that, she looked to Jack. "It will be nice with the weather warming up to get out on a ride sometime." He nodded too.
"Well, I didn't use it," Tricia gave Lisa a small smile, "but thanks for the offer. Maybe I will sometime. Are you a big rider? Sorry," she chuckled, "but you don't strike me as the rancher type. I heard France, and that sounds more my speed. I love to travel."
"Actually," Lisa started to laugh and nodded her head, gesturing to Jack, "we love to ride. I grew up riding and own a stable here in Hudson. Travel is one of my very favorite things, though, and I have spent a good deal of time in France over the years, a lot of it for business. I have a stable there too."
"Lisa owns Fairfield Stables and is a big-time horse breeder," Jack explained.
"Oh, fascinating," Tricia nodded. "You know, I've heard of that now. "Okay, so you definitely do know horses."
"Yes, I suppose I do," Lisa grinned.
"Jack," Tricia turned to him, "I'm glad I ran into you. I thought you and I had a deal you would come by and get that blood pressure checked? I haven't seen you in some time."
"I know, I know," he waved his hand. "Been busy. I'll try to make time."
"Jack," Lisa frowned, and when Jack glanced her way, he threw up his hand.
"Fine, when should I come by?"
"How about after lunch?" Tricia offered, looking between the two and added, "I mean, if you aren't busy? It will just take a minute."
"He'll be there," Lisa grinned and added herself, "but it may be high. Jack's upset his truck is in the shop."
"Well," Tricia rolled her head, "I suppose we will see where it stands. I'll see you after lunch then."" With that, Tricia waved at them and stepped away just as their waitress was coming to take their oder. Jack raised an eyebrow at Lisa.
"After lunch?"
Lisa sighed and gestured at him, "I'd like to keep you around, so yes. Why haven't you been going? She seems very nice, forward," she burst out with a laugh, "but very nice. I can see why you like her."
He rolled his eyes, almost bashful, "I mean, she's fine for a doctor."
"Right," Lisa narrowed her gaze and nodded. "That's why she's sizing you up constantly, talking about how young you seem, and let's not forget what she told Lou." Lisa winked with a big grin and burst out laughing.
"Laugh it up, why don't you?" Jack grumbled.
"I am," Lisa continued to laugh. "Oh, I am. Is she really seeing Tim?"
"Nah," Jack shook his head. "Tim wishes, but there's no way that's going anywhere. He took her to the fishing cabin and all, tried to woo her that way."
"Well, that is a special place to woo a lady. I can attest to that," Lisa grinned. "Let's enjoy our lunch and not talk about Tim, eh? Then, I'm going to drag you down to the good doctor and get you checked out. Let's see what your truck woes have done to your blood pressure."
The two enjoyed their lunch, and once they were finished, Jack fussed about Lisa paying the bill, but she argued that she'd promised him lunch with his truck issues. As they stepped outside, he continued to complain.
"Lise, I don't feel right about you paying for lunch."
Lisa turned to face him, a frown on her face as she rolled her eyes, "What is the problem, Jack. You're not wooing me as we were just talking about in there." She leaned in and with her eyes sparkling added, "You've already wooed me, quite successfully. Money is money. We did get married, if you may have already forgotten. If this is some man thing, just like you always preferring to drive, well," she threw her hand in the air, "get used to it, Cowboy. I'm very much a modern-day woman and while I definitely appreciate all of the lovely things you do as a gentleman, please do not get yourself worked up because as your wife," she tilted her head to meet his gaze, "I walked up and paid for our food. What's mine is yours."
"Fine, alright," he sighed and waved his hand. He frowned slightly but then chuckled, "I suppose you're right."
"Oh, could you repeat that?" Lisa gripped his arm. "I might need my blood pressure checked hearing those words coming out of your mouth."
He gave her a playful look, while trying to look hurt, "Fine, be that way. Maybe I will just go back to Heartland." He hooked his hand over his shoulder and continued, "that is, after I am forced to seek medical care."
Lisa flashed a smile and started walking toward the doctor's office, turning back as she waited for Jack to catch up, "Yes, well good luck getting home seeing as how your truck is getting its own medical care."
By the time the two reached Dr. Virani's office, they were walking side by side and still laughing about anything and everything. Lisa gestured to her car which was parked across the street.
"Did you want me to wait in the car?"
"It's fine," he gestured to the office with a smirk. "You're just going to ask what my blood pressure was anyway. Might as well see it. Plus, Tricia might want to size up my lady friend, as she called you." That had both Jack and Lisa laughing as they stepped inside. The small office was empty, with the late lunch hour that Tricia kept. They noted she stepped out of her office down the hallway and walked toward them.
"You did remember where the office was," Tricia grinned at them. "Glad to see your memory isn't a question."
Lisa looked to Jack and hooked her hand toward Tricia, "Oh, I like her. She definitely keeps you in check." Both women laughed at that, and Tricia gestured toward the hallway.
"Jack, just a quick check. My staff is at lunch, so you are in luck, just me right now. We'll get you checked and out of here. Last time, which was some time ago, your blood pressure was good. Let's keep it that way."
Jack followed her, and he turned back with Lisa just waiting there in the reception area. He sighed and gestured for her, "Come on, Lise. I know you want to see it for yourself." Lisa grinned and followed, the three walking into the exam room. Trica glanced at Lisa.
"So, you've been in France?" Tricia worked at getting the blood pressure cuff situated, and Lisa nodded, standing there by Jack.
"Yes, I've been back for a little while, but for some time now, I have spent a couple months a year in France. Looking to adjust that though, going forward," she nodded, patting Jack's arm. Tricia noticed that, and as she worked, she looked at the two.
"How long have you two known each other?"
"Oh, gosh," Lisa paused, "almost eight years now." Jack nodded in agreement.
"Oh my, that is quite some time. You two do go way back," Tricia nodded. She studied Jack's blood pressure, and all three waited. She glanced at Jack.
"Just a tad high, but nothing too crazy. You two mentioned something that might have elevated it?"
"Oh, just my truck," Jack waved.
Lisa patted Jack's arm there as he was now finished, "That elevates your blood pressure on a daily basis, mine as well," Lisa laughed. She looked to Tricia to explain, "He cares a lot about that truck, and it's in for repair. We just dropped it off."
"Oh, yes, the truck," Tricia nodded, making a face. "I know all about it from when my daughter Jade stole it." Lisa eyes widened, and she glanced to Jack. He gave a slight wave that he would explain later. Tricia added, "Okay, I'll give you a pass on the truck. Any other changes, anything else? I remember you did call me, what a couple months ago after you were, what, hiking and had some issues?"
"Not exactly hiking," Jack grumbled. Lisa let a laugh escape and shook her head when they looked at her. She waved her hand.
"Sorry, we just had an incident getting lost taking one of my horses to Montana, and it involved running out of gas in the middle of the mountains overnight in the cold and rain, so a hike is not exactly how I'd describe it."
"Sounds quite interesting," Tricia smiled, looking between them. "Jack you are a man of mystery here for sure. Anything else going on? No angina issues other than the mountain experience?"
"No, I've been fine, no other issues."
Lisa cleared her throat, and Jack glanced at her. She gave him a small smile and a nod, "Probably not a medically related change, but Jack," she looked to him with an encouraging shrug. He opened his hands in gest, trying to figure out if she was really serious. Lisa caught Tricia watching them, and Jack nodded, turning back to Tricia.
"So, that doctor-patient confidentiality-"
"You know that applies, Jack," Tricia frowned. "What other issues have you had?"
"Oh, no, nothing, just something to keep quiet." He gave a quick glance to Lisa again to confirm she was okay with it. She was standing just behind him, resting her hand on the exam table as she waited for him to explain.
"Fine by me," Lisa encouraged.
Jack gestured to Lisa as he spoke to Tricia, "We got married a couple months ago."
Tricia's eyes widened, and she looked at both of them with both surprise and wonder. She shook her head, "Well, congratulations both of you."
"Thank you," Lisa smiled brightly. "There's more-"
"Right," Jack nodded. "See, we haven't told our family yet, so that's why I ask about you keeping it quiet."
"You haven't told your family? Why? Is there a problem, not some medical problem with either of you?"
"No, no," Jack shook his head. "Nothing like that. Amy, my granddaughter, Tim's daughter," he further explained, "is out of the country, and we wanted to wait and tell everyone together. She's due home in another month or so."
"Wow, that really is great news, Jack, and to you, Lisa," Tricia smiled, nodding again. "And yes," she laughed, "that could definitely affect your blood pressure."
"We are hoping to de-stress now with everything sorted and all," Lisa added. "It was a little stressful," she squeezed Jack's shoulder, "after his heart attack, for a few months before we got married. That's behind us," she smiled at Jack. "Now, to just deal with the family."
"I won't say a word, and thank you for telling me. Everything else, medically, is okay then?"
"Tip top shape," Jack said, throwing his head in a half circle.
"Well, then, let's finish up here and get you two on your way. I'll be anxious to hear how everyone at home takes your news."
"Oh, should be interesting," Lisa said pursing her lips. She gestured as she explained, "I mean, it shouldn't be that big of a surprise in a way. We talked about getting married several years ago, but the fact we didn't include any of them in our wedding now will be the sticking point, but it was just what we wanted."
"Did you two elope? That's romantic, right?"
"Married down on the property, the dude ranch, if you ever rode over there," Jack told her.
"I did, and it's gorgeous," she smiled. "How lovely."
"It was," Lisa agreed. "Nighttime, white lights everywhere, just what we wanted."
"Except for Tim crashing it," Jack huffed, and Tricia's eyes widened.
"Wait, what?"
"Tim knows," Lisa made a face and nodded. "He followed us, figured something was up with Jack. He was there, the witness, but he's sworn to secrecy. We are wondering if he'll be able to handle it. He's wanted to spill it every chance he could."
"Oh, that is good," Tricia grinned. "I'm sure he's really dying inside."
"Perfect way to describe it," Lisa grinned.
"Okay, you two are set," Tricia said, reaching to squeeze Jack's shoulder. "Don't be a stranger, Jack. Make a regular appointment so I don't have to track you down, but I'm glad I did. We got you checked out, I met you, Lisa, and wow," she grinned, "got some very nice news from you both. Congratulations again and enjoy your day."
They bid goodbye to her and stepped outside, Lisa looping her arm through Jack's.
"You have no idea how much I had to refrain from bringing up that unforgettable comment of hers."
Jack groaned and looked over at her, his hand gesturing at her, "With as forward as she is, at least she didn't get into our personal business either. That would have been just a great medical conversation."
Lisa chuckled, patting his arm as they crossed the street, "Glad I snagged you when I did. She's very nice, but you crushed her dreams. She might have been hanging around Tim, but she was, at one point at least, interested in you."
"Oh, come one," he waved.
"Women always know, Jack, always. Let's head to Fairfield. It's a nice afternoon. Maybe we can take a ride there if you are up for it."
"Up for anything and everything," he winked, even the good doc says so.