Stayin' Alive

Jessica replaced the phone in its cradle, a thoughtful smile on her face. It was early December, and she was still in New York. The semester wouldn't officially be over for another week, but she'd opted to administer a final exam on the last day of class, so she was technically finished. She'd submitted grades yesterday, and she'd planned to spend the remainder of the day tending to the usual details pertaining to closing up the apartment for the holidays.

Seth's call was unexpected, but pleasantly so.

Hello?

Jess?

Seth?

A-yuh. Who were you expecting?

No one in particular. I just didn't expect to hear from you today. Anything wrong?

No.

You'll still be able to pick me up from the airport tomorrow?

A-yuh. I'll be there.

Good, good.

There was an uncomfortable pause, during which Jessica began to grow alarmed.

I was calling…and the booming tone of Seth's voice caused Jessica to simultaneously jump and pull the phone from her ear. He cleared his throat and Jessica cautiously placed the receiver back against her ear. I was calling, Seth repeated, to ask if you had any interest in attending a fundraiser for me. At the hospital.

A fundraiser for you? Seth, are you sick?

No, no! I meant a fundraiser for the hospital…with me, he finished quietly.

What a relief. Of course I'll go! When is it?

It's also New Year's Eve.

That's fine, Seth. We usually spend New Year's Eve together at some party or another. What's the fundraiser for?

They want to expand Oncology.

That's a good cause! You'll have to give me the details. I'd love to contribute.

That's awfully generous, Jess. There was a brief pause, then he began again. The hospital has rooms available. I thought I could book two of them for us. That way I wouldn't have to drive us home that night.

That sounds reasonable. We can have a real celebration!

Seth laughed nervously. One other thing.

Yes?

The fundraiser has a theme.

What is it?

Well, it's called Stayin' Alive and it's a disco theme.

Jessica laughed in spite of herself. Oh my. That's terrible! Who thought that up?

Not me, Seth assured her and laughed with her.

A disco theme. Hmmm. What will you wear?

Oh I've got a few old things I kept from back then. I'm sure one of 'em will work. What about you?

I'll have to let you know. Right now, I'm not sure I own anything that's 70s-themed. And certainly nothing to wear to a disco! Frank and I never learned any of those dances.

Nor did Ruthie and I.

We'll just have to muddle through, won't we?

A-yuh. Well, that's all I needed, Jess. I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

As am I, Seth. Bye.

Things had been changing between them. Or rather, she'd been changing. She knew, of course, that Seth loved her. Very probably was in love with her. The discovery had irked her at first. Why couldn't men and women be friends? Simple friends? She had male friends. Amos. Mort. Vaughn. Eugene. With the exception of Amos, they were married, or in Eugene's case, a serial monogamist. But Seth was different. Always had been. And, deep in her heart of hearts, she'd always known that.

A disco theme, she mused. And staying over New Year's. She'd been thinking about how best to broach the subject of her changing feelings with Seth. Perhaps this fundraiser was the opportunity she'd been waiting for.

One thing was certain. She had nothing suitable to wear to such a party. But she thought she might know someone who would. She opened the desk drawer and rummaged for her address book. Things did get so untidy at the end of a semester. She felt the smooth cloth underneath several papers. Success! She began flipping the pages. Susan would know how to get what she needed.

Jessica had been home a few days. Seth had picked her up from the airport, and he'd taken her for a meal at a new restaurant he'd spoken of in the fall. She spent the next few days airing out the house, cleaning, preparing for the holidays. Seth had taken her to Jack's to pick out a live tree for the living room, and they'd spent a pleasant evening listening to Christmas carols and decorating the tree. There was an undercurrent of tension between them, as if they both recognized that this New Year's celebration would be different.

There was only one thing she fretted over. She didn't know any disco dances. She was a good dancer, and so was Seth. He was an excellent partner, smooth and fluid in his movements. Confident. Surprisingly light on his feet, not that Jessica minded his girth. Seth was self-conscious about it, she knew. He often made self-deprecating remarks and pooh-poohed any compliments she tried to give him.

He'd said he didn't know any disco dances either. She didn't want to embarrass him, but more than that, she wanted to impress him. The library wasn't far, but it was too cold to walk or bike over there. She'd have to ask a favor of Jane. She sighed as she picked up the phone, then chided herself. This was a favor for Seth, more or less, and she could be more gracious about fulfilling it.

"Cabot Cove Library. Melissa speaking."

"Hello, is Jessica Fletcher."

"Oh, Mrs. Fletcher! It's good to hear from you! How long have you been back in town?"

"Only a few days."

"And how was your semester?"

"It was very good, dear. I wonder, though, if you could connect me to Jane."

"Of course, Mrs. Fletcher. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you, dear." Jessica listened to the Christmas music as she waited for Jane to pick up.

"Jessica? Is that you?"

"It is. How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. How are you?"

"Glad to be home. Listen, I wonder if you could help me."

"I'll certainly try."

Jessica smiled. "I'm looking to learn a few disco dances as soon as possible. Do you have anything of that sort?"

"Maybe." Jane was quiet for a moment. "Let me do some digging and I'll call you back."

"If you do find something—"

"I could drop it by later this afternoon on my way home."

"Would you? I'd really appreciate that, Jane."

"It's not fit for beasts nor bicyclists out here, Jess." They laughed companionably. "If I find something, I'll bring it by. Do you have a record player?"

"I do. I think it still works."

"What about a cassette player?"

"I don't have one of those."

"No matter. I can loan you one from the library if necessary. Let me get cracking on this, Jess. I'll either see you or call you."

"Thanks, Jane."

"Thank me when I find something."

Jessica smiled as the call disconnected. She was fairly certain Jane would find something that could help her.

Jessica puffed her cheeks in exasperation. Would she never get the hang of these steps? She'd always thought of herself as a good dancer…before this episode. The problem was tempo. She could do the steps, actually. She just couldn't do them in time to the music. It was pretty fast. No matter. She still had nearly a week until New Year's Eve. She sighed, then dropped the needle back on the record.

Forward 2, 3, together

Back 2, 3, together

Jessica was determined to be, if not dazzling, at least proficient. She smiled. At least she and Seth would share a few laughs on the dance floor. With any luck, she thought, they'd share a bit more than that.

Jessica turned this way and that in front of her mirror, fretting. Susan's package arrived just in time. She had nothing else suitable to wear and she had to admit that the dress fit. Susan had certainly done her homework. She'd sent a note folded into the dress, encouraging her to throw caution to the wind and wear the dress in the spirit it was intended, whatever that meant. Susan was a dear, but sometimes she forgot that Jessica was a middle-aged school marm from Maine. Or at least she had been. Not for quite some time, and definitely not in this dress.

It was a tomato red halter dress that fell to the floor. Good thing, because it tied around her neck, leaving her back completely exposed. It had a ruffled collar, which Jessica had to admit was flattering, and ruching under the bust that emphasized her trim figure. She did work at keeping herself in shape, and it was gratifying to see that her hard work had paid off. She smiled at her reflection, but quickly frowned. Would Seth think it too much? Would she embarrass him? She sighed. Only one way to find out. She sighed and picked up the clutch she planned to take downstairs. She heard Seth's knock and hurried to answer the door.

At first, Seth didn't know where to put his eyes. Jessica looked extraordinary. He'd assumed she couldn't wear red because of her fair coloring, but red suited her very well. And so did this dress. She was ravishing.

"Seth! You look so handsome!"

"Thank you, Jess. I don't have a patch on you, though. You look…" Delicious? Sexy? Ravishing? "Beautiful."

She looked at him quizzically. "You think so? It's not too much?"

"No, indeed. You'll be the hottest chick there." Jessica laughed. "Is that right?" Seth smiled. "I've been trying to think of some of the things Margie and her friends used to say."

"That sounds familiar and I certainly appreciate the compliment, Seth. Shall we?"

"Yes, yes. Let's go."

Jessica picked up her room key and slipped it in her purse. Holy moly, thought Seth. He swallowed. He'd long suspected she was freckled, but he'd never seen so much of her skin before: creamy with a faint dusting of freckles. Tonight he'd gotten confirmation. Holy moly.

"I'm ready!" she trilled as she pulled the door behind her. Seth only hoped he was.

The party was in full swing by the time Seth escorted Jessica into the ballroom. The music was loud and fast, and multiple strobe lights were spinning madly, making geometric patterns on the dance floor. He cupped her elbow and steered her through the crowd. He found a table that looked only half full and pulled out her chair. Jessica smiled at him and sat down.

He leaned down and cupped a hand over her ear. "Would you like something to drink?" She nodded. "Anything in particular?"

Jessica shook her head. "You choose for me. Something different."

He smiled and nodded. "I'll be right back."

Jessica watched as he threaded his way through the crowd. He'd been very complimentary about her dress. Not only his words, but she could tell by the way he looked at her that he liked the dress. Liked her in it. Knowing Seth, he would have said right away if he thought it was inappropriate or unattractive. His blunt honesty was perhaps the thing she loved best about him. Frank had been similar, though smoother around the edges. Frank was an extrovert who never met a stranger. Seth was brilliant, taciturn, but worth the effort of getting to know him. And once she'd earned his trust, he'd proved himself to be the dearest friend of this new life of hers. He had become her closest confidante. She smiled, thinking how well the night had begun.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Jessica, startled, looked up. "I'm sorry?"

The man sat down before Jessica had an opportunity to protest. "May I?" Jessica frowned slightly, then smoothed her face into a pleasant mask. This was a colleague of Seth's, perhaps even a friend, though she doubted it. He put out his hand. "Dr. Reynolds." Jessica put her hand out automatically and he grasped it quickly. "Elliot," he said, flashing a grin. He was handsome, Jessica had to admit, though she felt a surge of revulsion at her disloyalty to Seth. What was taking so long? "And your name?"

"Jessica Fletcher," rumbled Seth as he came up behind Jessica. She pulled her hand from Dr. Reynolds' grasp and glanced gratefully at Seth. He handed her what looked like a milkshake in a hurricane glass. "I brought you a Pina Colada, Jess."

She removed the little paper umbrella and took a sip. "It's delicious, Seth. Thank you!"

He smiled and sat down on the other side of Jess, resisting the urge to glare at Reynolds. He should have known that pompous ass would make a beeline for Jessica.

"You're not the celebrated JB Fletcher, are you?"

As if you didn't know, thought Seth acidly.

"I am," replied Jessica neutrally. She leaned just a touch closer to Seth, and Elliot's eyes narrowed slightly..

"Well, Dr. Hazlitt! This is indeed a pleasure. I'd heard rumors that you were friends with a famous author, but I must say I didn't believe it until now."

Seth risked a glance at Jess, whose eyebrows were raised. He knew that look. "Jessica kindly agreed to accompany me tonight, Elliot."

"And I'm very glad she did. You know, I came up with the idea for this fundraiser. How do you like the name?"

"The name?" asked Jessica faintly.

"Yes, yes. The title, I suppose. You being a writer, I imagine you appreciated the pun…staying alive? Get it? Stayin' Alive?" Jessica nodded and took another sip of her drink.

She was a light drinker, only socially, but she was grateful for the Pina Colada. It gave her something to do while preventing her from being able to speak. She wished she could speak with Seth. She took another sip, then cocked an ear. She recognized the tune. It had been on the instructional record Jane had lent her. She turned suddenly to Seth. "Let's dance!"

Seth's initial thought was an emphatic no, then he came alive to the situation. If he declined, Elliot would be only too happy to take Jessica for a spin on the dance floor. Not on your life, pal. He stood quickly. "I'd love to, Jess." He cupped Jessica's elbow as she stood gracefully. "You'll excuse us," said Seth as he maneuvered Jessica onto the dance floor.

Jessica reached for his hand and squeezed it. She leaned in close as they walked. "Thank you," she said.

"My pleasure, Jess, but I have to tell you. I don't know how to disco dance. I'm not one hundred percent sure I won't fall over."

Jessica laughed. "'I'll let you in on a little secret," she said and turned smoothly to face him as they stepped onto the dance floor. "I've been practicing a few of the steps and I'm pretty sure I can teach you what I know."

Seth felt a grin spread across his face. This evening was turning out better than he'd hoped. Perhaps Jessica would be receptive to a New Year's kiss, a kiss that he hoped would bridge the gap between friends and lovers. "I'm game, Jess."

Elliott watched them as they danced together. Hazlitt wasn't bad; he was coordinated, at least. And a quick learner, it seemed, but that he attributed to the man's superlative partner. He dismissed the man as a matter of course. What did intrigue him is how a woman like Jessica Fletcher ended up with a date like Hazlitt on New Year's Eve? She'd seemed receptive to his advances. He got up from the table and ambled over to the bar. Well, the night was still young. Plenty of time to test the waters with the lovely JB Fletcher.

Soon the crowded dance floor began to thin out, and the DJ began playing more songs that were suited to line dancing rather than couples. Jessica joined in and Seth followed her. She was having a marvelous time dancing, and he was having a marvelous time watching her. She was smiling and laughing; she looked absolutely radiant. Maybe he could find the courage to tell her how he really felt this year. Maybe.

He was behind Jessica in the line of dancers, ostensibly so he could more easily follow the steps, but watching Jessica's hips move was an added bonus. Not to mention the long column of her neck and the delicate skin of her back. From time to time, she'd glance over her shoulder at him, and he longed to take her in his arms.

Suddenly, Elliott was beside Jessica, moving effortlessly to the beat. Of course he's good at disco dancing, thought Seth. He eyed the man suspiciously as he tapped Jessica's arm to get her attention. The music was too loud for conversation; Jessica nodded politely to him, then turned toward Seth. Elliott cupped her elbow and pulled her into a clumsy embrace. As Jessica struggled to free herself from his grasp, Ellliott kept a firm hold of her wrist and placed another on her hip. Seth tapped Reynolds on the shoulder. "I'm cutting in, Reynolds."

"You've monopolized the lady's attention all night, Hazlitt. Let somebody else have a turn."

Seth grabbed him by the shoulder and turned him roughly from Jessica. "The lady doesn't want to dance with you," he said firmly. He was preparing to step around Reynolds and escort Jess from the dance floor when Reynolds threw a clumsy punch. His elbow very nearly connected with Jessica's face. Seth grabbed him by the lapels and turned him away from Jessica, then punched him in the face. Reynolds went down like a sack of potatoes.

"Seth," cried Jessica.

He was at her side immediately. "Are you alright?"

"I'm alright, but look at your hand!"

Seth looked down at the swollen knuckles and broken skin. Jessica took him by the arm and made a beeline for the bar. The bartender quickly filled a small stainless steel bowl with ice. Jessica thanked him gratefully. "Wait here," she said. "I've got to get my bag."

He watched as she weaved quickly through the tables, retrieved her small clutch, and walked quickly back to him. She took the bowl of ice and nudged Seth ahead of her. "Let's go upstairs."

Jessica bustled him into her room and put the bowl of ice on the small table in the corner. Wordlessly she helped him slip off his blazer, then unbuttoned his cuff and began rolling up his sleeve.

"Sit, sit," she urged. When he sat in the chair, she placed his hand gingerly in the bowl of ice. "I'll be right back." He watched her scurry into the bathroom, returning almost immediately with a hand towel.

"Your poor hand," she murmured, and placed a few ice chips over his knuckles.

"I'm sorry, Jess."

She looked at him in surprise. "Why should you be sorry?"

Seth shook his head and looked away from her. "I don't know Reynolds all that well personally. I know him by reputation, though," he said darkly, then turned to look at Jess. His eyes were burning with controlled anger. "That alone should have been enough for me to keep you far from him." He caught sight of her face. "I know you can take care of yourself, woman. I know that." He smiled ruefully at her. "All the same, I invited you here. You're my guest."

"More than that, I hope," said Jessica lightly.

Seth's heart skipped a beat. He never knew how to respond. Her tone was light, just this side of flirtatious, but her words carried a depth…possibly. He'd behaved tonight as a jealous lover might. Perhaps she'd seen it not as masculine posturing, but more indicative of the respect and love he felt for her.

"Seth?"

"A-yuh?"

"You're miles away. What are you thinking?"

Could he? Could he tell her after all these years? Here, in a mid-grade hotel room in Portland, Maine on December 31st, 1986? Could he risk their friendship? The most important relationship of his new life? If she rejected him, how could they recover? He knew he wouldn't. Couldn't. He felt gentle hands on his wrist, lifting his bruised hand out of the ice and wrapping it in a towel.

He risked a glance at her. She was looking down at his hand, lightly patting it with the towel. "It's you," she said softly.

"What?"

She lifted her face and met his gaze. "It's you, Seth."

He stared at her for a long moment, then he shoved his chair back, knocking over the bowl of ice in his hurry to pull Jessica out of her chair and into his arms.

"Seth! Your hand!"

"Blast my hand, Jess!" He squeezed her shoulder as he looked into her eyes. "You love me?" She nodded, and a huge grin spread across his face. "Well that's very convenient, Jessica. It just so happens that I love you."

"What do you suppose we ought to do about it?"

As the teasing nature of her comment sunk in, the look of disbelief on Seth's face quickly dissolved into a wolfish grin. "I can think of a few things, woman." He let his hands slide down her sides, then he grasped her hips. "For starters, why don't we disco dance a little longer? I could use the practice."

She laughed as Seth pulled her closer and began to rock them side to side.

"With pleasure, darling."

A/N: Happy New Year! Thanks for brightening my 2023 with your kindnesses.