Chapter 2
Jessica prowled the lobby as Seth checked them in. The Hotel d'Argouges in Bayeux looked perfectly charming. The lobby was spacious and well-appointed, and the staff, from what she'd observed, appeared to be friendly and cheerful.
Even for a Friday afternoon, the hotel was quite busy. Clearly this was the hotel of choice for many veterans. She nodded at several men and their wives; she was surprised that she felt a bit nervous about meeting Seth's old army buddies. She'd often chided him when he displayed nerves on meeting her publishing acquaintances. Now the shoe was on the other foot, and she felt her face grow warm. She'd need to make amends. She smiled at his back as he finished checking them in. He took their key, large and heavy, from the lively young clerk. Jessica hurried over to him.
"Bluey? Is that you, Bluey?" Seth turned sharply, frowning, then a grin creased his face.
"Ollie?"
"As I live and breathe!" A burly man with salt and pepper hair came barreling toward them, arms outstretched. Jessica stepped to the side as the man grabbed Seth in a bear hug. A slight woman followed behind; she looked harried.
"Ben? Ben. For heaven's sake, Ben! Turn the man loose! He's only just got here!"
Ben clapped Seth on the back. "Alright, alright, Millie!" He released Seth. "You're a sight for sore eyes!" He picked up Seth's bag. "Come on! Let's stow your stuff, then we can catch up."
Seth put out a hand. "Hold on, Ollie!" He cleared his throat. "There's someone I'd like you to meet." He glanced at Jessica, almost shyly, then reached for her hand. "Jessica, this is Ben Oliver, and his wife Millie."
"This little lady's with you?" Jessica held out her hand, but Ben pulled her into a hug before she could react.
"Ben!" hissed Millie.
Ben released Jessica and took her hand, pumping away. "I'm pleased to meet you, Jessica!" He turned to Seth. "Bluey, you didn't tell us you'd gone and gotten married again! Congratulations!"
As Jessica opened her mouth to explain, Seth came up beside her. "We're not married, Ben."
"Oh," Ben said. "Millie'll tell you, Jessica. I'm always putting my foot in it." He jerked a thumb at Seth. "Bluey'll tell you the same. I'm sorry, Jessica."
Jessica smiled. "Not at all. I'm very glad to meet you, Ben. And you, Millie."
Millie scuttled up beside Ben. "Ben, let them get upstairs and get settled. You'll see them tonight!"
"Nonsense," boomed Ben. "Allow me to take your bags, Jessica, and escort you to your room."
"I'll take her bags," said Seth hastily. "We'll meet you back here in a jiffy, Ben." Seth took both their suitcases. Jessica collected her overnight case and followed Seth to the elevator.
"It was very nice to meet you," said Jessica.
"Likewise," said Millie.
"We'll wait in the bar for you," said Ben as the elevator doors closed.
Seth looked at Jessica sheepishly. "I'm sorry about that."
"You've nothing to apologize for! They're lovely." Jessica cut her eyes at him. "Bluey?"
Seth grimaced. "I was hoping you'd never hear that particular nickname."
"Really? Now I am intrigued."
"Come along, woman." Seth jerked his chin as the elevator stopped on the sixth floor and the doors opened. "Room 614."
"Seth?"
"Hmm?" The lock was as old-fashioned as the key, and he was having a devil of time fitting them together.
"You're not…embarrassed…are you?"
"What?" He jiggled the key in the lock a third time, and the knob finally turned. He held open the door for Jessica, and she walked into the room. He brought in their suitcases and turned on the light, surveying the room. "It's not quite as nice as Hotel d'Angleterre."
Jessica gave him a look. "It's a lovely room...and a beautiful hotel." She walked to the window and opened the curtains. "We've got a marvelous view." He walked to the window and put his arm around Jessica. Seth couldn't disagree. Their room overlooked a small courtyard with a colorful garden. She put her head on his shoulder. "You're not embarrassed, are you?"
He squeezed her to him. "I wasn't exactly smooth in the lobby, was I?"
"I think Ben assumed we had separate rooms."
Seth grunted. "He wanted to assume we had separate rooms. Ben always did have an eye for the ladies." He sighed. "I'm sorry, Jess. I'm not embarrassed; certainly not by you! I just…wasn't expecting to see anyone so soon. That's all. I'll do better." He patted her shoulder. "Scout's honor," he said and dropped a kiss on top of her head.
She turned in his arms. "I understand."
Seth buried his face in her neck and breathed in her warm jasmine scent. "You even smell like a million bucks, Jess."
Jessica frowned slightly, smoothing her hands across his back absently. "You're sure you're not upset?"
"Not with you, sweetheart." He squeezed her hips, then let her go. "Would you like to freshen up before we go back downstairs?"
She kissed his cheek. "I won't be a minute." She collected her purse and her overnight case and went into the bathroom. Frank always called her his cock-eyed optimist, but she was beginning to suspect that this leg of their trip would be more difficult than she'd anticipated.
They found Ben and Millie seated at a table with another couple. The men stood as Seth and Jessica drew closer.
"Chuck?" cried Seth.
"It's me, pal." Chuck moved from behind the table so he could shake Seth's hand. He gestured behind him. "You remember Gloria?"
"It's good to see you, Gloria. I'd like to introduce you to Jessica Fletcher."
"It's so nice to meet you, Chuck. Gloria," Jessica nodded politely.
Ben scrambled to pull out a chair for Jessica. "Sit, sit," he said. "What would you like from the bar?"
"I'll go to the bar, Ben," said Seth quickly.
Gloria waved an elegant hand I his direction. "Don't bother, Seth. The girl'll be back in just a minute," said Gloria. "Sit down."
"Alright," said Seth. He settled Jessica in her seat, then sat beside her. "How long have you two been in Bayeux, Gloria?"
"We arrived just this morning. We stopped in Paris for a few days."
"So did we," exclaimed Seth.
"Paris!" interjected Millie. "You see, Ben? I told you we should have done something like that."
Ben shifted uncomfortably, and Jessica changed the subject.
"Where are you and Ben from, Millie?"
"Seattle."
"Oh, that's a lovely city. I always enjoy my visits there."
"Oh? Do you have family in the area?"
"Jessica's a writer," said Seth proudly, squeezing her hand.
"A writer?" asked Gloria. "Have you written anything I might have read?"
Jessica smiled and tilted her head. "Perhaps, if you like mysteries."
"Jessica Fletcher," mused Millie. The penny dropped. "Are you JB Fletcher?"
Jessica nodded, and Gloria squealed. "I bought a signed copy of your book in Paris. The girl said you'd been in recently and signed them on request. Imagine! We must have just missed you."
"It's certainly possible. Seth and I took a tour of Notre Dame, then wandered through Shakespeare and Company."
"Had you been to Paris before?"
"Only once before. My publisher told me about the bookstore and I stopped in. Everyone was so kind. I wanted to visit again, and we were so close." Jessica shrugged, almost apologetically.
"Seth Hazlitt, you sly dog. Why didn't you tell us you were friends with JB Fletcher?" asked Gloria.
Word travels fast. "Well," started Seth.
"And where do you and Chuck live, Gloria?"
"We retired to Florida a few years ago. We live in Cedar Key now, but we used to live in Raleigh. North Carolina?"
"Oh, North Carolina is a beautiful state."
"It is, but we don't miss the winters, mild as they can be compared to Maine, of course."
"Can't believe you moved back to Cabot Cove, Seth."
"A-yuh. I needed a change of scene."
"We were all so sorry to hear about Ruth," said Gloria quietly.
"Thank you."
"She was a wonderful person," said Millie.
Chuck gestured to the young waitress. "We'd like some more drinks, young lady," he boomed.
Under the table, Jessica stroked Seth's hand; he hadn't slept well the previous night, and she could tell he was a bit anxious. She turned to smile at him reassuringly as the young woman took everyone's drink orders.
"And how did you and Seth meet?" asked Millie. Her sharp eyes hadn't missed anything between them.
Jessica smiled at her. "I have a notoriously bad back. Some might call it a family curse." She flashed a quick smile at Seth. "I hobbled over to the office, expecting to see Dr. Wilson, but instead I met Dr. Hazlitt. I'd forgotten that the old doctor had retired while I was away."
Chuck looked at Seth appraisingly. "You took over for him, when was that, Seth?"
"It's coming up on five years now."
"And you like being back in Cabot Cove?"
Seth grinned at Jessica. "I sure do."
"And how long have you two been friends?" asked Millie. The emphasis she put on the word friends was hard to miss.
"Coming up on five years," they answered, almost simultaneously.
After the laughter died down, Chuck asked what everyone's plans were for the rest of the evening.
"Let's go to dinner," suggested Gloria.
"Yes, let's," agreed Millie.
"Jess?" asked Seth.
"Sounds like a fine idea to me," she said, smiling.
"Then it's settled," said Chuck. "I'll ask one of the clerks to recommend a restaurant."
Seth kissed Jessica on the cheek as he helped her into the taxi with the other women. "I'll see you back at the hotel, alright?"
Jessica nodded. "Have a good time, Seth." She smiled up at him and he squeezed her hand, tight, then let go. He backed up so that he could shut the door. He tapped smartly on the roof of the taxi, then watched as it drove down the road and out of sight.
Chuck clapped him on the shoulder. "Ready, Bluey? Let's go have some fun."
Reluctantly, Seth turned and followed his old army buddies into a nearby bar.
Chuck and Seth sat at a small table while Ben went to order drinks. They were quiet for a moment before Chuck cleared his throat.
"You say you've known Jessica for five years?"
"A-yuh."
"She's a beautiful lady. A real beautiful lady, that's for sure."
"A-yuh," said Seth, circumspectly.
"What's she doing with you?" Seth cut his eyes at Chuck, who laughed and clapped him on the back. "You know I'm kiddin', Bluey." They sat through another awkward pause. "You don't seem to want to talk much about Jessica."
"Depends on the conversation you wanna have."
"Fair enough. You said she's a writer?"
"Gloria bought one of her books, Chuck."
"So she did. Couldn't stop telling me everything she knew about JB Fletcher."
"That so?" Seth couldn't help smiling. "I noticed you two were lagging behind on the way to the restaurant."
Chuck laughed. "Gloria's a fan. Says they've made movies of Jessica's books."
"They made one," said Seth.
"Lotta money in movies."
"I wouldn't know anything about that, Chuck."
"Aww come on, now." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Sure seems like you landed on your feet, pal."
"Come again?"
"Jessica."
"I don't follow," said Seth mulishly. The trouble was he was following all too well.
Chuck laughed. "I'm sorry. I was trying to be tactful."
"Little late for that," said Seth dryly. "What exactly are you getting at?"
Chuck shrugged. "Just curious. You're…together, right?" Seth gave him a warning look. "I assume, because…how else do you explain all that?" He flapped a hand in the direction of the street.
"Explain what?"
"You know. Back there, at the taxi. What was that all about?"
"I don't know what you mean," said Seth, genuinely perplexed.
"All that, the goodbye-ing." Chuck cut his eyes at Seth. "You'll see her later tonight. Right?"
"Not that it's any of your business," said Seth sharply.
"Hold on, there Bluey! I'm just repeating what I heard. Besides, you're kinda making it my business." Ben jostled Chuck's arm as he joined them at the table. "Our business," Chuck said, gesturing to himself and Ben.
"Get outta here," said Seth.
"I mean it!"
"What?" asked Ben.
Chuck pointed at Seth. "He's making a spectacle of himself with Jessica, and you and I'll have to pay the price!"
Ben nodded vigorously.
"A spectacle?" scoffed Seth. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"You're making us look bad, Bluey."
"Real bad," added Ben.
Seth shook his head. "What about those drinks, Ben?"
"Don't change the subject," said Chuck. "You and Jessica act like a couple of newlyweds. Speaking of which, when are you getting married? No reason you two shouldn't have to suffer like the rest of us!"
"We'll send you an invitation," said Seth dryly.
"Well, how long have you known Jessica again?"
"He already said five years, Ben."
"Five years? And no ring? What's your secret?"
"The secret is we were friends, you Neanderthal. We were good friends for a long time."
Ben nodded knowingly to Chuck. "Good friends. I get it."
"Do you?" asked Seth angrily. "Men and women can be friends."
Ben grunted and exchanged another look with Chuck.
"But how long have you been…sharing rooms?" asked Chuck slyly.
Seth looked flustered. "That's none of your business!"
"But you aren't married?" Seth remained silent. "Engaged?" More silence.
A pretty young girl came by with their drinks on a tray. Ben thanked her profusely and passed the drinks around.
"So." Ben took a long pull from his drink. "Let me get this straight. You've met a beautiful, rich woman—"
Seth opened his mouth to interrupt, but Chuck interjected. "He's not wrong, Bluey. You weren't real great with the ladies, as I recall. Then somehow you landed Ruth, and now Jessica? What's your secret? You must be doing something right."
Seth took a drink before he said something he regretted.
"We're happy for you," said Ben. "Honest! We're just asking you to tone it down. In front of the wives. You understand." He looked at Seth apologetically. "Millie's been shootin' me daggers all night."
Seth grunted, and Chuck quickly changed the subject. "Remember those English girls? Now those were some awfully pretty girls." Chuck glanced at Seth. "What was the name of that drink you kept buying? The one that had all the fruit in it?"
"Pimm's Cup."
Chuck pointed at him triumphantly. "Pimm's Cup. That's it." He laughed. "You spent so much money on those drinks, Bluey. Now, we hadn't been here all that long…"
Seth listened to Chuck and Ben spin exaggerated tales of their exploits as raw recruits. Who was it who said you can't go home again?* Seth took another sip of his drink and grinned. Jessica would know.
I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
Jessica woke abruptly as she heard Seth stumble into their room. "Seth?"
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way
"A-yuh, it's me."
I'll find you in the morning sun
He ambled across the room in a parody of dancing. "Jessie. Jessie. Jess-i-ca," he murmured.
Jessica switched on the bedside lamp and sat up in bed, yawning. "What time is it?"
Seth sat heavily on the bed and began stroking her leg. "I dunno, sweetheart." His fingers danced up her leg to the top of the blanket.
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
He looked up at her, and her heart clenched at his boyish grin. She hadn't expected to feel such deep love again. She put a hand to his cheek. "I do love you, Seth."
He smiled. "I love you, too, Jessica. Jessica, Jessica," he crooned as he moved closer to her. "Why are you smiling?"
"Because you woke me up—you stink of stale beer and cigarette smoke!—and I'm still so happy to see you…to be here with you, right now." He leaned in to kiss her, and she placed gentle fingers against his lips. She laughed as he pouted comically. "Now then," she said briskly. "You should wash your face, brush your teeth, and drink a big glass of water."
He waggled his eyebrows at her. "What if I did all of those things, plus took a shower?" He rubbed her shoulders and neck. "Could a fella get lucky then?"
"Darling, just get ready for bed," she soothed. "We can talk about it when you're ready for bed."
He smiled then, such a gentle, loving smile that nearly took her breath away. "Alright woman," he rumbled. "I'll be back. I'll be right back."
True to his word, Seth was back remarkably quickly, clad only in a towel. Jessica stifled a grin and set about finding a pair of his pajamas. She selected a pair and tossed the pants on the bed, then she began unbuttoning the top.
"Seems like we're going about this the wrong way, Mrs. Fletcher."
"Oh?"
He held his arms out obediently and she threaded them through his pajama top. "Yes, indeed. I think we'd have more fun if I took your jammies off instead."
Jessica swallowed a laugh while she quickly buttoned his top. He wasn't feeling a thing tonight. She gently guided him to sit on the bed, then she knelt down to thread his feet though his pajama bottoms.
Seth reached down to stroke her hair. "You're so beautiful, Jess. You're a beautiful woman. Always so refined. A real lady. What could you ever see in me?"
Oh, dear, thought Jess. "Stand up," she said firmly. Seth obeyed promptly, wobbling as he did. Jessica whipped off the towel, tossed it aside, then pulled his pants all the way up. "Now then. Let's get into bed."
"Will you kiss me?"
"Once we're in bed."
"Alright," he said in a docile tone she'd never heard before.
Jessica pulled the covers back and gestured for Seth to get in. He clambered into bed, then turned toward her, a sly, hopeful look on his face.
Jessica laughed in spite of herself as she climbed into bed after him, reaching to switch off the lamp. He lifted up to kiss her. She complied, but when he tried to deepen their kiss, she put a finger to his lips.
"Let's hold one another tonight." She held her arms out and urged him to settle against her.
"I just love your body." He sighed contentedly as he pillowed his head against her breasts and began smoothing his hands along her torso. "I can't seem to get enough of you." Jessica smothered another chuckle and settled him more firmly against her. "Those fellas are worse gossips than the females over t' Loretta's," he murmured.
"Oh?" Jessica stroked his back rhythmically; she could tell he was close to falling asleep.
"A-yuh," said Seth sleepily. "Nosy Parkers."
Jessica wondered what on earth they'd talked about. She wondered, based on his inebriation, whether they'd had time to talk between drinks!
"We will be married," Seth muttered defiantly. "She will marry me!"
"Hush now," she soothed, even as her heart clenched. It was some time before she fell back to sleep.
Seth lifted his head with no little difficulty. It was morning; he could see the sun streaming in through the shades. He blinked and tried to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth. He groaned and felt Jessica shift beneath him.
"Good morning," she said softly.
"Morning, Jess. What time is it?"
"I'm not sure. How are you feeling?"
"Like roadkill."
"I'm sorry, darling," she said as she stroked his back.
"Are you angry with me? You have every right to be!" He winced. He didn't have the energy to make a proper apology.
"I'm not angry, Seth."
"I haven't screwed up too badly?"
She laughed quietly. "Of course not."
"And you're still my girl?"
She smiled and dropped a kiss to the top of his head. "Of course! We're lovers, Seth. In every sense of the word."
He settled his head back down against her chest. "And you won't leave me?"
She stroked his hair and smiled softly. "I won't leave you," she murmured.
He sighed contentedly. "I love you, sweetheart. You'll always be my sweetheart."
"Speaking of, you were very sweet last night. And very playful."
Seth turned to face her gingerly. "Oh, Jess. I'm embarrassed. I don't…you know I'm not usually like that." The effort was too great to hold up his head, and he lay back down against her.
She smoothed her hands up his back and around his neck. "Of course not, darling." She whispered in his ear. "It's different here. I can understand that."
Seth leaned gently against her and put his hands over hers. "I wasn't planning to come here without you regardless, but having you with me, like this…" He cleared his throat. "It means so much, Jess. So much."
"I meant what I said last night. I'm glad to be here with you, Seth. I love you."
"I love you, Jess. So much."
"Do you want some water? Coffee? I have aspirin in my bag."
"I'll take all three, woman. Just…just give me a minute."
Jessica smiled and held him more closely to her. "Alright, dear."
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I think I made an ass of myself last night."
"Not with me," said Jessica stoutly.
"Then with the fellas. Something's bothering me and I can't place it."
"It'll come to you," said Jessica, hoping that whatever had prompted him to assert that they would marry would not come back to him. One day, she expected they would marry. But that day was a long way off, and she didn't see the point of discussing it. She didn't want to quarrel with him.
When they'd first got home from Nashville, Seth had been reluctant to stay over. He didn't want to attract attention to their change in status. He'd been so anxious to protect her reputation; that caused the first quarrel they'd ever had. He'd relaxed, some, since then. It helped that Mort was so nonchalant about finding Seth in the kitchen, in his robe, busy fiddling with the old coffee maker, that first morning he came by for a cup of coffee. Seth was able to brazen it out, and soon most everyone in town knew that Seth and Jessica were a couple. The old biddies who were going to judge were no loss, and their close friends and family were happy for them. It worked; at least it did for her. She only hoped it would keep working for Seth.
Jessica emerged from the bath to find Seth still in bed. "Seth?" she said quietly.
He groaned, then moved gingerly to face her. "Would you do me a favor?"
"Of course!"
"Will you call down to the bar and see if they'll send up a Suffering Bastard*?"
"A what?" Jessica exclaimed, then put her hand over her mouth as Seth winced.
"A Suffering Bastard," he repeated. "They ought to know how to make it."
"Of course." She crossed the room, picked up the telephone, and called down to the front desk. She quietly explained what she wanted and, to her surprise, she was informed it would be sent up right away. She gently placed the phone back in its cradle and dressed quickly. By the time she finished, there was a curt knock on the door. She opened it, and a handsome bellhop handed her a drink from a silver tray.
"Thank you," she said quietly, handing him a few coins, and the young man clicked his heels and turned smartly.
She closed the door quietly and carried the drink to Seth. "Seth? It's here."
He fumbled to sit up, then Jessica handed him the drink. He took a shuddering breath, then downed the glass in one great gulp. He let out a tremendous belch. "Excuse me, Jess. I'm sorry." He moved his head gingerly, then closed his eyes. "Just give me a few minutes, and I'll get in the shower."
She eyed him critically. His color was improving and soon he was able to swing his legs over the side of the bed. She hurried to help him up. He let her take his arm, patting her hand as she helped him rise.
He smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm...well, I'm just embarrassed, I guess."
She kissed his cheek, then led him to the bathroom. "Don't be," she said tenderly. "I understand." She squeezed his hand. "I promise."
"The miracle of it is I think you do, woman." He steadied himself against the door frame. "I don't deserve you."
She stroked his cheek. "You let me decide what I deserve. All you have to do right now is take the hottest shower you can stand."
"A-yuh," he said. "Be out soon, my dear."
She smiled as he closed the door behind him. There was another knock on the door. Jessica hurried to open it and managed to smooth her features. Gloria was there, along with Millie; Jessica suppressed a sigh. "Good morning," she said, as pleasantly as possible.
"Morning's almost gone," said Gloria as she attempted to make her way into the room. Jessica blocked her path.
"I'm sorry. Seth's indisposed this morning."
Millie snorted. "Indisposed! If he's like the others, he's struggling against a mighty hangover." She looked at Jessica shrewdly. "Still in the honeymoon phase, are we?"
Jessica disliked this woman intensely, but she was the wife of one of Seth's closest army buddies. "You could say that, I suppose," she said lightly.
"But you're not married, are you," Millie said, almost nastily. Gloria elbowed her sharply. "Ow!"
Jessica heard Seth moving in the bathroom. "Why don't we go down to the lobby?"
"We were thinking of doing a bit of sightseeing."
"That sounds lovely. Let me get my purse and you can tell me your plans on the way down."
Jessica found her purse but declined to take the room key. "Let's go," she said brightly as she pulled the door behind her.
"So. We were thinking of doing a little exploring on our own," said Gloria.
"Shopping," said Millie, a slight edge to her voice.
"Why don't you come with us?" asked Gloria.
"I'm not sure. I haven't had a chance to find out if Seth had any plans for today."
"They weren't too concerned with our plans when they came back to the hotel drunk as lords!"
"Millie!" snapped Gloria. "Tell you what, Jessica. Why don't you leave Seth a note with the desk clerk. Tell him we'll be around the corner at one of those little cafes. You can come straight back here, after, if you like."
Jessica didn't want to appear rude. "I won't be a moment," she said, and she headed to reception to ask one of the clerks for pen and paper.
"My goodness," said Millie. "Was she going to sit in the lobby and read a magazine until Seth felt well enough to come down?"
Gloria patted Millie's arm. "Down, girl. Just because Jessica and Seth are in love—"
"Here she comes," whispered Millie.
"Ready?" asked Jessica.
"If you are," replied Gloria, and the three women walked through the doors of the hotel and into the bright sunshine.
"They made one of your books into a movie, didn't they?"
Jessica grimaced. "Only because I foolishly signed a contract without understanding the fine print. I haven't made that mistake again."
"It was pretty racy, as I recall," offered Millie.
"Yes, well," said Jessica and attempted to change the subject. "Do you have children? Grandchildren?"
Millie frowned. "Ben and I never had children."
Jessica patted her hand impulsively. "My husband, Frank, and I were never blessed with children either."
"Gloria has two daughters and three grandchildren."
"How wonderful!"
"You've met Margie, I suppose?"
Jessica nodded, smiling. "I have. She's a lovely girl. She visits from time to time."
Millie furrowed her brow. "Settled down any?"
Jessica looked perplexed. "She seems quite settled to me."
"Married?"
"No."
"What does she do?"
"She works for one of the Japanese automobile manufacturers," said Jessica. "Toyota. I know she travels quite a lot for her job." She smiled. "Seth's very proud of her."
"She ran him a merry chase when she was a girl," said Millie.
"Aren't all teenagers a bit rebellious? Many of my students were."
Gloria laughed. "Our daughters were clever enough not to get caught. I don't know what Chuck would have done." She looked at Jessica. "I'm sorry you never had children."
Jessica nodded, deciding against telling these women about Grady. "Thank you," she said quietly.
"How long have you and Seth been…going together?"
Jessica smiled. "Going together?"
"How else should I put it?"
"We've been friends, good friends, for many years. Recently, we've become closer."
"Any plans to get married?"
"Millie," Gloria hissed.
Jessica smiled and took a sip from her coffee. She placed the mug carefully in its saucer, then opened her purse to retrieve the necessary coins. "I think I'll head back to the hotel to check on Seth."
Gloria glanced at Millie. "We were hoping you might want to do a little shopping or sightseeing this afternoon."
Jessica snapped shut her purse and rose gracefully from the table. "Another time, perhaps. I'm sure we'll see each other later."
Gloria and Millie watched her walk in the direction of the hotel, her back ramrod straight. "Millie," groaned Gloria. "Why'd you have to be so obvious?"
"What? I'm just curious! Admit it, you are too!"
"She must think we're terrible people."
"She's not like us," said Millie.
"She's perfectly nice, Millie. We've just been needling her, that's all."
"The way they carry on!" protested Mille.
"They aren't doing anything wrong!" Gloria cut her eyes at Millie. "Admit it. You're jealous."
"Jealous?" scoffed Millie.
"I don't mind admitting I am! It's been a long while since Chuck's looked at me the way Seth looks at Jessica," she mused. "Of course, it's been a long time since I've looked at Chuck that way, either. Long marriages have their ups and downs."
"You can say that again," muttered Millie darkly.
Gloria threw her arm around Millie impulsively. "It hasn't always been easy, Millie. But we're here…in France!"
"You got to go to Paris. So did they!"
"I know, and I'm sorry you didn't, but we're here now. Come on," she said encouragingly. "Let's enjoy the rest of our afternoon. The boys can sleep their time away here. We won't let that keep us from having a bit of fun."
"Alright," said Millie grudgingly.
"And let's try to be kinder to Jessica? For Seth's sake? For Ruth's?" she added quietly. "You know how much he loved Ruth."
"I do. That's why it's so hard to see him so happy with someone else."
"Millie…it's been fifteen years."
"You're right, Gloria." She turned her face to the side, staring in the direction of the hotel. "I am jealous."
"I know things have been hard for you, Millie. But maybe this trip will be different for you!"
Millie barked a laugh. "Not so far! I've seen the way he looks at Jessica. At any other woman!"
"Well, you can comfort yourself with the thought that Seth would knock his block off if…Well." She opened her purse and began searching for a few coins to settle their bill. "Come on, Millie! Let's do some exploring!"
Gloria smiled so winningly at Millie that she couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, Gloria. You win. Let's do a little shopping."
Gloria laughed as she pulled Millie's arm through hers. There was an intriguing little shop around the corner she'd spied yesterday.
Seth opened the door, surprised to see Jessica on the other side. "Why didn't you take the key?"
Jessica bustled in. "I wanted to be with you," she said simply.
Seth stared at her back, momentarily speechless.
Jessica turned and studied him. "You look much better," she said.
Seth closed the distance between them. "A-yuh. That drink you ordered did the trick."
Jessica laughed as he pulled her into an embrace and nuzzled her neck. "I do want to spend time with you, darling, but not necessarily in this room. It's a beautiful day!"
Seth laughed and squeezed her close before releasing her. "Anything in particular you want to do?"
She pulled a face. "The same as you, only later."
Seth barked a laugh, then wagged a finger at her. "No one would ever guess what a provocative streak you have."
Jessica smirked at him. "Millie and Gloria have gone shopping; apparently Chuck and Ben are still sleeping their exploits off."
"What would you like to do, Jess?"
"Let's walk around the city, have a nice lunch? Just do some plain old sightseeing while we're here. Nothing's been planned, has it?"
"Not as far as I recall. I'd have to take a gander at the schedule of events, but I think today is open. I know I didn't book anything, regardless."
Jessica smiled. "That's good, then. It'll be nice to spend the day together and just wander around."
"Let me just finish getting ready, woman, and we'll go out for a bit." He came over sheepish. "I'm sorry I wasted half the morning."
"Nonsense," said Jessica firmly. "Besides, the quicker you get ready, the sooner we can leave. You men spend so much time primping," she teased.
Seth laughed as he checked that his bow tie was straight. He glanced at her reflection in the mirror and their eyes met.
"What?"
"Nothing," said Seth.
"You're a dreadful liar."
He laughed in spite of himself, then turned to face her. "It's just something Chuck said last night."
Jessica tried to keep her voice neutral. "Oh?"
Seth scrubbed the back of him mind. "He said we were...unusually affectionate."
"Really," said Jessica evenly. "What do you think?"
"I think he's full of bull!" said Seth quickly. "But I wanted to hear what you thought."
"I think he's full of bull," said Jessica tartly. She settled her purse on her shoulder and walked over to Seth. "I like how we are together. I like it when you pull my arm through yours, or put your hand on the small of my back as we enter a room." She tossed her head. "When I want to kiss you, I do it, no matter where we are." She kissed him swiftly on the lips. "I'm not ashamed of who we are, of what we share. I love you, and I don't care who knows it."
Seth threw up his hands playfully at Jessica's look of challenge. "I couldn't agree more, woman!" Quick as a flash, he pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. She put her arms around his neck, and they spent a few pleasant moments in a warm embrace.
Jessica gently pushed against his chest, and he released her immediately. "Should I freshen my lipstick?"
"Nope. You look like you just stepped out of a magazine."
Jessica arched her brow. "Not a naughty one, I hope."
Seth guffawed as he grasped her elbow. "Let's go, woman, or we might not get out of this room til dark."
He dropped her elbow to open the door for her, putting a warm hand in the small of her back. She turned to smile at him, then began to walk toward the elevator.
Seth grinned at her back. He felt good this morning. Good and...light, actually. Jessica was right. It was a beautiful day, and he wanted to create new memories here with Jessica. Given some of his dreams lately, he needed to.
A/N: *Thomas Wolfe wrote a novel called You Can't Go Home Again. He, like Chuck and Gloria, was also a North Carolinian. Seth is serenading Jessica, and their entire floor, with the popular WWII ballad I'll Be Seeing You. He asks Jessica to order a Suffering Bastard, a drink concocted by a barman during WW2, renowned among soldiers for its alleged curative powers against hangovers.
Thank you for all the reviews; I've really enjoyed reading them. I hope that you continue to enjoy their journey, both physical and emotional.