Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 4- What Scares You
While in the Uber on her way to the hospital to visit Marcus, Elizabeth's phone rang…
"Hey mom, is everything okay?"
"Well, I'd like to say it is, but your father and I just learned today that the court hearing is next Friday. Why didn't you tell us?"
"Mom, I'm sorry; I don't want you and daddy worrying about coming here. I'll be fine," Elizabeth did her best to sound fine, assured and brave, but this was her mother and she'd know better. "Besides, mom, Ethan has gotten each hearing continued; I'd assume that he'll manage to get this one continued, too."
"Elizabeth, dear…I know you'll be fine, but your father and I want to be there to support you. If he gets the hearing continued, then we'll just have a nice visit with you," her mother responded. "You know, we don't get to see enough of you…"
"I know, and I'm sorry about that. Um," Elizabeth took a break to breathe, "how did you find out about the hearing?"
"Your father checked the court website, and needless to say we were both shocked that you hadn't said anything."
Elizabeth could feel tears forming, threatening to break free and roll down her cheeks. Trying to speak softly so her Uber driver didn't hear, she responded, "Mom, it's going to be hard for you and daddy to sit there and hear what he did."
"Have you told me everything that he did?"
"Yes ma'am…"
"There's nothing else? If there is, honey, you can tell me…" her voice wavered as if she feared hearing some earth-shattering news, she was unaware of previously.
Knowing that her mother was implying that possibly she'd been sexually assaulted, "No ma'am; he just hit me," she responded, neglecting to advise her mother of the ominous threat Ethan had made to her.
"Well, your father saw you afterward, and he was so angry. That bastard…"
"MOM…" Elizabeth, shocked by her mother's word choice, raised her voice louder than she'd intended, observing the Uber driver glance at her through the rearview mirror.
"I'm sorry, but he's lucky your father couldn't get his hands on him."
"Really, you don't need to come. I can call you and tell you everything that happened. Rosie said she'd go with me. Really, I'll be fine."
"We'll be there on Thursday…"
"Yes ma'am…" Elizabeth ended the call, wiped her eyes and slipped her phone back into her purse.
"Are you okay?" her Uber driver asked.
Elizabeth said nothing, but observing his eyes on her from the rearview mirror, she simply shook her head up and down. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat, repeating to herself, "It will all be okay. I will be fine…"
Northwestern Memorial Hospital…
Jack finished out his day of appointments, and made his afternoon rounds, looking forward to settling in with a microwave dinner or maybe takeout Chinese, and a glass of wine before calling Elizabeth. He hadn't been this excited for a phone call, let alone to talk to a woman since…. well actually since never before.
He made his way upstairs to peek in on Marcus one last time, hoping to give Elizabeth an excellent progress report when they talked later.
"Hey bud, so, how are you feeling this evening?" Jack asked.
"It's weird, I feel a little better each day. So, when can I go home?" Marcus asked.
"Well, let's not be in a hurry," Jack responded. Professionally, he knew Marcus wasn't ready to be released, but he also knew that there was a chance once his patient was discharged, his ties with Elizabeth could possibly be severed. He'd never had an ulterior motive for keeping a patient longer…until now. However, with Marcus undergoing a heart transplant, staying several weeks in the hospital was viewed as standard protocol.
"Have you talked to Ms. Thatcher today?" Marcus asked.
"I spoke to her earlier. Why, is something wrong?"
"No, I was just hoping she'd come by to see me."
"Well, you mean a lot to her, so I'm sure she will come by to check up on you," Jack stated, hoping to calm his anxiety. "As a matter of fact, any time I talk to her, you are the main topic of conversation."
"Hey, Dr. Thornton, you are a lot older than me, so, don't you know that there are better things to talk about with a girl you want to date?" Marcus seemed to scold Jack.
"Believe me, I get around to other things when we talk," Jack responded.
"You really like her, don't you…"
'She's a beautiful, intelligent, interesting and exciting woman…' was what Jack felt and wanted to say, but with Marcus' being so young, he simply went with "she's a very nice person…"
"Really dude; even I can do better than that," Marcus managed a laugh. "She's beautiful, and smart, and funny, and kind, and sweet, and…"
"Okay, okay…" Jack interrupted, "I get it; what's not to like about her. I couldn't have said it any better."
"Can I ask you something?" Marcus adjusted himself in the bed.
Assuming his question pertained to his recuperation, Jack responded, "Marcus, you can ask me anything."
"Um, I know you say that you're really a nice guy…I mean, would a father be happy that his daughter was dating you?"
"I think I'm a nice guy, and I would hope a father would feel comfortable with me seeing their daughter, why?"
"Do you date a lot of girls at one time…I mean, obviously not on the same date, but do you date a lot of different girls?"
"Where is this coming from?" Jack asked, although with the way rumors ran rampant in the hospital, he had a feeling that he already knew.
"Never mind; I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, let's not do that. It's bothering you, and I want to clear it up…"
"Well, I don't want to get anyone in trouble but I'm worried," Marcus suddenly stopped.
"Are you worried about Ms. Thatcher?" Jack asked as tears slipped from the outside of Marcus' eyes.
Marcus initially said nothing and simply shook his head up and down. Catching his breath, Marcus stated, "I'm sorry. It's none of my business, and Ms. Thatcher would be upset with me if she knew that I'd asked you that."
"Please talk to me Marcus. Why are you concerned about me dating Ms. Thatcher…?"
"I've just heard nurses talking, and…"
"Go on…"
Marcus swallowed hard, "I had my eyes closed and I guess they thought I was asleep. They were talking about you going through women, and you had a new floozy, and they…"
"Please go on…"
"They said you were going to break her heart...is your new one Ms. Thatcher?" Marcus asked, tears filling his eyes and threatening to burst free.
"WOW, I'm sorry that they made those comments. They aren't true. Marcus, I don't talk about my personal life at work; I try to keep everything separate, but I promise you this, I like Ms. Thatcher…I like her a lot, and it is certainly not my intention to hurt her in any way," Jack assured him.
"Well, I know it's none of my business, and please don't tell Ms. Thatcher or she'll be mad at me," Marcus wiped his eyes. "Dr. Thornton, I don't know what a floozy is, but they were laughing, so it must not be nice. She's the best lady I know, the closest thing I've ever had to a mom, and maybe it's stupid, but I just don't want anyone to hurt her."
"It's not stupid, and you both are lucky to have each other…" Jack remarked.
"Okay; I believe you, and besides, everyone trusted you with my heart…I guess we have to trust you with hers, too."
Jack smiled, "You know, you're going to be a real heartbreaker, that is if you aren't one already."
"That's what Ms. Thatcher always says. She told me that I have a kind heart." Suddenly an expression crossed his face, "Will the new heart I got change that…?"
Jack took a seat on the side of Marcus' bed, "Let me tell you something, your physical heart simply keeps the blood flowing in your body to keep you alive. It doesn't have anything to do with how kind or sweet you are. That's just the way you are."
"Dr. Thornton, can I talk to you about something else?"
"Marcus, you can talk to me about anything…"
"You won't tell Ms. Thatcher, right?"
"Marcus, anything you tell me is covered by Doctor-Patient confidentiality, so no, I won't tell anyone. What's on your mind; hit me with it?" Jack replied, his attempt at being hip with a teenager.
"Sex…"
Jack choked on the combination of saliva and air that were in his throat. There were many things Jack thought could be concerning Marcus, but 'sex' wasn't one of them. If given an opportunity to think about it, sex probably wouldn't have even come up in his top 10 possible topics. "Well, I have to say I wasn't expecting that, but what is bothering you?" Jack sat on the side of Marcus' bed, placing his chart on the nearby table.
"Well, it's just that, I mean, and I haven't done it before, but will I be able to…I mean, will my heart be okay to do that?"
Jack smiled, "Well, first of all, as your doctor, once you have fully recuperated, you will be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of your life, but you will be able to do whatever you want. Now, as your friend, I want to tell you that you are very young, too young to become sexually active."
"But I mean…the boys in school talk about it all the time."
"Well, Marcus, to me, you don't seem to be a follower. I don't get the impression that you want to do what the group does, but you want to stand out for doing what's right," Jack heard some noise in the hall and turned to look at the door, making certain that it was still closed. "When you become sexually active, it's not just how you feel physically, but there are emotional components as well. You aren't ready for sex if you are only thinking about yourself, and not the person you're with. You don't want to push anyone into doing something just because you want it, so you should be a lot older, respectful of your partner, and prepared to handle what comes after having sex."
"Gosh, the guys at school don't say anything about that. They just say stuff like 'they're going to hit this, or tap that…" Marcus replied, surprisingly comfortable talking with Jack about a very uncomfortable topic.
"Marcus, I can't tell you when to have sex or when not to…I mean, as far as your heart goes, physically, you will be healthy at some point to participate in that activity. But look, I really care about you, and I don't want to see you get into any problems. So, I can say that emotionally, at your age, you kids aren't ready for the responsibilities that go along with having sex."
"I know. Ms. Thatcher told me that there is a difference between having sex and making love, and that I should always respect the girl I'm with and wait until I'm truly in love," Marcus stated before he laughed softly.
"What's so funny?"
"She told me that I should wait until I'm 30," he responded. "I love Ms. Thatcher, but seriously, Dr. Thornton, I don't see that happening…that is if I get another girlfriend before I'm 30."
"So, you talked to Ms. Thatcher about sex?"
"Yeah, she was really nervous…probably more than I was, and I think she was as shocked about me asking as you were. Unfortunately, she's the only one I've been able to talk to about girls and sex and stuff."
"Hey, you have me, and I'll give you my personal number…you call me any time you need to talk, okay?"
"Really…?"
"Absolutely. I mean, Ms. Thatcher is great, but sometimes, a guy just needs to talk stuff over with another guy, right?"
"Right…thank you, Dr. Thornton," Marcus responded with an air of relief. "Oh, and that stuff I asked you about dating a lot of women at once, and breaking Ms. Thatcher's heart, I'm sorry. Can we just forget I brought it up?"
"You are a remarkable young man, and I can promise you, I will never intentionally hurt Ms. Thatcher," Jack promised. "So, are we okay, now?" Jack asked. "Do you think you can relax and get some rest?"
"Yes, sir," Marcus stated as Jack handed him the TV remote and nurse's call button. "Will you see Ms. Thatcher tonight?"
"I don't think so, but I'll probably talk with her. Why?"
"I just wanted her to know that Mrs. Johnson has been here the last two days," Marcus advised.
"Mrs. Johnson…I don't believe I've met her," Jack responded with an inquisitive expression.
"She's my foster mother, and she's really nice. She couldn't come before because one of my foster sisters has been really sick and she didn't want to take a chance of bringing some sickness here to me."
"Well, as a doctor, I appreciate that. I'm sure it was nice being able to see her again."
"Anyway, thanks for checking on me, and I guess I'll see you tomorrow…?" Marcus's comment came across more like a question.
"Absolutely. I have one surgery and appointments tomorrow, so I'll be in to see you early," Jack stated as he gave Marcus' arm a squeeze before leaving the room.
Jack completed the notes in Marcus' chart while standing at the nurse's station. Feeling 'eyes' on him from multiple directions, he glanced up and around. Catching several nurses looking in his direction, he asked, "What…?" as he looked down, suddenly feeling as though his zipper was down, and he was providing a peep show for the staff.
Finding himself completely covered, he looked up again, and suddenly everyone had disappeared into patient rooms, supply closets, elevators and bathrooms, and he was completely alone.
He placed Marcus' chart in the stack to be refiled and sat behind the counter waiting for a nurse, any nurse to return.
"Oh, hi Dr. Thornton. May I help you with something?" Patti, one of the cardiac nurses asked.
"Is it possible to gather the other nurses working tonight and have them meet me in the break room for a moment?"
"I'll see what I can do…" Patti stated as she shuffled off to locate the other nurses working on the floor.
Jack sat in the break room contemplating his words, knowing that he should have addressed this issue quite some time ago.
A few moments later, Missy, Leah, Andi, Patti and Monica stepped into the break room. They stood side by side, so close that the left arm of one was touching the right arm of another except for those standing on either end.
"Please ladies, take a seat; this will just take a minute…"
Jack began, "It has come to my attention…no, if I'm being completely honest, it came to my attention a long time ago, but nothing was ever said. There is a great deal of gossiping taking place in this hospital, and a portion of it is affecting me, my patients and my personal life. Have any of you ever heard me discuss my personal life in this hospital?"
"No sir," they collectively answered.
"That's because my personal life is separate from my work life. So, I guess I wonder how any of you know who I date, or how many dates I go on with a particular woman?"
"Excuse me?" Leah asked while playing dumb.
"Look, I've made a habit of not dating anyone who works here in the hospital, and it's a policy I don't anticipate changing. I know how dangerous and hurtful rumors can be, but please understand, my private life is just that…private, and I ask that you not discuss what you think you know while in earshot of my patients. It's unkind and completely unprofessional."
"Yes sir…"
"Each of you do a great job with the patients, and we are very lucky to have you on staff, but discussing my life or what you think is going on in it will not be tolerated any longer. Am I clear?"
"Absolutely…"
"Thank you for your time. I'd appreciate it if you would pass the word to any other nurses that work on this floor."
"Yes sir…" they all responded before rushing out into the hallway and back to their duties.
Jack closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was very pleased with the quality of nursing care within the hospital, and could only assume that doctors for other specialties, those located on different floors, were also the fodder for gossip on their respective units. That is the main reason he'd made it a policy to never date a woman who worked within the walls of the hospital. Rumors, most of which tended to be ugly in nature, placed unneeded pressure on new relationships. Although, he had to admit that this policy apparently made no impact on the rumors and gossip that had already spread. So, now, he hoped it would be his words that would have a much-needed impact on the staff.
He blew out a hard breath through his mouth as he muttered, "Well, that should have been said a long time ago, but hopefully now it will stop the rumors. Thank heavens Elizabeth works outside the hospital."
Jack reached into his pocket for his car keys. Finding nothing but change, he remembered placing them in his desk drawer, having forgotten to grab them on his way out.
Rushing back to his office, Jack grabbed his keys, bid Stacey, who was clearing her desk and preparing to leave, good night, and headed back for the door when his phone rang.
"Hey Lee…" Jack stated as he took a seat in the empty waiting room to talk. Waving to Stacey when she left. He walked back into his office and closed the door. "What's up?"
"Why don't you come out to the club tonight?" Lee suggested.
"Actually, I'm going to grab some Chinese takeout on my way home, and then I'm going to call Elizabeth…"
"Really, things are moving along it seems…" Lee responded.
"Well, I'm not sure about that, but Lee, I have to say, she's different. I mean, you know me, women don't get under my skin. But I think about her all the time, and I just want to get to know her better. But, I'm not sure what she thinks."
"What do you mean?"
"You know how rumors can be. Anyway, I had a talk with the nurses on my unit about watching what they say within earshot of my patients."
"What do you mean? You don't date women at the hospital for that very reason."
"I know, but somehow, they've passed it around that I date, and I date a lot, but never the same woman more than a few times. So, I'm afraid that she thinks I'm some kind of player."
"I'm seeing Rosie tonight; I'll talk to her about it."
"No, please don't. I don't want to drag you and her best friend into this. I'm hoping that my talk today took care of it."
"When is your auction date?" Lee inquired.
"Saturday night…"
"Where are you taking her?"
"Nope, I'm not telling you, because you'll let it slip to Rosie, and she'll tell Elizabeth. But if everything goes okay, and she agrees to see me again, maybe we can double date some time."
"We'd like that…"
"Okay, I've gotta go. I want to get everything done so I can sit down and call her."
"WOW, this is a new Jack. I've never seen you excited about talking on the phone…even if it was with a woman. But I have to say, I'm happy for you, Jack. I just hope she realizes what a great guy you are," Lee responded. "Enjoy your evening, Jack."
"I'm sure I will; you too."
Jack slipped his cellphone into his pocket, locked up his office, and raced through the hospital on his way to the parking lot.
As Jack walked outside, he practically ran into Elizabeth who was on her way in to visit Marcus.
"Good evening," he stated as he watched an Uber vehicle, which he assumed she had arrived in, pull away from the entrance.
Elizabeth smiled, "Good evening to you, too."
"How are you doing today?" Jack asked.
"Well, it is beautiful outside; I got away from the office in time to visit with Marcus and I received a beautiful flower arrangement today that truly brightened my office…so I'm doing pretty well," she replied. "Thank you for the flowers, by the way."
"Well, I'm glad you liked them, and that I could have a hand in brightening your office."
"They brightened more than just my office, so really, thank you, Jack…it was very kind and thoughtful of you."
Jack smiled warmly, "Hey, I just had a thought…"
"Should I be concerned?" she teased.
"Funny. No, really…I was just going to get takeout and head home because well," he stopped for a moment, "I was actually looking forward to calling you tonight. However, I have to say, seeing you is so much better."
"Gosh, Dr. Thornton, I don't know what to say to that."
"I have a thought…do have any plans tonight?"
"Well, I was just planning to check on Marcus and then head home…why?" she asked.
"Well, I'd be glad to go with you to visit Marcus and then give you a ride home. Um, that is unless you're hungry and would like to get a bite to eat with me. But…"
"But what…?"
"I don't want to give up my date with you on Saturday," he admitted.
Hearing her stomach growl, they both laughed. "Well, that was right on cue," she joked. Assuming that she had to trust him somewhat since he'd successfully operated on Marcus, and was taking her out on Saturday for her 'auction date,' she stated, "Well, I guess no one said that we could only go out once."
"True, it's no one's business."
"Then I'd appreciate the company to visit Marcus; I am hungry, and the ride home would be great…thank you."
"Thank you. You're keeping me from eating a sad and depressing meal alone." he responded.
"Oh my, I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for that."
Jack smiled broadly; his dimples were deep and prominent, and easily caught Elizabeth's eye, tugging at her heartstrings.
"How is Marcus today?" she asked.
"He's doing well, itching to get out of the hospital, but it will be a while before I consider releasing him…I hope you can understand my hesitancy to do anything too quickly."
"He's just a kid who has spent too much time in hospitals. He now has a foster home where he feels safe and loved, so I can understand his impatience. However, you're the doctor, and we'll go by what you say," she responded.
"I appreciate the faith you have in me," Jack replied. "Oh, while I'm thinking about it, Marcus asked me to tell you… if I talked to you, that Mrs. Johnson has been here the last two days to sit with him."
"That's good to hear. They have another foster daughter who has asthma issues, and I think they had been dealing with her," she replied. "Thank you for taking such good care of him; I really do appreciate it."
"Well, I'm glad that you trusted me to care for him."
"Jack, we started off a bit shady, both of us. I'm sorry I lied, but nowadays you can't be too safe. It's not an excuse, but an explanation. As angry as I was, I wanted to find reasons to not like you. But, as a doctor, all reviews on you were 5 star," Elizabeth stated as she watched his expression shift from appreciative to inquisitive. "Don't look at me like that. You know people check each other out on the internet, and don't tell me you didn't do the same thing with me. Anyway, I checked you out on 'Find a Doc' because I wanted to see what your other patients said about you."
"Well, I have to admit I would have checked you out if I'd had your name. But since I now know your real name, and we are being completely honest with each other, I have checked out your personal Instagram page as well as the one for the Cook County Social Services. The picture that was chosen for you on your work page is beautiful…but then again, several pictures I saw on your page were equally breathtaking," Jack stated, referring to a picture of Elizabeth in a white blouse, open enough at the neck to show off several necklaces, and a pair of fitted jeans as she sat in a chair with her arms crossed at the wrist. "Did you find anything you liked in my Instagram page?"
"I couldn't find…I mean, actually, I didn't look," she replied. "There were a lot of reviews on your skills as a doctor."
Jack laughed softly, "Actually, I don't have an Instagram page, so that's why you couldn't find me there…"
"I didn't say I looked…"
His smile continued, "Elizabeth, you didn't have to. So, were you satisfied with what you read in the reviews?" he asked.
"Look, I appreciate your surgical skills, and heaven knows, you certainly have put Marcus at ease. So, as a surgeon, I do trust you, and your reviews reflect only good things. I'm glad that Marcus lucked out and got you for his doctor."
"Thank you. So professionally, you trust me; how about personally?"
"That may be a bit more difficult. For reasons you already know, I don't trust very easily," she admitted.
Jack stood to the side as the electronic door opened. As Elizabeth walked past him, Jack softly stated, "I have all the time in the world, and I can wait…"
She smiled and he responded in kind as they continued inside the hospital. They walked side by side, chatted and even laughed when Jack told her the rumor circulating around the hospital about the amount of his bid.
"Rumors can be dangerous," Elizabeth stated as they stepped off the elevator onto the third floor.
Having just dealt with the nurses on his floor and the hurtful rumors they were apparently spreading, Jack knew exactly how she felt about gossip.
As they approached the cardiac unit, nurses could be heard talking and giggling, which quickly ceased, leaving the halls in dead silence.
As they walked by, Jack glanced over at the nurses, all sitting behind the desk, and nodded his head, "Ladies…"
Jack slipped into Marcus' room behind Elizabeth, "Look who I ran into on my way out…"
"Hi, Ms. Thatcher."
Jack took a quick look at the readings on the various machines, and satisfied with what he saw, he stated, "I'm going to give you two some time alone. I'll be at the nurse's station when you're done visiting." As he reached for the door handle, he turned back and said, "Take your time; I'm in no rush…"
Once alone, Elizabeth took a seat beside Marcus' bed. "So, how are you feeling today?"
"I'm tired, but I feel so much better than I did before the surgery." Marcus sat up in his bed, "Can I ask you something?"
Assuming it would be a question about Jack, she said, "You can ask; I'm not sure I can answer."
"I was doing some thinking and, I feel sad about the person who died and gave me their heart. Is that stupid? I mean, maybe I should just feel grateful…"
Elizabeth swallowed hard, took a breath and began, "Well, of course, you should feel grateful, appreciative, thankful, all of those emotions, and you can even feel sorry and sad for the person who died and their family. But, don't let those emotions drag you down. The person passed away, and it is a horrible loss for them and their family. However, because of their unselfishness, they wanted someone else to benefit from this tragedy. You are such a kind young man, Marcus, and there are so many things in this world that you still need to do and experience. You can honor your donor by becoming the man we all know you can be."
"Okay…so, do you like Dr. Thornton?" he asked, his change in topics catching her off guard and actually made her head spin.
"Excuse me…?"
"Dr. Thornton, you like him, don't you?" Marcus asked.
"Don't you ask me that every time I see you? The answer is always the same, he's very nice, Marcus."
"Well, remember what you've told me whenever I've gone to foster homes… keep an open mind and an open heart."
"I remember. Why is it that you kids remember things at the most inopportune times?" she teased.
"I've always remembered it, but I'm thinking that it could work for you, too…"
"Okay, young man, my relationships are none of your business."
"So, you and Dr, Thornton are in a relationship?"
"Marcus, that's not what I meant. We are friends, that is if you can even consider us that at this point."
"Well, I like him, and I think you do too."
"I do like him, Marcus, and I am so grateful, appreciative and thankful that he successfully operated on you."
Marcus yawned and his eye lashes fluttered. "You get some sleep and I'll be back to see you very soon."
Elizabeth stepped out of Marcus' room and was taken back by the vision of Jack, wearing a pair of black jeans and a light blue checkered long sleeve shirt, leaning up against the counter of the nurse's station. 'WOW, he wears sexy well…' she thought.
Stepping away from the counter, he took several steps toward her, meeting her just before she reached the nurse's station. "Are you satisfied with how he's doing, because I sure am…?"
"Well, he looks great, and since you're his doctor, I have to take your word for it."
"Are you ready to go get something to eat?" he asked, his voice carrying into the nurse's station, excited to be spending time with her, but forgetting that he'd just had a talk with the staff about his private life remaining private.
"Do I get to pick the place?" she asked.
"Absolutely…"
"Okay, I have the perfect place…" she responded as they headed for the elevator.
Leah and Andi stepped out from behind the tall file cabinets. "I'll bet he'll take her to some fancy restaurant," Andi stated.
"Yeah, she looks high maintenance to me…" Leah responded.
"I wonder how she reeled him in…" Andi commented.
"Well, I've read enough romance novels to see it…a one-night stand leads to the guy wanting more sex, and there you go her claws are in him," Leah remarked.
"What…?" Andi asked.
"I'm just saying that they probably met at some club, he took her home, they had mind blowing sex and she's snagged him. Like all men, he's thinking with his penis…" Leah snarled, her expression was angry and disappointed.
"How many of those romance novels have you read…?" Andi asked.
"Girls," Patti called out, "did you not hear anything that Dr. Thornton said? He's a nice guy, and a talented doctor. Let him enjoy his private time however he wants to," she grabbed a medication cart and headed toward her patient's rooms.
"Killjoy…" Leah muttered.
Standing at the elevator…
"Are you sure it's okay if I pick out the restaurant?" Elizabeth asked to make certain he didn't mind.
"Yes, of course, go for it; I'm game…" he assured her.
"Do you have allergies or any foods you absolutely will not eat?" she asked.
"No, I'm up for trying anything with you…" he replied. Realizing how that sounded, he began to stammer, "I…I mean, I'm looking forward to…you know, dinner with you…"
Elizabeth smiled at his awkwardness, "I knew what you meant. Okay, about this restaurant, you will be pleasantly surprised," she smiled, and they entered the elevator.
"Am I dressed okay, or should I stop by my office and grab my jacket?" he inquired.
"Nope, you're fine," she replied with a smile.
Once at Jack's car, he opened her door and stood as she slipped inside and snapped her seatbelt. Jack found that whenever Elizabeth was around, he smiled broadly, and he was fairly certain that nothing would remove this one from his face this evening.
Once behind the wheel, he asked, "Okay, where are we going?"
"Just drive out toward my building…"
Thinking of the restaurants out in that area, he asked, "Are you going to give me a hint?"
"Are you going to give me a hint about where we're going on Saturday night?" she responded.
"Nope, that's a secret," he teased, adamant that he wanted to maintain the surprise.
"Okay, well, mine is a surprise, too, but I can guarantee you have never had such wonderful food…"
They drove passed Elizabeth's apartment building, "Okay, where to now?" he asked.
"Take the next right and then it's a block down on the left."
"Are you sure I'm dressed, okay?" he asked, certainly not wanting to embarrass her.
"You look great. As a matter of fact," he pulled into the parking lot, "you may be over dressed," she stated as Jack laughed at the Taco Boom food truck parked in the corner of the lot.
Taco Boom Food Truck…
"Elizabeth, it has been too long. How have you been?" Marco Perez, the food truck owner jumped down the steps and rushed over to hug her.
Jack watched intently as the man, who appeared to be in his mid-30's, dark hair, deep brown eyes, 5'10 or so, and quite muscular, wrapped Elizabeth in a bear hug. He stepped closer, feeling somewhat protective of her, although he wasn't sure why.
Jack breathed a sigh of relief when Marco released Elizabeth, stepped back and stated, "Angelina wanted me to tell you that the boys love the books you sent over. So, thank you very much."
"You are very welcome, and please tell Angelina that I can get them more books when they are ready…?"
Turning his attention toward Jack, Marco asked, "Is this your boyfriend…?"
Fumbling for words, Elizabeth responded, "Uh, this is my…Jack."
"Well Jack, you and Elizabeth place your order, but your meal is on the house…"
"That's not necessary," Jack stated with his wallet in his hand.
"No, Ms. Elizabeth eats for free, and any friend of Elizabeth's is a friend of mine…no arguing."
"Thank you, Marco. I'll take a taco salad, and a diet Coke," Elizabeth placed her order before turning to Jack. "Everything is good, so you can't go wrong with anything you pick."
"I'll take two soft beef tacos and a regular Coke," Jack replied.
"Hey, if you're okay with eating outside, we can grab this table," Elizabeth suggested. "Otherwise, I understand if you need to leave, but then you'd still be eating alone."
"I'm enjoying myself, and I don't want to leave. So, I'd love to get the full effect of this food truck and eat outside." Jack looked around, observing that all of the tables were available, "Looks like we can take our pick."
"Right now, you can, but by the time our food comes out, the dinner rush will start," Elizabeth advised as she walked toward a small square picnic table, which could seat four, one person on each bench, stuck in a corner somewhat out of the way.
As the food was brought over to their table, cars began entering the parking lot, one after the other; the parking area quickly filled as individuals, couples and families made their way toward the truck.
"Told ya…" Elizabeth giggled.
"Well, that certainly looks like a ringing endorsement for the food."
"Try it; it's like an explosion of flavors in your mouth," she stated as she grabbed a tortilla chip from her taco salad, dipped it in the beef and other ingredients and took a bite.
Jack opened his first taco, glanced at it and then back to Elizabeth, "I love Mexican food, so, we'll see…"
As he bit into the taco, his eyes closed, "Mmm…" Once he swallowed, his eyes again opened, "That has got to be the absolute best taco I have ever eaten."
"See, eating out of a food truck is a whole new experience," she remarked before biting into another tortilla chip filled with toppings, embarrassed when some of the sauce slipped out the side of her mouth.
Without thinking, Jack reached over and wiped away the sauce as it started to slip down her chin. Brushing his tongue across his thumb, "Mmm, that sauce is good too."
Jack took a napkin and wiped his mouth, fairly certain that he was also wearing his food, "You are so different from…" he stopped when Elizabeth interjected.
"Okay, I'm different, is that a bad thing?" she asked.
"You didn't let me finish. What I mean is that most women I know wouldn't be caught dead at a place like this…" he responded, his voice was low and soft.
"And just think what you would have missed out on," she smiled. "Jack, I'm a simple girl. Big, fancy restaurants serve a purpose, but so do places like this."
"You fascinate me, Elizabeth Thatcher, and the more I learn about you, the more I'm intrigued by you," Jack caught her eyes. She was truly like no woman he'd ever met, in a very good way, and any moment spent with her was something to remember.
"Thank you…I guess. I mean, is that a good thing?"
"It's a very good thing…"
Feeling the need to discuss the floral delivery, Elizabeth stated, "About the flowers you sent, thank you again. They were beautiful; a very nice gesture, and the card was sweet. Both were much appreciated…well, the ones coming from you were."
"I'm glad that you liked them."
Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth smiled. "May I ask, why did you sent them?" she asked, putting him on the spot for an answer.
"I like you, Elizabeth. I enjoy talking with you, and spending time with you. It's as simple as that. I just thought that you would enjoy them, and hopefully they would brighten up your office," he responded. "May I ask what you meant when you said, 'coming from me?'"
"Um, I guess I should tell you that I also received flowers from Dr. Cavanaugh…two dozen red roses."
'That Son of a B…' was Jack's initial thought. "I'm sure they were beautiful," he responded, trying not to appear annoyed.
"Yes, they were, and as beautiful as they are, the thought behind the arrangement was inappropriate, and the card bordered on repulsive," she remarked. "I'll even venture a guess that he wasn't the one who picked up the phone to order the flowers and left it up to his secretary. He doesn't even know me, and his flower choice of the rose signifying love. Seriously…?"
"His card? What did it say?" he asked but before she could answer, he continued, "I'm sorry; that's none of my business."
"Let's just say it was suggestive, discussing a trip away for the two of us… he makes me uncomfortable."
Jack knew Carter and was well aware of what he expected from women, so, he could assume what was written in the card, and the complete inappropriateness of it. Still dealing with Carter having sent flowers to the woman he knew in his heart he would eventually marry, if he'd been a cartoon character, steam would have been released from his ears.
Jack had never been jealous before, so this feeling was quite new to him. However, he could only characterize the tightening of his chest, and racing of his heart as jealousy, unless he was, in fact, having a heart attack, which he knew wasn't the case. "Well, aren't you the popular one," he stated, hoping not to show that he was internally battling a green-eyed monster.
"I've never been one who thrived on popularity. I appreciate your flowers, and please let your secretary know that she made a great selection."
"Stacy is a great secretary, but she has enough on her plate keeping me on track, where I'm supposed to be, and all of the paperwork that goes along with the job. Besides, if it's something that is important to me, I want to take care of it myself."
"Well, most men jump right to sending red roses, without realizing that they mean…"
"Love…" Jack interjected. Although he knew in his heart that this four-letter emotionally charged sentiment would eventually be said between them, he knew that now was too soon.
"Actually, yes…"
"I made that mistake once…"
Sounding disappointed, Elizabeth asked, "You sent a woman red roses before?"
"I did, but I didn't realize that there was a different meaning for each color."
"Oh…"
"Let me explain. My best friend, Lee, has a sister and she was graduating from college. I was busy with med school and couldn't attend, but I wanted to send her flowers to congratulate her. I didn't know that she had a crush on me, apparently had one for years. I mean, she was sweet and everything, but she was my best friend's sister, completely off limits, besides I never really thought of us as anything but friends, if we were even that."
Elizabeth listened intently as he nervously rambled, her eyes watching him as he spoke, not turning away, barely blinking.
"All I had ever heard was that women loved red roses, so that's what I ordered," he snickered. "She told Lee and he assumed that I'd been seeing his sister on the sly. Let me tell you, we were roommates, and that was a very uncomfortable discussion. Let's just say if looks could kill, I'd already be dead. I had to explain my faux pas, and the only thing that saved me was that he didn't know that each color rose had their own meaning either. We worked it out and I apologized to his sister. She had just started dating a guy, so there was that apology, too."
"I'm glad you worked it out."
"Me too. Lee has been my best friend for years, and his sister is a sweetheart, but more like a sister to me."
"Well, that's why I appreciate your flowers, Jack. It was thoughtful and now that I know you called it in personally, it's even more meaningful."
"Well, actually, I didn't call it in…"
"Oh, I'm sorry; I just assumed…" she stated.
"Actually, I went to the florist."
'WOW, he ordered them in person. He just keeps getting better,' she thought. "Well, you selected a beautiful assortment of colorful flowers, and the meaning behind them was appropriate and much appreciated. In case you weren't aware, the orange roses expressed…"
"Admiration and attraction, while the yellow roses symbolized friendship…" Jack finished her sentence. "I think the yellow ones can also mean 'I'm sorry,' which I am…I mean for lying when we first met. Did I get that right?"
"Perfect…" she responded; her voice sounded slightly surprised.
"I looked it up before I ordered; I certainly wasn't about to make the same mistake twice, but then the salesclerk confirmed it. Look Elizabeth, I'm just trying to show you that I'm a good guy away from the hospital, too…"
"Well, I have to admit, Jack…I do enjoy talking with you. It's just, like I've said before, it's not an easy thing for me to trust, especially men. I mean, not that I'm lumping you or actually all men in the same category as Ethan, because I'm not, but he was nice when we first met, too."
Jack didn't know Ethan, but he knew enough to know that he hated him for the fear he'd instilled in Elizabeth. He knew she was cautious, but who could blame her. He'd only been in one fight in his life; the one with Carter Cavanaugh, and he had the upper hand. He couldn't imagine how scared she must have been lying on the floor with Ethan standing over her. Would she ever be able to trust another man…specifically, would she ever be able to trust him?
They were both quiet for a moment, but hearing laughter throughout the crowd, Elizabeth hoped to turn their conversation around. "Um, Jack…I was reading an article in Cosmopolitan recently, and it said that the answer to certain questions can teach you a lot about someone. Are you game?"
"Will you answer the same questions?" he asked.
"Sure…"
"Okay, go ahead…"
"Okay, what is your birthdate?" she asked.
"October 4th, and you?"
"September 5th…"
"How old are you?" he asked.
"Wait, I'm asking the questions."
"I just want to know. I'll answer first, I'm 34…"
"I'm 30…" she replied. "What's your favorite color?"
"Blue…much like the color of your eyes," he replied, causing her to blush. "What's your favorite color?"
"Teal…?" she responded, sounding much like a question, as if she wasn't sure that he was familiar with the color. "You know, it's a combination of blue and green," she responded. "What's your favorite month of the year?"
"September…"
Assuming he picked it because of her birthday, she asked, "Come on, Jack, is that really your answer?"
Jack smiled, "Well, there is an added bonus in that you were born in September, but I like it because the weather is no longer so hot and it's starting to get cooler. Although I've never been to the mountains in the fall, I understand that the leaves changing color are beautiful."
"My bestie, Rosie…you know it's weird thinking about your best friend and my best friend dating. Anyway, Rosie and I went to Charlottesville a few years ago and drove through Shenandoah National Park in the fall. The changing leaves…gosh it was breathtaking."
Jack knew breathtaking, as the vision to describe the word was sitting across from him at the table. "I guess I'll need to put that on my bucket list."
"You should, but go when you can take several days to enjoy it," she suggested.
Jack's mind was spinning, 'Maybe that will be a trip we can take together,' he thought, keeping the possibility to himself.
"Okay back to the questions," Elizabeth stated as she took a long draw on the straw from her Diet Coke in order to wet her overly dry throat.
"Okay, I'm ready…" he stated.
"What was your favorite family vacation?" she asked.
"Oh WOW…that's a hard one," he looked off in the distance as he thought for a moment. "No, it's not hard… my family went on a trip to Virginia Beach when I was, oh maybe 13, and I learned how to surf. It's also the last vacation we took as a family before my dad passed away."
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
"That's okay. My dad and I were very close, and still, even though he's gone, if I have something on my mind, I'll talk to him. It may seem crazy, but I feel like he answers me with the wonderful advice he was always known for."
"It doesn't sound crazy at all. Do you mind me asking what happened?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Heart attack…"
"Oh…i-is that why you became a cardiac surgeon?" she hesitantly asked, wondering about the appropriateness of her question.
"I knew I wanted to study medicine, but until then I wasn't sure what I wanted to specialize in," he admitted. "I guess I hoped that maybe I could keep some families and patients from the heartache we'd suffered through.
"I'm sure your dad is so very proud of you."
"I'd like to think so."
Wanting to lighten the mood, she asked, "Do you get a chance to surf anymore? I mean, have you been back or gone anywhere else to surf?" she asked.
"Actually, I've only done it once. I went lake surfing at North Avenue Beach, but you can also do it at Rainbow Beach. It's just that it doesn't really feel like surfing unless I'm in the ocean," he replied.
"Okay, so your next question is…" she began.
"Wait a minute, you didn't answer that one," he reminded her.
"Oh, right," she replied. "Well, I think my favorite family trip was to wait, I have two memorable vacations. Can I say both, or do I have to narrow it down?"
"I'd like to know both of them," he responded.
"Well, we went to Nags Head, North Carolina when I was maybe 9. We stayed in a cottage right on the beach, and when I went to sleep at night, I could hear the waves splashing on shore. I didn't learn to surf, but I loved the water."
It was evident to Jack that by her smile, this was a pleasant memory.
"Then, when I was maybe 13, we went as a family to the mountains. I was hoping to stay in a tent, but my older sister, Viola, threatened to not go unless we 'glamped.'
"Glamped…?" he asked.
"Oh, you haven't heard of it before?" Elizabeth shook her head and smiled. "My sister is prissy. She doesn't want to get dirty, and would be very happy to have someone waiting on her hand and foot. Me, and my sister, Julie, sometimes wonder where Viola came from, because she's really nothing like us."
"That's interesting. So, what is glamping…?"
"Well, it's camping with a big dose of glam thrown in, you know like a hotel or really nice cabin. So, in your mind you think you're camping, but really, you're not. The cabin is close enough, but a hotel…seriously?" Elizabeth explained. "When I was in college, I took a recreation course. We had to plan out all of these activities and carry them out. One of these activities was a camping trip to Fennville, Michigan. We cooked out and fished and went swimming. It was a big party, and then we slept out on the beach under the stars in sleeping bags."
"Oh wait," Elizabeth continued, "that was a horrible trip. I woke up to find my sleeping bag unzipped and Matthew Freeman's hands all over me. What a jerk. He'd been asking me out for months…that certainly left me with an impression, and no, we never dated!"
Elizabeth took a sip from her Diet Coke. Once she'd swallowed, she softly stated, "I don't know why I'm telling you all this."
"Maybe you feel comfortable around me…"
She did, but every time she thought about loosening up with Jack, she remembered that Ethan was a nice guy, too. That is until he wasn't. "Maybe. Anyway, back to glamping…"
"Well, the cabin I can see, but, a hotel; how do you get the camping experience while in a hotel?" he asked.
"Exactly…" she replied. "Anyway, it was in the summer and the mosquitos were bad, so I guess I'm even glad we were in a cabin. There was a lake, so we went canoeing, but the leaves weren't changing yet, so they were just a plain green, nothing special to look at. What made it so nice was that we were together as a family. We hiked, and made S'mores by a campfire…well, everyone but Viola. She was in the cabin trying to get in just the right spot to contact her boyfriend on her cellphone. It was fun, but also memorable because we had to cut our vacation short after a bear broke into our food supply and ate everything."
"A bear…?"
"Yeah, and since I was kind of known around our neighborhood as the 'animal whisperer,' she suggested that I go outside and introduce myself to the bear."
"WOW, how do you two get along together now?"
"I love her; I mean, she is my sister, but we're nothing alike. She's content being a stay-at-home mom, living a privileged life with her corporate CEO husband." Seeing the confusion on his face, she continued, "She wasn't raised like that. I mean, we did have opportunities that others didn't because of how our father provided for us, but we were still expected to work hard for what we wanted. Nothing was handed to us, nor would I have wanted it to be."
Taking a breath, Elizabeth continued, "Anyway, Viola was studying fashion design at The Art Institute in Miami, but dropped out in her senior year…her senior year, I mean, who does that…?"
"Why did she drop out?" he asked.
"Because her then fiancé, now husband, told her that as his wife, she would have no time for a career. At the time, he was being groomed to take over the family business. Unfortunately, his father passed away just before graduation, and he was shoved into the position. I honestly think Viola is in her element, because she loves the parties and social life. She has one child and another on the way. That's the life that makes her happy, so for that, I'm happy for her. It's just not for me…"
Feeling as though he had been punched in the gut, he asked, "You don't want kids?"
"What…? Of course, I want kids. I love children, and to have several of my own is something I've dreamed of since I was little. I just want to have it all…the love of a good man, a career and kids."
Jack momentarily closed his eyes as he tried to quiet the screaming voice in his head yelling, "I'm a good man…I'm a good man…!"
"Please don't get me wrong, Jack. I love Viola. It's just that we're different, but then again, we're different people, so I guess we should be different. Julie and I are close, but she was always a free spirit, and I guess I was more of a planner."
Stopping for a moment, she glanced over, looked up and observed him staring at her. It wasn't a look of confusion, but one of interest; one where it was evident that he was listening to every word, and she suddenly became embarrassed, "I'm sorry. I'm going on and on and on about myself. Please forgive me…"
"Don't apologize. I love hearing about you, your life and your family. Tell me more…"
"No, I think it's time to get back to the questions…"
"Okay, I'm ready…"
"Your next question is, "How many girlfriends have you had?"
"Is that one of the questions?" he asked.
"Actually, no…I just wanted to know."
"Well, I had a girlfriend in high school; we broke up when we went away to different colleges. I dated a girl in college, but when I went to med school, I didn't have time for any kind of relationship that didn't have anything to do with medical books. I wasn't a good boyfriend." Seeing the look of concern in her eyes, he felt the need to elaborate. "Sherry and I met in our junior year, but didn't start dating until halfway through our senior year. Anyway, she was sweet, but I was so driven in my quest for a medical degree, and becoming the best doctor I could be, that we went our separate ways after graduation."
"Do you miss her?"
"That's a loaded question. I mean, she was sweet, but I don't miss her in that way. I have heard that she got married to a guy we went to school with, and they have two or three kids, so everything worked out the way it should have there."
"No one since her?" Elizabeth inquired, wondering if she'll get answers to the nurse's insinuation that he dates around.
"Nothing serious. Maybe a date here and there during my internship and residency. I dated a woman for a while after I finished my residency. She was a nurse at a different hospital who I met at a social function. We were close, I mean, not marriage close or anything, but I guess as rumors fly, we would have been considered an item. She had an opportunity for advancement at a hospital in Seattle, and I wasn't in a position to give up what I was building here, so we broke up."
"Would you have gone if you had been looking toward marriage with her?" she asked, not sure why she was asking such invasive questions.
"I don't know, because I didn't see us as serious. I mean, I enjoyed her company, but she left to be closer to her family, and I wasn't really consulted."
"Did that upset you…? She asked. "Wait, don't answer that. I'm sorry; it's none of my business."
"Elizabeth, if you have a question, I want you to ask. The answer is no, and yes. I mean, I guess if I'm truthful, I was hurt that she didn't say anything until she'd already made up her mind. But then again, if she wanted to leave, I certainly wouldn't and didn't try to talk her out of it."
"How long ago was that?"
"Three years…"
Elizabeth looked down at the remainder of her taco salad, 'appropriate amount of time to move on,' she thought. "No one since then?"
"No. Look Elizabeth, work is important to me, but I also want to find a balance in my life. No matter what you may have heard through the vocal halls of the hospital, I don't date much. Rumors are just that, rumors, and people are always willing to talk about others in a way that makes you think they know the truth. My personal life is just that, personal and private. You are the first woman I have been interested in in a really long time, and I'm willing to take things slow, if that's what you want, and see where this goes." He reached over and took hold of her hand, "Do you think you can do that; can you give me a chance?"
Elizabeth was quiet for a moment as her eyes met his. Neither wavered although Jack's Adam's apple wobbled as he swallowed hard.
"I can't promise you anything, Jack," she stated as she fought back tears that threatened to roll from her eyes. "For obvious reasons, I don't trust easily. I'm sorry; I know you aren't Ethan. He put me in a really dark place for a while, but I'll feel much better about things once he's held accountable in court."
"Do you have a court date yet?" Jack asked, still finding himself holding onto her hand, squeezing it slightly as his thumb ran across her skin as he asked.
"Actually, it's set for next Friday."
"How do you feel about that?" he asked.
"I just want to get it over with. I'm angry that it's taken so long, but you know, him being a lawyer, he can get continuance after continuance. I think he kept putting it off hoping I'd get tired and drop it," she surmised. "I won't drop it, because even if I don't win, I know what he did to me was wrong, and maybe he'll think about that the next time he gets angry."
Elizabeth continued, "I'm sorry. I'm having a nice time sitting and talking with you; I didn't mean to be a Debbie Downer…"
"Hey, I brought it up. Can I do anything to help you?"
"No, but thank you. Let's get back to the questions… I think we're at question #4…"
"Wait, don't I get to ask you about your boyfriends…minus Ethan, of course?"
"Serious boyfriends?" she asked. "Like as in moving toward marriage serious?"
"Yeah, okay, sure…" he responded, as he took a deep breath and waited for his heart to be ripped from his chest.
"That's easy…zero," she quickly answered.
"No, that's not the truth, is it…?"
"I've dated, but I've never had a serious, heading for marriage, relationship," Elizabeth replied. Observing his shocked expression, she continued, "Don't look at me like that. I've had boyfriends; I mean, we were exclusive, or at least I thought so, even if it didn't last long."
Recalling the night at the club when she met 'Jonathan' and assuming that he overheard her talking about Ethan and the fact that she was not sleeping with him, she just assumed that he'd put two and two together and realized that she was a virgin. Now, she wasn't so sure, but tonight wasn't the time to spring that tidbit of information on him. "For one reason or another it just didn't work out, so we went our separate ways," she stated, 'or they took off running,' she muttered.
"So, no boyfriends will be coming back to claim you?" he asked.
"No, no one's looking to come for me, but I guess I could ask you the same thing about girlfriends…" she responded.
"No, no past romantic entanglements to be concerned about," Jack replied. "May I ask…the questions, you know the ones from the magazine article, what did it say they would tell us?"
Elizabeth smiled, before giggling softly.
"What's so funny?" he asked. "Was there really a magazine article or were you just asking questions? I mean, I'm all for talking and getting to know each other better, and I truly enjoy spending time with you. But was this a joke?"
"No joke, Jack. There was an article in Cosmopolitan, but I think there was either a 'part 2' or I didn't read the entire article, because I have absolutely no idea what these questions are supposed to tell us."
"Well, I know a little bit more about you, so that's nice," Jack stated as he took the final sip from his Coke.
It was late, dark and the parking lot was still packed, new cars pulled in as others were leaving. Their time together flew by as they talked and leisurely ate their dinner, unaware that nearly three hours had passed.
Elizabeth glanced at her watch, "Oh WOW, it's 9:30; I know you are bound to be tired. What's your day look like tomorrow?"
"I have one surgery at 10, and appointments in the afternoon," he replied. "I've made arrangements for Dr. Hudson to cover me this weekend, so nothing will interrupt our dinner on Saturday night."
"Still no clue?"
"Nope, not a one…"
"Well, I'll have to impatiently wait then." Gathering up her trash, Elizabeth stated, "Thank you for dinner; obviously the food was great, but the company was wonderful."
Jack took the trash from her hand, "Thank you for sharing this special place with me, and for our talk…I've really enjoyed it."
They walked toward his car, and Elizabeth stood and waited as he opened her door. Her body brushed against his as she stepped toward the car opening and slipped inside. Her perfume was something he'd committed to memory, hoping to conjure up the scent once she was no longer near him.
Elizabeth's apartment building…
Her apartment building was nearby, and Jack luckily found an open space right out front where he parked his car. "You wait here," he stated as he cut the engine, slipped out of the car and walked around to her door.
Jack opened the door and held out his hand to help her out.
"Thank you again for dinner, and the talk, and of course for driving me home."
"You are welcome. I really enjoyed spending time with you," he stated as they walked to the door. "On Saturday, I'll pick you up at 5:30, is that still, okay?" he asked as Henry opened the door to her apartment building.
"That's perfect," Elizabeth replied as she stood still…you know, the awkward moment when you start dating, and you're not sure if a kiss is coming or not.
Although everything in him said "WAIT," Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek, "Sleep well, Elizabeth…"
"You too, Jack…"
"Oh, what apartment are you in?"
"I'm in #912, but Henry will call me when you arrive."
"Okay, I'll see you then."
Elizabeth slipped into her apartment, dropped her keys on the entryway table, grabbed a bottle of water and took a seat on her sofa, bending her knees and tucking her feet under her. The smile on her face was unmistakable, and as she thought about Jack, she wondered if it was possible that he could be the one.
"Is it too good to be true…is he too good to be true?" she asked herself, before the smile just as quickly disappeared from her face. A pattern of sadness had become her unwelcome shadow since her incident with Ethan. Anytime something good happened, she could expect something negative to occur and rain on her parade. It was much like finding out you'd won the lottery, only to realize that the ticket disintegrated in the pocket of your jeans when you ran it through the washing machine.
Saturday evening- Elizabeth's apartment… (4:30pm)
Elizabeth's phone rang, "Are you excited or nervous?" Rosie called out when the line was answered.
"Probably a little bit of both…"
"What are wearing?"
"Now…?"
"No, silly; on your date?"
"I'm embarrassed, but I've emptied my closet. I'd planned to wear that print dress I have, but now, I don't like it."
"Wear that black dress…you know the one that is V-neck with the slit up the thigh and your black strappy heels."
"Won't that make me look like I'm easy or desperate, or probably both?"
"Absolutely not. It will make you look sexy, and trust me, it'll drive him wild," Rosie responded. "Come on, Elizabeth, give Jack something to think about after the night is over."
"I'm not so sure I want to drive him wild."
"Well, I say wear the little black dress, enjoy your evening, and give him a chance," Rosie replied. "I know it probably doesn't mean much, but Lee thinks the world of Jack, and I don't believe he'd stand behind him like that if he weren't a good guy."
Pulling the black dress from under the pile of clothes lying on her bed, Elizabeth held it up against her body, which was currently wrapped in a towel. Glancing in her full-length mirror, she muttered, "Okay, the black dress it is…"
"Oh, one other thing; I was talking with Lee last night, and I kinda told him about the trial on Friday. He wants to come too…"
"Rosie, it isn't a freak show."
"Hey, Lee and I are getting closer, and he knows that you and I are besties. He wants to be there to support you and me. So, is it okay?"
"Sure; the hearing is at 9, so I'll plan on meeting you out in front of the courthouse."
"No, Lee is picking us up…"
"Rosie, I don't want to be a bother."
"And we don't want you to be alone," Rosie replied. "Before you say anything, Lee was the one who said you should have people around you. He offered…"
"Okay, well I have to be at the courthouse by 8:30 in the morning so I can go over my testimony with the prosecutor."
"We'll have you there in time," Rosie responded. "Hey, when are you and Jack going to double with Lee and me?"
"Let us get through this date and see if there will be anymore, okay?"
"Look, I know things have been unsettled and scary since…um, you know, Ethan, but I want to tell you that you seem better. I mean, after it happened, you wouldn't have gone with me to the club opening or talked to Jack, let alone go out with him. So, I don't know how you've done it, but keep it up. The smile that is back on your face looks really good on you."
"Thank you; I'm trying."
"Now, as for dates, I predict that there will be more between you and Jack. I mean, I really like Lee, so I'm not interested, but you have to admit, Jack is hotter than a stolen blow torch…"
"What…?" Elizabeth laughed.
"Well, he is…"
"Okay, whatever… I've got to get ready. I'll call you when I get home…"
Finally dressed, Elizabeth again stood in front of the mirror. Her dress was black, sleeveless with a V-neck in front and back and a slit that ran halfway up her left thigh. Her hair was pulled back in clips above her left ear, a pearl bracelet rested on her right wrist and the ensemble was completed by her strappy black heels.
At 5:25pm, Elizabeth's intercom rang…
Pressing the button by the door, she answered, "Hi Henry…"
"Ms. Elizabeth, you have a gentleman caller. His name is Jack…"
"Please tell him that I'll be right down."
Elizabeth's apartment building- Lobby…
Turning back to Jack, Henry advised, "She will be right down, sir."
"Thank you," Jack replied as he stood facing the elevators.
"So, Jack," Henry called out, "what do you do for a living?"
"I'm a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital."
"Well, Dr. Jack, just so you know, Ms. Elizabeth is very special to us around here. You may fix hearts, but we'll be watching to make certain you don't break hers. Do you understand me?"
Before Jack could respond, Elizabeth approached, "Stand down, Henry. Jack isn't Ethan…"
"I'm sorry, sir. It's just that things have gotten a little strained here with that scumbag's court date approaching."
"I understand…" Jack stated.
"Thankfully he hasn't shown his face around here," Henry remarked.
"He knows better than to come around with you here, Henry," Elizabeth stated as she gave him a hug. "Besides, with his court hearing coming up on Friday, he'd have to be out of his mind to try anything now."
"I just hate what he did…no man should ever hurt a woman," Henry said angrily.
"Henry, don't get yourself all worked up…" Elizabeth pleaded. "Ethen will get what he deserves."
"You'd better treat her with respect, young man…"
"I wouldn't think of doing anything otherwise." Turning back toward Elizabeth, Jack stepped closer, "You're breathtaking this evening."
Henry muttered, "That's a good start…"
Elizabeth's broad smile easily reached her eyes, as her whole face lit up, "Thank you. You are quite handsome yourself…"
"Shall we go…?" Jack held out his arm, and Elizabeth slipped her hand through, resting it on the crook of his elbow.
Once outside, Jack stepped over and opened her door. "Hey, I noticed the security guards weren't on duty; what's going on?"
"I'm not sure. Something about pay, benefits and grievances, but the message I had on my phone was that they'd have someone working later tonight. Until then, I guess Henry is on his own…"
Jack held her hand as she slipped into the luxurious leather seat, and he waited until her seatbelt clicked before closing the door.
Once behind the wheel, Elizabeth turned to Jack, "So, are you going to tell me where we're going?"
"No, but we aren't far away," he responded as they headed toward downtown.
Sitting at a stoplight, Jack reached over and put his hand on top of hers. Slipping his fingers through hers, he lifted her hand and gently pressed her skin to his lips. "You look beautiful tonight…in case I neglected to tell you," he stated as nerves took hold and he forgot that those words were the first ones out of his mouth when he saw her exit the elevator into the lobby of her apartment building.
"You did, but it's always nice to hear; thank you…" she replied.
Jack turned down E. Grand Avenue and pulled into the parking area for the Navy Pier departures. Glancing over, he observed a smile on her face.
"Is this what I think it is; are we going on a cruise?" she asked.
"Well, you told me that you'd never been on one. We're going on the Spirit of Chicago for a dinner cruise." He'd learned that Fireworks were scheduled over the Chicago River after dinner and contacted the company to plan something special at the end of the display. Jack was more than happy to pay the extra money to make this date enjoyable and most definitely memorable for Elizabeth.
Jack held open her door and took her hand as he helped her out of his car. He felt her fingers bend around his, and since he was in no rush to release them, they continued toward the Navy Pier walking hand in hand.
"You know, Andrew and I come down this way a lot when we run in the mornings, but I'll bet it's truly beautiful at night," Elizabeth remarked as she glanced skyward.
"This is a dinner and dancing cruise, and although I've done the scenic trips around the river, I've not done this one. So, I hope you enjoy it," Jack hesitantly advised.
"I know it will be wonderful," she responded. As they continued walking, Elizabeth turned her head to look in Jack's direction. Looking mortified, she advised, "I'm not a great dancer…"
Giving her hand a squeeze, he calmly responded, "Just follow me. I won't tell anyone if you step on my toes."
Elizabeth laughed softly, "Thank you; that makes me feel a lot better…not!"
Jack and Elizabeth boarded the boat and were directed to their seat. He'd made certain when the reservations were made that they would be given prime seating, by the window with the best views of the skyline. He wanted to make a good impression, for all he knew, this was his auction date, and once he took her home, it could possibly be the end of them…no relationship…no couple-dom.
Much like Jack felt Elizabeth was different from most women he knew, Elizabeth also sensed the differences between Jack and the men she'd previously dated. They'd talked on the phone, texted, worried over Marcus, and technically been on three dates…that is if you call coffee and eating from a taco truck, dates. She was pleased, and yet mystified that he had not yet implied that he wanted to sleep with her. Dr. Cavanaugh, on the other hand, met her for coffee and to discuss the possibility of him modeling for the fashion show, and within minutes, he suggested that she go away with him for a weekend basically as payment for his participation in the benefit.
Before Ethan, Elizabeth felt comfortable handling herself. If a date came on to her, she simply said 'No' called it an evening and found her own way home. She wasn't scared or intimidated. However, a sucker punch to the face will definitely put you in a different head space, and she didn't think she'd ever be able to adequately thank Rosie for putting Ethan in his place, and redistributing his testicles into his chest.
She was doing her best to break down the walls that Ethan had so callously forced upon her, and she felt that holding Jack's hand was a step in the right direction, without it being so bold that he'd think she wanted to finish off the night at a hotel.
She enjoyed his company. He was funny, and thoughtful, kind and quite considerate. So, was there really anything wrong with giving him a chance…giving them a chance?
Elizabeth had lived for 10 months knowing what Ethan had intentionally done to her…realizing what he could have done to her. For months after he attacked her, even though she was on the 9th floor, there were times when she was so shaken that she swore he was staring into her windows.
Without telling Rosie or her parents, Elizabeth sought counseling with a therapy group she'd used often with the families she worked with. It had helped; the nightmares stopped, and she no longer saw Ethan lurking around corners or through her 9th floor apartment windows. She was still cautious and often nervous, but she knew progress was being made. She refused to be considered a victim…she was a survivor!
She could only hope Friday's court hearing would end her need to constantly look over her shoulder, while putting Ethan in his place, and returning her self-respect.
Elizabeth was staring out the window; all glass and mirrored buildings from their view on the water amazed her.
"Hey, are you okay?" Jack asked.
"I'm sorry, Jack. It's just…this view is beautiful…"
"It certainly is," he replied, only he wasn't looking out the window.
Elizabeth ordered the salad sampler, Caribbean Roasted Chicken, vegetable casserole, rolls and fruit. Jack ordered the same, except instead of the vegetable casserole, he decided on a double baked potato.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" The waiter presented the options to Jack.
"I'm driving, so I'll just have iced tea, but," he turned to Elizabeth, "would you like a glass of wine?"
"No, tea is good…"
They ate dinner while in daylight, but as the band warmed up, and the sun set, many of the couples onboard began dancing under the lights of the magnificent buildings.
"Would you like to dance?" Jack stood up and held out his hand.
"Yes, I'd like that very much…" she responded as he held her hand and they walked out onto the makeshift dance floor.
The band began playing 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' by Frankie Valli. Although this song was well before their time, as Jack listened to the lyrics, they were so appropriate…
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it's quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm a lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it's quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm a lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
Oh pretty baby, trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby…
They danced to several more songs before walking to the front of the boat to enjoy the beautifully lit skyline. Although the area began filling fast, the other guests must have sensed this was a special date for Jack and Elizabeth, as the area around them remained empty.
Quietly, she asked, "Hey, do you remember the other night when I was asking you questions?"
'I remember everything we've talked about,' is what he wanted to say, but instead he simply responded with, "yes, and I told you if you had a question to feel free asking…so, what would you like to know?"
"What scares you…?" she asked.
Jack swallowed hard. There weren't many things that truly bothered him. Of course, losing a patient or being unable to quickly diagnose the cause of a medical condition were concerning and quite problematic. However, he'd learned early in his career that no matter the level of his talents, there were some patients he would be unable to help.
When the unthinkable occurred, and during his career it had only happened a handful of times, he spent time with the families, then took some time for quiet personal reflection before making a trip to the hospital chapel to say a prayer. He needed to get himself right before he could attempt to help anyone else.
There was only one thing at this time in his life that truly scared him; something that would have him wondering if anything in his life was worth it. He took hold of her hand, "This may be quite presumptuous of me, but you walking away without giving me a chance scares the hell out of me…"
Staring into his eyes, Elizabeth spoke softly, "You scare me…"
"What…" worried that she meant she was physically afraid, Jack continued, "I don't mean to. What's wrong… how can I make it better?"
"No, that's wrong. You don't scare me, but falling for you does…"
Jack's heart pounded as he stepped closer, "Don't be afraid. I promise I won't hurt you."
"You can't make that promise, Jack. People hurt each other all the time, and meaning to or not, it happens."
"I can promise that I will never intentionally hurt you," his tone was firm. "All I ask is that you give us a chance to see if this goes anywhere."
Jack could tell she was thinking, "If you give us a chance, we can work this out together." His finger under her chin lifted her face upward until their eyes met. Leaning toward her, his lips pressed against hers.
He felt like a high school boy on his very first date. His heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out the popping explosions from the fireworks display in the sky just over their heads.
Elizabeth shivered, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the air on the water. When he touched her chin, goosebumps seemed to spread like wildfire throughout her body. His lips were perfect…warm, and soft, and she wasn't sure what to think when his mouth seemed to mold perfectly to hers.
The kiss was unlike any she'd experienced before. Other men she'd dated always seemed to rush the kiss, hoping to hurry quickly to second or third base, becoming quite disappointed when she stopped them before they reached first.
Jack, however, was in no rush. This kiss was slow, and tender, gentle and caring, and it left her feeling warm, but with no sense of entitlement to her body as other men had left her feeling in the past.
Grabbing a lightweight blanket, one of many left for the guests to use, he draped it around her shoulders. With his arm around her waist, he held her close as the fireworks continued exploding in the sky.
Jack enjoyed watching the excitement in her face as the explosions went from small to grand in a multitude of colors and shapes. Finally, the finale, the surprise he'd made arrangements for, exploded with what appeared to be hundreds of hearts in the sky above the Chicago River.
Nervously he leaned in close to her ear, "Um, that's for you, but I don't mean to overwhelm you. I thought it would be one heart…"
"You did that for me…?" she smiled.
Jack felt tongue tied. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out, so, he simply shook his head up and down.
"That is so beautiful, Jack," Elizabeth stated, her voice was soft but full of emotion. The emotion she felt was quickly observed in her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Jack turned her to face him, "Are you okay?" he asked as his thumb quickly brushed away the perfect droplets as they broke free from her eyes.
"I'm sorry. It's silly…it's just that was beautiful, and this has been the best night…thank you, Jack."
With the night air on the water becoming somewhat chilly, Jack removed the blanket, slipped off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. "Thank you," she responded.
The ship docked at 11:30pm, and by the time Jack and Elizabeth returned to her apartment building it was after midnight. There were vehicles tying up space in front of her building, so Jack had to park nearly a block away. He parked his car, helped her out and walked with her to the front door…their hands were interlocked.
"Thank you for a beautiful evening, Jack. It's one that I won't forget. The food, the music, the dancing, and the ride on the water was perfect…it's more than I could have ever dreamed of."
"Elizabeth, I know I was only guaranteed this date, but…do you think we could give this…give us a chance?"
Elizabeth smiled, "I can't make any promises, and maybe once I get the Ethan stuff out of the way I'll be in a better frame of mind to move forward, but I'd like to try…"
Jack smiled, causing his eyes to light up and his dimples to deepen. "I don't think you have any idea how happy that makes me."
"You have my number…call me," she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The boldness of her move shocked but pleased them both.
As their palms kissed, and lips touched, each one felt the warmth of the moment spreading through their bodies. Not wanting to give Jack the wrong idea by inviting him upstairs, Elizabeth felt that saying 'goodnight' in the lobby was more appropriate.
Looking through the door, Jack saw no one. "Where's Henry…?"
"He's probably making coffee," she stated. "Yep, there he is…"
Jack felt better when he observed Henry walking around the corner to the main entry door carrying a tall coffee mug. He walked over, and pulled on the door, surprised when it opened. "I thought anyone coming here had to be let in by Henry or the security guard."
"They do, but sometimes the door isn't pulled or pushed completely closed so the lock doesn't engage," she explained.
"They should do something about that," he mentioned as they walked through the door.
"Thanks again, Jack. I'm good from here," she stated, feeling safe with the security in the building.
"Wait," Jack called out as he stood between the lobby and the sidewalk. "Where is the security guard?"
"He took a smoke break and will be back in a few minutes…" Henry advised.
"I'm fine, Jack…" she stated. "Call me!" she mouthed the words as the lobby door closed.
Jack smiled and watched as Elizabeth headed for the elevators, turning around after several steps into the building to see if Jack was watching her. He was, and she responded with a warm smile.
Once Elizabeth stepped into the elevator and the doors closed, he turned and headed for his car. If it were physically possible, he felt as though he was floating, no care in the world; there was a smile on his face, and he was whistling. Hmm, whistling…something he hadn't done in ages.
He slipped behind the driver's seat and took a deep breath. The smile on his face was broad and bright, the effects of which easily reached his eyes. He wondered if it was too soon to text her and ask if she was free tomorrow but decided that it was best not to seem overzealous, not wanting to scare her off. "I'll call tomorrow…"
Jack found himself counting the floors of the building, wondering which apartment was hers. He'd never before brought a woman to his place, but once the time was right, he'd invite her to dinner, and maybe he'd even cook.
Ninth Floor Hallway…
Elizabeth exited the elevator and headed for her apartment. She felt happy and hopeful for the first time in what seemed like forever, and if she hadn't been in heels, she'd have been skipping down the hall, excited and carefree.
A broad smile covered her face, and she was oblivious to anything except her need to call Rosie and gush over her amazing date.
Elizabeth turned her key in the lock and started to open her apartment door. Hearing shuffling nearby, she turned her head, but was hit with something as the door opened and she was shoved inside.
Stunned, Elizabeth hit the floor, striking her head on the corner of the table in her entryway. She could immediately feel a warm liquid rolling down her face, and realized it was blood after dabbing the back of her hand against her forehead. "What the…" she cried out, her voice was barely above a whisper, but to her, she felt certain she had screamed.
To be continued…
