Chapter 4
Jordan watched Woody's face closely as they entered the former Pogue Mahone. When he realized that everyone was there to celebrate his release from rehab his face revealed a mixture of disappointment and fear. He quickly masked it with a polite smile and was ushered away from Jordan. She didn't miss the look he gave her just before they separated.
She had asked him what he wanted to do to celebrate, and he said a simple night in with some great take out. She wanted to respect his wishes, but colleagues from the morgue and precinct made it difficult. Suddenly, there were party plans and she was renting out her father's former bar.
As the night wrapped up Woody ended up talking with Garret. The last couple of months had been rough for both men. Now Garret had his job back and Woody was about to return to desk duty.
"I'm glad things are … settling down." Woody was tempted to say getting back to normal, but catching a glance of Jordan talking with the bartender reminded him that nothing would be "normal" again. Garret didn't miss Woody's eyes find Jordan or the smile that followed.
"I'm happy for you two."
"Doc, I almost screwed it up. I felt so helpless and angry after I was shot. I told her to leave, that I didn't need her. If she hadn't come back before my surgery, I think I would have held on to that anger. I'm really not sure what would have happened."
"But she did. I hope you understand how big of a thing that is."
"Yeah, I do."
"Good, 'cause if you hurt her…"
" I know." Woody's tone was serious.
"Good. Well, I better get going."
"Alright, Doc."
With that Garret got up and made his way to the front door. Stopping at the bar where Jordan was sitting. He said goodbye to her, giving her a quick hug and left. It was then Woody realized they were alone. Even the bartender was gone, he must have gone to the backroom. Jordan looked over at him then got up and crossed the distance between them.
"I'm sorry, please don't be too mad at me." She said seriously as she sat down across from him at a table near the dance floor. At some point in the night he got tired and sat down there. All his well wishers were more than happy to filter through and talk with him there.
"I'm not."
"Woody, I saw the glare you gave me when we first got here, you were mad."
"I was, but maybe it wasn't so bad. Maybe, I even needed to see everyone and realize they weren't pitying me or judging me." He looked down as he said it.
"Woody, everyone that was here tonight wants to support you. There's no judgment or pity." Jordan responded by reaching across the table and gently lifting his chin so he was looking at her.
"I think I realize that now." He replied sincerely. "So should we get going?" He asked.
"Well, there was one more thing I wanted to do first." She gave him a smile.
She got up and went over to the jukebox.
"Jordan, I can't exactly dance with these. Woody said, gesturing to his crutches.
"I know, just let me lead." She finished her selection on the jukebox and went back over to him. Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan started to play. Woody stood up with his crutches and Jordan carefully took them and leaned them up against the table. With Jordan supporting him, they slowly swayed to the music.
So much had changed since they had last done this, but for a moment it felt like it used to.
As the song came to an end, Woody whispered in Jordan's ear.
"You know I have, right? Made up my mind." He said referencing the line in the song. "It's you, Jo, always. I'm sorry I made you doubt that. I love you."
He felt her nod into his chest. When she looked up at him there were tears in her eyes.