Author's Note:
This is a very long chapter for me. Settle in and get comfortable. I hope you are enjoying this journey. Have a great day. Make sure you are the reason someone smiles today.
Chapter 5
Lying in bed that evening, Elizabeth's mind constantly found its way to Jack. She looked at his inscription in her book and was wondering its full meaning. She knew what he said during Honors English. She thought back to her first meeting at the beach. She thought he was hitting on her, but in reality, he was just trying to keep her book from falling. She smiled at his smirk when he tossed the book onto her towel. She smiled every time she thought of him. She pulled up several photos from Connie's email. She couldn't narrow any one down to her favorite. They were all good.
She has been group texting Connie and Steph for an hour. They were catching up on each other's day. They asked her a few questions about Jack. She kept telling them that she wasn't going to date in high school. That was a rule. However, she was really beginning to question that rule. When she defended her rule, she wasn't even convincing herself anymore. Jack was just different than any other guys in school. He was just completely different. She didn't know too much about him, but there was just something about this new guy.
She loved his smile and his hazel eyes. His interactions with Adam melted her heart. He was kind to a person who other people just ignored. He was a handsome guy. There was no denying that little fact. He was smart. He knew his stuff. She knew very little about him personally, but that didn't seem to matter to her. She was captivated by Jack, the very frustrating and handsome Jack.
Charles had texted her a couple of times, but she wasn't in the mood to deal with him. She remembered Jack constantly thought that she and Charles were dating. She wondered what all Charles said to him. She answered the two texts with short replies.
Elizabeth told her two friends goodnight and rolled over. She laid there a couple of minutes and then rolled back over grabbing her Pride and Prejudice book and then rolled back. She clutched the book to her chest remembering the inscription that was just inside the book.
…
"You have a good day, son?"
"Yes, I did."
"Anything special happened today?"
Jack thought about it for a few minutes. His Pa would usually ask him these types of questions. He called them Pa's Questions. It was Thomas' way of getting information out of Jack. Unless he was asked direct questions, Jack would only give one worded answer. He also knew his son had trouble expressing himself at times.
"I meet this very confusing girl today."
"What made her confusing son?"
"Everything." Jack shook his head at the memories of Elizabeth.
"Really?"
"Yeah…I can't understand her. She seemed to flirt with me, but she has a boyfriend." Jack shook his head.
"What about your no dating rule?"
"I still have it. It was just confusing. I thought she was flirting with me. Maybe I just misunderstood it all. Anyways, she has this boyfriend named Charles. He warned me to not get too close to his girlfriend."
"Jack, you can't go behind his back…"
"I know Pa…I know. I would never do that. Anyways, the school office had her show me around the school today. It's a huge school. She was friendly and very helpful."
"Well, it's great that she was friendly. It's always great to have a new friend."
"It is. But…"
"But…?" Tom asked.
"I don't know. Anyways, I also met this young guy named Adam. He's non-verbal and has some mental challenges. He's nice. We ate lunch together. He gave me a hug first thing this morning and during lunch."
"That sounds nice."
"It really was." Jack spent a few more minutes telling his father about his day. Tom always loved this time with his boys. It allowed them to connect each day. After their little talk, Tom turned off Jack's big light.
"Not too much longer. You have school tomorrow." Tom nodded toward the book he was holding.
"I promise."
When his father closed the door, Jack turned his attention to the page where he had placed his finger to keep his place in his book when his dad walked into his room. Jack stared at that page for the last twenty minutes. He just couldn't get Elizabeth out of his mind. He was a little frustrated with himself because of it. Her smile, her smirk, her look when she knew she was correct was just perfect in his opinion. She was definitely gorgeous. Especially when she was walking in front of him with those jeans on. But it wasn't her looks that captured him. She was intelligent. She was smart. She was funny and loved to sass him. Their little back and forth was just fun. It drew him in, and he was certain that was why he had trouble remembering that she was dating someone. He growled at the memory of her and Charles together.
There has never been a woman who would occupy his mind in such a way. He sighed when he couldn't concentrate on his book. He growled as he placed his book on his bed stand. He turned off his light and got comfortable under the light cover. He looked at his ceiling and saw the moment when Charles leaned in and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek. He shook his head and turned to this side. He closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. The image of Elizabeth's little smirk when she thought she was right was playing on the inside of his eyelids.
…
Jack locked his bicycle in the same bike rack as he had done the day before. He looked around and shook his head at everyone. He was still trying to get used to the crowd. As he stepped inside the school, he saw the same group of students walking down the hall with Adam. Jack walked directly toward him and opened his arms when he was about fifteen feet away.
"There's my guy!" Jack bellowed out.
Adam looked up and saw his friend approaching. He began to wave his hands in the air as Jack walked toward him. When he was a couple of feet away from Jack, Adam opened his arms for a hug. Jack picked him up and twirled him around before placing him back down. The boy behind Adam laughed. Jack gave him a high five.
"Have a great day, Adam. I'll see you at lunch." Jack bellowed out as the group continued to walk away. Everyone in the hall saw and heard what Jack did. Adam waved both hands as he walked away. It was easy to see the joy written all over him.
Elizabeth was standing by the front door watching the whole scene with Charles. He was waiting for her in the parking lot like he had done for years.
"What's he doing?" Charles asked.
"He's saying hi to his friend." Elizabeth couldn't wipe the smile from her face. The sight was just precious. Once again, Jack was pulling her in and he didn't even know it.
"Really?"
Elizabeth cut her eyes to Charles. He knew that look very well. He needed to choose his words very carefully. He decided it was in his best interest not to say anything. They continued to walk toward their lockers.
…
Elizabeth walked into her first class and immediately found Jack sitting in the same seat as yesterday. Her smile grew at the sight of him.
"Well, you didn't get lost and you're on time." She playfully sassed while taking her seat next to him.
"Well, you did a great job of showing me around yesterday. You were a great teacher." Elizabeth smiled at his compliment. "Also, I'm never late."
"Really?"
"Never late." He playfully sassed. "Pa taught me to always be on time. I guess it's one of the few lessons that stuck with me." His grin drew her in.
Jack excelled in answering the questions in history class. He just loved history and seemed to know a lot about it. Elizabeth lost track of how many times she rolled her eyes at his sassy look when he beat her to answering a question. As hard as she tried, she just couldn't beat him to the answer. She shook her head with each correct answer from Jack. His playful smirk was infuriating and enduring at the same time. She didn't understand how two complete opposites could happen at the same time.
The next class was the class with Charles. He sat beside Elizabeth as Jack sat a few seats away. She wasn't sure, but she thought Jack was giving her space because of Charles. She paid almost as much attention to Jack than she did the teacher.
"He really does think I'm dating Charles." She whispered to herself as she was looking at Jack. He wouldn't look in her direction. Jack did the same thing in the P. E. class. That was the other class that Charles was in with them. There was no doubt in her mind that Jack thought she and Charles were dating. She excelled in the math class and would smirk at Jack when she beat him to the answers. Each time he shook his head at her, she would just grin even bigger. As much as he shined in history, Elizabeth shined in math and gloated at much as he did when she was correct. Jack couldn't begin to understand how someone who was gloating so much was so stinking adorable. As hard as he tried to remind himself that she had a boyfriend and he wasn't going to break that code, he couldn't stop himself falling for this woman with each smirk and smile.
Jack spent lunch sitting with Adam again. He also went and got them both an extra drink. While Charles tried to get Elizabeth to sit with him, she sat with Connie and Steph. She spent more time looking in Jack's direction than she did eating. She was mesmerized at Jack's interaction with Adam. The conversation was one sided, but you wouldn't have known it. Adam was involved in the conversation just as much as Jack was. She thought there was just true friendship between them. Halfway through lunch, the young man that Jack high fived after hugging Adam came and sat with them. Jack quickly welcomed him into the conversation. When lunch was over, Jack hugged Adam and high fived the other young guy. Elizabeth smiled at Jack's thoughtfulness.
Halfway through the last class of the day, Elizabeth knew something was completely different on several levels. First, she missed having Jack around her the entire day. They were in the same classes as the day before, but they weren't around each other as much. While they did talk often, Jack seemed to keep a little bit of distance between them. For some odd reason she couldn't explain, she was missing Jack. She wasn't exactly sure why, but she thought it had something to do with Charles. She felt she needed to clear up the misunderstanding between her and Jack.
There were a few times she wanted to strangle him. He corrected an answer that she got wrong in Honors English. She messed up one of the character's name. It was just a slip of the tongue, but Jack jumped at the chance to correct her. She smiled at his gloating expression because she had the same smirk when he didn't carry the one in Honors Math. Jack swore she grew two feet with the gloating.
Elizabeth watched Jack work his way through his backpack at his locker at the end of the day. She was determined to go and speak to him before he left. She wasn't exactly sure why, but she had to clear the air about her and Charles. Something inside of her was driving her to speak to him. As she was placing her math book in the locker, she saw him pull out his phone. She noticed he was texting someone.
J – Ma, may I go to Abagail's to get a milkshake
C – Sure have fun and be careful.
J – I'll be home after everything
C – Did you have a good day?
J – I did…good and confusing
C – Care to share?
J – Later ok
C – Sure…
C – Punctuation Jack.
J – Texting Ma only old people use punctuation while texting
C – Alright Mr. Sassy! Watch yourself!
Jack send his mom four heart emojis as a reply.
As Elizabeth was watching Jack text, she didn't notice that Charles and Sam were walking up to her.
"Hey Elizabeth."
Elizabeth looked up to both of her friends. "How are you two?"
"Good. You?"
"Pretty good day." She smiled.
Jack looked up from his phone and noticed Elizabeth talking to Charles again. She was lost in her conversation with Charles and Sam. He watched for a few moments before closing his locker door and putting his backpack over his shoulders. He glanced toward Elizabeth as he walked by her. He wanted to steal a glance. He was a little bummed that she didn't notice that he walked by.
Elizabeth looked up and saw that Jack was gone again. "Jellybeans!" She hissed under her breath.
"What?" Charles asked.
"Nothing. I need to get going."
"Did you just curse using the word 'jellybeans?'" Sam asked.
"Sam, you know I don't cuss."
"You wanna hang out later?"
"I can't tonight, Charles. Maybe some other time."
"Sure." A dejected Charles replied.
Elizabeth slowly walked down the hallway looking for Jack. She was bummed when she didn't see him. She wasn't sure what vehicle he drove. She threw her backpack in the back seat with a little bit of frustration. Not only didn't she get to say goodbye to Jack and clear up the misunderstanding, but she also knew she wouldn't see him tomorrow since school was out. She also didn't have his number. So, there was no texting or calling him.
She plopped down in her car. She cranked the car and turned up her radio. She usually played it loud as a way to unwind. She pushed the button to open the top. She wanted the wind in her hair. She looked at her phone when it buzzed. She had a text message with an attachment from Connie. It was a picture of her and Jack during art. This was the second day Connie snuck a picture. She admired it for a few moments and saved the photo to the Dimple's album.
Then her friend Steph texted a few moments later.
S – Hey E! Our normal spot?
E – Sure 10 min?
S – See you there. Connie's meeting us there
E – Perfect on my way leaving school now
…
Elizabeth walked into Abagail's to her smiling friends. They were sitting in the corner booth, which was their self proclaimed booth. Connie and Steph were sitting on one side. So, Elizabeth slid into the opposite side with her back to the door.
"How was your day?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not as good as yours." Sassed Steph. Connie shared the photo with her.
"Good grief. Connie, did you share that with everyone?"
"No. Just you two."
"Why?"
"E…tell me you didn't save this photo and the one from yesterday? Plus, the album?" Challenged Connie.
"Tell me you didn't create his own special folder." Challenged Steph.
Connie and Steph knew their friend well.
"You two aren't funny." Declared Elizabeth. She never did take her eyes off the picture.
"You know, you just have to ask him out." Connie softly stated.
"Connie!"
"What Elizabeth. Tell me you don't like that guy."
"I didn't say love."
"Wait, who said love?" Steph asked with a laugh.
"Don't you think this is enough teasing?" Elizabeth was hoping to change the direction of the questions.
"Oh, there she goes again…changing the subject when she doesn't want to answer the question." Connie leaned back in her booth. Elizabeth was beginning to wilt from the playful teasing and her two best friend's stare.
"Good afternoon, ladies. How was your first two days of school?"
"Great." Elizabeth quickly proclaimed. She was grateful for Abagail showing up. At least it was going to stop the teasing for a few moments.
"Great." Abagail heard three voices say at the same time.
"Better for some…" Steph teased.
"Oh…"
"Don't mind her Abagail." Elizabeth stared at Steph. "I'll take my normal dessert, please."
"Got it. You two?"
"Chocolate shake."
"Me too." Connie stated. "Plus, a side of chili cheese fries to share."
"Got it. The normal." Laughed Abagail. "Oh, Elizabeth. I talked to your mother yesterday."
"She came in?"
"She did. It was great to catch up with her."
Elizabeth nodded. She turned her attention back to her friends when Abagail turned to walk away. They were lost in their conversation. They shared everything that happened during school, Since Steph wasn't in the art class, she asked Elizabeth about the photos. Elizabeth's face immediately turned red.
"I'm not sure if I should…" Elizabeth's voice trailed off in thought.
"Come on E. Look at that picture. There is something going on there!"
"Fine…I don't really know what to tell you. Sometimes he's very sweet and sometimes he's very frustrating. He is funny. He was so nice with Adam and the other guy." Elizabeth was swooning.
"Yeah. I saw that. Plus, he's very handsome." Steph wiggled her eyes.
"But you know my rule."
"Sure, but didn't you make that rule as a freshman?"
"I did. I'm still in high school."
"Yes, but you're not fourteen anymore. You have grown and matured over those three years. You're not that immature kid any longer. Elizabeth, you are the most mature person I know."
"I agree. Why can't you date now if you find someone you are interested in?"
"My rule."
"Elizabeth, following a rule is nice, but you also must step outside of that rule if it is no longer good or beneficial. When I look at the picture from class, I see love between the two of you. There's something there."
Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. She didn't say anything.
"Connie told me about the interaction between you two all class, especially when he touched your hand yesterday."
"It was the most romantic thing I have ever witnessed." Connie stated.
Elizabeth's face turned red. She remembered every second of that time. She could still feel Jack's hand on her hand. She remembered she didn't want to let his hand go. It was the most romantic moment she had ever been part of or seen.
"Connie…I believe you're exaggerating it a little…"
"Really? Are you going to sit there and tell me you weren't moved to your foundation? I noticed when Jack finally pulled away, you moved your hand so you would continue to touch him. He didn't let go of your hand until he moved his stool back to his desk."
"That sounds perfectly romantic." Steph sighed with a dreamy look on her face.
"It was…" Elizabeth whispered. She didn't notice that she said it out loud. Her eyes glassed over with contentment thinking about it.
"So, what do you think?"
"I'm not sure." Elizabeth wondered. "There were flirty times but there also were times that he was pulling away."
"What make you say that?"
"He said that he should leave me alone with Charles. Whenever Charles was around, he would stay away. We sat beside each other except in the classes that we had with Charles. During lunch he wouldn't sit with me. He said Charles and I were dating. He did it again today."
"Why would he think that?"
"When I saw him at the beach a couple of weeks ago, I told him I had a boyfriend."
"Wait! He's the guy from the beach." Connie stated shocked. While Elizabeth told them about what happened, she didn't share too many details.
"He is. Charles also told him during gym yesterday that he and I were dating."
"No wonder Jack pulled back at times. He was lost in you but then remembered you had a boyfriend." Steph's smile grew as she thought about it. "I find that very sweet." Steph's voice was sincere.
"I agree with Steph." Connie stated. "He forgot you were in a relationship when he flirted with you. When he remembered, he would back away."
"I'm not saying you have to marry the guy, but why is it bad to date him? He's a great guy and you are most certainly interested."
"My rule."
"If you say that one more time, I will throw my ChapStick at you." Sassed Steph. "Listen E, if you don't want to date him or date in high school for that matter, then don't date him. But Elizabeth, I can see very easily that you are interested. You're not that immature fourteen year old. Why are you allowing her to stop you when you are clearly interested and mature enough to date?"
"I don't know…" Whispered Elizabeth.
"All you need is ten seconds of courage. Those ten seconds may change your entire life, or it may not. But don't miss out on something really nice because you're afraid."
"But I am afraid."
"Then you do it being afraid."
"Wait, I told you that! You're using my words against me."
"I am."
"Good grief." Elizabeth sighed rubbing her face with both hands. She did have that rule about not dating, but she knew she was just hiding behind that excuse now. She did want to date Jack. She struggled throughout the whole two days wanting to date him. He was just different, and she couldn't get him out of her head.
They heard the bell sound when the door opened. However, they couldn't see the door from where they were sitting. So, they didn't even look in that direction.
Jack walked into the café after locking his bike to the light pole. He stepped up to the counter to a smiling Abagail. Her face only grew knowing that Elizabeth was in the corner booth.
"Hey Abagail."
"Hey Jack. What may I do for you?"
"I would like a milkshake."
"What kind?"
"I know this is going to sound a little weird…"
"Ok…?"
"Would you put vanilla on the bottom half and chocolate on the top half."
"Excuse me?" Abagail shook her head.
As Jack restated what he wanted, Abagail just couldn't believe it. That was Elizabeth's normal dessert, except she liked the chocolate on bottom and vanilla on top. "What is the chance in that?" Abagail whispered to herself.
"Sure Jack." Abagail stated.
"Oh Elizabeth, you're not going to believe this!" Smiled Steph.
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
Steph elbowed Connie. Connie followed Steph's eyes. They landed on Jack at the counter talking with Abagail.
"That's got to be fate."
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
"Don't look!"
Elizabeth began to turn and lean to her left so she could see the counter. Steph kicked her in the shin.
"I said. 'don't look'!" Steph spoke quickly but in a quiet voice.
Elizabeth just gave her an aggravated expression. "What's your problem?"
"It's him!"
"It's who?"
"Hey Jack!" Called out Steph.
"Steph!" Elizabeth stated in a hushed voice but filled with rebuke.
"You need a push…" Steph defended herself.
"Maybe…but you just picked me up and threw me off the cliff." Elizabeth began to fix her shirt and ran her hands through her hair.
"What are you doing? He has been around you all day."
"Yeah, but I drove here with the top down."
Jack turned around when he thought he heard his name. He noticed Elizabeth's two friends. He couldn't remember their names. The two girls waved for him to come over to their booth.
"Go…go! I'll bring your shake with the girl's order." Abagail couldn't contain the huge smile growing on her face. Maybe Charlette and Grace wouldn't have to put their little plan in place. Abagail thought to herself.
Jack smiled and stood. He walked up to the table and was surprised to see Elizabeth sitting at the table. He couldn't see her because she was sitting on the side where he was walking. The back of the booth blocked her from view.
"Oh…" Jack's smile began to grow. Elizabeth's face was a little red and the other girls were smirking at them.
"Please join us." Connie stated. "Mrs. Abagail is bringing us our favorite desserts and a plate of chili cheese fries."
"Are you sure?" He asked the group but was looking at Elizabeth. "You're not expecting anyone else?"
"Nope, just us three. Sit! Sit!" Connie pointed to the spot beside Elizabeth. She slid over enough for Jack to sit. She gave him a shy smile when he situated himself.
"So, how was your first couple days of school?"
…
"Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Tom Thornton is here to see you."
"Thank you. Please send Tom in."
"Yes sir." William's secretary nodded at Tom when she hung up the phone. "Please go on in. He's expecting you."
"Thank you."
"Hey Tom!" Tom heard before walking through the door. He smiled at this friend's enthusiasm.
After closing the door, Tom spoke. "Hey William. How are you today?"
"Good…good. Finished with that stack of paperwork?"
"Yes, finally." Tom let out a long breath. "Paperwork never ends, but I guess you already know that. Looks like yours has grown since I was in here this morning."
"Oh no…that's a whole new pile." William chuckled. "I received a text from my wife, Grace, a little while ago."
"Ok. Anything I can help with?"
"It seems you and your family are coming over for a cookout at my house tomorrow evening."
"Really? I haven't heard about that." His phone buzzed at his statement.
"Check it. I bet you just found out." William laughed.
"It's from Charlette. She said we are bringing cake."
"Cake?"
"My Charlette can't cook very well, but she can make a mean coconut cake."
"Oh, that's my favorite!" William smiled.
"Is there anything else we need to bring?"
"Absolutely not. Is there anything special you like to drink?"
"No. We don't drink alcohol."
"I only drink a glass when I'm with clients who do drink, but I never drink the whole glass. Some people won't do business with someone who doesn't drink. That doesn't make sense to me. Anyways, we'll have bottled water and tea. Any sodas?"
"My Charlette likes Coke Zero or Pepsi Max."
"We will have that. That is Grace's favorite too."
"Are you sure you don't want us to bring anything else?"
"No. Everything is covered. Our pool is open if the kids would like to take a swim. Let's just plan for a simple and enjoyable evening."
"That sounds great."
"Have a seat, Tom."
Tom sat down in front of William's seat. William handed him a bottled water and sat in the chair beside him.
…
"You ride the bus?"
Julie laughed. "Not usually. I normally ride with my older sister, but she must have forgotten about me today. You ride the bus?"
"I do. My older brother doesn't have a car."
"Who doesn't have a car?"
"My brother for one. Ma and Pa offered to buy him one, but he always refused. Something about not needing one or something." Tom shook his head. "He just rides his bike. I think he believes it helps him stay in shape or something."
"Wow…I would have never guessed."
"Me too."
"So…" Julie smiled. "No girlfriend?"
"Nope. We just moved here a few weeks ago."
"Did you have one where you moved from?"
Tom laughed. "I'm not going to lie to you. I'm a little bit of a wonderer as my brother calls me. I date a lot, but I don't date long."
Julie let out a loud laugh. She reached for Tom's forearm. "I am the same way, but I'm usually called a player."
"Me too…I was just trying to be respectable."
"Hummm." Julie tapped Tom's arm. "This could be fun."
"Indeed." Tom flirted.
…
Jack finally took his eyes off Elizabeth when he heard Connie speaking to him. "Oh…it's been good."
"Hey Jack, where did you move from?" Steph asked.
"A small town in Oklahoma called Buxton. It's not a big city like Hamilton."
"What brought you here?"
"My Pa's work. He was a detective. He was injured in the line of duty last winter. It almost killed him. He was in the hospital for two months with a couple of months recovery at home." Elizabeth gasped at the news. "When it was almost time to go back to full duty, Ma started to have nightmares about losing him."
"Wow!" Steph stated.
"I'm glad he's doing better." Elizabeth smiled.
"Thanks. He is finally back to normal."
"I've never heard any one call their mom or dad 'ma' or 'pa'." Connie stated.
Jack's shy smile was adorable to Elizabeth. "I don't know why I do that. I always have ever since I was a little kid. Ma says it's because I used to sit on Pa's lap when he watched Bonanza."
Elizabeth laughed. "My father used to watch that show all the time."
Jack offered her a little smile. "They used those terms and I guess I just copied it."
"Any brothers or sisters?"
"A younger brother. He's two years younger than me. His name is Tom."
"I have a sister that is that age. Her name is Julie. Do you have any other siblings?"
"No. You?"
"Viola. She's away at college."
"Tom's always been one that would date a lot of girls but never for any length of time." He shook his head. "I don't think he has ever dated a girl longer than two weeks."
"Sounds just like Julie."
"I think he loves life too much."
"That's Julie. She's a big flirt."
"I always call Tom a playa." Jack changed his voice to sound silly. All three girls laughed.
"He's a good guy, just young and stupid at times. He just doesn't know what he wants in life."
"Your parents still married?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. Ma's a retired schoolteacher. She stopped teaching when Tom was born. When Tom began school, she volunteered at school and church. She substitutes at the schools some. But mostly she runs the J&T school."
"The what?" Jack smiled at Elizabeth's cute, confused expression.
"That's what Tom and I call it. She may not have been teaching at a school, but she had her own school at our home. During summers and school breaks, she would continue teaching us a few hours a day, reading, writing, math, art, music. Nothing was off limits for her."
"Elizabeth wants to be a teacher." Connie added. Jack nor Elizabeth took their eyes off each other.
"That's cool. Me too."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I wanted to follow in Pa's footsteps, but his injury really showed me the difficult side of the job."
"Getting hurt?"
"No, the effect it had on Ma. It almost destroyed her emotionally, mentally, and physically. I respect police officers more than you will ever know, but I don't think I can do the job. I would be too worried about my wife at home."
Elizabeth slightly dropped her head. She was imagining that she was the wife at home he just mentioned.
Connie and Steph were sitting back watching and listening to Jack and Elizabeth talk. They completely forgot the two other ladies were even there. They were so lost in the conversation. Connie smiled at Steph, and she knew exactly what the other was thinking.
"So, Jack…" Connie stated, cutting into the couple's conversation. "…are you just like your brother? Do you date often?"
Elizabeth's head jerked up in Connie's direction and then she slowly turned toward Jack. She tried to be discreet, but she really wanted to know the answer.
"Here we go." Abagail stated as she placed the plate of chili cheese fries in the center of the table along with four small plates. There was another lady carrying milkshakes standing behind her. She placed Connie's and Steph's milkshakes down in front of them. When she placed Elizabeth's and Jack's down, everyone stared at the glasses.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Stated a shocked Steph. "What are the chances?"
"Is that your…" Jack and Elizabeth stated at the same time pointing at each other's milkshake. They realized that each was half chocolate and half vanilla. They were just opposite from each other's. Elizabeth had chocolate on the bottom with vanilla on top.
"He said it's his favorite back home." Abagail shrugged her shoulders as she turned to walk away.
"That's just freaky crazy." Connie whispered with a growing smile.
"I've been doing this since I was in the seventh grade. It was a dare by my little brother. I loved it."
"I was in the eighth grade and my older sister did it as a dare too. I liked it. I like chocolate most so I always have it on bottom so I can have it last. I always scoop my milkshakes."
"Huh…" Steph stated. She didn't say what she was thinking.
"Jack, you never did answer my question." Connie reminded Jack after a few moments of silence. She wanted to bring the topic back to what they were all wanting to know.
"I'm sorry…I don't remember the question." Jack stated as he glanced at Elizabeth. She was scooping some milkshake with her straw and was bringing it to her mouth.
"Do you date often?"
Elizabeth kept facing forward, but she cut her eyes to Jack. She wanted to know the answer. She told herself that if he dated a lot, she wasn't going to ask Jack. She would somehow just figure out how to be his friend. If he hasn't dated anyone, then that was her sign that she was supposed to date this guy. She was certainly interested in him but was still very hesitant. There was no way a guy who acted and looked like Jack would have never dated. She felt pretty safe with the outcome.
"Oh…" Jack was a little embarrassed. "No. I don't date often."
"Did you leave behind a girlfriend." Along with Elizabeth's glances, Connie and Steph were intently looking at him.
"No Connie, I didn't leave behind a girlfriend."
"So, when you say often, what do you exactly mean?" Steph asked. "I mean, one person may say that five girls aren't often while others say that it is."
"I've never dated anyone. I made a rule when I was younger that I wasn't going to date anyone while in high school. I just didn't want to date to date. I've had a lot of friends that would date a girl for a few weeks or so, then the relationship would crash and burn. Then the next week, they would be in another relationship. It was just a vicious cycle they kept repeating. Each girl was their soulmate for that time frame."
Elizabeth couldn't hide the smile that was forming on the edges of her lips. She fought it with everything in her but she was losing the battle.
"I know this sounds cheesy, but I want real love. I don't want to lust after someone."
"With true love, passion comes." Elizabeth finished Jack's statement.
"Yeah…" Jack could only look at Elizabeth. He was surprised she knew what he was going to say. "How did you know that?"
Elizabeth embarrassingly shrugged her shoulders.
"So, no. I haven't dated anyone, nor did I leave behind a girlfriend."
"You never had a girlfriend?" The shock was evident in Steph's voice.
"Ma said that when I was three, a girl from a Mother's Day out program I went to once a week called me her boyfriend. I don't remember if she said that I called her my girlfriend or not. So no, never had a girlfriend that I know of."
Elizabeth played with the milkshake with her straw. Her mind was running wild. He's never had a girlfriend…how is that possible…? That means… Her internal conversation stopped when Jack continued.
"What about you two?" Jack looked toward Steph and Connie. "I know Elizabeth is dating someone. Do you have boyfriends?"
…
"So, who do you think it is?"
"Do you know a gentleman named Billy Hamilton?"
William thought for a couple of moments. "No. I don't know the name."
"He worked in your warehouse on Apple St."
"That's under the supervision of Mr. McDaniels."
"Yes sir. I've spoken with Mr. McDaniels. He said that he fired a Mr. Billy Hamilton two months ago for stealing merchandise before they were loaded on the containers."
William nodded his head as Tom spoke. "Because of that, you think he is after me?"
"That and his brother was fired two weeks before him. He worked at the warehouse in Toronto and was fired for the same reason."
"That would be Mr. Davidson."
"Yes sir. How do you know that?"
People assume that I know everything. That's impossible. This company is too large for any one person to know everything that is going on."
"Ok, but it sounds like you do know everything."
"A reporter once asked Henry Ford how he knew everything. Mr. Ford said that he doesn't know everything, but he did know what number on the phone would call. When he had to resolve an issue, he knew who to call in a certain department to fix the issue. I just need to know who the supervisor is."
"Huh…that makes sense." Tom thought about it for a moment. "Mr. Davidson said the same thing about Hamilton's brother. That's why he was fired."
"So, this is all because two men stole from me?"
"I have seen people do dumb things for much less. It does make sense."
"What's next?"
"I will look into this a little deeper. I would also prefer if one of the body men would drive you to work and home."
"Tom…"
"William, just to work and home. If you go anywhere else, you are free to drive yourself."
"Why?"
"Driving from home to work and vice versa is the only thing you do every day. It would make it much easier to do something since you have a dedicated route and time you drive. Going to the store or a restaurant is usually not planned out in advance."
"I guess that makes sense." William stared at his friend.
"William, you know I give you all the freedom I can. However, you also pay me to keep you safe. This is me keeping you safe while still giving you the freedom you desire. There is a common ground here. I am keeping my promise to you and my promise to your family in keeping you safe."
"Fine." He huffed.
"Are you done pouting?" Tom teased him.
William laughed. He really liked Tom and understood he was only doing his job. He also knew Tom was trying to give him freedom to live his life. Plus, he saw Tom as a true friend. He was one of William's friends and he didn't wonder why Tom liked him. Tom wasn't working an angle to benefit himself.
"I am."
…
Abagail snuck a couple of pictures of the four teens sitting at her booth, one of the group and one of Elizabeth and Jack. Abagail thought they were sitting a little closer than before, but she couldn't tell. She was intently watching the young couple. She noticed the looks and shy smiles. She sent the two pictures to Charlette and Grace with this message: 'You two may be too late. They may figure this out on their own.'
Grace was the first to reply.
G – Is this now?
A – It is.
C – Oh my…they look cute together.
G – How did they meet?
A – I have no idea.
C – Did Jack order that weird shake he always orders?
A – He did and you're not going to believe it!
G – What?
C – What?
A – He did…and Elizabeth did the same.
G – Wait…Jack ordered the same weird shake Elizabeth always gets?
A – He did except his is chocolate on top of vanilla.
G – How is that even possible?
C – Are they sitting close? I can't tell from the angle.
A – Not too close but closer than at first.
G – Oh my…they do look cute together.
A – I need to go…I'll keep you two up to date if I notice anything.
C – Thanks Abgail!
G – Thanks!
Abagail looked up from her phone and continued to watch the young couple. Jack and Elizabeth looked good together. She laughed at the shyness of the young people. Even with the shyness, she could see a pull between them. They do belong together.
…
"Wait! Elizabeth…are you holding out on us? Who are you dating?" Steph asked, amused. She knew Elizabeth and the truth was that she wasn't dating anyone.
"I'm not dating anyone!" Exclaimed Elizabeth. "That's like three times you said that today and several times yesterday. Why do you think that?"
Jack leaned back against the booth and only stared at her. He was completely shocked. He tried to open his mouth a couple of times, but nothing came out.
"Why do you think that?" Elizabeth challenged him again.
"Well…first off, you told me at the beach a few weeks ago. You told me like three or four times in a two minute conversation. Remember… 'I have a boyfriend!'."
"Oh yeah…I did say that." Elizabeth chuckled. "I only said that because I thought you were hitting on me."
"What?"
"My sister, Julie, and I were constantly hit on that day. Guys were being pigs. I thought you were just another guy hitting on me."
"So you lied." Teased Jack.
"Well…"
"You know, that's why I left that note on the inside of your book."
"Wait, what note?" Connie and Steph stated at once.
Elizabeth didn't tell her friends about the note. That was a little fact she kept to herself. As strange as it sounds, it was just between her and Jack.
"Yeah…" Jack laughed. "I was so frustrated with her because she wouldn't listen to me." He tried to sound offended, but he couldn't keep from laughing. "I wrote, 'Princess Beth – You're wrong with your assertion. You should learn from Elizabeth Bennet!'."
"She let you live when you called her Beth and princess?"
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"She hates that name."
"Really?" Jack smirked.
"And I really don't like to be called a princess." Elizabeth stated firmly with a frown.
"Why's that?" Jack asked.
"Elizabeth's family is very wealthy. She is not an uppity person. Some people assume she is because of her family, but she's really not. When we were little, they would call her Princess."
"Wow! I wouldn't have ever guessed. You haven't seemed that way the last couple of days."
"And that's why I hate to be called a princess."
"Well, Princess Beth, you did act like a princess by assuming I was only hitting on you at the beach."
Elizabeth scrunched up her nose at him. He loved that playful expression.
"So, when you say wealthy, what are you saying exactly?" Jack asked, looking at Elizabeth.
"Richie Rich rich." Teased Connie. Everyone laughed.
Jack's parents always taught him to judge people for who they are. Not where they come from or by outward appearances. Each person deserves to be judged for who they are inside themselves and how they act. The day at the beach gave him his first thoughts of Elizabeth and that wasn't a good impression, but the past two days he saw a different side to her. Not once during the last two days did he think she gave the feeling that she was better than him because of her status. Yes, she frustrated him at times but that wasn't because she was rich.
"First, my parents are rich, not me. Yes, they have money, but that is not what I am after. I want to live my life the way I am called to live it. I could care less about someone's social status or how much money you have or don't have. If you're a good person and treat me with respect, I will treat you with respect regardless of how much or how little you have." Elizabeth explained.
"That's very true!" Exclaimed Steph.
"Viola is completely different than you are. You're just not like that!" Connie backed them up.
Jack looked at Elizabeth for a few moments. He saw it in her eyes. Her eyes were truly the windows to her soul. Jack didn't think she would, or could, lie with those eyes. He also thought those eyes never heard the word 'no'. He wholeheartedly believed her without reservation.
"I'm not exactly sure why Princess Beth, but I do believe you." He playfully smirked and emphasized her nickname.
Elizabeth glared at him and huffed. "My name is Elizabeth. You know, you haven't called me by my name once."
"Really?" Smirked Jack.
"Is that the only reason you think I'm dating someone because I said that at the beach?"
"No." Jack shook his head. "Charles told me in the locker room that you two were dating. He said that I shouldn't get too comfortable with you because you two were together."
Elizabeth gasped. "That's why you said you should leave me and him alone together. And that's why your face changed during P.E. class yesterday. Is that why you didn't sit with me during lunch? You sat with Adam instead."
"Yes." Jack nodded his head. "He told me that a couple of times. I also saw him kiss you on the cheek twice. I just thought you were dating by your actions and you both telling me you that you were. You were together after school, and you were lost in your conversation. I figured you two wanted some time together without me hanging around." He shrugged his shoulders slightly and lowered his head.
"Well, I am not dating anyone. I have never had a boyfriend."
"Really?" Asked a shocked Jack.
"She has the same rule as you do about not dating in high school." Steph added.
"Wait…are you telling me you are not dating Charles and that you have never had a boyfriend?" Jack was shocked. The confusion was easily seen on his face. It wasn't what he thought at all. He was having trouble reconciling what he was hearing to what he heard and saw.
Elizabeth's smile gave him his answer.
"Huh…" Jack whispered and leaned back against the booth's seat. He looked lost in thought. Steph and Connie gave each other a big smile. They knew he was thinking about Elizabeth. Jack was remembering about all the times with Elizabeth that he thought they were flirting. He dismissed it as much as he could since he thought Elizabeth and Charles were dating. Now he was thinking she was really flirting with him. They guessed that he was reconsidering his no dating rule.
"So, Jack…" Connie began after a few moments of silence. "Are you as good at basketball as Cory made it sound?"
Jack stared at the table top lost in his thoughts about Elizabeth and Charles not dating. Connie broke him from his thoughts when she asked him again. His face turned red. Elizabeth quickly realized he doesn't like being the center of attention. For some reason, that made her fall deeper for this guy. She was noticing that she wasn't scolding herself for thinking that anymore or thinking of Jack as her Jack. Maybe it was the fact that he wasn't dating anyone, or maybe it was that he never has dated. When he wasn't frustrating, he seemed like a great guy.
"Cory made it sound like I was the next Michael Jordan. I'm not that good. Look at me…I'm not the tallest guy on the court or the most physically gifted. I just try really hard. That was something my father taught me. You always work hard no matter what you are doing." Jack never looked up. He was too shy.
"You are as good as he said." Elizabeth stated with confidence. Jack just shrugged his shoulders.
"What do you drive?"
"I don't have a car, Steph."
"You don't?" Elizabeth asked, a little surprised.
"No. My Ma and Pa always talked about getting me one, but I really don't need one. I always rode my bike back home. I really don't need one here. Places are a lot closer here than back home. I'm ok walking or riding my bike."
"Wow…I thought all guys wanted a really nice car?"
"Maybe, but I'm not like most guys."
"I bet…" Elizabeth whispered under her breath. She waved her hand in front of her face trying to catch her breath. Jack didn't notice it. Elizabeth was quickly realizing that she was quickly falling for this guy in a way that she had never felt before. He was different than any other guy she knew.
Jack felt like Connie and Steph were interviewing him. He thought it was a little odd, but they were friendly and not too pushy.
When Jack took his last bite of his chili cheese fries that were on his small plate, he wiped his mouth with his napkin and placed his right hand on his thigh. Steph and Connie continued to ask Jack questions. Elizabeth thought maybe they were too aggressive with some of the questions, but she really wanted to know the answers as well. She was grateful to find out more about Jack.
"Elizabeth loves to read. Do you love to read?"
"I do."
"You said that your mother taught you art?" Steph asked.
"I love to sketch. I also play the guitar."
"Really?"
"Yup."
Elizabeth sat back and listened to Jack answer all the questions. She would often steal glances at him. He always had a smile on his face. He did look uncomfortable at times, but never refused to answer their questions. A couple of times she caught him looking in her direction. They would share small smiles when their eyes connected. Elizabeth was greatly enjoying their time together, even with her two friends present.
Elizabeth looked down when Jack was talking about him learning to play the guitar and noticed that his right hand was now sitting palm down on the seat. She noticed his hand looked strong. He placed it on his lap again. After a few moments, he placed it back on the seat. She didn't think he realized what he was doing. She couldn't take her eyes off it. Ten seconds of courage Elizabeth…you just need ten seconds of courage to maybe change your life. She repeated in her head twice. She took a deep breath and with all the courage she could muster in her body…
…
"I'll see you tomorrow night at our home at six?"
"Sure William. I will also see you tomorrow morning. We have work tomorrow."
"Yes."
"Chris will drive you home today in the company car. Randy will follow in your car. Chris will be by your home in the morning to pick you up. You just need to tell him what time to be there."
"Seriously?"
"William." Warned Tom. "Do we need to have this discussion again?" Tom's tone let no doubt that William didn't have an option.
"You know Tom…I usually like you but not at this moment."
"Should we cancel tomorrow's cookout?" Sassed Tom.
"Is it too early to fire you?" Laughed William.
"Yes. I have a contract, remember?"
"Oh, right." Laughed William. "Tell them I want to leave the office at five."
"I will. Thanks William."
"Thanks Tom. Hey, the house is really huge. Please don't let it cause any issues…ok? When we first came into the money, we turned stupid for a moment. We built this very large house and after moving into it, realized we shouldn't have built it."
"William, I could care less what type of house you live in. I may be speaking out of turn here, but I feel we are friends, maybe even becoming very good friends."
"I completely agree with you."
"So, you won't judge me for what I don't have, I won't judge you for what you do have."
"Judge you for your character?"
"Yes."
"I agree."
…
A – They're still here.
G – That sounds promising.
C – It does!
A – Connie and Steph are peppering him with questions.
G – What is Elizabeth doing?
A – Listening intently.
G – This may be easier than we thought.
C – Don't get too confident.
Abagail snuck another picture and sent it to the group. Grace sent back a text filled with red heart emojis. Charlette sent back a text asking if they were sitting closer.
A – Maybe…can't really tell. They do really look cute together.
G – I knew it!
A – Are you two really ok if this works out?
C – perfectly!
G – Absolutely!
Grace and Charlette responded at the same time. Abagail laughed at the two ladies' excitement over the possibility of their kids getting together. She did lose count of the shared laughs and stolen glances between the young couple.
…
Ten seconds of courage…ten seconds…ten seconds… Elizabeth repeated to herself several times as she finally placed her hand on the seat with her palm down, just like Jack's. She listened intently as Jack was explaining his learning his first song on the guitar, but she couldn't remember a word he said. She was too consumed with his hand. Ten seconds…ten seconds of courage… She repeated as she very slowly moved her hand along the seat toward Jack's hand. Her hand was just millimeters away. She swore she could feel the heat from Jack's hand, it was so close. She inhaled a deep breath and decided to jump off the cliff as she repeated the ten second phrase one last time. With all the courage she had in her body, she slowly moved her left hand until it touched the side of Jack's hand.
Elizabeth smiled when she felt him jump a little. She moved her left pinky until it touched his right pinky. Ten seconds of courage… She repeated to keep her courage from withering away. She kept looking down at her plate but cut her eyes to her left to steal a glance of Jack. Her heart instantly warmed when she saw his reaction.
Jack had lowered his head to look at his empty plate in front of him when Elizabeth cut her eyes to him. A huge, dimpled smile instantly covered his face. He closed his eyes trying to calm his heart. It felt like it was beating out of his chest. He shivered when her pinky touched his pinky.
Elizabeth smiled when he shivered. Her heart stopped beating when he lifted his pinky and placed it over her pinky and locked their pinkies together. He gingerly squeezed her pinky. He never looked at her, but she knew he was welcoming to her initial touch. She was grateful he reciprocated the act by holding her finger. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was flying.
For both of them, this was an extremely intimate act. It sealed their hearts together. Elizabeth's hand was soft and small. Her pinky fit perfectly interlaced with Jack's. Elizabeth's hand was so soft. Jack lost the ability to think. Elizabeth was amazed at how easily their pinkies intertwined together. Jack's finger was strong, yet soft to touch her. She wouldn't mind going through her whole life experiencing this feeling.
They sat holding each other's pinky for a couple of minutes while Connie and Steph continued to talk. They didn't realize that Jack only nodded his answers to their questions. He just couldn't talk. He was so consumed with Elizabeth's touch. Connie and Steph excused themselves when Connie needed to go to the restroom. Jack and Elizabeth remained as they were. They were afraid to move because they didn't want to lose the contact.
Even with Connie and Steph gone, Jack and Elizabeth didn't look at each other. With red faces, they looked at the table directly in front of them. Elizabeth finally broke the silence in a very soft tone to her voice. Jack had a hard time hearing her words.
"Jack…are we really doing this?" She looked down but cut her eyes up so she could see him.
"Elizabeth…" He drew out her name slowly. She gasped at hearing Jack say her name for the first time. She has never loved her name more than she did at that moment. It just rolled off his tongue perfectly. They looked into each other's eyes. "…I want to say no, but my heart simply won't allow me to say no. I just can't walk away from you. It makes no sense to me. I have never wanted to date anyone, but…but…"
Elizabeth's smile grew at his words. She completely understood what he meant. "I get it…I have never wanted to date, and to be perfectly honest, I still don't, but…"
"I have to see where this is leading us. You are just different than anyone else." He finished her statement. Elizabeth vigorously nodded her head in agreement.
"My heart won't allow me to walk away from you, Jack. I can't explain it either."
"So…?" Jack slowly asked while looking at her with those gorgeous hazel eyes.
"We're doing this." She softly stated with confidence.
Jack released her pinky and slid his hand over her hand. His hand engulfed her petite hand. It felt like it had always belonged there. It was always supposed to be there. They gently squeezed their hands at the same time. Elizabeth released his hand and turned her hand so her palm would face down. She opened her fingers. He instantly placed his hand on the seat palm up. Their hands met and all kinds of electricity flowed through them. He slowly rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. She closed her hand at his gesture. If she didn't know better, she would have thought that was the moment she fell in love with him.
Jack and Elizabeth sat holding hands staring into the eyes of each other. They were completely lost in the presence of the other person. Both had silly grins. They looked up when Connie and Steph sat down at the booth. They looked across the table at Jack and Elizabeth. They couldn't see Elizabeth and Jack holding hands. Elizabeth saw the moment when her two friends caught on to what was going on.
"Oh…this is going to be good." Steph stated in a slow voice.