Hi all, yes another idea that just popped into my head. I hope you enjoy!

Seth and Jessica had grown closer now that she was living in New York City. One time he showed up at her apartment because he worried about her safety. She didn't appreciate having a babysitter but Seth wouldn't take 'No' for an answer. Besides she did miss him and he didn't overextend his welcome.

She was surprised when he suggested he actually stay at her apartment. She felt a little uncomfortable at first because he was so forward. Then she figured it was best since he arrived last minute and likely couldn't find a decent hotel to stay. By day 2 it felt like they had been living together for years and he was doing some domestic chores…which helped.

As time went on, Jessica spent more time in New York City than Cabot Cove. It was as if the small town was a getaway rather than her home. However Seth made sure they remained close. In a way, absence does make the heart grow fonder.

One day, while at home, she suggested to Seth, "Why don't we take a fishing trip?"

He said between bites of dinner, "okay. Where do you want to go?"

"I've heard some great things about Rye which is a short trip from Manhattan. I hear it has a wonderful lake and is really picturesque."

"Sounds fine to me woman. We can make it a long weekend. I'll just rearrange my schedule at the hospital. Will you make the plans?"

"I'll start tomorrow." She paused, "would a two-bedroom cabin be alright with you?" She was a little nervous. Mind you he slept over when he visited her in the city, but she didn't want to assume.

"As long as you don't try anything," he looked up from his plate and began to laugh. Jessica joined in as well.

It was early August and Jessica was lucky enough to find a place, or rather, the travel agency her publisher used was able to find a rental property. There were no cabins, but the company was able to find a nice rental property not far from all the action. It had a patio, a pool, a grill and two bedrooms. Perfect!

"Seth, we're all set. The rental house sounds divine, and I've made plans for a guided fishing excursion on the lake."

"I can't wait, Jess! I've booked a ticket on the Acela and I'll be there Thursday."

"Sounds great. We can take a train from Grand Central directly to Rye. They leave every half hour. Anyway, I can't wait to see you, Seth. I really do miss you."

He heard the sadness in her voice, "yes…well…I miss you too Jess. Good night."

Seth's trip to the city was uneventful. He packed a medium sized suitcase and met Jessica at her apartment.

"Seth!" She gave him a big hug. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm all ready."

Seth grabbed Jessica's suitcase and carried his own. Both packed quite light so it wasn't too much to carry. In no time they were on their way and arrived in Rye by dinner time.

They marveled at the quaintness of the town as it had a charm like Cabot Cove. It makes sense that many found it a welcome retreat from the city. Seth walked up to the taxi and gave the driver the address of the rental.

When the two arrived, they marveled at the small but quaint house and its well-manicured backyard.

Seth whistled and Jessica commented, "this is so much nicer than any hotel. I feel comfortable here."

Seth took the bags and placed each in their respective rooms. The house was not far from the downtown area and the weather had cooled enough. "Jess, I spied a pizza shop on our way in. What do you think?"

"If I can get olives and mushrooms it's a deal!" Seth smirked and the two were on their way.

They also saw a small market and decided to pick up a few things to make breakfast the next day. They also stopped at a liquor store for a nice bottle of wine. When they returned the two were quite tired. "I don't know about you Jess, but I'm ready to hit the hay."

"Me too, Seth. First one up has to make breakfast."

"It's a deal woman," and they both retired to their rooms for the night.

Seth was used to being up at all hours and he was up by 6am. He made quick work of breakfast. Nothing fancy, just some scrambled eggs, toast and coffee.

"Mmm, smells good. Morning Seth," Jessica welcomed him as she sat down at the small counter. He made her a plate then fixed his own and stood on the opposite side.

"So, what's on the agenda for today," he queried.

"Oh, I thought we could do some antiquing, check out the shops and just relax. Tomorrow, we have to be up much earlier to get the charter boat for Rye Lake."

"I noticed that rather inviting pool. Maybe I'll take a dip in the afternoon."

"Sounds like a good idea, I haven't swum in years," she reminisced.

Seth showered first and Jessica followed shortly after. By ten AM they were out and about the downtown areas. Plent of art galleries and antique stores. Seth and Jessica enjoyed perusing the goods that brought up some memories. While Jessica was in the used books section, Seth took the time to buy some antique cuff links and a malachite broch for Jessica. As they walked through the streets Jessica didn't seem to ask what Seth had in the small bag.

They grabbed some iced coffee and sandwiches at a small café and then it was back home. They each entered their rooms, neither one knowing the other was changing into their swimsuits. Truth be told, Seth and Jessica had never seen each other in anything less than pants, shirts or dresses.

Seth observed himself in the mirror. He inhaled sharply and then exhaled. While the inhale helped him suck in his stomach, he couldn't hold it all afternoon.

Meanwhile Jessica was looking in the bureau mirror. She rubbed her stomach along her abdomen. It wasn't very big and while she may have had a little extra on her hips, she still looked shapely in her one piece.

She added a sun hat, glasses and slipped into a gauzy white cover up. She walked out to the pool and squatted down to test the water with her hands. Just right.

She put her stuff on the chair and slowly waded in. The coolness shocked her at first, but she slowly walked around the pool to get used to it. Meanwhile Seth came out with his bathing suit, towel and slides. He saw Jessica and he couldn't help but stare. How beautiful she was and with less clothes, even more so.

He grinned as he put his stuff on the chair with hers and slowly walked into the pool.

"Oooh, jeez it's cold! Ahh that's better," he said. Jessica just laughed and made her way over to him. They stood just inches from each other and stared.

"This is great. I used to love swimming as a boy. Of course it was in the lake back home. Never swam in a pool until much later." He dunked his whole body and quickly resurfaced wiping the water from his face. He then grabbed hold of one edge of the pool and tried to show off to Jessica, "Let's see how long it takes me to swim across and back. Count off for me in "Mississippis." He was off in a flash.

He was halfway across when Jessica noticed something. It was on Seth's upper back. She tried to make it out but all she could see was that it was black, and it was some image. Impossible to make out with his moving and without her glasses.

Seth made his way back by 25 Mississippi. He was rather proud considering his age and the time since he last swam.

"Uh Seth, I noticed something on your back." Jessica was worried even though Seth was a doctor and he wasn't the type to expose his skin or go without sun screen.

"Oh, oh that," he chuckled but didn't say any more.

"Well yes, what is it? Is there something wrong?"

"No Jess, nothing at all to worry about woman."

"Well why won't you tell me."

"I'm telling you it's nothing Jess. If you think it's melanoma…it's not."

Jessica knew it was too large for that but she wasn't satisfied. "Let me see." However, Seth just looked at her.

"Seth Hazlitt what ARE you hiding?"

He signed and turned his back to her.

It was much easier to make out now…a skull with wings at the sides. Above its head was a parachute canopy with the number 508. Below the skull, a small banner that said paratroops.

"A tattoo? Seth Hazlit you have a tattoo?" She said a little too loudly.

He turned away and got out of the pool. He grabbed his towel and belongings and walked into the house. Jessica was stunned, for two reasons. Mostly for his abrupt reactions and secondly, she often associated tattoos with a certain type of men. Roughnecks and people on the wrong side of the law. Certainly not Seth. She certainly did not want to hurt his feelings, so she grabbed her towel and things and walked into the house. She noticed he was in his room as the door was closed. She knocked, "Seth. Can we talk?" There was silence. "Seth?"

"I don't feel much like talking right now Jessica. Maybe later," he said through the door.