--~*~--
1993 ACLU, Washington DC
"CJ! Danny line 2!", her assistant Carol yelled from the outer office.
"I got it!", she took a deep breath and answered. "Hello?"
"I called you twice this morning."
"One of the benefits of being your ex-wife is that I am no longer at your beck and call but if you must know I have been in meetings all morning. What did you need?"
"I figured I'd come by tonight and fix that stuck draw you were complaining about."
"Really? That draw has been stuck for nine months and you want to come over to fix it now? I'm going pass Danny."
"I miss you."
"Do you miss me when you are screwing Katie?"
"CeeJay,"
"No, you owe me no explanations Danny. We are no longer together you can fuck who you want and I have to go."
"I want to come over, to talk. I'm taking these anger management classes, I've been doing a lot better. CJ Please?"
She thought for a minute, did she really want to open back up this door with him? She missed him but it took her so long to finally close it. Sighing she replied, "Danny I really don't think we should do this. You and I both know that we aren't going to talk. As soon as you step foot into the door we are going to screw our brains out then spend the next month or so trying to get back to where we used to be but we can't Danny. Sometimes when things break they can't be fixed."
"The sex was always great with you."
"Yes but I need more."
"I'm ready CJ. I don't want to make the same mistakes that we have in the past."
"The mistake was you Danny."
"That's not fair, it takes two to argue."
"Look", she exhaled loudly, "I'm glad that you are getting help but we are over. I'll talk to you later."
"Yeah, I love you."
"I still love you too Danny. I'm just not in love with you anymore. I'm sorry."
CJ hung up the phone with glassy eyes. She was so in love with Danny.
Three years ago they both threw caution into the wind and married after only dating for three months. Everything was great until their first fight two months in. After that it seemed like whenever he was back home from assignment all they did was have sex and fight. He never laid a hand on her but each fight got progressively worse than the one before. After CJ's miscarriage they fought continually until CJ decided enough was enough and moved in with her best friend, Donna, and her husband Josh.
Carol buzzed in letting her know that Donna was there. At CJs consent she entered carrying her three month old daughter, Eva.
"Hi there!", CJ stood reaching for her goddaughter.
"Hey honey", one look Donna knew something was wrong. "What's going on?"
"Nothing, she's so precious Donna. You look good too. When are you coming back to work?"
"Two months."
"That long?"
"Yeah, Josh and I don't want to stick her in childcare any earlier than necessary. Tell me what's wrong with you and don't say nothing again."
"Danny just called", she paused. "He said he's taking anger management classes and wanted to come over and talk. I miss him but..."
"But that's not a road you need to go down CJ. I know you love Danny we do too, but you two together was-"
"Explosive?"
"Exactly, you need to get out of that house and meet someone before you think of a reason to let him come back over and start the cycle again. It's been a while. Have you even...you know?"
"No. And I'm so ready to explode. I almost said yes when he called. I just don't want some rando."
"CJ I know a guy-"
"No!"
"CJ"
"No, Donna. No matchmaking. I'll be fine."
"CJ, he's a good guy."
"No", she shook her head profusely.
"He's one of Josh's friends."
"Donna!"
"Three words, Tall, dark and handsome."
CJ sighed, "What's wrong with him?"
"Nothing he's a widower."
"A widower? God how old is he?"
"He's only forty-three. His wife died from cancer two years ago."
"Kids?"
"Four boys."
"Four? Oh hell no!"
"CJ, just go out with him and get your feet wet."
"Do I know him? What's his name?"
"John. That's all you are getting. No internet searches. Yes or No. I'll call Josh now."
"Yes, only cause you are twisting my arm."
"Barely, you know I had you at widower." The ladies laughed as CJ put Eva back in the baby carseat.
--~*~--
Congressional Offices, Capitol Hill, DC
"Hey Janine, does the Senator have a minute?"
"Yes and for you he has five Congressman", Janine flirted batting her eyes as she walked over and knocked on her boss open door. "Excuse me Senator, Congressman Lyman here to see you."
"Josh?, Come on in." John greeted him. "What brings you to these parts?"
"Well let me cut to the chase, my wife's best friend. She tall, all legs man, gorgeous, smart, shoulder length auburn hair-"
"No thanks Josh", John said walking away to his desk already knowing where the conversation was going.
"One date please, I promised my wife I would try. Suzanne passed two years ago and..., he saw John about to object, "I'm not trying to make you move on but buddy its been two years. All you do is work and go home. Thats no kind of life. One date."
"My sons need their only living parent more than I need to get laid Josh. You're a father now, what if something happened to Donna? You would cling to the final memory of her."
"Part of taking care of your sons is taking care of you."
"Tell me more about her, what's her name?"
"Claudia, she's great. She works at the ACLU, Masters from Berkeley. John six feet of hotness. If I didn't love my wife I would definitely try to talk to her."
"So if she's so great why is she single?"
"She divorced."
"Kids?"
"Nope."
"Why'd she get divorced?"
"Ex has a bit of a temper and she's a spitfire on her own so them together-"
"Catastrophic", John mulled it over a moment, "I'll meet with her for lunch Friday."
"Lunch?"
"Take it or leave it, this is out of courtesy to Donna, and please no more set ups."
"Great, trust me buddy its worth it."
--~*~--
Later that Evening
"Danny! Oh God!", CJ panted bracing herself against the headboard as she rode Danny. "Oh My God! Don't Stop!"
"Fuck! CJ!", he cried as he thrust upwards into her. "Shit you feel so good, Baby!"
"Danny!"
Moments later they laid side by side sweaty and breathy. Danny leaned over and kissed her shoulder.
"You felt great, I missed you so much. I'm glad you called me back."
"You should go", she sat up moving away from him as she reached on her nightstand, pulled a cigarette from the pack and lit it then passed Danny the pack.
"Can I stay for a while? We can watch a movie."
"No. You need to go."
"So this is how it's going to be? You call me at night to get your brains fucked out then kick me out. I want us to work it out and get back together."
"Danny I know I wasn't the only one in our marriage. You were there you know how it was. Everyday fighting. The only time we weren't is when we were screwing! We even argued then toward the end. I was miserable and so were you. And every time we try this again the results the same."
"I don't like this", Danny stood to redress, "So this is it? Just a quick fuck then I'm gone."
"I wasn't that quick and yes. It's the only way it can be", she stubbed out her cigarette then stood heading toward shower. "Let yourself out. I'll see you around."
--~*~--
The next morning CJ meant Donna for a quick breakfast before work.
"Hi CJ", Donna greeted her.
"Good Morning Mommy", they exchanged kisses on their cheeks and sat in the booth. "Hi Eva, your mommy stole my name", she told the child picking her up.
"Back on that?", Donna said looking over the menu.
"Eva was my name, but I must admit she wears it well. Don't you sweetie?"
"She does doesn't she. Oh before I forget, John said he'll go out with you Friday for lunch."
"Friday kinda far off and lunch? That's odd. He wants to check out me out first doesn't he?"
"CJ don't read into it. He a busy guy. His evenings are probably reserved for his sons. I honestly don't know."
"What did you tell him about me?", she asked before ordering a coffee.
"I didn't Josh did."
"Oh good God. Lord who knows what your idiot husband told him."
"Well that idiot is a second term congressman so he's doing something right."
"Or the people of Connecticut should stop drinking the KoolAid." They both laughed.
"Something is different about you."
"What?"
"You're glowing...you had sex!", she shouted louder than she meant drawing the attention of some of the patrons in the restaurant.
"Way to broadcast it Donna!"
"Sorry sooo, who put an end to the dry spell?", CJ just looked at her. "No, oh no CJ, Danny! Why are you toying with him like that? It's cruel."
"I'm not toying with him. We are two consenting adults who used to be married. Donna I was about to loose my mind and Danny always knew which spots to hit", she smirked.
"Ew, spare me the details or I will go into detail about me and Josh."
"Okay point made. I'll just say it was really really-"
"CJ-"
"Really good."
Donna crumbled up a napkin and threw it at her as CJ fell out laughing.
"Ignore your Auntie CJ, Eva. I'm going to have to cover her ears whenever you come over. So now what?"
"What?"
"You and Danny? Do I need to cancel the date with John?"
"No. I'll go to the lunch date and nothing is going on with me and Danny", her words trailed off as she stared at Donna with a blank expression on her face.
"I know that look so give, what else happened?"
"I think- I may have hurt his feelings a little bit. I kicked him out right after."
"I know you hurt his feelings. Danny is a good guy with a bad temper and he loves you."
"If I would have let him stay it would have sent a message that I didn't want."
"So you use him for sex and kick him out? What if he did that to you? I think you should call and apologize. Then don't call him for sex anymore. Enough of that, what's the dish at work?"
"Well Ericka Weiss in Human Resources is pregnant again with number five, Oh! And fine ass Ashton Douglass is getting married to Laila Fonseca in Research, you know the busty one that has all the guys drooling over her and Oh God so you know Marlene Cummings on the fifth floor, she..."
--~*~--
The Next Morning
CJ ran down the steps from her apartment building at five in the morning off on her daily jog. Since her CD player was broken she had to dig out her old walkman with her workout mix tape from the eighties.
"Old faithful you never left me down let's go Olivia", she said stretching her legs before she took off.
Same route every morning for the past four years, CJ could do it blindfolded.
Let's get physical, physical
I want to get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk
She sang as she ran on the path through the park. At one point she had her eyes closed, she opened them just as she was about to run into a fellow jogger, instead she ran off to the side of the track and tripped on a rock falling into a tree.The gentleman stopped to check on her.
"Are you okay?", he said laughing.
"Yes I think so and it's not funny."
"I'm sorry let me give you a hand", he saw CJ hesitate, "I'm not a psycho I promise", he held his hand up to God.
"Sure, thanks. I've always been a bit of a klutz but I think this takes the cake", she said standing with a limp.
"You sure you're okay?"
"I think it's just a light kiss-", she shook her head and let out a light chuckle, "bruise I mean. Light bruise", she tried to cover as she got lost in the gaze of the handsome southern gentleman standing before her. "I'm CJ by the way."
"John", he shook her hand and she noticed the ring. This can't possibly the John she has a lunch date with Friday, what was she talking about John is a very common name she thought for a moment too long.
"Are you sure your okay? You got kinda lost there."
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Well if you're really alright I bets be going. Put some ice on that so it doesn't swell."
"Are you a doctor?"
"No just a father."
"Oh", married with children, thats a hard pass, she thought. "Well thanks for the help."
"No problem take care CJ."
"You too John!"
CJ decided to turn back calling todays run done. Jogging back home she was shocked to see a redhead peaking over the banister on her front steps.
"What are you doing here Danny?"
"I brought coffee and sconces", he held up the bag showing her, "you know the orange cranberry ones that you like from the bakery on 10th."
"You can't just come by!"
"CJ I'm trying. Can I at least come up? Let's get off the street", he suggested dangling the bag in front of her. She let it a small smile and nodded toward the door.
As soon as they entered Danny put the coffee and bag on the table and they attacked one anothers mouth. They were naked in not time flat.
"Oh God!", CJ shouted as he kissed his way down her down body, "I need to shower", she said moaning feeling heady, "Danny, I stink."
"I don't care", Danny said as his head dropped down between her legs.
Thirty minutes later CJ stood moving toward the bathroom.
"I have to leave soon."
"I know I'm leaving."
"Danny wait, come shower with me?"
A smile appeared across his face as he ran toward the bathroom behind her.
--~*~--
The next morning CJ started off on her morning run same time same route. This time with her eyes were open and she ran into the same man.
"I'm beginning to think you are doing this on purpose, CJ right?"
"Yes John. I'm sorry, my heads all over the place. I was hoping this jog was going to help clear it a bit."
"Look I don't know you except that you continually run into strangers, you might want to rethink your work out routine", she laughed, "but I think you will figure it out."
"Thanks. And I'm really sorry again, can I repay you with coffee?"
"Uh,"
"I'm not a psycho I promise", she held her hand up to God making John laugh.
"Sure. It's a place up on the corner."
"The Morning Brew yeah, jog up there with me?"
"Sure", the two took off jogging side by side.
Once inside they both got a regular cup of coffee and sat down near the window.
"So what's got your head all over the place that you keep running into people."
"My ex."
"Ah, Classic conundrum."
"We recently have been seeing each other socially,"
"Socially?", John questioned.
"Intimately."
"Oh so that's what they are calling it these days", he smiled. "So you are making up or just making whoopie?"
CJ smirked at the terminology. "No that's just it. I don't know what we are doing. I just feel-...you know how they say everything has its season, Danny and I had our season."
"So why are you still with him? I know a beautiful woman like you don't have a problem getting a date."
"No, but that's just it, I just don't want a date. I'm at the point in my life where I want more."
"So I'll ask again why are you still with him?"
"What are you a lawyer?"
"Yes, stop evading the question or I'll have the judge order you to answer." CJ smiled at this.
"The sex? He knows me, my body, it's familiar, and despite everything he was damn good at it."
"I think it's more than that or I hope it's more than that because you both deserve more. But honestly do you still have feelings for him."
"Of course I do we were married for three years. I love him. I'm just not in love with him but for some reason no matter how much I try to shake him, I'm drawn to him. My friend said it's cruel to use him for sex", she said while stirring her coffee, "and that I should end it and get back out there."
"Sounds like your friend is smart. Maybe you should listen to her."
"Or sometimes a total stranger can come along with the anwers to all your problems", she smiled at John. "I have a date Friday."
"You should go."
"I am. I promised my friend but I don't see it going anywhere."
"Why?"
"It's a lunch date. What kinda jerk sets up a first date over lunch? It says I'm too busy to wine and dine or cheap to take you out on a real date."
"Huh, uh CJ?"
"Hmm?"
"What's the C stand for?"
"Claudia."
"Yeah, I though so", he mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. What would be your perfect first date?"
"How much time do we have?" They laughed. "Uh really I've never been asked that."
"Off the top of your head."
"Okay, I would want him to take me to his favorite place to go and unwind. There we can talk, have a picnic and really get to know one another. If you think about it, if you are comfortable and relaxed all of those first date jitters go away. And more of the real you comes through."
"It seems to me that he would be relaxed but what about you? What if his idea of relaxation isn't the same as yours?"
"Ok but listen. If I'm relaxed wouldn't you naturally relax as well?, and vice versa, when I'm tense and stressed my team at work is tense and stressed."
"I get it..interesting theory. So no fancy restaurants? Just picnics in the woods."
"Well we aren't saying no completely to fancy restaurants", John laughed loudly this time.
"Of course not", John looked at his watch. "Oh my look at the time. I need to go. Look thanks for the coffee. It was great running into you again,"
"Literally", CJ added, they both laughed.
"Exactly, I have to get my children up and ready for school. Have a great time on your date if I don't run into you again", he smiled throwing his empty coffee cup away.
"Thanks bye John", she waved from the table.
--~*~--
Two days later, CJ paid a visit to Donnas after work.
"Hey! What are you doing here?", Donna greeted her at the door.
"I need to talk. Josh home?"
"No but Ginger and Bonnie are on the way over with their son."
"Cameron? God that kid is hell on wheels. I don't see how they do it with him. I love Ginger and Bonnie but that kid is annoying as shit."
"CJ hes only a toddler. Is this how you are going to be with Eva?"
"Eva isn't going to be anything like him. For one I'm her Godmommy and if you or Josh won't knock some sense into her I will. Kids only do as much as you let them."
"Again he's three. Anyway what did you need?"
"Danny."
"Lord I wish I could drink for this conversation. I could write a novel based off you two. What's happening now?"
"He's been over every night so far this week."
"CeeJay!"
"I know!", she flopped down in the chair. "Tell me what to do."
"You realize that you are older than me. I should be coming to you."
"Why you and Josh are great." Donna face told her different. "Damnit, every time we talk lately its been about me hasn't it? I'm sorry, don't worry about the CJ Danny saga, what happened?"
"Nothing in particular. He wants me to stay home with Eva and have another one so that they can be close in age."
"'Nothing in particular'? that's huge! What are you going to do?"
"That's just it, I'm not sure. He hated that he and his sister Joanie was so far apart in age. I just have a feeling that if I stay, I'll become a stay at home mom and end up missing out on so much in my career."
"Have you told Josh?"
"No, he's going to be disappointed."
"So. It's not fair for him to spring this on you. You guys spoke before right, Eva was planned."
"Yes. The plan was go back after five months then in two to three years have another one. Just like Ginger and Bonnie are doing."
"Then you need to talk to him. Compromise. Instead of two to three make it one to two. They still will be close. He and Joaine was what six years apart?"
"Eight."
"One to two is a hell of a lot closer than eight. Honey Josh loves you just talk to him. How about this, why don't I take my Goddaughter after my lunch date for the weekend while you and Josh have a relaxing weekend just the two of you."
"You watch Eva by yourself", Donna said incredulously.
"I'll make Danny help", she smirked.
"Ceejay", she sighed, "Oh by the way its not Friday for lunch anymore, he called Josh he wants to do it Friday evening he said he'll pick you up."
"What? Who is this guy! Maybe this is a bad idea. I don't want him to know where I live."
"Get ready here. I'll tell Josh. Honey trust me. I think that he will be the perfect solution to what you are seeking. And thanks for the advise."
"Anytime."
The door bell rung interrupting them.
"Oh that's them."
"I'm going to sneak out back door."
"CJ stop it", Donna said walking the front door. "Stay or I'll tell them that you want to watch Cameron this weekend too."
"You are a wicked woman Donnatella Lyman!", CJ shouted as Donna laughed all the way to the door.
As soon as they stepped in Bonnie took Cameron off the leash and he barreled through the house screaming.
"Cameron!", his mother called. "I would really like for you to walk and use your inside voice if you want to."
"Well he kinda has to Eva is sleeping", Donna said hugging the couple.
Cameron continued to run until six foot CJ walked right up to him, shhing him which made him stop dead in his tracks. He ran back to his parents cowering behind his mothers legs.
"CJ, I should have known you were here. Every time he sees you he is so unlike himself", Ginger said as she hugged her.
"It's good to see you too. What are you now six seven months?"
"Seven and I'm ready."
"Hey Bon. You look good."
"Thanks Cameron keeps us on our toes."
"I bet", CJ replied earning her a pinch from Donna.
"Come in and sit guys. Can I get anyone a drink? What about Cameron? I have some baby carrots in there."
"Are they organic?", Ginger asked.
"You know what I didnt look", Donna saw CJ roll her eyes.
"Its okay, we have something for him but get Ginger a glass of water please", Bonnie said.
"Filtered or from the tap", Ginger added, "No plastic bottles, Please."
"I got it", CJ offered. "Sit Donna", she suggested smiling.
When she came back in she sat next to Donna listening to Ginger droll on about Monsanto, GMOs, and how they block your chakras or chi or whatever the hell she was talking about. CJ pressed the button on her pager after fifteen minutes and made her excuses to leave. Donna walked her to the door.
"I know you did that on purpose", she whispered.
"I couldn't sit through that anymore, you should have let me leave through the back door."
"Well you're buying the next time we go out."
"I'll buy the next three times not to have to listen to that. I'll see you Friday night to get ready."
"Okay. I love you honey."
"You too, bye."
--~*~--
Thursday Evening, The Hoynes Household
John walked to his eldest sons room that night after the other boys were already in bed. His son was at his desk finishing homework.
"You should manage your time better after school so that you don't have to stay up so late finishing your work."
"I had practice and tutoring after school today", he replied not looking at his father.
John walked further in his sons room and sat his bed. "I need you to watch your brothers tomorrow night."
"Why?"
"I have a date."
"Is it serious?", he asked as he spun turning around in his chair to look at his father.
"Its only a first date but I think she wants something real."
"Well good you need to get some."
"Ryan!", John shouted at his fifteen year old.
"I'm sorry Dad but you have been stressing us out around here and moms been gone for two years. Its time. So I'll watch Cody, Aiden and Noel you go out and have fun", he said with a smile.
"Thank you", John started to leave but turned back, "have I really been that bad?"
"Yes but we love you anyway."
"I love you too."
--~*~--
CJ and Danny laid in the bed snuggled under Dannys arm laying on his chest in a quiet dark room that evening as they were coming down from their post coidial high.
"I love you CJ."
"I have a date Friday night."
"What- Did you just say you had a date? Tomorrow night?"
"Yes."
"CJ what have we been doing? I thought we were working towards something here."
"I'm sorry."
"I think I deserve more. This wasn't just sex. You can tell yourself whatever you want but I felt it."
"I-"
"I want a chance Claudia. I've been doing good. I want a family with you. I love you. Three months. Don't go on that date give me three months."
"I can't cancel. It's a friend of Josh's."
"My best friend set my ex wife up on a date?"
"Danny, please don't get upset."
"No, I'm not upset." He lied, Danny was boiling.
"You're not?"
"Nope. You know what, go on your date."
"Seriously?", She sat up and turned on the light. "You're being serious right now?"
"Yes."
"Why? What's your game?"
"No game. If this is what I have to do to win you back fine."
"What if I still say no?"
"Then I'll give you my good wishes on a great future and I'll stop pursuing you. I just want my chance to show you how I have changed and how we can work again."
"I don't know Danny. It feels wrong." She reached for a cigarette and lit it. "I should have listened- I shouldn't have started this again. Danny", she turned toward him, "I think that it is in everyone's best interest if we stop now. Someone is going to get hurt, I don't think you should stay the night tonight. I'm sorry. This is all on me."
"One last night together?"
"Danny-"
"Tonight. I want to hold you one last time."
"So what we make love again fall asleep in each other's arms and wake up and go our separate ways? I don't want that."
"Did you hear what you said? You said make love. Not screw or fuck. Make love."
She was quiet for a minute then she spoke, "I did didn't I?"
"See I told you it was more than just sex", he said smiling.
'Maybe it is', she thought.
"You have spent so much time pushing me away, mad at me, with good reason, but still you love me."
"I have never denied that. Three months you proposed?"
Danny was grinning, "Three months baby. Are you going to cancel your date?"
"No. I promised but afterwards we'll try?"
"Can we start now?", he asked moving his hand up her legs in between her thighs.
"Yes", CJ purred as his fingers danced over her center.
--~*~--
Friday Night
"So did he tell you where we are going?", CJ asked Josh as she snapped the strap on her heels.
"No he just said its going to be unorthodox."
"Oh Lord what have I gotten myself into?", she said reaching for her cigarettes.
"No", Donna snatched them. "No more smoking you've had two since you got here. Nobody wants to talk to or kiss an ashtray."
"No one's kissing anyone Donna."
"What about you and Danny?"
"Donna?", CJ stared at her trying to figure out what she was doing bringing that up with Josh in the room.
"Why would that be an issue? They're divorced", Josh said blankly as the door bell rang. "That should be him, I'll get it."
As soon as he left CJ erupted. "Why would you bring that up Donna?"
"CJ why are you going on this date? From what you just told me against all of the advise I have given you, you and Danny are going to give it another try. Dragging an innocent guy into it is only going to lead to him getting hurt! When I suggested that you two go out you were done with Danny for the twentieth time."
"I know Donna!", CJ sat down on the bed. "I don't know what I'm doing. I swear it was just sex at first but I can see the change in Danny. But I'm also afraid to trust it. What will happen when we fight, because it will happen, will I be mad at myself once again for falling for him?"
"You know I think that you and Danny are still in love with each other to a degree, it's engrained on your souls. That's why you can't say no to him. And CJ it was never just sex. That why I said don't call him, because I could see that pull that attraction between you two."
"Do you remember that time we went to Bermuda and we rented that bungalow by the beach?", CJ nodded. "Do you remember how Josh and I said we would never share a room with you two again." They laughed.
"Every five minutes you and Danny were all over each other. You guys only came out the room to get food and water until the last day of the trip when we had to pull you two to the beach. That's you guys and you want that so bad you keep going back to him hoping it's different, hoping for change and now that he's giving it to you... CJ I'm not going to tell you what to do, cause you don't listen anyway", CJ laughed, "but be careful. I know your heart, I've seen it broken before, and I never want to see my friend like that again."
"I think you need to go on this date. You need to know that you can love another and that he can give you what you are looking for. Not saying that Danny can't-"
"I know Donna, I know what you are saying and thank you. Now I think we have left my gentleman caller waiting long enough", CJ said taking one last glance in the mirror before she descended the stairs. She opted for a beautiful v-neck red silk blouse and form fitting black slacks with her black Chanel pumps. "You think this is too casual?"
"No, you look great. Let's go."
As CJ descended the steps she heard a familiar voice and standing in the foyer was none other than the man she spilled her guts to in the coffee shop earlier in the week.
"John?", she spoke gathering everyone attention.
"CJ", he smiled knowingly.
"You two know each other?", Josh asked as he placed his arm around Donna's waist looking at the two.
"Yes, I ran into him this week jogging. Oh God, that's why you changed it to Friday night?", CJ was flushed with embarrassment.
"Huh?", Donna asked still lost.
"These are for you." John handed her a bouquet of spring flowers. "This is also a hint of where we will be going this evening."
"Thank you they are beautiful", she smiled quizzically wondering what he had in store for them.
"Shall we?", he asked holding his hand out to her. As she looked to hesitate he said, "I'm not a psycho I promise", he held his hand up to God.
This made CJ burst into laughter. She handed the flowers to Donna who offered to put them in water for her and reached for his hand never breaking his gaze.
As they left, Donna stood with Josh staring at them enter the car.
"I think that's her guy."
"I think so too."
"Josh,"
"Hmm?"
"I want to go back to work. In a year or two we can try for another one."
"Okay." Donna turned to look at him.
"Are you being serious? You are okay? Because the other night-"
"Yes, I'm okay. I would never push or force anything in you. I know your career is important to you. Just promise me that you won't push it back any further than two years."
"I can do that, thank you", she kissed him. "I was afraid that you would be upset."
"Never. We can work it out always. Just talk to me."
"You know Eva is still sleep, why don't we go upstairs", Josh kissed her his reply as she pulled him towards the steps.
--~*~--
Botanical Gardens, District of Columbia
"How long until I can remove this blindfold?", she questioned as she stepped on softer terrain.
"Just a little further and keep it down. Trust me." He guided her a little further and removed the scarf that was over the eyes.
"Oh my- its beautiful", CJ said as she looked at the beautiful view in front if her. "This is- are we even allowed to be here?"
"No, so sit." At her feet was a blanket and picnic basket. Surrounding them was the latest exhibit. Spring Bouquet. Thousands of flowers that illuminated naturally in the night under a clear sky and a crescent moon. There was even a creek with a small red bridge across it.
"John", she was speechless. "Is this your most relaxing place?"
"No that would be horse back riding on the ranch in Texas. Maybe someday we can go. If that's not too presumptuous."
"No, it's not", CJ smiled. "So why this place?"
"Its beautiful and peaceful. I want to get to know you."
"Well you obviously know who I am."
"Guilty, I may have looked you up after Josh told me about the date."
"So me running into you?"
"May not have been entirely by accident."
"A little reconnaissance? Why?"
"My life is complicated. I work in a high.profile job and my children are my top priority. So when Josh told me about you, I wanted to make sure that you were serious. If I put myself back out there it can't be for anything less. I'm too old to play games. I'm not saying I want to get married tomorrow but..."
"It's something you do want."
"Yes, but that woman would know what I expect and know the baggage that comes along with me."
"Like what?"
"Well for one my boys will need a new mother, I have professional goals, and I would also like to try for a daughter. I want to spoil her and buy her tiaras", he laughed. "I also have requests of a personal nature that is saved for my spouse to be."
"Oh now we are talking spill."
John laughed out loud. "Oh no, your turn. How's the ex?"
"Well I was hoping you forgot that."
"You wish", they both laughed. "Spill", he said making her smile.
"Uh, We kinda decided to try for three months to see if there's anything tangible between us."
"Do you think there is?"
"I don't know, I feel everything I'm supposed to when I'm with him lately but I also feel like I'm constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop and that's not fair to him."
"Nor it's healthy for you. Can I make a suggestion and then we don't have to talk about your ex anymore?"
"Yes please."
"These next three months abstain. Remove the nookie from off the table, not suggesting you did it on the table,"
"Oh John", CJ fell back laughing. John couldn't help but join.
"Seriously", he said after they calmed down a bit. "You think clearer sometimes without sex involved. See if your feelings are true about him or if its just clouded."
"I'll think about it. Thank you. But can I ask, is there going to be a second date for us?"
"I would like the opportunity to continue to get to know you better in a second date so yes. If you want to."
"May I ask why? You know if my possible reconciliation with my ex, why would you want to go out again? Or why didn't you cancel today after the coffee shop?"
"Because I think a little girl with your eyes and smile would be perfect."
CJ smiled bashfully staring into his gorgeous grey eyes as he opened the basket.
Hours later John walked with CJ hand and hand up the stairs to Donna's house once at the door she slipped off his jacket and handed to him. The spring night had gotten cooler and CJs sweater was too thin.
"I really enjoyed your company this evening Claudia."
CJ smiled at how beautifully her name rolled off his tongue. No one besides her father called her that not even Danny.
"I had a wonderful time as well. Even when the security guard found us and chased us out", she said making them laugh.
"Can we do this again soon?"
"I would love that. How about next Saturday?"
"Sure. Come over, I'll barbecue. You can meet the boys."
"So soon? I don't think it's such a good idea. Why don't I plan something since you knocked the first date out of the park."
"I would like that."
"Well I better get inside", she suggested wishing he would grab her and kiss her senseless.
"Yeah, have a good evening", he waited for her go inside before he went back to his car.
Once inside she found Donna sitting in the living room watching some Lifetime movie feeding Eva. As soon as she peered the corner a smile was smeared all over her face. Donna turned down the TV and straightened up as much as she could with Eva attached at the breast.
"Tell me!"
"It was wonderful! Hands down best first date ever. Donna he is so perfect, Ugh! why did you let me fall back into the Danny trap!", she said collapsing on the chaise.
"You better be happy I can't get up right now or I would throddle you. I told you CJ! but you and Danny has this damn magnetic fatal attraction to each other. Now you have given the man hope. What are you going to do?"
"What John said."
"He knows? Wait, you talked to him about Danny?"
"Yes it's a long story. Basically he said to give Danny his three months but to abstain from having sex. That way I'll be able to see and think clearly."
"Are you going to be able to do that? Do I need to mention Bermuda again?"
"I think we need to. We had sex day one. I need to know for sure, you know now that he's changed and all."
"Well good. I hope you stick to it. And for the record I think it's a great idea. What about John?"
"We are going out Saturday."
"Still?"
"Yes, his idea. When I asked why he said because a little girl with your eyes and smile would be perfect."
"Damn he's thinking procreation already? Thats- I don't know creepy or sweet."
"I'm going with sweet. The only thing that would have made the night better would be if he would have kissed me."
"Aw no kiss? That sucks but maybe that's good. He knows what he wants but he's willing to wait. It's not like you aren't completely unattached. Regardless of the divorce papers you and Danny are still going to give it another shot he has to protect himself too."
Donna moved her daughter to her shoulder to burp her. "I love Danny but I think John is who you need now."
"Yeah, I'm kinda thinking that too."
--~*~--
Early the next morning, Danny showed up to CJs apartment once again after her five o'clock run.
"One on these mornings feel free to join me you're getting a little thick around the stomach there", she smiled greeting him.
He followed her upstairs and once the door was closed Danny grabbed her kissing her while trying to pull off her workout tee. When CJ reluctantly pushed him away he was genuinely perplexed.
"What's going on? I thought we were going to give this a try again."
"Danny sit."
As he sat in the couch CJ nervously paced for a minute then sat on the chair across from him.
"Danny I want to give us a try as promised the other night but I want to put a stipulation on it."
"Shoot."
"If we really do this, I mean for real Danny then, no sex."
"What!!? For how long?!"
"The entire time. Three months."
"What if I don't want that CJ!? Sex was a pivtol part if who we are! Its how we connected and expressed our love for the other."
"That's just my point Danny. From our first date down to post divorce we run through these cycles of just sex and fighting. We take a break then try again by having sex and it never works. Last night John suggested that we abstain and I think he's right. We need to see it we can be with each other without that."
"John suggested", he let out a half chuckle. "So you are taking advise from the other guy!", he stood screaming. "He's trying to get in your fucking pants CJ!"
"So are you!", she stood shouting back at him.
"Did you fuck him last night? Is that what this little game of yours it's about? Because we sure did screw on our first date!"
Out of no where a slap across Danny face, it stung like hell but he didn't loose his footing.
"Fuck CJ!", he shouted.
"Get the hell out now Danny!"
"CJ-"
"No leave or I will call the police!"
Danny knew from prior situations that she was serious so he left without another word.
Once gone, CJ locked the door and slid down behind it crying.
--~*~--