{"id":739,"date":"2012-02-13T00:01:49","date_gmt":"2012-02-13T06:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jackofharts.com\/?p=739"},"modified":"2013-02-25T00:18:19","modified_gmt":"2013-02-25T06:18:19","slug":"tj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/?p=739","title":{"rendered":"T&J"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello, my name is Jack.\u00a0 I hope you still know T&J when you read this.\u00a0 I grew up listening to them sing.\u00a0 During The War they started doing USO tours, and they kept it up afterwards.\u00a0 I go to their concerts whenever they are nearby, and they do get around.\u00a0 A while back, I went\u2026many years without seeing them.\u00a0 I was really far away.\u00a0 When I got back, I made it a priority to track their concert schedule down.\u00a0 I may be biased, but they really are<\/em> that good.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T&J<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s silver car cut through the evening gloom, over the glowing lights of Landing City below.\u00a0 It was a beautiful car, one he never could have purchased back in America.\u00a0 After Yosemite fell, nothing like this was built, and the ones that remained were more valuable as spare parts to keep useful<\/em> vehicles operating, so they just weren\u2019t seen anymore.<\/p>\n

Here on New Earth though, The War was a distant thing.\u00a0 Six months after Yosemite, New Earth had hardly been touched.\u00a0 Even the space battle on New Years had been precisely that.\u00a0 A space battle, with no real damage happening to the planet.\u00a0 He\u2019d heard that the president of the Chinese colony on planet had even come to Landing to negotiate an \u201camicable understanding\u201d between the two colonies.\u00a0 He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Betty asked, sitting in the passenger seat in big mode, wearing her favorite yellow sundress.<\/p>\n

Jack shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt just seems odd.\u00a0 After two hundred years, there might actually be a true planetary president of New Earth.\u00a0 Never thought I\u2019d live to see the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s the only play they have,\u201d Betty answered.\u00a0 \u201cWe could invade at any time and they don\u2019t have the navy to stop us.\u00a0 They have good ground defenses still, but we\u2019d be fighting over their<\/em> land, and they don\u2019t want another Yosemite over them<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, they\u2019re just talking about talking right now,\u201d Jasmine said from her seat on the dashboard in small mode.\u00a0 She tapped her blue jeans with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re just buying time for the Chinese fleets from the colony sectors to get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Betty whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the rub, I suppose,\u201d Jack interjected.\u00a0 \u201cDo we talk and give them time, or do we hit them now and remove any possibility of a threat?\u00a0 I\u2019m not certain I like either option.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither.\u00a0 I hope the politicos get it worked out though,\u201d Jasmine said and the car began nosing down towards the street below them.\u00a0 \u201cThis place is too nice to fight over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Jack whispered, not wanting to think about fighting anywhere<\/em> around Samantha.\u00a0 \u201cWay<\/em> too nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The car pulled out of the dive and flew down the road, hovering thirty centimeters above the ground on its grav plating as it approached the gate to McEntyre House.\u00a0 \u201cNorman says we can come on in,\u201d Jasmine announced as McEntyre House\u2019s cyber opened the gate and she turned the car into the driveway.\u00a0 She drove them under the trees and he saw fallen leaves scattered to either side of the driveway by the grav plating\u2019s pressure.\u00a0 They pulled up in front of McEntyre House, and the car lowered itself onto rubber tires to the sound of crunching dirt under them as they came to a stop.<\/p>\n

Jasmine smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s it for me.\u00a0 You can take care of Jack the rest of the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Betty nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d\u00a0 Jasmine turned to Jack.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for letting me dive you here,\u201d she added with a smile and came to her feet on the dashboard.\u00a0 Her white tank top and blue jeans faded away to be replaced by a long black dress perfect for a formal party.\u00a0 \u201cHow do I look?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRavishing,\u201d Jack said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Jasmine said and blew him a kiss as she turned to walk out the side of the car, making towards the house.\u00a0 Her holoform faded away as she walked outside the range of his holoemitters.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck, Norman,\u201d Jack whispered and smiled at Betty.<\/p>\n

She chuckled back.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll need it.\u00a0 Now you<\/em> get out there and greet your<\/em> date,\u201d she added with a shooing motion.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll engage privacy mode now,\u201d she finished and her holoform followed Jasmine\u2019s out of existence.<\/p>\n

Jack pulled in a deep breath, opened the door, and slipped out of the sports car, hearing the creak of genuine \u201cused to be a cow\u201d leather seats.\u00a0 He slipped one hand into a pocket and walked around the car to lean against it.\u00a0 He hooked his other thumb through his belt, crossed his legs, and waited for Samantha to appear.<\/p>\n

She stepped through the house\u2019s door wearing a short strapless red dress that seemed to shimmer in the porch lights.\u00a0 He looked down her bare, long, and shapely legs to the matching red pumps with a low whistle.\u00a0 He scanned back up to where her red hair blended with the dress perfectly and breath escaped him.\u00a0 She looked\u2026beautiful.<\/p>\n

She looked at the car, and shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2026bought a car<\/em>?\u00a0 How<\/em>?\u201d she asked, her slight Scottish accent twisting her question, and began walking down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Jack didn\u2019t move, more because he needed help standing than by choice.\u00a0 He really loved<\/em> watching her walk.\u00a0 He shrugged and worked real hard to take a controlled breath.\u00a0 \u201cWell, there\u2019s this thing called \u2018money\u2019 that you can trade for goods and services,\u201d he said, somehow without cracking his voice, and aimed a wink her way.\u00a0 She made it so<\/em> hard to try to look cool it was criminal.<\/p>\n

Samantha stepped up to him, leaned close, grabbed the scarf hanging around his neck, and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m aware of this \u2018money\u2019 you speak of.\u201d\u00a0 Her smile turned impish.\u00a0 \u201cI hear it makes people do things they would never<\/em> do otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack made a show of great sigh.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0 Why just today there was this amazing<\/em> salesgirl that really<\/em> wanted my money.\u00a0 She flirted<\/em> something great, but I think<\/em> she just wanted me for my money,\u201d he finished with a sad smile and lifted a hand over his heart.<\/p>\n

Samantha pursed her lips and patted the hand in consolation.\u00a0 \u201cShe dumped you when she got it, didn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack sighed again and gave her a sad nod.\u00a0 \u201cLike a hot potato.\u201d\u00a0 He patted the car.\u00a0 \u201cBut I got something to get over the heartache with,\u201d he finished with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cWanna go for a ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha\u2019s eyes opened wide and she smiled so big the freckles on her cheeks flared.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you\u2019d never ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

He placed his hands on her hips and stepped away from the car, moving her with him.\u00a0 He opened the door and helped her in, shutting it only after a thorough scan to make certain all of her was inside.\u00a0 It was the gentlemanly thing to do after all.\u00a0 He ambled around the car and slipped in, shutting the door behind him.\u00a0 A quick word sent it rolling down the driveway in silence.<\/p>\n

Samantha aimed a curious gaze at him.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are we going?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack chuckled and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I told<\/em> you, tonight\u2019s a secret<\/em>,\u201d he said with an admonishing finger.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not telling you anything<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised an eyebrow at him.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I feel compelled to warn you that if you intend to take advantage of my innocent nature, Daddy gave me some pepper spray.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack frowned and cocked his head to the side.\u00a0 \u201cI thought he trusted me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha sighed.\u00a0 \u201cOK, so he gave it to me before I had my first<\/em> date.\u00a0 But I still have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack looked her skintight dress up and down before smiling at her handbag.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019ll just have to take that first then, because you sure aren\u2019t hiding it anywhere else<\/em>,\u201d he said with a wink.<\/p>\n

Samantha rolled her eyes.\u00a0 \u201cMen.\u00a0 You forget all the really fun places to hide stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI<\/em> can think of a few,\u201d Jack whispered as the car flew out of the gate and began pulling up into the sky over the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha rolled her eyes and held her hand up to show the jewelry on her wrist and fingers.\u00a0 \u201cBracelet.\u00a0 Rings.\u201d\u00a0 She tapped her ear.\u00a0 \u201cEar rings.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to hide a little bit of \u2018oh my God my face burns\u2019 gas and a sprayer in any<\/em> of these.\u00a0 I\u2019ve even seen people do it in tongue rings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOuch,\u201d Jack whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI feel sorry for anyone who bit down wrong on that<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha snorted.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t.\u00a0 I know everyone it\u2019s happened to, and they deserved it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack caught a look in her eye that triggered his inner suspicious side.\u00a0 \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have had anything to do with that, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha shifted to innocent in a heartbeat.\u00a0 \u201cMe?\u00a0 Interfering with the operation of personal defense devices?\u00a0 That\u2019s a serious crime, Jack.\u00a0 Please.\u00a0 The fact that I was there to see it each time it happened is a complete coincidence.\u00a0 I assure you, dozens<\/em> of people were present at each occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack smiled, recognizing a cover when he saw one, and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI feel sorry for the poor guy that lost business because of those<\/em> problems.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha smiled and bit her lip.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t.\u00a0 But that<\/em> is a story for\u2026oh\u2026four years from now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack raised one eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cMmmm\u2026making plans for me already, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha tilted her head to the side and gave him a sly smile.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe.\u00a0 Or maybe there\u2019s a seven year statute of limitations,\u201d she finished with a wink.<\/p>\n

Jack laughed out loud in sheer amazement.\u00a0 When he finally got himself back under control, he rubbed his chin and just watched her, eyes wide open as he tried to reconcile this new glimpse into what he knew.\u00a0 It was awesome.\u00a0 He barely stopped himself from saying three words he really wouldn\u2019t be able to take back and brought a hand up this mouth just to have something to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026Wow\u2026Forget me<\/em>\u2026\u201d he said in a series of stammers.\u00a0 \u201cI have to worry about you<\/em> leading me<\/em> astray!\u201d he finally blurted out with a joyous smile.<\/p>\n

Samantha scanned him with one emerald eye.\u00a0 \u201cI admit nothing,\u201d she whispered with a sly tone.\u00a0 \u201cBut you<\/em>\u2026you I know<\/em> have done things.\u00a0 I see it in your eyes every time you look at a totally innocent household chemical.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack placed a hand on his chest in mock horror.\u00a0 \u201cMe?\u00a0 Doing\u2026things like that<\/em>?\u00a0 No, Ma\u2019am<\/em>.\u00a0 I have not performed a single<\/em> illegal act in all my life\u2026in<\/em> my chosen State of residence\u2026since<\/em> my eighteenth birthday\u2026\u201d he qualified while waggling his eyebrows at her.<\/p>\n

It was her turn to laugh, an amazing and full laugh that filled the car with joy.\u00a0 Jack took a deep breath as he watched, and relaxed back in his seat as he realized he wanted to hear that laugh more often.\u00a0 He grasped the scarf around his neck with both hands and just enjoyed the sight of her laughing.<\/p>\n

Her laughter finally trailed off and she met his gaze.\u00a0 She picked up on his mood and a curious expression twisted her smile.\u00a0 \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack held his calm smile.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it comes to mind that I\u2019m wearing a scarf.\u201d<\/p>\n

She glanced at it for a moment, and back up to his face with a knowing smile.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been over a week and it just<\/em> comes to mind?\u00a0 You are<\/em> slow.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached up and tipped the brim of his cowboy hat towards her.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her brow furrowed at his response.\u00a0 \u201cJack?\u00a0 What just happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack pulled in a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI just realized that you gave me a great gift, and I have given you nothing in return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes softened and she laid a hand on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cJack\u2026you have no idea how wrong you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nervous energy ran through Jack and he desperately tried to come up with something witty to say but he had nothing.\u00a0 The car saved him by nosing down towards the ground.\u00a0 Samantha looked out the windshield and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Landing Stadium,\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 She turned back to him.\u00a0 \u201cBut T&J are there tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they are,\u201d Jack answered with a smile.<\/p>\n

Her brow furrowed and she gave him a hard look.\u00a0 \u201cBut they\u2019re sold out!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack chuckled and tipped his hat towards her again.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 They are<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The car dove down behind the stadium and Samantha looked at him in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s simple really,\u201d he said with a shrug, his confidence returning now that he was on familiar territory again.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m very much afraid that I cheated.\u201d\u00a0 He paused to smile at her.\u00a0 \u201cWhen we made that little bet about tickets, I failed to mention the fact that I know<\/em> Taylor and Jennifer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Samantha asked.\u00a0 \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack waggled his eyebrows at her.\u00a0 \u201cWe grew up together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The car dropped to the ground and rolled to a silent stop next to a small door with two guards next to it.\u00a0 Jack smiled and slid out of the car, swinging around it to open her door and help her out with a hand.\u00a0 She shook her head at him and pulled his ear down to her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anything you say about this is true\u2026\u201d she whispered in his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d Jack whispered back and placed one hand in a pocket.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll either kiss me for being smart, or hit me for cheating,\u201d he said with a smile and turned to look at the guards.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Jack,\u201d he said, pulling a wallet out of his pocket.\u00a0 It flipped open to display his I.D. and a holoform of his face appeared in the air, rotating so they could see him from all sides.\u00a0 \u201cAnd this is the my plus one,\u201d he added with a wave of a hand towards Samantha.<\/p>\n

One of the guards stepped forward and inspected the I.D. up close.\u00a0 Finally, he smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve been expecting you.\u00a0 I\u2019ll show you the way if you\u2019ll follow me.\u201d\u00a0 With that, he turned and opened the door.<\/p>\n

Jack aimed a triumphant smile at Samantha but she just shook her head as they walked up the stairs.\u00a0 The guard ushered them into the stadium and they walked through the warren of people runs behind the stage, watching people arrange clothing and instruments for the upcoming concert.<\/p>\n

Finally they made it to a temporary living room made out of thick, brightly colored curtains hanging from a metal frame.\u00a0 As they stepped in, the sound of organized chaos faded and Jack looked up to see a sky blue tarp over them.\u00a0 The room really was<\/em> designed to help people escape the chaos.\u00a0 A drink station on one side promised refreshment without being too ostentatious, and an array of brightly colored sofas and beanbag chairs filled the rest of the floor.\u00a0 There was enough seating for the entire crew to relax, and several people were taking advantage of the room at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack!\u201d two girls, one blonde and one brunette, screamed and jumped to their feet.\u00a0 They rushed him and jumped up to wrap their arms around his neck.\u00a0 He stepped forward to catch them and hold them close around the waists as they kissed him on either cheek.\u00a0 \u201cYou made it!\u201d they chorused again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI promised<\/em> I\u2019d come whenever I could,\u201d he returned with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

They examined the scarf around his neck for a moment, and then put their chins on his shoulders to look behind him at Samantha.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack?\u201d Taylor started.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you forget to tell us something?\u201d Jennifer finished.<\/p>\n

He turned to face Samantha with a smile on his face, and Taylor and Jennifer squirmed around in his arms to hang on his hips and look at her as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaylor,\u201d he said with a nod towards her blonde head.\u00a0 \u201cJennifer.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded to his right.\u00a0 \u201cMeet Samantha.\u00a0 She\u2019s my plus one for\u2026\u201d he trailed off as he realized he\u2019d been about to say \u201cfor the night.\u201d\u00a0 Samantha recognized his pause and her eyes widened in interest.\u00a0 Taylor and Jennifer exchanged gazes as well and he felt them lean back to get better looks at him.\u00a0 He finally sighed and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cFor as long as she wants to be,\u201d he said with a nod of his head towards her.<\/p>\n

Samantha\u2019s smile softened and Taylor and Jennifer examined her for a moment.\u00a0 When they turned their attention back to Jack they looked most perturbed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack,\u201d Taylor started.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe next time you fall in love,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGive us a heads up,\u201d Taylor finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Jack started to protest but stopped when Taylor and Jennifer\u2019s eyes flashed.\u00a0 He looked away towards Samantha and blinked in realization.\u00a0 \u201cDamn,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Taylor and Jennifer squirmed out of his arms and dropped to the floor.\u00a0 They walked over to Samantha and she gave him a questioning look.\u00a0 He nodded towards the two girls with a smile, letting her know they were good.\u00a0 She accepted their hugs, hugged them back, Jack breathed in and breathed out in relief.<\/p>\n

They said some words to each other that Jack chose not to focus on.\u00a0 He made a show of walking outside the room and letting the curtains close behind him.\u00a0 He studied the work going on behind the stage, technicians installing lights and smoke projectors in their places. \u00a0Over to the sides, sparklers and speakers moved into position with smooth precision.\u00a0 It looked like everything would be ready in time for the concert without any issues at all.<\/p>\n

After a minute, the curtain opened behind him and a blonde and brunette head appeared on either side of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to warm up,\u201d Taylor said with a hand on his arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou enjoy the room,\u201d Jennifer added.<\/p>\n

Taylor\u2019s hand flexed.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a good one,\u201d Jennifer finished.<\/p>\n

Jack nodded in agreement.\u00a0 They pulled him down to kiss him on the cheeks, and walked away, hips swaying back and forth.\u00a0 One hand in his pocket and thumb slipped through his belt, he watched until they turned out of sight.\u00a0 A long breath escaped his lungs and he spun on the ball of one foot to walk back into the relaxation room.\u00a0 A deep breath picked up the scent of rose blossoms on the air, and he glanced over to one side of the room to see them, seeping in a bowl of steaming water.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re nice girls,\u201d Samantha said from the couch she sat on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey said the same of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one?\u201d she asked with a knowing smile.<\/p>\n

Jack shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIf one<\/em> says it, they both<\/em> say it,\u201d he said as he sat down next to her.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s the way they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha laid her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her.\u00a0 \u201cDo they do everything<\/em> together?\u201d she asked in an innocent tone.<\/p>\n

Jack chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re always best together.\u00a0 Music, cards, studying.\u00a0 Get them together and everyone<\/em> around them will do better.\u00a0 It\u2019s like their two halves of the same brain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha threaded the fingers of one hand through his.\u00a0 \u201cYou know what I meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack sighed.\u00a0 \u201cYes I do, but I do not kiss and tell.\u00a0 So even if I did<\/em> know the answer, I would not say.\u00a0 It is their<\/em> story to tell, and I will not reveal it for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha snuggled in closer, pulled her feet up under her, and relaxed against him.\u00a0 \u201cGood,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n

They sat there, for a long time, just enjoying each other\u2019s presence.\u00a0 Time seemed to cease in the calming atmosphere of the relaxation room, and Jack loved it.<\/p>\n

\u201cJa-ack,\u201d two voices chorused and he opened his eyes to see Taylor and Jennifer smiling at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s ti-ime,\u201d Taylor sing-songed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to miss the concert, do you?\u201d Jennifer asked.<\/p>\n

Jack looked down at Samantha, not moving yet, and realized he didn\u2019t want to disturb her.\u00a0 He liked her just where she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe he does<\/em>,\u201d Taylor answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re hurt,\u201d Jennifer said with a shake of her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou travel over four lightyears just to see us,\u201d Taylor said with a hand on her breast.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then let the first girl you meet stop you short,\u201d Jennifer finished.<\/p>\n

Jack frowned.\u00a0 \u201cShe wasn\u2019t the first<\/em> girl.\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

Taylor and Jennifer shared knowing looks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe went shopping<\/em>.\u00a0 I saw lots<\/em> of girls that day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taylor and Jennifer shook their heads in time.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever you say, Jack,\u201d they chorused and turned to walk back out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least you can hear<\/em> from back here,\u201d Taylor said with a wink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll try<\/em> not to disturb you,\u201d Jennifer said and they stepped out, leaving the curtain to swing shut with a flutter.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch<\/em>,\u201d Taylor poked her head back in to finish and she was gone.<\/p>\n

Samantha finally moved, squirming out of his arm to place her feet back on the floor.<\/p>\n

Jack sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d she asked and ran her fingers through her hair.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve<\/em> seen them perform live.\u00a0 I<\/em> haven\u2019t.\u00a0 I want to watch.\u201d\u00a0 She slipped her feet back in her pumps and came to her feet.\u00a0 \u201cYou coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack sprang to his feet with a broad and charming smile.\u00a0 \u201cWherever you go, I shall surely follow.\u201d\u00a0 He crooked his arm out and she slipped her arm in his.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d she whispered.\u00a0 \u201cYou may escort me to the concert then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack breathed in deeply and felt his chest puff out in pride.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you would never ask.\u201d\u00a0 And with that, they walked out of the room and made their way to the wings of the stage.\u00a0 They stopped to watch the band warming up behind the curtains, and saw Taylor and Jennifer stamping their boots in preparation.\u00a0 Jack sighed and wrapped an arm around Samantha.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou love them, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack turned and wrapped the second arm around her, holding her close against him at the waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up with them.\u00a0 We did\u2026everything together.\u00a0 On the beach, in the bars, in our houses.\u00a0 There was this big group of us kids that just hung together no matter what.\u00a0 Swimming, surfing, dancing, music.\u00a0 I learned that household chemicals are great<\/em> at starting fires,\u201d he said with a wink.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes we fought.\u00a0 Sometimes we\u2026didn\u2019t,\u201d he said with a fond smile and sigh.\u00a0 \u201cWe did anything really, whatever we felt like doing at the moment.\u00a0 They are my friends, Sam.\u00a0 I love them with all my heart and with all my soul, and I will until the day I die.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed again.\u00a0 \u201cAnd as usual, they\u2019re right<\/em> about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes shifted back and forth as she tried to figure out what he meant.\u00a0 Then she had it and her eyes went wide.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2026you\u2019re in love<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled at her.\u00a0 This would be a step he could never take back.\u00a0 He bent down to her ear and took it.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

She shivered and leaned back to look at him for a long time with bright emerald eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou are the strangest man I\u2019ve ever met.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u00a0 I would be worried if you had met one stranger<\/em> than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Samantha rolled her eyes and patted the scarf hanging over his chest.\u00a0 She shook her head and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou Americans, always so invested in your Sirs and Ma\u2019ams, using them like a mantra of respect\u2026but you\u2026you make it sound like you\u2019re trying to disrobe me with your lips.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack smiled as an image of that came to mind.<\/p>\n

Samantha slapped him hard enough to bring him out of his imagination.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he asked in an offended innocent tone.<\/p>\n

She waved her finger in front of his face.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t be putting on that innocent act, Jack,\u201d she said in a stern voice.\u00a0 \u201cI know<\/em> what you were thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what you<\/em> were thinking about, but I<\/em> was thinking about a beach<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him with a disbelieving gaze and put a hand on her hip.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonest.\u00a0 I can see you on the beach<\/em> right now.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded towards Taylor and Jennifer.\u00a0 \u201cThey can too.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled in a deep breath, met her gaze, and took another mental step down that road with no return.\u00a0 \u201cSam, I want that very much.\u00a0 On the beach, off<\/em> the beach.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head with a smile and chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cI want you anywhere you want<\/em> to be wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

She aimed an approving smile at him and placed her hands on the scarf hanging over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it does occur to me that I owe you a swim<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 She tilted her head and looked at him with one emerald eye through a veil of red hair.\u00a0 \u201cAssuming you intend to collect.\u201d<\/p>\n

He lowered his lips to her ear. \u00a0\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

She giggled and leaned in close to him before turning her head towards Taylor and Jennifer.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Jack.\u201d\u00a0 She placed a hand on one of his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI know the risk you took.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t bother you?\u201d Jack asked, loving the feel of her body against his.\u00a0 He would give her an eternity to stop being there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 She pulled in a deep breath, her eyes still on Taylor and Jennifer.\u00a0 \u201cBut\u2026I think I understand you better now\u2026and that<\/em> I\u2019m happy for\u2026now let\u2019s watch the show and we can talk about this later,\u201d she finished and patted his arm.<\/p>\n

Jack followed her gaze with a smile and sucked in a deep breath.\u00a0 The smoke machines billowed, the sparks flew into the air, the lights flashed, and the curtains opened.\u00a0 Taylor and Jennifer stomped onto the stage, their jewel-encrusted cowboy boots flashing in the strobe lights.\u00a0 And to the twin strumming of guitars the crowd went wild.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Many, many hours later, Jack and Samantha slipped out of the ocean, dripping wet, and gathered up their things.\u00a0 She snatched his cowboy hat before he could and slipped it onto her head with an impish smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Cowboy,\u201d she said and ran her finger down his wet uniform.\u00a0 \u201cYou<\/em> still need to take me home.\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled, recognizing the sign that she\u2019d finished considering matters.\u00a0 He sighed, leaned in close, and whispered, \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hello, my name is Jack.\u00a0 I hope you still know T&J when you read this.\u00a0 I grew up listening to them sing.\u00a0 During The War they started doing USO tours, and they kept it up afterwards.\u00a0 I go to their[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-739","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-2304-forge-of-war-1stdraft","uentry","postonpage-1","odd","post-author-jack"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/739","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=739"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/739\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1843,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/739\/revisions\/1843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=739"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=739"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jackofharts.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=739"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}