Jealous Guy
Rated G
by The Jack Loving Misfit
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Three's Company, I never will, and I am not making any money from this.
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Chapter One: The Case of the Ex
"Jack!" Janet yelled to her roommate from the living room. The letter
she was reading was almost too much for her to keep two herself, even
though she had only read three sentences.
"You screamed?" He asked walking from the kitchen, where he was
cooking dinner, and watched in amusement as his friends face lit up with
every passing moment.
"Oh my god Jack! Do you have any idea who this note is from?!" Janet
exclaimed her eyes lit up and a huge smile filling up her entire face.
"Hmmm..the president?" He asked, pretending to wonder for a few
minutes. Janet glared at him.
"Be serious! Actually it's from an old boyfriend of mine, Jay
Turner."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "And this means what to me?"
"He's coming here - to Santa Monica - and wants to stay with me for a
few days!" She squealed in delight.
Jack dropped the plate he was holding and stared at her in shock. "He-
he.what?!"
"Wants. To. Stay. With. Me." She repeated slowly so he would catch
every word.
"Don't you mean 'us'? There is me and Terri living here too you
know," Jack sputtered, still trying to grasp onto the situation.
"I know, I know. But I think you'll really like him Jack, he's kinda
like you in some ways." Janet trailed off thinking of Jay. Jack forced
himself not to frown.
"But-
"Please Jack, let him stay.he won't be any trouble. In fact he can
sleep in my room."
"Oh no! He can stay, but the couch is going to be his home while he's
here," Jack protested.
"Thank you Jack! Hey, what's that burning?"
Jack's eyes widened and he dashed off to the kitchen where his meal
was burning in the oven. Janet laughed and went to her room to re read the
letter Jay had sent her.
Chapter Two: Jay
The knock on the door woke Jack up with a start. He'd only been
asleep for a couple hours, due to a horrid date and a few drinks and the
insistent knocking was not helping his already pounding headache. Slowly,
he walked from his room to the door and opened it, almost running into
closed fist, posed for knocking.
"Hey, you must be Jack.I'm Jay," The man on the other side introduced
himself. At the mention of the name 'Jay' Jack actually tried focusing his
eyes enough to make out what the guy looked like. He had short black hair,
and green eyes. He was taller then Jack, and had a good build. Jack opened
the door more so he could come in.
"Sorry if I woke you. It's just this was the only flight into
California that I could get. And I couldn't find a hotel, besides Janet
told me that I could stay here. So here I am," He said smiling brightly as
he set his bags down and flopped down on the couch.
"Yes, here you are,' Jack said in a grave voice shaking his head
slightly, trying to clear his thoughts. "You want some coffee or
something?" He asked Jay.
"Naw.too early in the morning."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that when you're supposed to drink
coffee?"
"Nope, stains your teeth. I drink four cups a day. One at 10:00 in
the morning, one at lunch and two at dinner. I drink water the rest of the
day. It keeps you're weight in check. You should try it," He suggested.
Jack just continued to stare at him.
"Right.you want me to wake Janet up?" He asked again.
"Good heavens no, I'm sure she had a long day at work and needs her
beauty rest. As you probably do. You look wiped out, I insist you go back
to sleep."
"Are you for real?"
"Yes."
Jack shook his shoulders in defeat and made his way back to his room.
He didn't really care what the guy did, he was too tired to care about
anything at the moment and sleep sounded like magic to his weary body. So
he collapsed on his bed and never gave Jay a second thought.
* * *
"What smells so good?" Terri asked Janet the next morning, neither
knowing of the little visitor in the middle of the night.
"Jack must be making us breakfast - for once," She said, yawning, and
stepped out of bed. The two girls opened their door to go to the kitchen
only to walk right into Jack who was also just waking up. They stared at
him in confusion.
"Jack? Did you just get up?" Janet asked him.
"Yeah.I thought you guys had cooked breakfast." He scratched his
head, also in confusion.
"We thought you did!"
"So who actually did?"
"Well if it isn't any of us who could it be? Larry?" Janet asked her
friends. Terri gave her a look.
"Larry knows as much about cooking as he does about charming a
women," She told Janet.
"Oh, sorry.then who could it be?"
As if on cue, Jay stepped out of the kitchen, cleaning his hands with
a dish towel. He smiled brightly and said good morning to the trio, his
eyes landing on Janet, who had a shocked expression on her face.
"Janet." He began before she ran up to him and hugged him tightly.
Terri and Jack exchanged glances at Janet's spirited welcome of her old
flame.
"Jay.when did you get here?" She asked him, when they pulled back. He
smiled.
"Sometime in the early morning.Jack let me in. I made pancakes for
breakfast, I hope that's okay with everyone," He explained, looking at
Terri and Jack behind Janet.
"Okay? It's excellent! I'm starved, Jack never cooks us breakfast and
he's a cook," Terri said in an excited voice pushing away from Jack over to
the kitchen.
"You didn't have to cook you know, you're the guest," Janet told him,
finally backing out of his strong embrace.
"Yes I did, I'd feel terrible if I didn't do something for you guys
for letting me stay here.by the way, have I told you that you look
absolutely perfect?" Jay complimented her as they two joined Terri in the
kitchen, hand in hand.
Jack stood completely still, watching them, a frown on his handsome
face. There was something about this Jay guy that he didn't like. He was
almost perfect, cooking breakfast, the coffee thing, complimenting Janet,
he was almost too perfect. He wasn't sure he was going to like having this
guy around for a week, or however long he was staying. Pushing his thoughts
to the back of his mind, he entered the kitchen with the rest of the gang.
Terri, Janet and Jay talked animatedly about things that had happened
around the apartment and their friends. Jay filled the others on his life
recently and whispered a couple things to Janet who answered with a laugh.
"Well, that was great Jay, thank you again," Terri said as she
finished off the last of the pancakes. Jay laughed when she burped a little
after word.
"Anytime, now Janet dear, do you think you can give me that tour of
the town as you promised me you would," Jay asked. Janet nodded.
"Sure, I'll meet you down in the first floor in a minute. I have to
grab some shoes and get dressed first."
"You look good now, but I suppose I wouldn't want any other guy
looking at my Janet that way. I'll see you in a minute."
She blushed, but left the kitchen to find something to wear that
would be comfortable, but appealing as well. Her roommates followed her out
of the kitchen slower, but surely. They waited for her by the door so they
could say goodbye.
"Okay, how do I look?" Janet asked her friends twirling around to
give them a little preview show. She was wearing short white shorts, and a
baby blue shirt, that wasn't to tight, but still showed off her body to an
extent.
"Perfect," Terri commented, beaming. "Just like that man of yours, he
is wonderful! Where did you get a hold of a specimen like that?"
Janet smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know."
Terri laughed and hugged her friend reassuringly. They both turned to
Jack, who had been pretty quiet the whole morning since Jay turning up.
Something entirely not like the Jack Tripper they knew and loved.
"Are you alright Jack, you've been kinda quiet," Janet said putting a
hand on his arm and squeezing it gently. His arm stiffened slightly and he
shrugged out of her hold, causing her to frown in wonder.
"Fine, I've just got a bit of a hangover that's all, have fun with
loverboy," He said in a snappy tone of voice. Terri and Janet exchanged
looks briefly.
"Alright.we'll talk later. Bye Terri."
"See you Janet," Terri called as she shut the door after her.
Immediately after the door was closed Terri turned to Jack and punched him
in the arm.
"Ow! That was for.?" Jack asked, making his way over to the couch to
sit down.
"I don't know, maybe for acting like a total idiot, jerk, asshole
even? What is your problem? You've been quiet, haven't been to keen on Jay
and trying to destroy Janet's good mood. She's your best friend, you should
be happy that's she's happy."
Jack sighed and ran a hand through his brown hair. "I know, I know. I
just don't like this Jay guy."
"Why what's wrong with him? I thought he was the best guy Janet's
ever brought home. Funny, smart, and he adores her that was made obvious.
Besides he made breakfast. Unlike some other male in this apartment," Terri
said with a glare.
"That's just it, doesn't he seem a little too perfect to you? Like
he's trying to hard or something. I mean, he makes breakfast, listens,
compliments everyone and everything. 'Oh, Janet you could never be dull',
'Have I told you exactly how perfect you look?' 'I wouldn't want any other
guy to look at MY Janet that way'," Jack said mocking Jay.
Terri continued to stare at Jack for a few moments. Then, suddenly,
she burst out laughing almost uncontrollably. Jack stared at her like she
had lost a few screws. She looked at him and slowed her laughing enough to
tell him why she was laughing.
"Do you have any idea how you sound?" She asked him. He stayed silent
expecting her to explain herself.
"You sound like a jealous boyfriend. You're jealous of Jay aren't
you? I mean who ever heard of the excuse that he's 'too perfect'? Is there
something you're feeling for Janet that you conveniently forgot to tell us
about?" Terri smirked at him.
"Are you crazy? Of course not. I don't think of Janet that way, she's
my best friend that's all," Jack said trying to assure her.
Terri looked unconvinced. "Right, and I'm actually involved in a
passionate love affair with Larry."
"Why Terri, I never knew."
"Shut up Jack, I'm serious here. Maybe you won't admit it, but I've
seen it time and time again. Ever since I've moved in here I've been
waiting for you two to get together."
"You really are a blonde aren't you?" Jack commented, only to have an
exasperated Terri hit him again.
"Whatever. I'm going to the hospital. You can wallow in your self-
angst. Alone. I'll see you later," She said ducking into her room to get
changed, leaving Jack alone of the couch to think about the mornings events
and Terri's words.
"Me and Janet? Yeah right," He said out loud, unsure of who exactly
he was trying to convince. Terri, or himself.
Chapter Three: Talking
Janet casually walked hand and hand with Jay down the street as she
pointed out different places that she liked or the gang had visited. She
had been having a wonderful day hanging out with Jay, but the events of the
morning were still in the back of her mind. Terri had been so excited to
meet Jay and very encouraging but Jack.what happened to him? He was quiet,
and slightly distant. Definitely not himself. He acted like he didn't like
Jay. She laughed at herself for that thought, who couldn't like Jay? He was
practically perfect!
"Janet? Earth calling Janet," Jay said snapping her out of her haze,
she hadn't noticed they had stopped walking. She shook her head a little,
hoping to clear out her thoughts.
"Sorry Jay, guess I zoned out a little there. What were you saying?"
She asked him as they took up walking again.
"Not much, I was just asking you what you were thinking about. You
were in, like, a complete trance," He said smiling.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just thinking about my roommates, that's all," She
tried to assure him. He furrowed his eyebrows before speaking.
"Anything you want to talk about?"
"It's nothing really, probably just a silly worry. It's just Jack, he
seemed a little off."
Jay nodded. "Yeah, he did seem tense. Not like the talkative joker
you described to me. Is he feeling ok? Personal problems or something?"
"I don't know. He hasn't said anything to me." She sighed. "I guess
I'll just have to ask him about it tonight."
"Don't worry, I'm sorry it's nothing to get jumpy about. Probably
just tried or some other minor thing. He'll be back to himself in no time.
Just wait, you'll see," Jay said positively, wrapping his arm around her
shoulders. He smiled down at her to show that everything would work out in
the end.
Janet smiled tentatively back up at him, then pulled her arms around
his waist. Jay was probably right. With Jack normally it wasn't anything to
big. His date might have ditched him or something, nothing to worry about.
Even though she tried convincing herself that that was probably the case
she couldn't help but wonder if maybe there was something.deeper wrong with
him. Sighing, she decided it would just have to wait until they got home.
Right now, she was going to enjoy her time with Jay.
"Hey! I've got an idea! Why don't we go to Jack's restaurant tonight
for dinner? That way maybe I can get to know him better and besides, I'm
interested in knowing where exactly this guy works," Jay suggested. Janet
smiled a genuine smile at her ex's concern and thoughtfulness.
"I'm sure Jack will be thrilled, and I know Terri loves to go out and
eat. Gives her an excuse to look good," Janet whispered to him as if she
were letting a big secret go. Jay laughed and led her into a small ice
cream parlor, ending the discussion of Jack for the rest of the day.
* * *
Jack glanced at the clock - again. And sighed - again. He wasn't even
close to closing hours and he already felt like he'd been in the bistro
forever. All he wanted to do was go home and relax. Not that he would
probably be able to do that. Not with 'perfect' Jay there to entertain the
girls and sprinkle them with stories and compliments. That is, if could
ever leave Janet's side.
The events that happened in the morning were still rolling around in
his mind. Everything from the breakfast, the endless flow of happiness and
especially the talk he had had with Terri right after Janet left to met
Jay. Seven hours later and he still didn't understand 96% of the thoughts
and emotions he was having. The other four percent that he did get, he
didn't like.
He was, however, glad that Jay was leaving after a week. He didn't
want to have to deal with him for any longer then that, it would be
torturous. Of course immediately after thinking that his brain would go
into over drive, asking him all sorts of questions. Like, and why exactly
do you hate him? Why should you be mad if Janet wants to pick up seeing him
again? Come on, admit it.
"But I don't have anything to admit!" Jack yelled in the kitchen,
frustration coating his voice.
"That's good to know," Felipe muttered, surprising Jack who had
forgotten all about him.
Blushing slightly at the confession of no confession, he busied
himself in the dining room receiving orders and such to get his mind off
certain subjects and to try and help him concentrate. But the thoughts that
had been plaguing him all day were never very far off. So when time to
close shop came around he breathed a sigh of relief, the customers had
seemed a little more annoying then usual in conflict with everything else
that was happening around him.
When the bell signaling the entrance of a customer rang, Jack growled
slightly and went to tell them they were closed when he was greeted by two
faces he didn't expect to see.
Jay and Janet. Together. Holding hands.
"Hey Jack! We were wondering if we could eat here tonight?" Janet
said with a grin. Jack swallowed hard and smiled weakly at the pair.
"Sure, just tell me what you want."
"Oh, Janet's been raving about you're chicken for so long I can
almost taste it now!" Jay exclaimed.
"We'll both have chicken," Janet answered with a smile. Jack nodded
and disappeared in the kitchen.
They're not together again already are they? He thought to himself.
Shaking his head he waited a few minutes longer for the chicken to finish
cooking. He glanced out of the door porthole and did a double take when he
realized what he was witnessing.
Jay and Janet were leaning across the table, kissing. And it wasn't
one of those friendly little pecks or over done nonsense kisses either, it
was the kind you gave to a girlfriend or boyfriend, the kind to savor.
Without his acknowledgment Jack's stomach and heart seemed to drop into a
bottomless pit. He rushed around and left the kitchen to give the
apparently happy couple their food.
Janet broke the kiss instantly after Jack emerged from the kitchen
with two plates full of food. He looked a little pale, and she hoped for
the life of her it wasn't because he had accidentally seen them kissing.
"Here's your food," He said, setting it down on the table in front of
them.
"Smells great!"
"Aren't you going to join us Jack?" Janet asked.
"No, I don't feel that good."
"Really?"
"It's nothing, just a little.stomachache, nothing serious. I'm just
sick. That's all," He assured and walked back into the kitchen.
It was the first time he'd told the truth all day.
Chapter Four: Terri's Observations and Together Again?
Terri walked into the apartment beat from her horrid day at the hospital.
First someone threw up on her, then she was slapped - twice - on the ass by
a drunken trucker who had a huge gash on his head. It was to bad a day for
her to even try thinking about, it only made her already pulsing headache
hurt worse.
She stumbled into the kitchen and saw Janet sitting at the table, dressed
for bed with some milk and plopped down in the chair next to her. Janet
raised an eyebrow at Terri's lack of steadiness and her level of not
caring.
"Hard day?" She asked innocently. Terri groaned and grabbed a glass then
filled it with milk.
"You have NO idea."
Janet smiled faintly and finished her glass then poured herself another.
Terri turned to her and cocked her head to the side as if to ask what was
wrong. Janet sighed.
"Jay. . . he. . . he wants to get back together."
Terri about spit out her milk and threw Janet a look. "Back together? As in
a couple sense?"
Janet nodded. Both girls were silent for a moment then Terri bit her lip
and asked the question that was hanging in the air - unanswered.
"So. . . what did you say?"
"That's just it. I told him I'd think about it. But, oh god Terri, I don't
what to say to him!" She exclaimed, running a hand through her black hair.
Terri reached over and squeezed Janet's hand reassuringly. "Just do what
you want. You know Jack and I will support us in whatever decision you
make."
This time Janet bit her lip, and shifted uncomfortably. "I know you will
Terri, but are you sure Jack would?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean he seems like, I don't know, like he doesn't like Jay very much.
And tonight, when Jay and I decided to eat at the Bristo he seemed
uncomfortable being around us, said he was sick."
"Jack's. . . Jack. He's probably just concerned about you. You know, he's
your best friend and in the end he'll be okay with everything. He'll have
too."
"I guess you're right Terri."
"Of course I'm right. When was the last time I wasn't?"
Janet laughed softly and again the kitchen fell quiet. Janet started to go
over the day in her mind. Everything had been great, they'd gone down the
boardwalk, gotten ice cream and talked like best friends. It was
comfortable and he obviously liked her. He was adorable and funny and well,
at the moment she couldn't think of a single reason NOT to go out with Jay.
"By the way, where is Jay? I didn't see him on the couch," Terri said
breaking the silence.
"Oh, he went to Mr. Furley's for a few moments. RF likes him, he'll be back
any time now."
As if on cue the door opened and the girls heard Jay call out Janet's name.
Terri turned to her friend and searched her face for a glimpse of what
Janet was thinking or feeling. She couldn't find any trace of anything.
"Terri? I know what I've decided."
Terri glanced up at her as she exited the kitchen to go and find Jay. She
went silent trying to hear the muffled conversation between the two in the
living room.
"Janet, hi."
"Jay. . . listen, can we talk?"
"Sure."
Terri heard Jay sit down on the couch because of the squeaky coil on the
right side. Mr. Furley still hadn't fixed it yet - he was right on
schedule.
"What's up?" Jay asked her.
"Well, it's about what you asked me right before we came home."
"Oh." There was a drop of confidence and happiness in his voice. He
probably figured if she had made her mind up this soon, he was on the
receiving line of some bad news.
"Yeah, I've made my decision and well, I'd love to go out with you and
start things up again."
Terri smiled for her friend as she heard Jay 'whoop' in victory and
happiness. She drank the rest of her milk and thanked god that one of her
roommates was happy. That was, until, she heard the door shut and she
instantly knew that Jack was not only home and had definitely heard that
last line but he was now suffering a broken heart. She frowned. So much for
the bright part of the day.
Chapter Five: Jack's POV
It's funny. Really it is.
It's funny how you can just happen upon the one person you know you
couldn't live without seeing every day and you don't even realize it until
someone else realizes it for you. You understand what I mean?
Here's the deal, I've lived with Janet for, what, six and half, seven
years? That's a long time. We've gone through a lot together. Roommates,
friends, landlords, a bunch of junk that I put her through (and vice-versa)
but in the end we're always together. Janet and Jack. The duo. Kinda like
the Jack and Jill. Batman and Robin. You get the deal. But, now I'm not so
sure how this is going to end.
She's with Jay now. Mr. Perfection himself. Pisses me off just thinking
about him being able to look her with that whole 'my girlfriend'
expression, and hold her hand and have it mean more then friendship. And
kiss her without having to hide behind some obscene gag or joking manner.
It really ticks me off.
Maybe what really burns me up is that everyone loves him like he's the
greatest thing since sliced bread. I mean, seriously anybody can play
perfect and nobody actually is. He's got to have some faults somewhere in
his character or personality. Something, anything. Maybe he's an alien or a
robot or something inhuman. Not that anyone would believe me if I ever
brought this to attention. I told Terri this morning and she laughed in my
face. Although a lot of women have been known to do that. . .
Back on the subject, I don't feel right knowing that that guy has his hands
all over her and gets her whenever he wants. I guess I don't think he
deserves her. She deserves someone who'll treat her exactly how she wants,
who'll make her laugh and smile (because she has a great smile) and won't
disappoint her. I don't think there is someone out there like that though.
I've been thinking a lot about what Terri said this morning. And now,
knowing what I know, that they are getting back together, it's like the
last stone in the pit of bad things that have been happening lately. I
don't want to lose Janet to some guy I don't know and definitely not
someone I don't trust or like. I don't want to lose Janet period. She's my
best friend. She's my Janet.
Oh my god. Did I really just think that?
After all these years of living together, having stupid little fights we
always resolve in a day or two, and generally just being there for the
other, I guess I've finally lost it. If I ever had it, whatever it is. I
just assumed she'd always be here - with me. Selfish thought huh? Well, it
you lived with a women like Janet Wood for as long as I have you'd feel
exactly the same way I do.
So guess some of the stuff Terri said this morning was true after all. Jay
really does care for her. Adores her actually. He likes to show that to
everyone enough. But the other part, am I jealous of him and Janet being
together?
* Looks over at Janet and Jay snuggled together on the couch and frowns *
Damn right I'm jealous. . .
hr width=50%>
Chapter Six: Reaction to the Action (Two Months Later)
"You're what?!"
Jack about choked on his breakfast as he stared at Janet who was positively
glowing with happiness. Terri's eyes were wide as his own only she looked
slightly more happy then he did.
"I'm getting married! Jay asked me last night! God, guy's I'm so happy,"
She smiled and hugged both of her friends, who were still too stunned to
move or give her anything other then a shocked expression.
"You are happy for me aren't you?" Janet said in a small voice when they
just continued to stare.
Terri was the first to snap out of her trance and nodded vigorously, before
smiling and hugging Janet herself. "Of course we are! Both of us are happy
for you!" She exclaimed, shooting a quick look at Jack.
"Right, ecstatic," Jack mumbled and managed a small smile for Janet's sake,
even though inside he could feel himself breaking all over the place.
Especially in his chest. But he did his best to put on the 'Jack Tripper -
just a friend' façade he'd been using since Janet and Jay started dating
two month's earlier.
He squeezed her hand reassuringly when she glanced at him with worried eyes
and left the kitchen to rethink his situation which was not screwed up -
again. By Jay - again. God, how he hated that guy. Just thinking about him
made him frown and want to hit something.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't even hear the kitchen
door open or hear Janet walk over to him, a sad and worried expression
clouding over her features. Jack jumped a mile high when she gently touched
his shoulder then nervously laughed it off when he saw who it was.
"Mind if I join you?" She asked softly. Staring at him intently. He just
nodded his head.
"Jack. . . are you okay? I mean, really?" She looked at her friend trying
to figure out what it was that was eating away at him. He had changed since
Jay had arrived over two months earlier. He still joked around a great
deal, but he didn't date anymore. The latter of which worried not only her
and Terri but also Larry. She hadn't been able to get through to him yet,
but this time she intended to make at least a little dent.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm alright. It's just hard for me to think about. I mean,
my little Janet getting married. Jay's a lucky guy," He said not daring to
look at her, afraid his eyes would betray him and his emotions.
Janet was unconvinced but decided not to push him too far, or he might tell
her anything.
"So. . . when is the big day?" He asked. Attempting to sound like he was
interested and happy for her.
"As soon as possible. We were thinking about another month. We've known
each other so long we figured it wouldn't be like rushing into anything,"
She explained the thought of the wedding replacing the bright smile back on
her face.
"A month? I take it this isn't going to be a big fancy wedding huh?" He
asked outwardly grinning, inwardly wincing at hearing how soon the worst
day of his life was coming. Didn't give him enough time to prepare for the
torture.
"Naw. . . we decided nothing big. Family, friends, small church. Small
reception. I didn't want anything fancy. And he agreed," She said.
Jack only nodded.
"Oh, by the way, Jay wanted me to ask you if you wanted to be his best
man?" Janet said, causing Jack's eyes to widen to a ridiculous size. Best
man?
"But, doesn't he have any friends of his that would be better fit for the
job? I mean, he barely knows -
"Nope he wants you. Come on Jack, it would mean a great deal to him. To
me," She pleaded, giving him the puppy dog eyes treatment. He sighed. For
her he'd do anything, eve if it meant being part of a wedding he disagreed
with because he just happened to be in love with the soon-to-be bride.
"Sure, you can tell Jay I'll do it."
Janet smiled softly and reached up to touch his cheek in a way to thank him
without words, but he grabbed her hand in mid-air and stared right in her
eyes. Neither person spoke. Jack just looked her and Janet stared back, a
confused expression gracing her pretty face. She may not have been the most
beautiful girl in the world, or the nicest all the time, or the best all
around. But to Jack, she was all of those things.
Without thinking he dipped his head towards hers and captured her surprised
lips in a heart-wrenching kiss. Not one of those playful kisses he was
known for giving, but a kiss that he poured all his pent-up emotions into.
Slowly he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer into his body as
the kiss deepened. When he felt her go limp in his arms and actually
respond to his kiss he pulled back to look at her.
Her eyes were clouded over, darker. And her lips were slightly swollen from
the kiss and a dazed look painted her features as she held on to him for
dear life. Questions were in her eyes, but there was a glimpse of desire
there too. Jack grinned down at her and reluctantly released her from his
embrace. It was only when they were no longer touching that she was able to
find her voice.
"Wha. . . what just happened?" She whispered it in a husky voice. So many
thoughts were racing her mind she couldn't even keep track of all of them.
As she looked at Jack he was grinning sadly, she wondered what had
possessed him to do that. It confused her. Because she was engaged and Jack
was her best friend. And she was pretty sure her best friend wasn't
supposed to give her the most mind-blowing kiss of her entire life.
"Well," He began, "I just kissed you."
"But why?" She asked, wanting an answer. Needing an answer almost as much
as she needed the air that she was breathing in long waves at that moment.
"Because everyone gets to kiss the bride. Just think of it as sort of a
goodbye kiss," He smiled then, lifted a hand to caress her face slightly
before getting up from the couch and retreating to his room, leaving Janet
alone on the couch.
She watched the closed door before turning around and sighing deeply. She
was confused, yes, her stomach was also doing cartwheels, her heartbeat was
racing and she couldn't figure out why. She even found her head whispering
to her heart that she was in love with Jay, and not to forget it. She
sighed again, leaned back on the couch and closed her eyes. This was going
to going to take a lot of energy and time to figure out. Two things she
didn't have an abundance of. Whoever said life was simple hadn't lived
with Jack Tripper.
Janet didn't hear or she the kitchen door silently swing shut as Terri sat
back down in one of the kitchen chairs. She leaned over on her elbows,
replaying the scene she had just witnessed on the couch. And she smiled.
Chapter Seven: Jay, Enter Stage Right
The apartment was quiet and still. Very quiet. Too quiet for Janet's
liking. She nervously fidgeted with her hands as she waited for Jay to pick
her up so they could go to lunch. She got up off the couch and started
pacing, although it didn't help her racing mind any.
Since that kiss with Jack two nights earlier, it seemed that that was all
she could think about. Her thoughts were consumed by the feel of his lips.
And nothing she did helped it any. It was like an aching for chocolate when
you were on a diet, once you take a bite it's nearly impossible not to stop
yourself from having - wanting - more. And Jay was like white chocolate,
sweet, but definitely not the real thing.
"Ugh!" Janet cried and once again sat down. This wasn't helping her any,
she was trying to convince her heart that Jay was the one she wanted, that
he was her fiancée. The real thing. Why couldn't anything be clear in her
life? Black and White. Good and Evil.
"Janet?" A male voice asked her, startling her out of her thoughts of the
night before and her own blind confusion. She turned and grinned sadly up
at Jay who was watching her in amusement.
"What'cha thinking about?" He asked as he lead her down to his car which
was parked just outside of the apartment complex.
"Oh, just some things. . . nothing important," She said, while in her mind
she was screaming and causing holy hell. All she really wanted to do was go
back to the apartment and sleep the rest of the day away - or think.
"Oh. Okay," Jay said, climbing into the drivers seat while Janet at stiffly
beside him. Something was definitely wrong, but he decided not to comment
on it. She would tell him when she felt fit too.
"So where are we going for lunch today?" She asked, breaking the
uncomfortable silence, trying to change the subject and get Jay to start
talking.
"Oh, it's this great Italian place down on -
But she stopped listening almost at the same time he opened his mouth. She
went right back to the night before and the way it had all played out,
going over every little detail in her mind. Was the reason Jack had kissed
her the way he had? Or was he being his normal playful self? She couldn't
be sure when it came to him. But she found herself wishing as the day went
on that it was serious this time.
Sure a long time ago she had had a crush on Jack. Who couldn't? He was
handsome, funny, smart and the greatest friend anyone could ever have. But
her crush had eventually faded into a strong bond of friendship. In the
back of her mind she never really let any of the aforementioned attributes
about him slip away, but she kept them locked away, for safe keeping maybe.
Never to be revisited in all the time they had lived together.
But not anymore.
No now, they were all back with a vengeance, pounding in her head giving
her headache after headache. She wanted to let it go, say forget it and
just move on with Jay and her soon to be married life. She wanted it like
she wanted. . . Jack.
And that was the last thing she remembered thinking before Jay led her into
a dimly lit Italian restaurant.
* * *
Jack fell into bed sighing into his pillow. It had been a long day. A very
long, painful, and difficult day. Something he didn't want to have to go
through again in a long time. Although he knew that he would be
experiencing a day similar to this one for at least a few weeks.
Of course, it hadn't helped that Janet hadn't talked, looked, or even gone
near him in the morning. Totally ignoring him, she didn't even raise her
eyes to look at him when he asked her what was wrong, she had just shrugged
her shoulders and continued to eat her oatmeal.
Terri, on the other hand, had been grinning like a six year old in a toy
store the whole time. Darting her eyes between Janet and Jack and talking
all through breakfast, perhaps making up for Janet's silence. He had no
idea what she had happened to make her so damned happy, but it got on
Jack's nerves. When he was down in the dumps, perky people always angered
him. And this morning with Terri had been no different.
His thoughts wondered back to Janet as he turned over on his bed to face
the ceiling. As if the answers were written there above his head. He
wondered what she was thinking, what she was feeling and why she couldn't
bring herself to even look at him afterwards. Had that kiss really been
that wrong of an idea?
He sighed again and closed his eyes, replaying the previous night in his
mind. Everything from Janet's announcement, to their brief talk and what
followed. When he kissed her he knew she wasn't going to jump right into
his arms and love him. He hadn't expected it, but he still felt
disappointed when it didn't happen. And for some reason, he had always
imagined the morning after would play out a little better. But small
miracles were hard to come by anymore. So he dealt.
A small knock came on his door and Terri ventured in, she watched him
briefly as he looked up at the dark ceiling then closed the door behind her
and walked over to sit with him on the bed.
"Hey Jack," She said, surprising him out of the trance he had been in. He
looked at her and grabbed his chest as if to tell her that she almost gave
her a heart attack.
"Good thing you're a nurse," He muttered and smiled sadly at his own little
joke.
"You okay?"
"Do I look okay?"
"No."
"Then I guess I'm not, huh?"
Terri frowned and bit her lip thoughtfully while she tried to think of a
way to word what she wanted to ask. "She hasn't talked to you yet has she?"
Jack tensed, then shook his head in obvious defeat. "I don't get it Terri.
Really I do, I didn't expect open arms, but I didn't expect totally
ignoring either."
She nodded. "She's confused Jack, I mean almost seven years of living with
a guy and he suddenly kisses her - after she says she's engaged - it would
screw up in the best woman's mind."
Jack opened his mouth to speak, then realizing that Terri actually knew
about the kiss, he looked at her, questions in his eyes.
"How did you know?"
"I have my ways," She grinned slyly then gripped Jack's hand in a friendly
reassuring gesture.
"You need to tell her."
Jack thought about that statement and knew Terri was right. He did need to
tell her, it had been playing on his mind and heart for way to long. (Even
if he didn't discovery it until only recently) But could he really do that
to Janet? Tell her right before she was to get married? He glanced over at
Terri and realized he had too. Or he would never know.
And that alone would drive him more insane then he already was.
"Alright, alright. I'll tell her tomorrow night, ok?" He said under his
breath. Softly. But Terri still heard.
"Good for you. You'll see Jack, everything will turn out right in the end.
I know it will," She smiled at him again then got up and left him alone in
his room. Back with the shadows, ghosts and his lonely thoughts.
Yeah, everything will turn out right in the end.
Yeah, right.
Chapter Eight: My Best Friend's Wedding, Part I
Despite his promise to talk to Janet, and tell her how he felt about her, Jack pulled a move that many a commitment phobic male had done in the past – put it off until the next day. And the next day, and the next. . .well, you get the idea. However, while this tactic saved him from what he thought of as almost certain rejection, he also didn’t seem to be using an kind of calendar or other time indicator, seeing as it was only three short days until Janet’s wedding day. And like many hot blooded females over the years, Terri was becoming increasingly impatient and agitated by her friend.
“Jack, you do realize what day it is right? And when the wedding is?” She confronted him at breakfast that morning, shortly after Jay and Janet had left.
He sighed, and kept his eyes peeled downward like a scolded puppy. “Yeah, yeah. I know what day it is.”
“So. . . what are you planning on doing?”
“Nothing.”
The sound of a metal spoon hitting glass bowls was never a pleasant sound, but accompanied with the twisted look of, was it, yes, horror, on Terri’s face the sound seemed only magnified and Jack winced when he saw it.
“WHAT?!”
“Terri, keep your voice down, huh?”
“Keep my voice – Jack Tripper, you had better explain yourself or I’ll. . . I’ll. . .well I don’t know right now, but it’ll be bad.”
“Look, I’ve been watching her for the last mouth and she’s happy. Happy, Terri. I can’t break that up. If anything, I need Janet’s friendship. And I won’t do anything to ruin her relationship with Jay. If that’s what she wants, then, well, she’ll have it. I just want her happy.”
Terri gaped at him in open shock. “Jack, I think that may be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say. And that’s saying a lot. If you had half a brain cell left you’d go and find that girl and tell her.”
“I killed that cell thinking about this whole thing.”
Terri threw him a look, but refused to respond to that comment. “I’m being serious, Jack.”
“So am I! You think this is easy for me? Watching her walk off into the sunset with that, god like guy? It’s no cup of coffee that’s for sure. But I’m putting up with it. Dealing the way I know how. So, please, let it be.”
Terri continued to stare at him in confusion, making it obvious that she would never understand his slightly warped logic to the situation. “There are times, Jack, when I really, honestly, do not get you. And I’d be lying if I didn’t say that this was one of those times.”
“You don’t need to get me, as long as I understand me.”
She shook her head and sighed, before pushing herself away from the table and gracefully standing up to take her plate to the sink. When that was done she turned back around to face him. “Alright Jack. We play it your way. Nothing happens. Janet marries Jay and lives happily ever after. Maybe. But what I don’t understand is how you can just sit back and let it happen. Janet will always be your friend. You and I both know that. Why condemn yourself for something that doesn’t need to happen?”
Jack averted his eyes again, and repeated Terri’s earlier motions. He walked to the door of the kitchen and glanced back at Terri threw pained eyes.
“If it doesn’t need to happen, then what does it matter?”
And he left.
When she was sure he had left after hearing the door open and close briefly, she took her previous seat and let out a long drawn out breath. This was turning out to be much more of a hassle and taking far too much time then she believed in the first place. Running a hand through her long blonde hair, she thought hard on a plan to convince Jack of what he need to do without making him revert back into himself more then normal. As a smudge of a defense formed in her mind, she tried to think of someone who could help her with this entire thing.
A wide, almost evil grin spread across her face when one solitary name fell into place in her mind.
Larry.
* * *
“This had better be good Lar, because I can’t say that I’m in too good of a mood today. And I’m really tired.”
“Yeah, I noticed,” Larry grunted in answer, but continued leading Jack to somewhere that was really beginning to scare Jack. Of course, he trusted Larry. Just not with his life.
“Are you going to going to tell me where we’re going?”
“Surprise.”
“Oh, really? And for what occasion is this that I deserve a surprise?”
“Ten year anniversary.”
“Of what?”
“Day we met.”
Jack smirked and raised an eyebrow as he eyed Larry’s back in confusion. “That one girl, Linda, was right after all. You really are kind of girly.”
Larry threw a look back at him, and sneered. “Ha. Ha. Ha. Hilarious Jack. Regular fifth Marx brother you are.”
“Fifth?”
“Yeah. Groucho, Harpo, Cheeko, and Zeppo.”
“Oh.”
Conversation stopped as they continued on their little hallway walk. Larry kept his face as stoic as possible while explaining the situation to Jack and then leading him on this little wild goose chase. When Terri had come to him with this idea, he had about doubled over laughing as he thought of Jack’s face when he realized what was happening. And the surprising cleverness of it, made Larry jump on the band wagon fairly fast. After, of course, seeing what was in it for him. Besides his friends happiness, of course.
And now here they were.
They stopped at a room down the darkened hall. Jack again threw his friend a strange look, but merely crossed his arms over his chest and just gave in without vocal protest to the weird look on Larry’s face. Or the erratic behavior.
“In you go, Jacky-boy,” Larry said in an almost satanic voice, that again, made Jack raise an eyebrow.
He shrugged and walked into the semi-light room. Once completely inside, he turned around, mouth open to confront Larry, only to be greeted with the door slamming and locking, in front of his face. He frowned and banged on the door.
“Larry? Larry! Would you open the door?!”
No answer came and he banged once more on the door, before sighing loudly in the strange room. He was about to turn around when he heard a very familiar, very distinct female voice that made him about freeze in his very steps.
“Jack?”
He turned around and looked up.
Janet. He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly suddenly realizing what was going on and wishing he hadn’t been blind in self-pity to see the plan being formed.
“Damn you, Terri,” He muttered to himself, before quietly walking over to where Janet was standing firmly in the middle of the room.
To Be Continued...