Somewhere Else

Chapter 15 - Dinner Night

“Fucking landlord fucking around with the heater,” Joey shouted as she tried to set up the fan. The past few days had been especially warm - it finally feeling like May weather. The problem was the heat wouldn’t shut off and the windows couldn’t be opened without the rain drenching the paperwork on the desk. The super was so concerned about the renovations to the building that he seemed to forget about being the fix-up guy.

Joey was especially stressed because Dawson was flying in tonight. She convinced Pacey and Jack to pick him up at the airport on their way into the city. Not the safest arrangement, that was for sure, but she was harried enough without arranging travel. Besides, she was finding comfort in the bottle of wine she’d intended to give to Dawson but now was her gift.

The dinner itself wasn’t the safest arrangement. Jen was supposed to play mediator but was forced to cancel. Charlie had rearranged his schedule to be at this dinner; this was before he was aware Jack would be coming. Joey had no clue where those two stood since she’d barely seen Charlie (with the two-job situation). Jen insisted they wouldn’t be a serious problem since the worst was behind them; however, they hadn’t seen each other since the breakup. So that anxiety was added to the inevitable drama with Dawson.

There was a knock at the door, followed by a couple different voices. Joey dashed across the room, then stopped just before answering to gather herself. She opened the door as though it was just anyone at the door. She forced a smile for the three guys as she greeted, “Nice to see everyone.”

Pacey immediately sensed how tense Joey was and swiftly wrapped her in a comforting hug. Though he still had the mindset that Joey was blowing Dawson’s presence out of proportion, it didn’t mean he didn’t want to show off to Dawson what he couldn’t have. Joey instantly relaxed in Pacey’s arms.

While this display was happening, Dawson and Jack brushed past the couple, carrying Dawson’s bags as they headed for the desk. Dawson ordered, “Put the money bag on top of the chair. They’ve been known to have flood trouble.” Jack did as told, not interested in defending anyone at the moment.

Joey broke away from Pacey, asking Dawson, “Money bag? Did you rob a bank?”

Pacey said, “Nah. He’s paranoid about the script. Wouldn’t even open the bag for us to see.”

Joey chuckled as she mockingly explained, “Obviously. After all, who wants another writer to take credit for the work?” She dangled the duffle bag loosely from the handle, as if letting it drop from a tower.

Dawson snapped, “It really happened, in that movie about the kid whose homework assignment was stolen by an executive…wait, that was Disney film, I think, so maybe that wasn’t a realistic example.”

“Uh huh,” Joey nodded absently, having no clue what movie Dawson meant. She returned the bag to its previous spot. “Well, settle in. You can store your stuff in the closet, if you wish. Charlie left to pick up Chinese food so we should be able to eat shortly.”

Pacey kidded, “Oh, so he’ll be here. For a moment, I thought you’d say he was working.” Jack gave him a stern look, not appreciating that joke at all.

Joey pulled Dawson over to the couch. “You’ve built the suspense up enough. Time to talk.”

Dawson shook his head, taunting her, “I told you ‘not until dinner’. Technically, there’s no dinner yet.”

Jack murmured to Pacey, “Funny, Joey usually says that to you. Or is it, ‘not until after dinner’.”

Pacey hadn’t heard Jack, instead watching the two on the couch settle into old routines. It was easy for Pacey to forget that Dawson and Joey were friends, given that they normally only saw each other when in Capeside. Even during stunts Dawson would pull to try to get Joey back such as the one last Valentine’s in the hotel, he was careful not to have Pacey in proximity. He was jerked from his thoughts as Jack dragged him into the kitchen area.

When they stopped, Jack snapped, “You can’t let Joey’s ramblings convince you that’s Dawson’s mission. Remember, in the car ride here, he was talking about his girlfriend Anita.”

Anita - the girl who, according to Joey, only dated Dawson when she needed a favor. Not surprisingly, that did little to ease Pacey’s concerns. “I’ll believe that when Dawson leaves the apartment, having not made a move on her.”

“It is possible he just wouldn’t be comfortable talking to Joey about her,” Jack tried to explain. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to defend Dawson on occasion; he was just sure that the guy sometimes got more wrath than he deserved. This seemed to be one of those times. “She hasn’t even seriously mulled over the possibility of Dawson throwing a curveball with a different angle.”

“Such as?”

“I have no idea. How else do you explain the stuff he said about wanting you and Joey to work out this time?”

“To throw me off,” Pacey maintained, leaning against the countertop, bored with the questioning.

“Damn, you’re starting to sound as panicked as she does.”

Pacey crossed his arms over his chest, reminding him, “You make it sound like I’m the only one in this conversation who’s been panicking about tonight.”

Jack shrugged it off with a joke. “I don’t fear Dawson. What could he do to me? Profess his love? Like I haven’t heard that one before.”

“You know I don’t mean Dawson,” Pacey replied adamantly. “Even though Jen claims all’s beginning to go well, nobody really knows for sure about Charlie since he’s rarely around. More than anything, you’re praying she’s right and that he’d contemplate taking you back. Yet, there’s a real chance he’d rather drop you from his life.” He despised playing devil’s advocate now, but nothing felt clear when it came to this.

Jack said wryly, “I appreciate your input.”

They, as well as Dawson and Joey’s conversation, were interrupted by a knock at the door, followed by Charlie’s voice. “Somebody help me here.”

Pacey whispered, “Moment of truth.” He went back to the living area while Joey rushed to the door.

“Thanks.” Charlie spotted Dawson, still situated on the couch. “Hey, you’re here. How was the flight?”

Before Dawson could answer, Joey dragged him inside, “Come on. We’ve gotta get this stuff on the table.”

“Calm down, Joey,” Charlie said as he struggled to keep up with her while carrying the bags, finally reaching the table where he could drop them down.

“Dawson is driving me crazy because,” she said loud enough for him to hear her, “he’s a child,” resuming in a normal tone, “and refuses to stop taunting me. Please, we have to get this set for eating. Now, there’s,” digging through the bags, “lo mein, sweet and sour chicken…”

“Don’t you think I compared the bag’s contents to the list you gave me before I left the restaurant?” He shoved her away from him, calling out, “Pacey, could you distract her for five minutes?”

“I’ll try,” Pacey replied, doubt lingering in his voice, as he led her toward her bedroom. Dawson resorted to focusing on his luggage.

Jack was still in the kitchen, aware that Charlie hadn’t yet acknowledged his presence. He timidly asked, “How have you been?”

Charlie glanced over at him, realizing he hadn’t noticed Jack amid Joey’s rambling and Dawson’s attendance. “Doing okay.”

“I was surprised when Joey said you changed your schedule, given everything…”

Charlie wasn’t quite sure how to act around Jack; though he felt he could forgive him, Charlie couldn’t be sure Jack would feel that as good news after tonight. “Jack, I don’t mean to be rude but… can the conversation you’re trying to start wait until after dinner? I’m a little busy here and I’m not sure how long Pacey can hold Joey back.”

“Oh, ok.”

* * * * *


Five seats were around the table crowded white boxes, bowls, and glasses. Pacey, Joey and Charlie sat on one side of the table while Dawson and Jack sat across from them. The apartment was filled with an awkward silence. Stares were being tossed on occasion, some peaceful, others waiting for the bomb to drop.

Joey impatiently waited for Dawson to eat a spoonful of egg drop soup, then ventured, “So, is now the right time to tell us about the movie?”

Dawson glanced around at the people seated and nodded, “I guess I’ve tormented you long enough. So, the rumor is true. Out of Tune was picked up. Todd will be acting as producer, though it’s more of a title thing, so it’ll be easier to get financial backing. I’ll be directing, which I know could change. Even so, they’re definitely buying the script.”

“Have the papers been signed?” Joey asked.

He pointed to the papers, now resting atop the desk. “There’s a copy to read over. We’ll meet Todd and his New York people tomorrow, then everything will be starting.”

Pacey interrupted, “We? You mean your co-writer is also in town?”

Dawson nodded. “I’d say so. I lived up to my end of the bargain so hopefully he doesn’t mind holding to the other end.”

“So this is real?” Charlie asked, then muttered to himself an answer, “This is real.”

Dawson grinned at his reaction. “Believe it. I told you this would work. You underestimated my abilities.”

“Call me jaded but I choose not to believe anything without proof. Especially the other part of the deal.”

“Look for yourself about the contracts. As for the agreement, I talked to Todd about it and showed him the videotape you sent me. Consider the role yours.”

Joey exclaimed, “What the fuck are you two babbling about?”

Both guys laughed, which only worried her further. Finally, Dawson stood up and walked over to his duffle bag, revealing the final script, and showed her. Joey’s jaw dropped as she read the cover. Pacey looked over her shoulder, then soon Jack saw as well.

There, typed on the cover, were both Dawson’s and Charlie’s names.

Joey was the first to speak. “You what? Wow, that’s, um… weird.”

“It’s the best news I could have given you,” Dawson affirmed.

She shook her head, not able to make sense of the comment. “Come again?”

Dawson raised an eyebrow, surprised she was this shocked. “I’m making my first real movie, Charlie will be moving out to California, and Pacey can live here right after graduation.”

Pacey couldn’t help but let out a snicker. It was wrong, he knew, but he was thankful at how wrong Joey had been.

Joey, however, couldn’t accept this; Pacey’s reaction was providing little assistance. How could Dawson do this! He led her to believe he wanted her back, having her worry for weeks about this. She bolted out of her chair, anger boiling over. “That’s so fucking brilliant, Dawson. Go ahead and turn everyone against me, why don’t you?”

“What’s wrong?” Dawson was bewildered by Joey’s outburst.

“You fucking waltz in here, throwing everyone’s lives in a tailspin, and you dare act all innocent. You see this chance to play the role of the good guy, so what? I’ll be thanking you on my hands and knees?”

Dawson muttered, “I’d say ‘I’m sorry’ but I don’t know why I’m apologizing because you’re making absolutely no fucking sense. Why aren’t you pleased with this surprise?”

“It’s…great.”

“I thought my closest friend growing up would understand the point of this visit. Yeah, true, Charlie happened to live here, but I wanted to celebrate with you because you’re the one who had faith in me for so many years.” Dawson stopped speaking as it dawned on him why Joey could be upset and didn‘t particularly like the idea at all. He snapped, “Did you think I came here trying to resume our prior romance? Is it okay for me to no longer hold a grudge over the rejection?”

Joey stalked off, disgusted with Dawson’s attitude. “You are so fucking immature,” she griped under her breath. She was almost at the door when she twirled around, conceding, “You had one part right.” She pointed to Charlie. “I’ll be so glad when you leave for good. Good riddance.”

Charlie said softly, “That’s not necessary.” He glanced over at Jack, who had his elbow on the table with his head propped on his hand, looking away from everyone.

“I shouldn’t be shocked. Naturally, you’d use work as an excuse, yet again.” She mocked him as she left the apartment, “It’s not like we’re friends or anything.” The slam of the door startled the guys.

Dawson rambled, “I admit I named a crew member in the movie after her but that’s not worth getting mad at me. If anyone, it should be Jen. I gave her name to the groupie who’s pining for the lead singer.” He chuckled nervously, then snapped at Pacey, “What the hell are you still doing here? Go after your girl!”

Pacey jumped out of his chair, shocked to hear those words out of Dawson’s mouth. “Yes, sir!” he saluted, then rushed off.

Once the door closed, Jack replied as sincerely as he could muster, “Congratulations.” While he was rather upset with the turn of events, he was genuinely happy for them. Even if he knew the outcome couldn’t end up in his favor.

Dawson nodded appreciatively, “Thank you.”

“How did you two end up working together anyway? I realize you’re both in the entertainment business but I never thought you two got along.”

“Well, I’d sent Joey the script months before. She ignored it, or didn’t like it, depending on when you ask her. I get this call one night about two in the morning my time, guess that’d be five a.m. here, from Charlie…”

Charlie interrupted, “In my defense, I couldn’t fall asleep and I didn’t have…” He stopped himself before admitting he wanted to call Jack but they’d broken up days earlier. Jack turned in his direction, catching Charlie by surprise with a slight smile. Charlie shook it off, hoping he imagined that look. “That’s not important. Anyway, I thought his script would do the trick.”

“You should have said something,” Jack sighed, as much talking about the script as about their past relationship.

Charlie played off the seriousness of Jack’s concern with a joke. “And admit I was working with Dawson? I think not.”

Dawson was careful not to interrupt their talk as he stood up, took the script and Todd’s notes, and settled on the couch to work.

When Jack saw Dawson sit down, he asked solemnly, “You worked on the script to forget about me?”

“That was the initial purpose,” Charlie admitted, then shrugged, “Then it actually became interesting. I had no idea everything would come together so quickly.”

“Jen was saying she thought you wanted me back. So, that was a mistake. I guess that was a stupid assumption. Then again, given what‘s happened tonight, it wasn‘t even the most off-the-wall theory.”

“I forgot that she’s friends with my mom,” Charlie muttered under his breath. He let out a deep breath before assuring him, “It’s not that. It’s just…it’s not feasible right now. You see that. I thought we’d have time to figure out this mess after you graduate. But I’m leaving in…Dawson, how much time do I have?”

Dawson called out, “Ten days.”

“Yeah, ten days. Ten days when you should be focusing on final papers, exams and post-college plans, not on this. I mean, dating again, now? Too rushed.”

“Is this because you’re not sure about dating a two-timing jerk?” Jack offered a shrug. “Because I could understand that.”

“The fact that I haven’t thrown that in your face tonight should give you some clue I wasn’t thinking precisely that.” Charlie smirked as he confessed, “Michael Stanton wasn’t exactly the worst person to ever enter our lives. You should be out having fun, meeting other guys. First love doesn’t necessarily mean final love.”

Jack dragged his chair over to the other side of the table, pleading, “If there’s one thing I’ve realized since we broke up, it’s that I can’t stand you not being in my life.” He placed his hand in Charlie’s, waiting intently for an answer.

Charlie set his hand down on the table and looked away from Jack. He feared if he didn’t do this now, he‘d accept anything Jack recommended. “I’m not saying that I never want to see you again. I was hoping it’d be possible for us to try to be friends. We haven’t been that in awhile.”

Jack receded back, surprised at those words. He said disappointedly, “That’s what the ‘let’s be friends’ speech sounds like. I always wondered, though I never thought I’d hear it from you.”

“We’re at different places in our lives. You have many opportunities available, as do I. We can’t hold each other back from that, especially when we both know nothing. I’m agreeing with something that we both chastised Joey on less than two years earlier, which in itself sounds wrong since Joey‘s hardly ever correct…”

Jack stood up, ignoring the rest of Charlie’s words. He walked over to the couch, notifying Dawson, “Tell Pacey I’m driving back to the dorm. I…I can’t wait here for him to get back.” Dawson nodded that he’d do so. Jack exited the apartment, trying to keep his composure.

Dawson returned to the kitchen table and sat down to continue eating. He noticed Charlie debating whether to chase Jack. Dawson assured him, “That was the right thing to do.”

“Doesn’t make it any less difficult.” Charlie let out a sigh, then absently began eating.

* * * * *


Meanwhile, Pacey was on the ground floor of the building when he spotted Joey. Her back was toward him as she sat on a bench, staring at the rain pouring down outside. He took a seat next to her and began rubbing her back.

Joey said, “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”

Pacey replied softly, “You certainly startled Dawson with that deduction.”

Joey cast a sideward glance, immediately apologetic for the way she’d treated him. “I just keep something will come along to ruin what we have going. I assumed it would involve Dawson. Hasn’t this been too easy?”

“Can’t complain,” Pacey shrugged. “Then again, we had the hard part during the time we weren’t together. Our actual relationship had been rather smooth sailing the first time.”

“You’re not mad about how I’ve been acting lately?”

“I’m glad it’s over. I believe that Dawson won’t present a problem for us in the near future. He’s the one who told me to chase you. He wishes for you to be happy.”

Joey nestled against Pacey’s body. “I am. I was acting strange regarding Capeside in general. Dawson was only part of that. When Jen was initially plotting to get us to go there, I was reluctant because I didn’t want any of those prior demons to get me. I’m graduating college in two weeks. Why should I be so concerned about pieces of a different chapter?”

“Well, those elements contributed to your current state. Isn’t it a good thing that both you and Dawson have found people who make you cheerful?”

“You mean Dawson is serious about Anita?” Pacey nodded, which forced Joey to giggle. “That superficial, self-centered…”

Pacey cut her off, “Yes, he is.”

“Then I’m as happy for him as he is for me.” She gazed up into Pacey’s clear blue eyes. “Have I told you lately that I love you so much?”

“Yes, but it’s always a nice thing for a guy to hear.” He brushed a kiss over her neck as he whispered. “I love you, too.”

They were interrupted by the front door opening, the wind from the outside storm bursting through the lobby. Pacey spotted Jack’s retreating form as the door was about to close shut again.

Pacey waited in hope of someone else following Jack. When that didn’t happen, Pacey remarked, “Considering Jack is the one who drove here and the weather is too terrible for taking a bus, would you mind if I reschedule this love fest?”

Joey was somewhat disappointed, yet agreed, “Go on. When Dawson said that was the best news he could have given, I figured he was wrong. Just not on the part I anticipated.”


Chapter 16 - Graduation
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