A Perfect Age - Part 1
Author: Ava
E-mail: mmmThatAJ@yahoo.comRating: PG-13
Classification: Romance, as alwaysDisclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to Belisarius Productions, Paramount, CBS, Viacom, and probably endless others.
Summary: How old is "too old"? When is a man "robbing the cradle"? Doesn't it really depend on how the couple feel about each other and not the difference in their ages? Tracy and Mac both think so, and they convince Tom and AJ.
Author's comments: Characters' speaking parts are in double quotes ("text"); characters' thoughts are in single quotes ('text').
Monday, 20 January 2003
0655 EST
Interstate 66 East
Centreville, VirginiaThe silver Bonneville sputtered again and finally quit running all together. As the car slowed, the driver was able to steer the car to the shoulder of the highway before it came to a complete stop. "Wonderful!" she said aloud, though no one heard her. She was alone in the car. "I can't believe this. I finally decide to take a weekend trip home, and nothing goes right! Nothing!" Her eyes welled with tears as she reached for her cell phone, wondering how long it would take the AAA tow truck to arrive this time.
"Three hours?" she exclaimed into the tiny phone when her call was almost complete. "Why would it take 3 hours? There's no snow. No ice. What's going on?"
"Ma'am, as cold as it is, lots of people's cars won't start this morning. Just be glad there isn't any snow or ice! It would be afternoon before we could get to you."
"Okay, okay," she relented. "Just send someone as soon as you can, please." She wasn't looking forward to sitting in this car for three hours. As the dispatcher said, it was cold... bitter cold. "I sure hope Daddy has a blanket in the trunk of this car," she mused.
She flipped the levers under the dashboard to release the hood and the trunk. Then she opened her car door carefully and stepped out of the vehicle. Walking around to the front of the car, she slid her hand along the seam and found the safety release. Pushing up on it, she lifted the heavy hood of the car so other drivers would know her car was disabled. The traffic was very heavy on the Interstate, and she didn't want to cause an accident. She walked around to the back of the car and lifted the trunk lid. "No blanket. Great," she sighed. "So now I get to freeze."
She returned to the safety and comparative warmth of the car's interior. She tried to decide whom she should call next. With a temperature of only 8 degrees outside, she knew the car would very soon be almost as cold as the air outside. If she called her parents, it would take them over an hour to reach her from their home outside of Front Royal. If she called one of her co-workers, even though she was much closer to town than her parents' home, it would take them just about the same amount of time because of rush traffic. "I can't believe there's no blanket in here. Mama always keeps a blanket in the trunk during the winter months," she mumbled as a chill ran down her spine. The car was already losing warmth.
She was surprised when she heard a tapping on her window. She looked up to see a man standing beside her car, bending over to talk to her. He wore a hat that looked like a military cover, but the frost and fog was so heavy on the windows already, she couldn't really tell. He called through the window, "You need some help?"
She lowered the window a fraction of an inch so they could converse easier, but not enough for him to take advantage of it... just in case. "The car just quit. AAA is coming, but thank you for stopping," she smiled.
Before she raised the window, he said, "You're going to freeze in there. You have a blanket?"
She shook her head. "No blanket."
"How long before AAA arrives?" he asked.
She sighed, "They said it'll be about 3 hours."
The man frowned as he stood up to his full height. He came to a quick decision, bent back over, and spoke again. "You don't know me, I know that. But I'm a Naval officer," he pointed to his cover. "I work at the Pentagon. I'll be glad to give you a ride into town if you'd like." She looked wary, so he continued, "Or I can give you a blanket. I have one in the back of my car that I'd be glad to let you have."
"You have two of them?" she asked.
He shook his head. "No, just the one. But..."
She interrupted, "I couldn't possibly take your only blanket. What if you broke down? Then you'd be the one freezing!"
The man muttered to himself, "I'm already freezing." Then he spoke louder to her, "Look, I can't just leave you here with nothing. I'm going to go get the blanket. I'll lay it on the top of your car," he patted the roof over her head, "so you don't have to get out of the car to take it."
She realized that by his leaving it on the roof of the car, he also meant he wouldn't be standing there when she reached for it... thereby letting her feel safe. Before she answered him, he was already back at his car, opening the trunk. She made a split-second decision that she knew could well cost her life. But she chanced it. 'He is a Naval officer, after all,' she told herself. She grabbed her purse from the seat next to her. Deciding to leave the Bonneville unlocked so the tow truck could haul it off, she ran back to his vehicle. "Get in!" she yelled over the din of passing cars as she opened the passenger door and piled in, herself.
He looked up, surprised to see her falling into the front seat of his car. He pulled the blanket out of the trunk and closed the lid. Opening the driver's door, he tossed the blanket to her. "Bundle up in that until you stop shaking." He tossed his cover into the back seat and climbed in beside her.
She smiled, "You're shaking worse than I am, you know," her teeth chattered.
"An old salt like me doesn't feel the cold," he lied.
She turned to thank him, "I can't begin to thank you... Oh!" she exclaimed seeing the shoulder boards on his overcoat. "You're an Admiral!"
He chuckled. "You recognize rank insignia, eh? Pretty good. Yes, I'm an Admiral... but only for another 25 days."
"Twenty-five days, Sir?" she repeated.
He nodded. "That's right. I'll be officially retired on 15 February."
"Congratulations," she smiled.
"Thank you. Now, where to?" he asked, putting the car in gear and pulling back out into the traffic of the highway.
"If it's not too much out of your way..." she began.
"Not a problem at all. Wherever you need to go... well, around DC, that is," he amended.
She laughed, "Oh, you don't want to drive me to Richmond?"
He turned to look at her. "Is that where you were headed? Richmond?" he asked seriously.
She shook her head. "No, Sir. Oakton."
"Good," he replied. "Right on the way in." He turned the heater up full blast, and she warmed up quickly. "That better?" he asked.
"Much, thank you. Nice car," she commented.
"It's old, but I like it too well to replace it. Hasn't given me a whole lot of trouble."
"It's a Saab, isn't it?" she asked.
"That's right. A Saab 9000. Doesn't have that many miles on it for its age, either. I spent a lot of years at sea, and the car sat in a garage." He changed the subject. "Don't you know you should always carry a blanket in your car around here in the winter?"
She nodded. "Yes, Sir, I do. And I always have one in the trunk... even in the summertime."
He quirked his eyebrow. "The summertime? Why then?"
"Cars can be a problem at any time of the year, Admiral," she replied.
"True. But a blanket in the summertime?"
"To put on the ground so I can sit outside, of course. I hate to be cooped up in a car when it's nice weather."
"I see," he nodded. "Good plan. So how does it happen that you don't have a blanket today?"
"That's actually not my car, Sir. It belongs to my parents. And I can't imagine why a blanket isn't in there... unless Mama took it out to wash yesterday and forgot to put it back before I left this morning. They always have blankets in their cars."
"Your parents live close by?" he asked.
"Outside of Front Royal, Sir," she replied. "I grew up there. It's a nice location."
He nodded. "Yes, it is. Pretty country. And you can drop the 'Sir'; the name is 'Tom'." She started to protest, but he ignored her and continued, "Nice that they're close enough you can go visit on the weekends, hmm?" he prompted.
"You'd think so. But I've been here since September, and this is the first weekend trip home I've had the chance to make. Well, other than over the holidays, I mean. And then I go and have car trouble... both directions!" she sighed heavily.
"Both? How so?" Tom asked her.
"I was about 20 miles to the west of where you found me when my car conked out on Friday night. I had to wait almost 2 hours for AAA that time. But they got there and pulled my car up onto the truck... and we headed for Front Royal."
"Must have cost a pretty penny," he observed. "That's still quite a distance."
"Fortunately, I have AAA Plus, so I get up to 200 miles of towing for free." She turned to face him. "Well, it's not free exactly... I mean I pay for the plan; I just don't have to pay any extra for towing."
Tom nodded, "Understand."
"Daddy says my car has 'given up the ghost', so I'm going to buy a new one this week. Meantime, he just let me take one of their cars. Now it's quit, too." She turned and grinned at him, "I hope I'm not a jinx, Sir... or your car will die now!"
He glared at her, and she was almost afraid of him. "Better not be!" he barked. Then she saw his eyes start to crinkle and his mouth turn up. He was trying not to smile! "Of course, if you are, I have a few people I'll introduce you to... let you 'jinx' them!" She giggled then and his smile appeared fully on his face. "So what kind of car are you going to get this time? 'Course, I don't even know what kind you drive now," he realized.
"I have an old Plymouth Neon now. I'm thinking I might go for a GrandAm this time. Or maybe a PT Cruiser."
Tom grunted. "Hate those things. Ugly cars."
She laughed outright. "People either love them or they hate them. I guess I think they're kinda cute."
"Stocky things," he shook his head. "Now if you were my daughter, I'd suggest a Toyota Camry or Solara. Nice cars. Solid..."
"Daughter?" she giggled. "How old do you think I am, Tom?"
He turned surprised eyes to her. "I'd say... 20?"
She smiled delightedly. "Try 32 tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? Happy birthday," he smiled.
"Thank you."
"Thirty-two, eh? Good age. You could still be my daughter, though," he told her. "I served in 'Nam. Gives you an idea of how ancient I am."
"Oh!" she looked up and saw her exit. "Take this exit, please." Their minds shifted back to the road. "And then keep to the left on Chain Bridge Road."
"Okay," he replied. "So what are you doing to celebrate your birthday tomorrow? Anything fun?"
"We sorta celebrated it this weekend at home. Two of my brothers were home, too, so we had a little party."
"But nothing with your friends here?" he asked. She shook her head. "That's a shame. You ought to at least have a nice dinner."
She tried to smile. "I don't really know that many people here yet. And I don't think the people at my office really like me that well." She continued her directions, "Take your next left... on Oakton Manor Court."
Tom looked surprised. "Don't like you? What's not to like? You're a very nice young woman, pretty, smart... well, except when it comes to cars..." he teased.
She laughed delightedly. "Thank you. I think," she bantered back. "Take the next right, and my apartment is the second building."
Tom pulled up in front of the apartments and stopped. "Here you are," he said. "Safe and sound."
"I can't thank you enough, Tom. Really, I do very much appreciate your kindness."
"My pleasure..." he hesitated. "You never told me your name."
"Tracy."
"Well, it was my pleasure, Tracy," he said again. He got out of the car, grabbing his cover and placing it on his head. He walked around to her side, opened the door and offered his hand to help her out. "How are you getting to work?"
"I'll just call a taxi," she said as she stood up and found that he towered over her. 'Another giant,' she thought.
He nodded. "I wish I could wait and give you a ride to work..." Tracy started to object, but Tom continued, "But I have a meeting at 0900 that I can't really put off." Then he thought aloud, "But I could call and have a car..."
"Oh, but that's really not necessary. A taxi will be fine. But thank you," she said, laying her hand on his arm.
Tom made another quick decision. "How about you let me take you out for a birthday dinner tomorrow evening?" he smiled.
She looked up, surprised. "You want to..." she sputtered. "That's very sweet of you, but I don't..."
His smile disappeared and he nodded. "Understand." He didn't really, though. He wondered if she was just being cautious, or if his age was the deterrent. 'Probably both,' he thought to himself. 'Probably thinks I'm hitting on her.' Then he wondered, 'Well, aren't you?' He answered his own thoughts, 'The hell if I know!' He motioned toward the building, "You need to get inside; it's cold out here. Go on; I'll just watch to be sure you get to your door all right."
She looked up at him. "That's kind of you, Tom."
"Normally I'd walk you to your door and see you safely inside... but I don't want you to think I'm..."
She laughed lightly. "I trust you, Tom. How could I not with all those scrambled eggs on your cover?" She turned and ran halfway down the path toward her apartment. She stopped and called back to him. "I'd love to have dinner with you tomorrow, Tom! What time?"
Tom smiled broadly. "I'll pick you up at 1900... um, 7:00!"
"I'll be ready. I'm in 1D, by the way!" Tracy turned and ran the rest of the way to her door. She unlocked it, and turned to wave before she stepped inside... and out of his line of vision.
Tom smiled as he sat back in his car and tossed his cover on the seat. "Scrambled eggs?" he realized what Tracy had said. "How'd she know...? Must come from a military family," he decided.
Monday, 20 January 2003
1345 EST
The Pentagon
Washington, DCPetty Officer Christa Lorenson knocked on her CO's door. "Admiral? I have that phone number you wanted, Sir," she said as she walked inside. "Shall I get them on the line for you?"
Admiral Tom Boone shook his head, "No, I'll do it. Thanks, Christa." As his yeoman walked back out to her desk, Tom picked up the phone and dialed.
"Oakton Manor Apartments. May I help you?" a bright voice said over the wire.
Tom spoke, "Yes. I'm trying to find out the last name of one of your renters, please. She lives in Apartment 1D."
"I'm sorry, Sir. I can't give out that kind of information," the woman replied.
"Good. Actually I'm glad you can't," Tom replied honestly. "Look, tomorrow is her birthday... Tracy, that is. I'm taking her out for dinner, but I'd like to send some flowers to her during the day." The woman didn't utter a sound. "Do you happen to know who I'm talking about and where she works?"
The woman answered, "Tracy? Yes, I know her. And yes, I know where she works. But I still can't..."
"No, I understand that. What I thought was maybe I could call the florist and arrange for them to contact you... or you call them... and you could give the address to them directly," Tom suggested.
"Oh, I don't think so," the woman replied. "But if you have them delivered here, I'll see that she gets them."
"You mean you'd deliver them to her office yourself?" he clarified.
"Yes, I can do that. I wouldn't do it for just anyone, mind you... but for Tracy? Yes. She's such a sweet little girl."
Tom chuckled. "You know she'll be 32 tomorrow?"
"No! Little Tracy? I thought she must be in her early 20s!" the woman said.
"That's what I thought, too. But she told me otherwise."
"Well, you go ahead and send those flowers here to me in the morning, young man; my name is Alice... Alice Whitted. I'll see that she gets them at her office."
"Thank you, Alice," Tom replied, chuckling to himself. 'Young man?'
Monday, 20 January 2003
1555 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaCommander Harmon Rabb accepted the receiver from her and perched himself on Lieutenant Harriett Sims' desk. "Rabb!"
"Hello, Harm. Tom Boone here. Question for you. You mentioned a restaurant a couple of months ago... small, intimate, out-of-the-way... you said they have a small dance floor... I think it was a guy's name..."
Harm remembered. "Chef John's in Arlington. Who's the lucky lady?" he asked flippantly.
"That's it! Chef John's. Thanks, Harm," Tom said as he hung up.
Harm looked at the receiver in shock and stood up. "He hung up on me?"
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti happened to walk past. As Tracy continued to her office, Mac spoke to Harm, "Someone's finally getting smart, eh?"
"Admiral Boone. He just hung up on me," Harm said again.
"Aaah, poor Harm," Mac teased. "What did he call for?"
"He's got a date, evidently. And he couldn't remember the name of a restaurant I told him about a few months back. I'll have to tease him about that next month... after he retires!"
"Is he retiring again?" she asked. Harm nodded. "So, which restaurant?" she asked.
"Chef John's. It's a really nice place... very romantic atmosphere," he said. "Hey, Mac, want to go to dinner tonight?" he asked as Admiral AJ Chegwidden passed them on his way to the break room.
Mac laughed. "What? You want to go and spy on Admiral Boone's date?" Mac shook her head. "I don't think so, Harm."
AJ heard her reply and grinned to himself. 'Wise choice, Mac.'
"I guess you're right. That would be kind of obvious, wouldn't it?" Harm said, leaning against a file cabinet.
"And are you sure it's tonight he's going there? Maybe he's just planning ahead... Valentine's Day is in just a few weeks, you know," she reminded him. "Some men actually plan for that night," she ribbed. She knew that Harm never did. Not when he was dating Annie... nor Jordan... nor Renee.
'You're so right, Sarah. And what I wouldn't like to do with you that night,' AJ thought to himself. 'Get a grip, Chegwidden. You can't have her... not only is she still your subordinate, she's also too young for you.'
"Yeah, Valentine's Day and no girlfriend this year. Geez, you know, this is the second year in a row, too," Harm whined.
"You're not alone there, Harm," Mac countered. "There are lots of people without a special someone," she sighed. "Including me." She watched the Admiral disappear into the break room and thought, 'If only I didn't work for you...'
Harm looked to his left when he heard a soft voice. "Pardon me, Commander. I need to get in that file drawer, please?" He stepped aside and watched as Tracy pulled out the drawer and gingerly fingered the file folders until she found the one she needed. She pulled it out and closed the drawer. "Thank you, Sir," she smiled.
Harm nodded and smiled his mega-watt grin. "Anytime, Tracy." Harm thought to himself, 'Hmm, maybe I should ask Tracy for a date? Mac sure doesn't appear interested anymore. I guess I kept her dangling too long. I wonder who she's interested in now, though? She sure is preoccupied a lot these days.' Harm watched Tracy walk back to her office. 'She's so little. Tiny, petite... and God, did she look good in that towel with her hair down around her shoulders.' Harm grunted just as AJ passed him with a mug full of hot coffee.
AJ followed his gaze and saw who Harm was lusting after. "I wouldn't suggest it, Rabb," he advised quietly. "Her father and brothers would eat you alive." Then AJ added to himself, 'Not to mention the SecNav!'
Harm's gaze immediately shifted from Tracy to his CO. "I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't mean... I didn't..."
"Save it, Rabb. You've got 'lust' written all over that face of yours," AJ said, returning to his own office.
Harm decided it might just be worth risking her family's wrath. He walked to Tracy's office and knocked on the door frame. "Hi there," he said.
Tracy looked up, surprised. "Yes, Sir?" she said, jumping to her feet.
"It's Harm," he told her, motioning for her to keep her seat.
Tracy smiled as she sat. 'Well, I suppose if I can call an Admiral by his first name, I can call a Commander by his.' "Yes, Harm?" she amended.
"Have dinner with me?" he asked.
"Excuse me?" she said, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"I asked you to have dinner with me," Harm repeated. "I know this quiet little place..."
Tracy shook her head. "I don't think that's a good idea, Sir. But thank you just the same for the offer."
"Already involved with someone?" Harm asked boldly.
She smirked. "Hopin' to be," she confessed.
Mac poked her head inside Tracy's office. "Tracy, Harriett just told me you had some car trouble this morning and had to take a cab in. You need a ride home?"
Tracy turned surprised eyes to Mac and jumped to her feet again. "I was just going to call another taxi, Ma'am."
"No need for that," Harm said quickly.
But before he could offer, Mac said, "I'm leaving at 1730 today. I'd be glad to give you a lift."
"That would be wonderful, Colonel. If you're sure it's not out of your way."
"Not a problem at all," Mac smiled. "See you in 73 minutes!"
Harm and Mac both left her office, and Tracy sat down heavily. "Wow! This has been one incredible day," she said quietly. "First Tom... then the office heartthrob asks me for a date... then the Colonel offers me a ride home." Tracy shook her head. "I wonder if they put something in the water..." she giggled to herself.
Mac and Tracy exited the building together at 1732. "Thank you so much for giving me a ride home, Colonel," Tracy said.
"It's Mac, please," she smiled. "And it's no trouble at all."
They climbed in Mac's Corvette and Tracy sighed. "I don't know that I'll ever be able to afford one of these again."
"Again?" asked Mac as she pulled out of the JAG parking lot.
"Daddy gave me a 'Vette when I finished high school."
"What happened to it?"
"One of my brothers wrecked it when I was on my first deployment," Tracy replied sadly. "So my next car was a Plymouth Neon... it was all I could afford. It's lasted me a good long time, though. But it conked out for good on Friday, so I'll be car shopping this weekend."
"How are you going to get around until you buy something?" Mac asked.
"Oh, I called Daddy this morning... told him his car died on the highway. So he arranged for a rental car to be delivered to me at home this evening."
"His car died, too?"
Tracy told Mac the story of how, first her own car died on the road on Friday night, and then her father's car died this morning.
"What'd you do? It was way too cold to sit and wait for a tow truck this morning!" Mac exclaimed. "Did you have a blanket in the car?" Tracy shook her head. "Tracy, you should have called one of us..."
"I didn't really have time, actually. Almost immediately after I got through to AAA, there was a man there to help me."
"From AAA? That fast?" Mac asked incredulously. "They always take forever..."
"No, not from AAA. They took over 3 hours to get there, I found out. No, this man is an..." she hesitated, and decided not to give too much information. "A Naval officer. So I felt I could trust him. I prayed I was right... and I guess I was," she smiled at Mac's concerned expression. "He offered to drive me into town or leave his blanket with me."
Mac smiled, "That was nice of him."
Tracy nodded, "I thought so. I decided to go with him. I really didn't want to sit in the cold car... and I didn't feel I could take his only blanket. What if he had trouble then?"
"And?" Mac prompted.
"He took me home and made sure I was safely inside before he left. He was really quite the gentleman."
Mac grinned. "So is that who you're hoping to become involved with?" Tracy turned surprised eyes to her. "Sorry. I overheard you say that to Harm."
Tracy apologized, "I'm sorry about that, Mac. I don't know why he asked me... I mean, he never has before. I would never..."
Mac's smile reached her eyes, "Tracy, Harm and I are not an item." She saw the surprise in Tracy's face. "Seriously, we're not. We're best of friends... but there's no romantic involvement. Never has been. We've tried a couple of times, and it just doesn't work. So, if you want to accept him next time, do."
Tracy smiled slightly. "I think he's a little out of my league, anyway. I'm not used to someone who can just flash a smile and get a date."
Mac responded, "Yes, and he does that, too!"
"He seems to have a boyish charm about him, you know?" observed Tracy. "Even the way he approaches new things. I saw him last week when Bud showed him a new software program. He was as excited as a little boy with a new toy truck!"
Mac grinned. "Boyish. Infantile. Close enough." The women laughed together. "But he does know how to show a girl a good time. And he's the best friend I've ever had." Mac changed the subject, "But back to your rescuer..."
Tracy giggled. "He's a lot older than me. I really don't think he's interested... but he did ask me out for dinner tomorrow night." She decided against telling Mac that tomorrow was her birthday. Her brow furrowed, "But he also commented a couple of times that I was young enough to be his daughter."
"Does the age difference bother you?" Mac asked.
"No. It doesn't. I've always liked dating older men, probably because I have so many older brothers... I'm used to older men. Now, sure he'd be the oldest I've ever dated, but still..."
"I think it bothers them more than us, actually," replied Mac. "So did you accept? Are you going to dinner with him?"
Tracy nodded. "Uh huh." As Mac pulled into Oakton Manor Apartments, Tracy asked, "So where do you live, Mac?"
"In Georgetown," she replied.
"Georgetown!? That's the opposite direction from work!" Tracy exclaimed. "Oh, Mac! I should have just taken a taxi..."
"Absolutely not. This gave us a chance to gab and get to know each other a little. I've been wanting to, and I just haven't made the time. So it was worth it. And there's no reason for you to have to take a cab."
Tracy opened her door and stepped onto the sidewalk. "Well, thanks, again. See you tomorrow."
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1025 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaAlice pulled her van up to the guard gate and stopped. The Marine guard asked her what business she had at JAG, and she replied, "I'm just delivering some flowers to someone who works here."
The guard allowed her through the gate and she parked in an open spot. She picked up the flowers and headed for the entrance. Lieutenant Bud Roberts was just behind her walking in, and he reached in front of her, "Allow me, Ma'am," he said as he pulled the door open.
"Why thank you," she smiled. Alice carried the flowers inside and stopped at the reception desk.
"May I help you, Ma'am?" a Marine Corporal asked.
"Yes, I have flowers here for Lieutenant Commander Tracy Manetti. Could you see that they're taken up to her, please?"
Hearing the name of a fellow JAG officer, Bud stopped and turned back to the desk. "You can take them up yourself, Ma'am," the Corporal said as he reached for a visitor's badge.
"Oh, but I'd really prefer that she not see me. I'm her landlady, you understand. And these are from a gentleman. I couldn't give him her work address, but I told him I'd see that she got them before this evening." Alice leaned over and whispered, "Today's her birthday, you know."
Bud walked back to her and said, "I work with Tracy, Ma'am. I'll be glad to see that she gets the flowers."
"Oh, that would be just wonderful!" Alice gushed. Then she noticed his cane. "But how will you manage?" she said worriedly.
Bud chuckled. "By telling the Corporal here to get someone to help me." Bud turned and nodded to the Marine.
"Aye, Sir!" he snapped. He looked over to the corner and motioned for another Marine to step forward. "Take these flowers upstairs for the Lieutenant, Private."
Bud nodded his thanks to the Marines and said goodbye to Alice.
When they entered the bullpen, Harriett looked up. "Bud! Flowers? What on earth?" she bubbled, delighted at the thought that her husband had brought her such beautiful tulips.
Bud shook his head. "They're not from me, Honey. They're for Commander Manetti," he whispered. "Today's her birthday," he confided. "Did you know?"
Harriett gasped. "No! I didn't. Oh, dear, and I didn't bake anything. I wonder if the cafeteria has any cakes?" she wondered as she picked up the phone to call downstairs.
The Marine knocked on Tracy's door and she looked up. "Yes? Oh!" she exclaimed, seeing the flowers.
"These were just delivered for you, Ma'am," he told her.
"Thank you, Private," she said, rising from her desk and taking the vase from him. She set the flowers on her desk. "They're so beautiful. But who could they be from?" she wondered. "Must be from Mama and Daddy." She found the card and opened it, reading it silently.
Beautiful flowers for an even more beautiful woman.
Looking forward to our dinner this evening, Tracy.
Happy birthday!
TomTracy sighed and clasped the card to her breast. She didn't notice that Mac had stepped into her office.
"I take it those are from him?" Mac teased.
Tracy jerked her eyes up to see not only Mac standing in her office, but also Harriett, Bud, Harm, and Sturgis! "Oh!" she blushed profusely.
"Yep, I'd say they're from him, all right," agreed Harm, causing the others to laugh along with Harm.
Tracy smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling. "They are. Aren't they beautiful?" she cooed.
"That they are, Ma'am," agreed Harriett. "Special occasion?" she prompted.
Tracy glanced over at Mac. "I have a date this evening," she smiled shyly.
Admiral Chegwidden cleared his throat from behind his officers. "Is there a party going on that I wasn't invited to?" he barked.
"Admiral!" "Sir!" they chorused and came to attention stance.
"As you were." He looked at the flowers on Tracy's desk. "Someone has good taste," he commented. He smiled at Tracy. "I take it you have a date for your birthday this evening?"
She looked surprised, but she nodded, "Yes, Sir."
AJ grinned. "Like I said, someone has good taste." Tracy smiled. That was the first compliment her CO had ever paid her... even if it was rather an off-handed one. AJ continued before heading for the break room, "Happy birthday, Commander."
"Birthday!" "It's your birthday?" "Tracy, why didn't you say something?" the others chirped after the Admiral left.
Harriett said, "Ma'am, I usually bake a cake for birthdays... but I didn't know about yours being today. I'll bring one in tomorrow."
"Oh, Harriett, you don't have to do that," Tracy objected.
Harm interrupted, "Oh, Tracy! Never refuse one of Harriett's cakes... they're to die for!"
Finally everyone left her office, and Tracy examined the tulips closely. They really were magnificent. Large, full, and such bright colors! Tracy adored tulips. "I wonder how he knew that? Then again, I wonder how he knew where I worked!" She looked at the envelope the card had been in. It was her home address. 'Strange,' she thought. 'How did they end up here?' She read the card again and sighed. "I'm looking forward to it, too, Tom," she whispered to the flowers.
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1540 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaEdward Sheffield walked into the JAG Ops bullpen and straight to Tracy's office, interrupting her meeting with Bud. "Tracy, my dear!"
When they looked up and saw the Secretary of the Navy standing in her doorway, both of them jerked to their feet. "Mr. Secretary!" Tracy acknowledged.
"Happy birthday, Girl Babe," Sheffield said, using the family nickname and walking around her desk and kissing her on the cheek.
"Thank you, Sir." She turned to Bud. "Have you met Lieutenant Bud Roberts, Mr. Secretary?"
Sheffield looked at Bud. "I don't believe I have. But I've heard a lot about you, Roberts. All good. That's impressive," he extended his hand in greeting.
Bud smiled his appreciation and shook the other man's hand. "Thank you, Sir." He turned to Tracy. "Give me a call when you're ready to continue, Ma'am," Bud said as he headed for the door.
Tracy almost objected, but Sheffield said, "She'll do that, Son." As Bud left, Sheffield pushed the door closed... only it didn't latch, which neither Tracy nor Sheffield realized.
Bud heard Tracy's voice, "Uncle Edward, what are you doing here?"
"Uncle Edward?" Bud said quietly. "Gosh, I didn't know they were related."
Admiral Chegwidden said just as quietly from directly behind Bud, "They're not, Lieutenant. But their families are very close." Bud turned surprised eyes to his CO and would have stumbled had AJ not extended his arms out to support him. "Sorry, Bud. I didn't mean to startle you."
Just as Bud was about to reply, they heard Sheffield's raised voice, "You will not go out with this man, Tracy! You don't know anything about him... not even if he's really in the Navy!"
Then they heard Tracy's reply, "Uncle Edward, I will go out with anyone I choose! I'm not a child; I'm 32 years old!"
"These flowers from him?" Sheffield asked.
Tracy nodded. "They are; aren't they beautiful?" she fingered one of the blooms.
"What is it about him, Tracy? This isn't like you."
She looked up and said, "He's not like anyone I've met before, Uncle Edward. He's kind and generous. He wouldn't hear of my sitting in that car yesterday with no blanket. So he was going to leave his... not give me his... leave it. On the top of the car, so I wouldn't feel threatened. He was such a gentleman, Uncle. Really. Every bit as much as Admiral Chegwidden. I felt perfectly safe with him. Like he would protect me and not let anything happen to me. It was... I was..." she sighed. "You couldn't understand. You're not a woman."
AJ remembered a time a few years back when he and Mac were in the break room. He chuckled to himself, 'Mac said virtually the same thing!'
Sheffield replied, "I'm trying to understand, Honey. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"Uncle, would you object if I wanted to go on a date with Admiral Chegwidden?" Sheffield gasped... as did AJ and Bud outside the door. "No, no..." she hurried to say. "I mean if I didn't work for him... if I'd never worked for him. Just met him one day on the street. Would you object? Would Daddy object?"
"To Chegwidden? No, of course not. He's a little old for you, though, don't you think?" Sheffield said gently.
"Why is age so important? Tom is probably close to Admiral Chegwidden's age, maybe older, I don't know. But I think it's a good age. A sexy age," she grinned. Then she giggled at his appalled expression. "Don't worry, Uncle... I'm not going to invite Tom into my bed tonight." She sighed. "He probably wouldn't accept if I did offer... he's that much of a gentleman."
'Don't be too sure about that, young lady!' Chegwidden said to himself. 'Even if he's a gentleman, an offer like that is hard to refuse.'
Tracy continued, "And the only reason he invited me out tonight is because it's my birthday and I told him that I wasn't doing anything to celebrate. More than likely I won't even see him again after tonight." She turned back to the tulips. "But I can hope..."
Sheffield pulled Tracy into his arms and hugged her close. "Okay, Girl Babe. But you be careful, you hear me? Take your mace with you... just in case."
"Never leave home without it," she teased. "Now go on, get out of here. I have work to do!"
Bud turned and headed for his office as quickly as he could. AJ just raised his hand and knocked on Tracy's door, pushing it open as he did so. "Mr. Secretary? I believe we had a 1545 meeting scheduled? It's 1550."
Sheffield nodded. "Yes, indeed, Admiral. Just checking up on my goddaughter."
AJ nodded to Tracy and smiled encouragingly. The two men headed for the Admiral's office. "No calls, Tiner," AJ said as they entered and he shut the door... firmly.
Sheffield turned around and faced AJ squarely. "AJ, would you ever consider dating a woman as young as Tracy?"
AJ was surprised at the question, but he gave it some thought before he answered. "I would consider it, Mr. Secretary. Whether I would actually do it? I don't know the answer to that. I guess it would depend on the woman." AJ's thoughts turned to Mac. 'She's older than Tracy... only about 6 years, but still... she's almost 40. Is that too young for a 54-year old man?'
"I've been married so long, it would never occur to me to even look at a woman as young as that," Sheffield said. "Some men do, I suppose." AJ nodded. "I guess I just expected her to decide on someone closer to her own age. Someone like Rabb, for instance."
AJ chuckled. "Rabb is a fine man, but he's not ready to settle down, I don't think."
Sheffield looked at AJ. "You know, I think you just hit on it! Tracy has always been mature for her age. She's never been one to be flighty or just out for fun. That must be why she's attracted to older men. Because they're more stable... more settled."
AJ nodded, "Could be." He motioned for his boss to have a seat and AJ leaned against his desk. "So, Mr. Secretary, I'm sure you didn't set up this meeting just so you could come and talk to Tracy. What really brings you here today?"
Sheffield cleared his throat. "I was looking through the personnel jackets on everyone who reports to me last week, and I found something rather... interesting... in a couple of them, AJ." AJ raised his eyebrow in question, but didn't comment. "Commander Lindsey..." Sheffield noticed AJ immediately take a defensive posture. "I noticed that he's been passed over for Captain a couple of times. And the last time was two years ago. You were the lead on the Captain Selection Board that year, I believe."
AJ nodded. "That's correct, Mr. Secretary." He thought to himself, 'Oh, God... here we go again!'
"I'd like to find another position for Lindsey. He's been in his current position now for quite a few years, and I think it's time for him to move on. Any suggestions?"
AJ sighed, but he thought a moment before replying, "There are a couple of positions that will be coming available in third quarter this year. They're both overseas, though."
Sheffield's face clouded. "Overseas? Are they prime locations? Or... out-of-the-way places...?"
"What exactly are you looking for, Mr. Secretary?"
Sheffield cleared his throat again. "Something where he..." He paused. "Oh hell, AJ! You don't think he's worth anything either! That's obvious by what happened in the last Selection Board. I want him out of my office... and moved someplace where he won't do any harm."
AJ was shocked, to say the least. Sheffield's predecessor had doted on Lindsey... thought the sun rose and set around him, practically. 'Maybe this guy isn't as bad as I thought,' AJ thought of his new boss.
"AJ," Sheffield continued, "I've given the guy 35 assignments since I took office last year. And he's completed 5 of them. Five. That's all. No more. And he didn't complete even one of those in a timely fashion or to my satisfaction! He's inept!" AJ tried not to laugh. "But I don't want him demoted. I don't want him to realize that I'm getting rid of him."
"But you are," AJ said.
"I have to! The man can't do a blessed thing without screwing it up!" Sheffield raised his voice.
AJ grinned. "Actually, Mr. Secretary, there is a posting available where he'd be out of the way... but he'd also be in charge, thereby maintaining his level of dignity."
"Where?"
"That's just it, Sir. The location itself always gives the appearance of punishment."
"Where is it, AJ?" Sheffield pressed.
"Iceland. Nothing ever happens there... well, except at Christmas, when the reindeer block the runways on Christmas Eve," AJ chuckled.
"How long has the post been open?"
"Five months, Sir. I haven't found the right person to send there," AJ said.
"That's perfect!" Sheffield said. "I'll tell him that I suggested him for the posting because you needed someone with his leadership ability to handle that isolated and strategic location." Sheffield glanced at AJ. "Sound good?" he asked.
AJ almost laughed outright. "You should have been a used car salesman!"
"Good. Now that that's out of the way... his replacement," Sheffield continued.
"I have several officers who would do a fine job for you..." AJ started, but his boss cut him off.
"I want Colonel MacKenzie," he stated.
AJ almost choked. "You what?" he bellowed.
"You heard me, Admiral. I want Sarah MacKenzie."
"She's my Chief of Staff! She's indispensable around here!" AJ argued.
"I can give her her eagles in September, AJ. You can't give them to her for another 2 years," Sheffield told him bluntly.
"Mr. Secretary, I have several officers who would do a fine job for you..."
"You said that all ready, AJ. And I said I want Colonel MacKenzie," Sheffield replied.
"But, Sir, Colonel MacKenzie is..."
"This is not up for discussion, Admiral."
AJ sighed. "Are you going to make it an order? Or may I give her the opportunity to refuse?"
Sheffield debated on that for a moment... but not long. "Make it an order. She'd never want to leave your command... not even for her eagles."
"I don't know about that, Sir..." AJ objected.
"I do. From all Tracy's told me about you and your people..." he nodded. "Cut her orders, AJ. And Lindsey's. Make it effective the first of February. I'll announce Lindsey's leaving tomorrow. Then we'll announce Colonel MacKenzie on Thursday."
"Mr. Secretary, Colonel MacKenzie is a dedicated officer and a fine Marine. And she's an even better lawyer. She loves the courtroom. She'll be miserable if she can't litigate."
Sheffield ignored AJ's argument. "Cut the orders, Admiral. Effective February 1." He turned and left AJ's office.
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1655 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaAJ buzzed his yeoman. "Tiner! Have Colonel MacKenzie see me before she leaves today."
"Aye, aye, Sir!" Petty Officer Tiner knocked on Mac's office door and said, "Excuse me, Colonel. The Admiral would like to see you before you leave today."
Mac looked up. "Okay, Tiner. I'll be right there." She and Harm finished their conversation and she followed Tiner back to the Admiral's office. She knocked on his door and at his command, she opened it and walked inside.
"Close the hatch, Colonel," AJ said heavily.
Mac didn't like that tone of voice. It didn't bode well. Either something really bad had happened or was going to happen... and soon. Mac closed the door and turned back to face her CO. "Sir?"
"Have a seat, Mac." Mac sat... and waited. AJ looked straight at her but didn't speak. Then he rose and turned to look out the window. He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. Another 2 minutes passed before he finally turned around. He sat back at his desk and looked at her again. "Colonel, you're being reassigned, as of 1 February. You'll be Legal Counsel to the Secretary of the Navy, replacing Commander Lindsey."
Mac gasped and tears sprang to her eyes, unbidden. She bit her lips together and forced the tears back. She would not let them fall.
He looked at her sitting there stoically... trying so hard to contain her emotions. He knew she must think he was punishing her... but surely she knew she'd done nothing to be punished for. "Questions?" he asked. Mac shook her head. AJ continued, "Just like a Marine. Never question your orders. Just follow them," he said. "Mac, ask. You're entitled."
She looked up at him. "Why, Sir?" she choked out.
"Sheffield wants you. He's sending Lindsey to... Iceland." Mac looked startled. "That's not announced yet... will be tomorrow." AJ stood and walked to the front of his desk, sitting in the leather chair next to Mac. "Mac, he's not giving either of us a choice in this. He wants you in his office. He instructed me to cut your orders... and Lindsey's." Mac said nothing. "One good thing," he continued. "You'll get your eagles this fall. If you stayed here, I couldn't give them to you for another couple of years."
Mac looked deeply into his eyes and whispered, "I'd have chosen to wait for them."
AJ almost smiled. "That's what Sheffield said you'd choose. That's why he wouldn't give you the opportunity to decline the position."
"When will it be announced, Sir? You said Commander Lindsey..."
"Lindsey will be announced tomorrow. You'll be announced as his replacement on Thursday," AJ informed her. "I'm sorry, Mac."
She nodded. "Understood, Sir." She took a deep breath. "Will that be all, Admiral?"
He nodded. "Dismissed." His thoughts followed her out of his office, 'One other good thing, Sarah... you'll no longer be under my command.' Then he cursed himself for those thoughts. 'She doesn't want you anyway, you old fool.'
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
1855 EST
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakton, VirginiaTom pulled his car into the parking lot for Tracy's apartment complex. He wondered if the landlady had really delivered the flowers to her at her office... or if she only received them when she got home. "What am I thinking?" he said aloud to no one. "She's only 32 years old, for Christ' sake! She's 23 years younger than me. Geez, Boone, talk about robbing the cradle!" he berated himself yet again.
All day long, Tom had battled his conscience about tonight. He had finally decided that the only thing to do was take her out for dinner as he promised... but treat her like a daughter or niece, not a date. That way she'd have a nice birthday dinner, and maybe she wouldn't think of him as a dirty old man.
But when he went home to shower and dress for the evening, he found himself taking great pains to look his very best. He even wore one of his ironed undershirts! He never wore those for personal wear... only under his uniform.
As Tom sat in his car, he resolved yet again to treat this evening lightly. He would treat Tracy well, but as though she were his daughter or his niece. 'I'm sure that's how she's looking at this, anyway,' he told himself.
Thus determined, Tom climbed out of his car and walked up the path to Tracy's apartment. He gently touched the doorbell and heard it ring inside. He stepped back and waited. When Tracy opened the door, all his good intentions flew by the wayside as he gazed at her. She wore a little black dress that was cut low in the front and emphasized her small bosom to its fullest advantage. The short dress was fitted and clung to her curves perfectly.
Tom caught himself before he groaned aloud. "You're absolutely beautiful, Tracy," he said quietly with a hint of a smile gracing his lips. It was now very obvious that she did not consider him too old... and she was on a date!
Tracy's face lit into a full smile and her whole countenance brightened. "Why, thank you, Tom," she said liltingly.
"Happy birthday."
"Come in, won't you?" she invited. As Tom stepped inside her apartment, she said, "The flowers were magnificent, Tom. Thank you so much." She confided in him, "I love flowers, and tulips are my favorite. How ever did you know?"
He smiled. "I'm a good guesser."
Tracy laughed delightedly. "I wasn't sure where we were going for dinner. I hope this is okay," she said almost self consciously, running her hands over her hips and down her thighs.
"It's perfect," he breathed. "You're perfect." He caught a hint of shyness in her expression, and realized what he'd said. He cleared his throat and continued, "I thought we'd go to a little place in Arlington. Chef John's. Would that be all right?"
"Oh! That would be lovely. I've never been there, but I've heard good things about it," she replied.
He grinned, "Same here."
As Tom held her coat, she slipped her arms into the sleeves and turned around. "Thank you," she almost whispered.
"Shall we go?" he asked, his voice husky. He'd been surprised to find that Tracy's dress had almost no back to it. Tracy nodded and handed him her key to lock the door as they left.
They were rather quiet during the drive to Arlington, both of them being a little nervous. When Tom pulled into the parking lot of the small restaurant, he quipped, "Here we are. I hope you're hungry, Birthday Girl."
Tracy giggled, "Oh, I am. I am." Tom opened her car door and offered his hand as she climbed out of the car.
Tom approached the hostess and said, "We have a reservation. Boone is the name."
Tracy tucked that little piece of information away. 'Boone. Admiral Tom Boone. I'll bet it's really Thomas. Admiral Thomas Boone.' She smiled to herself. 'I like it. But where have I heard his name before...?'
They followed the hostess through the crowded restaurant. She seated them at a small table in a quiet corner. "Busy place," Tom commented as they sat down.
The hostess nodded, "Oh, yes, Sir. Chef John's is a very popular place. Especially for parties of two," she winked at him.
Tracy said, "I don't even see many tables bigger than for 2 people."
The woman nodded again, "We have a few. But most of our patrons are couples wanting an intimate dinner."
"Precisely," agreed Tom, smiling at Tracy. The hostess took her queue and, handing them their menus, returned to the entrance.
Tracy's heart was in her throat as Tom smiled at her. 'God, he has such a sexy smile.' She picked up her menu and tried to concentrate on the words in front of her.
Tom looked over his menu, also. "Anything look appetizing, Tracy?" he asked quietly.
She glanced up from her menu and smiled, "Oh, yeah." Then realizing how that sounded... and from the dazed expression on Tom's face, knew that's just how he took it... she blushed lightly and said, "I do love Blackened Salmon."
Tom blinked hard, bringing his focus back to the menu. "Blackened Salmon? That sounds good. I'm leaning toward the Santorini Shrimp & Scallops, myself."
They both relaxed. "Mmm, sounds delicious."
"How about the crab cakes as an appetizer? Or do you even like crab?" he asked.
"I love all seafood. Fish, shellfish... you name it. I eat it," Tracy said lightly. "Crab cakes would be lovely."
Their waiter approached the table, and Tom ordered for both of them. Not knowing what kind of salad dressing Tracy preferred, he glanced at her as he answered, "House?" She nodded her approval, and the waiter left.
"So, tell me about yourself, Tracy," Tom requested.
Tracy smiled a shy grin. "Not much to tell, really. I'm 32. I'm from Virginia. I'm a lawyer..."
"A lawyer?" interrupted Tom. "Really?"
She nodded. "We're not all bad," she quipped.
Tom laughed. "No, I know that. I'm just surprised. I have a few friends who are lawyers. They're not too bad," he teased.
"It's amazing what a bad name we all have... just because of a few bad apples..."
"A few?" Tom repeated. "I think it's more like the other way around, Tracy. There are a few good apples..."
"Okay, you!" she scolded, laughing lightly. "What do you do? I mean... until February?"
"As little as possible," he joked. Tracy laughed delightedly, and Tom smiled. "You have a beautiful laugh."
Tracy closed her mouth and smiled shyly. "Thank you," she breathed.
The sommelier walked up to the table and sat a wine bucket to Tom's right. He pulled out the bottle of '94 Kendall-Jackson Johannesburg Riesling and displayed it for Tom. Tom nodded, and the young man opened the bottle and poured a tiny bit into Tom's wine glass. Tom picked it up and tasted it. Again, he nodded, and the sommelier smiled. He poured Tracy's glass half full and then poured Tom's. When he replaced the bottle in the bucket, Tom picked up his glass and raised it to Tracy. "To broken-down cars," he whispered. "Happy birthday." Tracy smiled and touched her glass to Tom's before they both took a sip.
As they ate their appetizer and salads, they talked. Tracy told Tom about her childhood, growing up in rural Virginia. Tom shared a few funny stories from his own childhood in upstate New York. While they waited for their main course to arrive, Tom asked Tracy to dance. When he pulled her into his arms on the dance floor, his hands touched her bare skin and Tracy shivered slightly. "Okay?" he asked. She nodded. "Tracy, we don't have to dance if you'd..."
"Oh, I love to dance, Tom," she countered. "Really, I do. I'm just... out of practice."
"Me, too," he confessed. "I can't remember the last time I went dancing."
Tracy looked into Tom's eyes and smiled. 'That's not quite what I meant,' she said in her head. 'I meant I'm out of practice having a man's hands on my body. And I like the feeling. I like it very, very much.' She realized that it was going to be difficult to keep her word to her godfather. She wanted nothing more right now than to invite this man into her bed tonight.
Tom felt a surge of warmth flood his body as Tracy beamed her smile at him. 'Oh, God... she is so lovely. So perfectly beautiful. And that smile... there's something going on in her mind for her to be looking at me like that. Look at the feral look in her eyes. Oh, God...'
The song ended and Tom escorted Tracy back to their table just as their entrees arrived. They shared more of their lives with each other... talking about their families, their first loves, even their most painful loss. Tom told her about losing his best friend in Viet Nam. "Hammer was the first real friend I ever had. I could always count on him."
"What happened to him, Tom?" she asked gently.
"He was shot down. Was MIA for a long time," Tom replied softly. "Left a wife and young son behind."
"Is that why you never married?" she prodded.
Tom turned surprised eyes to her. "I didn't tell you I'd never been married."
She smiled. "Have you?" He shook his head. "I didn't think so."
"Am I that transparent?" he grinned.
"Like cellophane," she teased.
"Ha!" his laugh came out as almost a bark. She looked at him questioningly. "A friend of mine says that now. Says he picked it up from someone at the office. I'd never heard it before."
Tracy giggled. "My mother always says that. Has ever since I was a baby."
"A baby? I'll bet she even has a picture of you wrapped up in cellophane, hmm?" he raised his eyebrow in a sexy way.
Tracy's smile turned into a sexy grin. "No, but I've always wanted one of me that way."
Tom gulped. "Is that an offer?"
"Did you bring your camera?" she taunted him. Tom shook his head. "Next time, then," Tracy giggled and broke the spell.
"Dessert?" Tom choked out.
She nodded. "Absolutely!"
Tuesday, 21 January 2003
2205 EST
Tracy Manetti's Apartment
Oakton, VirginiaTom held Tracy's hand as they walked up the path to her apartment. He unlocked her door and pushed it open. "Tracy, I enjoyed this evening..."
"You will come in for a while, won't you?" she asked.
"I don't think I'd better," he whispered huskily. "I think we should say goodbye here."
Tracy looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry, Tom. I didn't mean to be so forward..."
"Oh, Tracy. No..." Tom put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. "Please don't apologize for anything. You've been absolutely... perfect... all evening. I just don't think it would be the best thing for you if I..." He hesitated when he saw a tear welling in her eye. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Tracy, we just met yesterday. I don't want you to feel like I've taken advantage of you in any way. I don't want your family to feel that way either. And I know if you were my daughter..." She frowned; he grinned and continued, "or my niece... or my sister, for that matter... I would. Let's take this a little slow. Do you mind?"
"You mean... you want to see me again?" she asked hopefully.
"God, yes!" he breathed, running his hands down her arms possessively. "Most definitely. And a lot more of you..." he grinned, moving his arms around her waist and pulling her to him. "Take that any way you want and you'll be right."
Tracy's face brightened into a smile. "I thought... when you said we should say 'goodbye'... I thought you meant you didn't want to see me again."
"How about tomorrow night?"
She sighed, "I can't tomorrow. I'm taking a class on Wednesday nights."
"Thursday?" he asked quickly. Then remembered, "Oh, no, I'm busy that night. How about Friday night?" She nodded. "How do you feel about the theatre?"
"I love the theatre. I don't usually care for raucous comedies, but I've enjoyed most of the shows I've seen," she confessed.
"There's one called 'Shear Madness' playing at the Kennedy Center on Friday night. Interested?"
"I've heard of that, I think. Isn't it supposed to take place in Georgetown? In a beauty salon?" Tracy asked.
Tom nodded. "That's the one. It's a comedy, but it's a murder mystery, I believe. Shouldn't be too raucous."
"I'd love to go," she enthused.
"I'll check in the morning to be sure I can still get the tickets. Then I'll let you know." He pulled her into his embrace and lowered his head. "Now I'm going to kiss you good night before I change my mind and take you inside and ravage you," he growled before lowering his mouth to hers.
Tracy opened her mouth to him and Tom moved his tongue inside. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her, and they both felt the loss. "I have to go, Tracy," he whispered huskily.
"You'll call me?"
"Of course I will..." he paused, then he grinned. "If you'll give me your phone number, that is." He took out a pen and the receipt from dinner.
"703-743-7325," she said as he wrote. "That's my cell number. Oh! How'd you find out where I work?" She realized she'd never asked.
"I didn't."
"But the flowers... how did you...?"
Tom grinned. "I had them delivered here and your landlady offered to take them to your office so you'd have them all day."
"That Alice! She's such a sweet woman," Tracy said.
"She thinks a lot of you, too, Tracy."
As Tom put the pen and slip of paper back in his pocket, Tracy said, "Tom, there's something I haven't told you." She thought he must have known because of the flowers. But evidently not. He looked at her quizzically. "I'm also in the Navy. I'm a Lieutenant Commander," she almost whispered.
Tom smiled. "I knew you were a bright girl!"
"That doesn't bother you?" she asked. "That I'm a junior officer?"
"Why should it? You're not in my chain of command... nor will you ever be; I'm retiring in a couple of weeks, remember?"
Tracy breathed a sigh of relief. "Good night, Tom."
He leaned in for another kiss. "Good night, Tracy. I'll call you tomorrow."
As Tracy closed the door, she leaned against it and hugged herself tightly. "Oooh, he is SOOOO wonderful!"
