A Perfect Age - Part 4
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, 3 February 2003
1845 EST
Morton's of Chicago
Vienna, VirginiaThe hostess seated Tom and Tracy at a small booth in the main dining room. Rather than sitting opposite each other, Tom slid in next to Tracy; they were both facing the entrance. "Mmmm, I like this," Tracy cooed.
"You'll like it even better after a while."
"Oh?" she asked innocently.
Tom grinned and, reaching his hand between her legs and up under her skirt. She wiggled in her seat and almost gasped. "See?" he said wickedly.
Tom had just removed his hand when the sommelier stopped at their table. "Anything to drink this evening, Admiral?" the man asked.
Tom nodded, "A bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne."
"Ahh, a wonderful choice, Sir. Our very finest champagne."
"Champagne?" questioned Tracy. "Why champagne, Tom?"
"To celebrate your new car, of course," he answered. "Do you want to use the bottle to christen the car? Or would you rather drink it?" he teased, dismissing the sommelier with a nod of his head.
"Moet & Chandon?" Tracy almost gasped. "Waste a perfectly wonderful bottle of Moet & Chandon on a car? I don't think so," she shook her head. "We'll drink it. Definitely!"
They perused their menus and made their choices. When the waitress arrived, Tom ordered for both of them, as was his custom. "We'll have shrimp cocktails to start. The lady would like the Lamb Chops with asparagus and wild rice. I'll have the Rib eye with spinach and mashed potatoes. We'll both have the house salad."
"Very good, Sir," the waitress replied.
"Tom," Tracy started, "I want to ask you something."
Tom looked at her, rather surprised. Tracy didn't usually begin a conversation that way. "Of course. What is it, Tracy?"
She took a deep breath and asked, "Does my age bother you?"
"Your age?" Tom grinned. "No, Honey, it's my age that bothers me." He saw Tracy bite her lower lip, so he reached out and took her hand in his. "Tracy, I wish I was younger... closer to your age... so people wouldn't assume I'm your father. But, Honey, it doesn't bother me. You've proven to me that our age difference doesn't matter 'a hill of beans'."
Tracy giggled, "I'm rubbing off on you." He looked at her questioningly. "You just said it 'doesn't matter a hill of beans'." Tom looked surprised. "Didn't even know you said it, did you?" she teased.
He shook his head as he smiled at her. "Tracy, how would you feel about going..." he stopped speaking as the sommelier returned, opening the bottle of champagne. Deciding now against resuming his original question, Tom raised his glass to Tracy. She lifted hers to meet his and he grinned, "To the most delightful ditz I've ever seen buy a car!"
Tracy lowered her arm. "What?!" she laughed.
Tom chuckled. "Okay, okay..." He grew serious, "To the most delightful woman I've ever known. Here's hoping you won't ever decide that I'm too old for you."
Tracy clinked her glass against Tom's and drank. "I'll never decide that, Tom. You're perfect just as you are."
Tom leaned over and captured her lips in a brief kiss. "Thank you, Tracy." As Tracy leaned back from the kiss, she looked up and her eyes grew wide in surprise. "Tracy? What is it?" Tom asked.
She shook her head and put her finger to her lips, "Shhh. They haven't seen us yet."
"What? Who?" Tom tried to casually look and see whom Tracy was talking about. "Well, I'll be..." he whispered, seeing AJ and Mac standing at the hostess' booth. "He did it. I don't believe he actually did it," Tom grinned, turning back to Tracy.
"What? What did he do?"
"He asked her for a date, obviously," Tom said. Then he knew he needed to explain; he couldn't have Tracy thinking that there had been any impropriety before Mac transferred. "I told AJ just last week that he should ask Mac for a date now that she was no longer going to be under his command. He didn't think he would... said it wouldn't look good. He was concerned about someone's thinking they were involved before she left, and of course, that's utterly ridiculous." Tom looked back at them, just as AJ slipped his arm around Mac's waist. "I guess he changed his mind."
"I guess so," Tracy agreed as they watched Mac smile up at him. "I'm glad. They look really well together."
Tom nodded, "Almost as good as we look together." Tracy giggled quietly and put her hand on Tom's knee under the table.
AJ and Mac followed the hostess to their table, not noticing Tom and Tracy as they passed them. AJ held Mac's chair for her as she sat, and then he took the seat next to her. The sommelier approached them immediately, and AJ ordered a bottle of sparkling red grape juice. "AJ," Mac whispered, "Please order a drink if you want one. I don't mind, really," she assured him.
The sommelier waited. AJ smiled and laid his hand over Mac's. "I did, Sarah. I ordered a bottle, in fact." Then he looked her in the eye, "You do like sparkling grape juice, I trust?"
Her bright smile was his answer. "I love it. And the red is so much better than the white, I think. More flavor."
AJ nodded. "My thoughts exactly." The sommelier left to get their bottle of bubbly.
As they looked through their menus, Mac said, "It's so hard to choose. I all ready see 3 things I want!"
AJ chuckled, "We'll just have to come back then." He watched Mac carefully to see if she had any reaction to his statement. She didn't. She was too busy concentrating on the menu.
"I think... yes, that's it. I'll have the Double Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce, the sautéed wild mushrooms, and a baked potato. Oooo, and the spinach salad. I do love a good spinach salad."
"What about an appetizer?" AJ asked.
Mac grinned. "I'd love the broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon," Mac almost licked her lips in anticipation.
The waiter approached, and AJ ordered Mac's meal, then his own. "I'll start with the oysters on the half shell. Then the Sicilian Veal Chop, broccoli with Hollandaise, and Lyonnaise potatoes. Oh, and the Caesar salad."
The sommelier returned with the standing ice bucket and pulled the bottle from the ice. He opened it and poured the liquid into 2 champagne flutes. When he left, AJ raised his glass and whispered his toast, "To a new beginning. Ours." Mac's smile radiated on her face and AJ thrilled at her beauty. They clinked their glasses and drank.
"Oooh, how beautiful," sighed Tracy as they watched the other couple from their table. They had a perfect view of AJ's face, but they could only see Mac's side.
"What was, Tracy?" Tom asked.
"His toast. He said, 'To a new beginning. Ours.' Isn't that wonderful? It's so perfect for them." Tracy felt tears forming in her eyes.
"How did you...?" Tom started. "You can read lips?" he asked incredulously.
She nodded, "Mmm hmm... since high school. My best friend was deaf. We learned sign language together as children. Then later, we learned to read lips. It was actually easier for her because she didn't have the distraction of hearing the words. I finally wore ear plugs when I was practicing and at class."
"I would imagine that comes in handy," Tom grinned.
"Oh, it does," she giggled. "No one at JAG knows I can do it yet. Well, I think Commander Turner has his suspicions. But it is rather handy... I know what the opposition is saying to each other in court." Tom raised his eyebrow. "No, no... I don't eavesdrop on lawyer/client discussions; that would be unethical... only lawyer/lawyer."
Tom chuckled, "Which makes it perfectly legal, I guess."
"Oh, you!" Tracy pinched his knee. They looked up and watched the other couple, just as AJ leaned over and kissed Mac on the mouth.
AJ pulled back and mumbled, "We should have gone to Chef John's."
"Why is that?" Mac asked him.
"They have a dance floor. I could pull you into my arms and hold you there all night, and no one would say a word. Here? I think they'd begin to get suspicious," he chuckled.
"Perhaps we can go there next time?" Mac ventured, hoping she wasn't overstepping herself.
AJ grinned, "That can certainly be arranged, Sarah."
Mid-way through their meal, AJ heard a voice he recognized. "That's Sheffield," he said quietly. He looked around the room trying to find his boss... and there he was, standing by a booth talking to... "Tom and Tracy?" AJ said aloud.
Mac turned to follow AJ's gaze. "Oops," she said seeing them.
AJ quickly took Mac's hand in his. "Not 'oops', Sarah. You don't work for me anymore. There's nothing wrong with our being here together. Nothing," he insisted.
Sheffield shook Tom's hand, "Glad to know it's you my goddaughter is seeing, Tom. When she first told us about this older man, we were all concerned. Especially considering the way you two met."
"I can understand that, Mr. Secretary," Tom agreed.
"But her father was most impressed with you last week when you came back to Tracy's apartment to check on her after you saw him go inside. Most impressed," Sheffield continued.
"Edward," a dark-haired woman of about 50 approached him. "Your dinner is getting cold." She turned to Tracy, "I'm so sorry, Tracy. I tried to keep him away, but you know your uncle."
Tracy smiled, "It's fine, Aunt Lydia. Oh, may I present Tom Boone? Tom, this is Lydia Sheffield, my godmother."
Tom tried to stand up, but Sheffield was in his way. Lydia said, "Oh, no, please... keep your seat. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you in the last week."
Tracy blushed, realizing that her family had all been discussing Tom and delving into his past. One could have virtually no secrets in her family!
Tom smiled at the woman, "The pleasure is mine, Ma'am."
Lydia took Sheffield's arm and pulled. "Come, Edward. Let's leave them alone." She spoke to Tracy again, "I'm so sorry, Tracy. We'll see you later, Dear." She pulled on her husband's arm again. "Come on, Edward."
As they turned to walk back to their own table, Sheffield said, "Why are they both sitting on the same side of the booth?"
Lydia almost giggled. "Edward, we used to sit on the same side of the booth. Don't you remember?"
Sheffield stopped in his tracks and his jaw fell open. "Oh, my God! They can't do that in here!"
"Shhh!!" his wife kept pulling him along. Tracy dissolved into giggles at that, and Tom turned as red as a beet.
As Sheffield passed AJ and Mac, he looked down and saw them. "My God! What is this? Navy night?"
Lydia stopped with him, "Edward?"
"I'm sorry, my Dear. Lydia, this is Admiral AJ Chegwidden," AJ rose as Sheffield made the introduction. "And this lovely young woman with him is my new Legal Counsel, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie."
Lydia smiled at both, shaking AJ's hand, "A pleasure, Admiral. Colonel."
"Ma'am," they both replied.
Sheffield looked from AJ to Mac and back again. "Farewell dinner?" he asked casually.
"No, Sir," replied AJ. "That was Friday evening with all of the JAG staff." AJ reached over and took Mac's hand in his.
Sheffield grinned at the sight, "Remind me again, AJ... wasn't it you who fought so hard to keep Mac on your staff not 2 weeks ago?"
AJ nodded, "That's correct, Mr. Secretary."
Sheffield looked back and forth between them again. "Uh huh. That's what I thought I remembered." Mac began to blush. "Now, aren't you glad I didn't give you a choice?" he said to both of them.
Mac spoke up then, "Yes, Sir. I'm very glad." AJ turned surprised eyes to her. "Very glad, indeed," she whispered as she laced her fingers between AJ's in their clasped hands. AJ smiled and brought her hand to his lips, kissing it softly as he sat back down.
Sheffield and his wife quietly returned to their own table. "This must be their first date," Lydia said. "They look so sweet together... but yet so... unsure of each other."
"I'm sure it is, my Dear," agreed Sheffield. "She was in his chain of command until two days ago. And I know for a fact that Chegwidden would never violate regulations. He'd leave the Service first."
Even though they got their meal a good 20 minutes later than Tom and Tracy, AJ and Mac finished eating about the same time. Tom and Tracy took a bit longer to eat because Tom's hand strayed under her skirt several times and distracted them from their food.
Their meals finished, both Tracy and Mac found themselves walking into the ladies' room at the same time. Mac spoke first, "So, you two are still hot and heavy, hmm?"
Tracy grinned and walked into a stall. "You're not kidding! So... you and Admiral Chegwidden?" Tracy suggested.
Mac explained, "He dropped by my office this morning after he met with the SecNav. I was a little down, I guess you'd have to say... and he..." she sighed. "He cheered me right up. Then he asked me out for dinner tonight." They both exited the stalls at the same time and walked up to the sinks.
Tracy smiled. "So? Is this a date? Or just a former boss taking you out for dinner?"
Mac wiggled her eyebrows, "Oh, it's definitely a date. I think we were both a little on edge when he arrived at my place tonight... neither of us were really sure what the other wanted or expected. But we worked it out, and we both know now."
"And what would that be, if I'm not bein' too nosey?" drawled Tracy as she dried her hands on a paper towel.
"We want each other," Mac said almost reverently, pulling a clean paper towel from the dispenser. "I can't quite believe he really wants me, either. I mean, he knows about my past... my indiscretions... my love affairs gone sour... but he still wants me. I'm amazed, quite frankly."
"How much older is he than you?" Tracy asked, tossing the towel in the trash.
"Sixteen years, 3 months, and 8 days," Mac replied instantly.
Tracy grinned. She knew Tom was 23 years older than her... but she hadn't figured out the months and days. "Is that a problem for either of you?"
Mac shook her head as she tossed her towel in the trash. "Not for me. And I don't think for him, either. We actually talked about it before I left JAG. Not about him and me, specifically... only about an age difference in a couple. We were actually talking about you and Tom, to tell you the truth."
"I can't quite believe that my family is so okay with our age difference," confessed Tracy. "I'm thrilled! I'm just surprised."
The women exited the ladies' room and found Tom and AJ just coming out of the men's room. "Well, hello, Mac," Tom greeted her.
"Good evening, Admiral," Mac replied.
AJ nodded to Tracy as he put his arm around Mac's waist, "Commander. I hope you enjoyed your meal?"
Tracy replied, "Yes, Sir, I did. Very much."
The couples headed back to their own tables, and as AJ and Mac reached theirs, AJ said, "Would you like to join them for dessert, Sarah?"
She looked surprised, but not unhappy at the prospect. "That would be nice, I think," Mac replied.
AJ looked over at Tom and nodded, who nodded in return. AJ informed their waiter of the change, and they moved over to Tom and Tracy's booth, Mac sliding in first, and AJ sitting on the outside. "So what did you two do, decide on a signal in case one of us didn't want to join the other couple?" teased Mac.
AJ chuckled, "Can't put anything past you, can we?" Mac and Tracy shook their heads.
Tom answered, "Yes, we figured we'd ask both of you, and if either preferred to just keep to our own, that'd be fine. Otherwise, we'd enjoy dessert together."
"I think that was a lovely idea, Tom," offered Tracy, leaning over and kissing Tom on the cheek, not even thinking about the impropriety of their still being in uniform.
AJ grinned. "It was my idea, actually. Do I get a kiss, too?" AJ teased Tracy. She blushed profusely.
Mac leaned over and said sexily, "How about one from me instead?" Before AJ could reply, she turned his head to hers and buried her tongue in his mouth.
When she released him, AJ growled, "I've changed my mind. No dessert. Let's go home!" They all laughed at AJ's teasing. The waiter arrived to take their dessert order. AJ requested Chocolate Velvet Cake and Morton's coffee all around, and then addressed Tom. "So, how'd you happen to choose this place this evening?"
Tom chuckled, "We picked up Tracy's new car tonight... just up the road at Kline Tyson's. When we left there, it was time for dinner, so we just decided to come here. It was convenient."
"And on a Monday night, you don't always need a reservation," said Tracy. "We were lucky," she smiled.
"What kind of car did you get, Tracy?" asked Mac.
"A Camry XLE. It's red. I've always wanted a red car," she giggled. "And now I have one... thanks to Tom."
AJ and Mac turned questioning eyes to Tom. "Oh, no! I didn't do a thing, Honey. You did it all," Tom told her.
"But I couldn't have done it without you. It wouldn't have been believable," Tracy insisted.
"What wouldn't have been believable?" asked Mac.
"Tracy talked and acted like a complete idiot. A total ditz. Worse than those dumb blondes Harm picks up," Tom explained.
"And opposite you, a smart, sedate, calming male... my plan worked perfectly!" Tracy announced. "And I got a deal on a Camry!" she giggled.
Mac said, "They don't deal on Camrys. You pay sticker price and then some!"
Tom shook his head. "Not this girl. She got a $23,000 Camry for $20,000."
"A Camry?!" exclaimed Mac.
Tracy nodded. "That's right. Not bad, hmm?"
Tom shook his head. "Still can't believe you acted so... dumb!" Then he turned back to AJ. "What about you? How'd you two happen to come here tonight?"
Mac answered, "I love steak. And knowing that, AJ was a little put out, I think, that my farewell dinner on Friday night wasn't at a steakhouse. So he asked me this morning if I'd like to have dinner here tonight."
AJ nodded, "And I'm very glad you agreed, Sarah." AJ picked up Mac's hand and squeezed it.
"So am I, AJ," she purred as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"I wonder how Sheffield happened to be here tonight?" asked AJ.
Tracy replied, "I forgot they'd be here, actually."
"You knew?" asked Tom.
Tracy nodded, "This is Aunt Lydia's favorite restaurant. They come here every Monday night."
AJ and Tom looked at each other thinking, 'Hmm, something to tuck away for the future. Avoid Morton's on Monday nights!'
Monday, 3 February 2003
2245 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DCAJ took Mac's key from her hand and unlocked her apartment door, pushing it open for her to enter. "I had a wonderful evening, Sarah," he said softly.
Mac turned back to face him, still standing in the hallway. "So did I, AJ. Thank you for asking."
"Something I've wanted to be able to do for... a long time," he confessed. "Just wasn't possible."
She shook her head, "No, of course it wasn't."
"Well, I'll say good night, then..."
"Won't you come in for a bit?" she asked quickly, not wanting him to leave.
"I don't think that's the best idea, Sarah," he replied.
"Not even for a cup of coffee?"
"Coffee isn't what I want right now," he said huskily.
"Coffee isn't what I want right now either," Mac replied, stepping in front of AJ and slipping her arms up around his neck. She pulled his face down to hers and captured his lips in a bruising kiss. AJ moved his arms around her waist and pressed her into himself.
AJ heard a door open down the hall, so he quickly stepped forward into Mac's apartment and out of the line of vision... never letting go of her mouth. Now inside her apartment, Mac kicked the door closed while she sucked his tongue into her mouth. AJ unbuttoned her coat and slid his hands between the wool and her dress. "I should go," he ground out.
"No..." she begged. "Stay. Please stay..."
"Not tonight, Sarah."
"AJ, it's not like we don't know each other," she wheedled.
"Sarah, you didn't even realize I'd asked you for a date this morning," AJ countered.
She looked down at her feet, "No, I didn't." Then she looked back up into his eyes. "I hoped. But I didn't quite believe it," she admitted. "If I'd believed you meant it as a real date, I'd have worn something a little more... revealing," she confessed. "Sexier."
"You're sexy in anything you wear, Sarah. And your dress is lovely. It was a perfect choice for going out to dinner with your boss... or your former boss, in this case."
"You knew as soon as you walked in tonight, didn't you?" she asked quietly. "Because of my dress?"
AJ nodded. "You always wear a much more... daring, shall we say?... dress when you're on a date... or with the bunch of us from JAG. And that red number you wore at the Surface Warfare Ball? Woah! I had trouble concentrating on Sydney that night; I was constantly having to force my eyes off of you," he remembered.
Mac smiled, "That's nice to know."
"Sarah, I want you. In every way imaginable, I want you. But I want you to be absolutely sure before we begin a relationship. I don't want you to decide a month from now that this was all a mistake."
"I won't, AJ," she assured him.
AJ cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand and ran his thumb over her lips. "16 years is quite a difference in age," he told her.
"I prefer older men; I told you that before."
"But every man I've ever seen you with has been very close to your age," he countered. She looked down at her feet. "If you prefer older men, why do you date men your own age?"
"Because they're the ones who ask," she whispered. She looked up into his face and continued quietly, "I know it was wrong; he was still my CO... but John Farrow is older than I am. 15 years older, in fact."
AJ's eyes grew tender as he remembered what Mac went through... her estranged husband coming back and threatening her, getting Farrow involved, killing her husband, the murder trial, her Admiral's Mast... and all right on the heels of a lover being murdered by an insane police detective who was stalking her! 'My poor, sweet Sarah.' "And how do you feel about John now?"
"He's a friend. That's all either of us want."
"And how do you feel about me?" AJ asked gently.
She looked surprised at his question. "I... I don't know," she confessed. "I've never allowed myself to dwell on my feelings for you. I was afraid to. Afraid I would..."
"You don't need to be afraid of it now, Sarah," AJ whispered, pulling her back into his arms. He continued, "I want you to think about it this week. I want you to think about me... about what you want from me, from a relationship with me. If you even want a relationship with me."
She interrupted, "Oh, I do, AJ! I do!"
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I'm glad you do. But before we get involved, I want both of us to know where we stand going in. Does that sound fair?" Mac nodded her agreement. "I don't want to hurt you, Sarah." He added with a grim chuckle, "And I don't want you to hurt me, which is far more likely."
Mac slipped her arms around his neck again. She pressed her lips against his lightly. "I would never hurt you, AJ. Not on purpose. Never."
AJ kissed her back before pulling away. "Think about it this week. I'll call you." He opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
"Thank you for tonight," she said quickly.
He smiled back at her. "Thank you."
Tuesday, 4 February 2003
0910 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaAJ left his office, coffee mug in hand, and headed for the break room. Harm looked up and saw the Admiral, so he grabbed the Clydeson file and hurried after him. AJ set his mug on the counter and picked up the coffee pot. Having finally identified the song Mac had been humming lately, he was humming it himself as he poured the hot liquid into the mug. Harm walked in to see his CO, not paying attention, overfilling his mug and the coffee streaming over the sides and onto the counter. "Admiral!" Harm cried.
Startled, AJ lifted the coffee pot and saw the mess he'd made. "Oops," was all he said as he chuckled. His grin was wide as he reached for the paper towels to mop up the mess.
"Admiral, that's hot! You'll burn yourself," Harm warned as Harriett walked in. 'Was he humming?' Harm realized.
"Oh! Admiral, no! Please, Sir... let me clean that up," she rushed forward.
AJ looked surprised. "Good morning, Harriett. Lovely day, isn't it?"
Harriett smiled, "Yes, Sir. It is." Then she opened a drawer and pulled out a couple of dish towels. "I'll get that, Sir. You go ahead."
"Thank you, Harriett," he said. "Your hair looks lovely today, by the way."
Harm blinked hard. 'What's wrong with him?' he wondered. Then he remembered... 'He had a date last night!' Harm grinned to himself, until he remembered... 'With Mac!'
"Thank you, Admiral," replied Harriett as she cleaned up the mess on the counter.
"So, Admiral, I guess your date went pretty well last night?" Harm said. It wasn't often his CO was in such a good mood.
AJ turned and glared at Harm. "And what makes you think I had a date last night, Commander?" he barked, knowing that Harm knew he'd taken Mac to dinner.
Harm backtracked. "I... uh... I'm sorry, Sir... I thought I heard that you... I... um..."
"You have the Clydeson file ready yet?" AJ interrupted him. He was enjoying this.
Harm nodded, "Yes, Sir. Right here." Harm lifted the file folder.
"Good. Take me through it," AJ nodded for Harm to follow him.
"Admiral?" Harriett called. "Your coffee, Sir?" She held up his mug and he took it from her.
He grinned and winked at her. "Thanks, Harriett." She smiled in return as the men headed for AJ's office.
"Good morning, Admiral," said Tracy as she passed them in the bullpen.
AJ smiled, "Good morning, Tracy. How'd you like driving that new car this morning?"
Tracy almost giggled, "Very much, Sir."
He nodded, "I'll bet. A ditz, hmm?" She did giggle at that. "You'll have to demonstrate that one of these days," he grinned as he continued to his office.
Harm was thoroughly confused now. 'What the hell is going on around here? And when did I fall out of the loop?'
Their meeting concluded by 1000 hours, and AJ yelled to Tiner as Harm walked out. "Tiner, get me the phone number of a florist. The one you gave me the address for yesterday would be fine."
Harm paused by Tiner's desk. Tiner gave AJ the number, and both Tiner and Harm watched as the Admiral's phone line lit up. "He's sending someone flowers?" Harm asked. "Who?"
Tiner shrugged. "Don't know, Sir. Maybe his date from last night?"
Harm grinned to himself as he headed back to his office. He made a mental note to ask Mac if she liked her flowers.
Thursday, 6 February 2003
1245 EST
The Pentagon
Washington, DCTom knocked on Mac's doorframe. "Want to grab some lunch?" he asked.
Mac looked up from the pile of paperwork on her desk. "I would love to, Sir. I can use a break."
"Nice flowers," he commented on the large vase sitting on her desk.
She smiled. "Mmm hmm, they are. He sent them on Tuesday."
"Cafeteria okay? I only have 45 minutes before my next meeting."
"Cafeteria is fine, Admiral," Mac agreed.
Neither said much as they walked down the long corridor toward the staircase. Nor as they made their way through the serving lines. Nor as they found a small table by a window and sat. Finally, Tom looked directly at Mac and asked, "So, have you seen him again this week?"
Mac sighed, "No, Sir." She took a bite of her hamburger and chewed. Tom knew she wasn't finished speaking, so he waited. "He said he'd call," she added when her mouth was empty. "He hasn't yet." She bit off the end of an especially long French fry.
"You could call him, you know," Tom suggested as he cut his chicken breast and took a bite.
Mac shook her head. "No, Sir. That's not an option in this case. Not yet, anyway." Tom raised his eyebrow in question. "I'm supposed to be thinking about what I want," she said just before taking another large bite of her burger. "He even repeated that in the card with the flowers. And said that he would call me."
"About what you want?" Tom repeated. Mac nodded. "And have you? Thought about what you want?" Mac nodded again, still chewing. "So now you're just waiting for him to call?" Tom took another bite of chicken.
Mac replied quietly, "I've known what I wanted since he left my apartment Monday night."
Tom grinned, "But AJ thinks you need time to decide, right? What does he want to do? Get married right off?" Mac laughed outright. "Geez, Mac, that's what it sounds like! He wants you to be sure you know what you want before you begin a relationship? That's what dating is for! To find out if you are compatible. To know if you want to spend the rest of your life with someone."
Mac nodded. "I do."
"You do... what?"
"Want to spend the rest of my life with him," she whispered.
Tom smiled genuinely. "I'm glad to hear that, Mac. Because I'd be very surprised if AJ wants anything different."
"He thinks I'm too young for him," Mac said.
Tom shook his head. "No, Mac. He doesn't. He thinks he's too old for you, maybe."
"It's the same thing," she insisted.
"No, it's not. Believe me. I've been having to deal with that myself where Tracy is concerned."
"How does her family feel about you? You have met some of them, haven't you?" Mac asked, changing the subject from her and AJ.
Tom grinned. "They actually seem fine with us. I've met her father and her oldest brother. And I've spoken to her mother on the phone a couple of times."
"Oh?" Mac grinned.
"Yeah, she tends to call Tracy rather early in the morning. When I'm not quite awake, I'm apt to grab the phone before she does." Mac laughed. "You can laugh! The first time I answered the phone at 0630 and it was Tracy's mother, they both about had heart failure!"
"You could just stay at your place, you know," Mac suggested, still laughing.
"Yeah, well..." Tom leveled his gaze at Mac. "You want me to call him and let him know you've thought about it?"
Mac thought about it for a couple of seconds and then replied, "Thank you, Sir. But no. AJ will call me when he's ready... or when he thinks I've had enough time to think."
Thursday, 6 February 2003
1515 EST
The Pentagon
Washington, DCTom picked up his phone and dialed JAG Headquarters. "Admiral Chegwidden's office, Petty Officer Tiner!" the voice sounded over the wire.
"It's Tom Boone, Tiner. Is he available?" Tom asked.
"Admiral Boone! Yes, Sir, I believe he is. Let me get him for you, Sir." Tiner buzzed AJ and informed him, "Admiral Boone is on Line 1 for you, Admiral."
"Thanks, Tiner," AJ replied. He punched Line 1 and said, "Tom! What's up?"
"Get off your ass and call that girl, AJ!" Tom said bluntly.
"What?!" AJ replied incredulously.
"You heard me! Call her. She's miserable over here, waiting for you. She thinks you think she's too young for you."
"How do you know that?" AJ asked.
"We had lunch today. And I asked her how things were going between you two."
"Tom, it's like I told you the other night in the Men's room; I want her to be sure..."
"She is sure, AJ! The girl's in love with you, Man. Don't mess it up."
"Did she say that?" AJ whispered.
"She didn't have to," Tom replied. "It was obvious by everything else she said. Just take my word for it and call her. Today."
The men hung up and Tom called back to JAG, this time dialing the direct line to Tracy's office. "How about you and I going away this weekend?" he said when she answered. "How does Aruba strike you?"
"When do we leave?" Tracy giggled.
"Let me call and see what I can find. Can you take tomorrow off?"
"Ohh, no, I really can't. I have court tomorrow."
"So, tomorrow night, maybe?" he suggested.
"Umm..." she hesitated.
"Not a problem, Honey. We'll leave on Saturday morning."
"You're wonderful, Tom," Tracy cooed. "Oh! Did you have lunch with Mac today?"
"I sure did. That girl's in love," Tom confided.
"I kinda thought so," she agreed.
"Is that a 'takes one to know one' 'kinda thought so'?" he dared.
Tracy purred, "Mmm hmm; it sure is."
"Glad to hear it," he said. "I am really glad to hear that."
Thursday, 6 February 2003
1645 EST
The Pentagon
Washington, DCMac sat in the SecNav's office listening to him explain the latest assignment he was giving her. When she yawned, he looked at her sharply. "Am I boring you, Colonel?"
Mac blushed lightly, "Pardon me, Sir."
"You didn't answer my question, Mac. Is all this explanation unnecessary?" he pressed.
Mac nodded. "Mr. Secretary, each of the assignments you've given me this week has been a cakewalk. They're simple, straight-forward, no contest. A third-year law student could handle them with no difficulty."
Sheffield's eyes opened wide in amazement. "Really? You think so?" Mac nodded. Sheffield sighed. "Fine. Then go ahead. Get this one cleared up and the rest of what Lindsey left..."
"It's all finished, Sir," Mac interrupted.
"What?"
"Everything that Commander Lindsey left for me... it's all finished, Mr. Secretary."
"ALL of it?" Mac nodded again. Sheffield sighed again. "Okay. Finish this one up and let me know when you're done. I'll have some 'real' work for you."
Mac smiled. She certainly hoped so. "Very good, Sir."
"Dismissed," Sheffield said. Mac rose, came to attention stance, turned on her heel, and left his office. As Mac shut the door behind her, Sheffield shook his head. "How the hell did Nelson get anything accomplished with that incompetent..." He buzzed his secretary. "Get me Admiral Chegwidden." Three minutes later, AJ was on the line. "I want a straight answer, Admiral. Have you been receiving files and cases from this office that should have been handled by my Legal Counsel?" AJ cleared his throat, but didn't reply. "Uh huh," Sheffield said. "And for how long, AJ?"
"Since Commander Lindsey was appointed Legal Counsel, Mr. Secretary," AJ answered.
"Damn! Well, that will stop as of now," Sheffield said.
AJ commented, "She didn't say anything for the first few days, I take it?"
"No, she didn't," Sheffield said. "But when she just yawned in my face while I was explaining another 'cakewalk' to her, I finally got the message."
"She yawned in your..." AJ repeated, but stopped. "Mr. Secretary, that is most unusual for Colonel MacKenzie. She is not..."
"No need to defend her, AJ. I finally got her to speak up... Lindsey left what he called a mountain of work for Mac. She's already finished all of it. AND she announced that any third-year law student would have been able to do the work I've been giving her!"
"Doesn't surprise me in the least, Sir," AJ grinned to himself.
"I don't know how Nelson managed with Lindsey in this job," Sheffield griped.
"Lindsey sent anything he couldn't or didn't want to handle to JAG."
"Why'd you never say anything, AJ? That's not like you."
AJ sighed. "I did, Mr. Secretary. On several occasions. Secretary Nelson sided with Commander Lindsey, and intimated that I was trying to shirk my responsibility. So, JAG handled it. My people were up to the task. Still are. But you won't need them now, Sir. You have the best."
"That's right, AJ. I do. And if I don't miss my guess, I'd bet you're just a tad bit glad, personally, that I took her away from your command?" Sheffield goaded.
AJ chuckled, "That would be a safe bet, Sir."
Thursday, 6 February 2003
2150 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DCMac relaxed in the tub full of hot water and bubble bath. It wasn't often that she spoiled herself with such a luxury, but tonight she needed it. The weather was not conducive to being outside, not with almost blizzard conditions. So Mac decided to pamper herself. The small ceramic heater kept the air in the bathroom warm, and the candles she'd placed in front of the mirror gave off the softest glow and wonderful scent. She leaned back against her bath pillow and closed her eyes, placing the eye mask over her tired face.
Mac jerked up in surprise when the phone rang. She had brought it into the bathroom with her, but she hadn't really expected him to call. She picked up the receiver and saw on the Caller ID that it was Harm. So she didn't answer. She laid the phone back down and slapped around in the water trying to find the eye mask that had fallen off when she sat up so suddenly. Mac heard her answering machine click on and beep... and then heard Harm's voice. She couldn't hear his words through the door, but she knew he was speaking.
She repositioned her pillow and laid back again, putting the wet mask over her eyes. Seven minutes later, the phone rang again. She sighed as she saw that this time, it was her little sister, Chloe. She'd already talked to Chloe for an hour this evening, and she wasn't in the frame of mind to argue with her again. Again, she laid the phone back down without answering it. This time, though, she had managed to catch the eye mask before it fell in the water. She heard the answering machine beep... and then heard Chloe's high voice leaving a message.
Mac reached forward with her toe and lifted the drain to let some of the tepid water flow out as she turned on the faucet to let more hot water fill the tub. "Mmm," she purred in delight, splashing some of the hot bubbles up on her chest and arms. She had just leaned back on her pillow again when the phone rang a third time. "Forget it," she said. "It's not AJ, anyway. I'm not even going to look." Mac heard her answering machine pick up again, but this time she couldn't hear a voice talking. 'I guess they didn't leave a message,' she thought to herself.
Twenty minutes later, Mac lifted the drain and let the water flow out of the tub. She stood up, giggling at her wrinkled fingers and toes. "I haven't turned into a prune since I was little girl!" she giggled and was that much happier that she'd stayed in the water so long. Though the air was warm from the heater, she still shivered. She dried at her hair with the small hand towel and her body with the larger bath towel. She combed through her wet hair and used the blow dryer and a round brush to dry it completely. Mac knew better than go to bed with wet hair when it was this cold; she always ended up sick when she did. She draped her flannel nightgown over her head and slipped into her warm, fuzzy slippers. She hung the towels on the bar to dry, snuffed out the candles, and opened the door to the bedroom.
She walked over to the window and looked outside. Everything was white. The snow was still falling, fast and furious. "I wonder if I'll even be able to get to the office tomorrow?" she asked herself. "Well, good thing I finished up everything today."
As she passed her dresser, she noticed the number blinking on the answering machine. "Three? I only heard 2 people talk. That third one didn't..." She pressed Play, praying that the third call wasn't from him. "If I missed his call..." she muttered.
"Message 1 received at 9:55 pm today," the machine said. Then she heard Harm's voice. "Mac, it's me. Just checking up on you. Wanted to be sure you were home and not out in the snow somewhere. I'm going to call your cell and see if I can find you. Oh, hey! I thought maybe you'd like to go..."
She pressed the Next button, advancing to the second message.
"Message 2 received at 10:02 pm today." "Hey, Mac. It's me, Chloe. I know you think my dad is right about my not dating yet, but I really want..."
Mac pressed the Next button, again. She'd go back and listen to both messages tomorrow. For right now, all she wanted was to know who the third message was from.
"Message 3 received at 10:14 pm today." "Hello, Sarah," she heard AJ's sexy voice whisper. "I was hoping you'd be there now. I called several times earlier; your line was busy. I'm sorry I missed you. I hope you're not out in this weather. I'll try you again tomorrow. Stay warm and sleep well, Sarah."
Mac fell back on her bed and burst into tears. "Why didn't I answer? Oh, God! WHY?!?" She grabbed the phone, thinking she would call him. But then she realized the time. "2305! I can't call him this late. It'd be different if he asked me to... but he said he'd call me back tomorrow."
Mac rolled off the bed and padded into the kitchen to make a cup of hot tea before climbing in bed for the night.
Friday, 7 February 2003
1425 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaTracy was thrilled. The jury ruled in favor of her client, and the trial ended 2 full hours before she expected. She reached her office just as the phone rang. "Lieutenant Commander Manetti," she said happily.
"Sweetheart, it's me," Tom said softly.
"Tom! I'm finished! We can leave any time," she told him. "And the roads are clear now, too. I can see them from my window. Which means the airport..."
"I'm sorry, Honey. I can't go this weekend."
"What? Tom, is something wrong?"
He sighed. "You've been in court; you've obviously not heard yet." He paused for her to respond, and when she didn't, he continued, "We've been bumped up a notch, Honey. Homeland Security has us at the orange level now... high risk of terrorist attacks. And the military is now on Threatcon Bravo," he told her.
"Oh, no," she said. "Has anything happened yet? Or is it still..."
"Not yet. And hopefully, nothing will."
"I'm surprised they put you on..." Tracy started.
"I volunteered, Honey," Tom told her. "My last day is next Friday. I thought it was the least I could do to take this weekend."
Tracy swallowed hard. "You're a very special man, Admiral Boone. Very special, indeed."
"I'm sorry about our weekend, though."
"We'll have other weekends, Darling," she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek.
Tom's heart soared. Tracy had never used an endearment in addressing him before. This was a first. And what an endearment to choose! "Lots of them," he assured her. "After next Friday, anytime and anywhere you want to go."
Friday, 7 February 2003
2025 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VirginiaAJ berated himself yet again for not having called Mac this morning. Once the announcement came that they were now on Threatcon Bravo, he hadn't had a moment to call his own. As the ranking officer at the JAG building, it was his responsibility to ensure that all Bravo measures were adhered to. He spent almost an hour on the phone with the new head of the Marine security detachment assigned to JAG; AJ wanted to be convinced that this new man knew everything that was expected of him, so he had him detail everything. Then AJ spent a good hour on the phone with Secretary Sheffield, convincing him that JAG was secure and would continue to be so... and that Mac was fully capable of securing the SecNav's office. And the last several hours, AJ spent dictating letters, updating orders, and tracking down every one of the JAG personnel across the world.
"This is the last of them, Admiral," Tiner told AJ as the Petty Officer set a stack of papers on AJ's desk.
"And you're sure that's everyone?" AJ asked again.
Tiner nodded. "Absolutely, Sir. Checked them four times. That's everyone, Admiral."
"Good." AJ picked up a pen. "You can go on now, Tiner. I'll have to read all these before I can sign them, and it'll take a few more hours."
"Not a problem for me to stay, Sir," offered the yeoman.
AJ shook his head. "No need for it, though. You go on home. But be available if I need to reach you this weekend."
Tiner patted his hip. "Have my cell phone right here, Sir."
AJ nodded. "Good. Well, hopefully I won't be calling you, and I'll just see you on Monday morning."
"Very good, Admiral." Tiner turned to leave just as he heard the Admiral's stomach growl. He turned around. "Sir? Did you ever get anything to eat?"
AJ didn't even look up. "Nope."
"Sir, all the pizza is gone, but I can..."
"No need, Tiner. I'll get something when I get home," AJ dismissed him, thinking, 'If I ever get home tonight.'
Two hours later, AJ heard the elevator bell ring, announcing the arrival of the car. 'Must be the guard check,' he thought to himself, checking the clock on his desk. 'No, it wouldn't be him; he has another half hour to go,' AJ realized. 'And he takes the stairs.' He heard footsteps walking in the bullpen, coming toward his office. "That sounds like Mac," he said aloud, rising from his chair and walking around his desk.
Mac smiled as she stepped into his office, "You recognized my footsteps?"
"Mac!" AJ said. "What on earth are you doing here at this hour?"
She raised her hands, showing him the take-out boxes, and said, "I brought you some dinner." AJ lifted an eyebrow at her words, so she continued. "You're not going to try and tell me that you ate anything. I know you better than that! The last time we went to Threatcon Bravo, you were here around the clock and you didn't eat or sleep for over 42 hours!" As if to prove her point, AJ's stomach growled loudly. "See?" she grinned. "And you had a Chief of Staff to help with all this then."
"What'd you bring me?" AJ grinned.
"Chicken Picatta," she replied, setting the to-go boxes on his desk. "For two," she added quietly. "I thought I'd join you if that's okay."
AJ smiled, "Okay? That's wonderful." AJ held Mac's coat as she shrugged out of it, and he hung it up next to his.
Mac picked up his coffee mug and said, "You keep working. I'll get you some more coffee and get this set up. Then you can take a break and eat. Sound good?"
AJ suddenly realized that Mac hadn't addressed him by rank or called him "Sir". Not once since she arrived. He smiled broadly. "Sounds perfect, Sarah."
Mac's smile burst on her face as he said her name. "Be right back, AJ."
The coffee was obviously several hours old, so Mac brewed a fresh pot. She filled AJ's mug and found a clean one that she knew belonged to Harriett. She filled it for herself and carried the two mugs back to his office. AJ was back behind his desk, reading. He glanced up at her as she walked in, but he didn't speak... he only smiled.
Mac moved the to-go boxes to the coffee table in front of the sofa. She opened the little packages of silverware and napkins and then said, "Anytime you're ready, AJ."
He finished the page he was reading, signed it, and moved to the sofa. "This was very thoughtful of you, Sarah."
Mac smiled. They both began to eat. After several minutes of silence, Mac finally said, "Thank you for the flowers this week. They're still beautiful."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "I'm glad you liked them."
"But you brought me flowers on Monday night. You didn't have to send more on Tuesday," she said quietly.
"I wanted you to have some in your office, too. To remind you of me," he answered quietly.
"I don't need any help there, AJ. I'm sorry I missed your call last night. I was in the bathtub."
AJ grinned. "Oh? Bubble bath?" he teased.
"Mmm hmm," she replied sexily. "And candles, too." Then she looked right in his eyes. "But alone."
"And you'd prefer not to be alone in the bathtub?" he almost whispered.
"Not if you were there," she dared.
AJ swallowed hard and looked up at Mac. "That can be arranged," he replied.
Neither spoke again for several minutes, until AJ said, "You were on the phone for a long time earlier in the evening, too."
Mac sighed. "Chloe. She's having trouble accepting her father's restrictions on her love life."
"Chloe has a love life?" AJ asked incredulously.
Mac grinned. "She's 15 now, you know."
AJ shook his head. "They grow up so fast."
"Yes, well, she called me last night hoping that I'd side with her against her father. I disappointed her, I'm afraid. She ranted and raved for a good long time before she finally gave up. We were on the phone for 67 minutes."
AJ chuckled. "She probably thinks you're an old fuddy-duddy now."
Mac laughed. "I'm sure she does."
"Mac, this chicken is delicious," AJ changed the subject. "Where did you get it?"
"Callistos."
"Callistos doesn't have take-out," he informed her.
"I know. I called and asked, and they informed me in no uncertain terms that they do not do take-out."
"So how did you get it?"
She grinned. "I went to the restaurant and sat down at a table. I ordered two meals. They brought them to the table, and then I asked for a doggie bag." AJ threw his head back and laughed. "Hey! It worked!"
AJ leaned forward and kissed her lightly. "That it did, Sarah. And I can't thank you enough for thinking of me. I was hungry. Very hungry. And this hit the spot perfectly."
Mac smiled. "I rather thought it might." They finished their meals and sipped their coffee. Soon, Mac said, "I'll just clean all this up and then be on my way. You go on back to your work, AJ. I won't disturb you."
He picked up his mug and drained it. Then he moved back to his desk and began reading again. Mac stacked up the empty containers and took them and the mugs to the break room. She threw away the containers, washed Harriett's mug, and filled AJ's with more coffee. She walked back into his office and set the mug on his desk. She whispered, "There's still another 2 or 3 cups left in the pot for when you finish this one."
"Thanks."
She grabbed her coat and shrugged into it. "I'm going to go on home now. Unless there's something I can do to help you?" she offered.
AJ shook his head. "Nothing." Then he looked up. "You're leaving?" It suddenly registered in his brain what she said... and the fact that she all ready had her coat on. Mac nodded. AJ got up quickly and walked around his desk. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "Sarah, I'm so sorry about all this..."
She shook her head, "Don't be, AJ. I understand perfectly. Your mind has to be focused on work right now. I'd be concerned if you weren't."
"I'll call you as soon as I can... and we'll talk. Hopefully tomorrow."
"But probably next week?" she offered.
He reluctantly nodded his head. "Probably." He pulled her in for another kiss, this time deepening it before she pulled away.
"I should go and let you get back to it."
"Thank you for coming, Sarah."
Saturday, 8 February 2003
0905 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DCMac rolled over in bed after a fitful night's sleep. She slapped at her alarm clock to turn off the annoying ringing sound, until she realized that it wasn't the alarm. It was the telephone. She grabbed the receiver just as her answering machine kicked in. "Hello?" she said.
"Hi. You've reached Sarah MacKenzie's apartment. I'm not available..." the machine was saying.
"Hang on a minute," Mac said, "It'll quit in a second." The machine kept talking. Finally it beeped and she said, "Okay. Hello?"
"Good morning, Ma'am," said Harriett. "I thought those things were supposed to turn off when you answer the phone?"
"They are. And this one usually does. I guess I picked up at just the wrong time," Mac explained. "What's up, Harriett?"
"Bud and Little AJ are spending the day with Commander Rabb..."
"The whole day?" Mac interrupted.
"That's right," Harriett giggled. "They're talking about going to the zoo. So, I thought maybe you might like to..."
Mac spoke at the same time as Harriet, "Go shopping!?!" They both laughed, and then Mac yawned in Harriett's ear.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Harriett. How rude of me..."
"Not at all, Ma'am. Did I wake you?" she was suddenly concerned that she might have called too early.
Mac lied, "No, no... I was awake. Just not up yet."
"I'm sorry, Ma'am."
"Now look, Harriett. If we're going shopping together, you're going to have to promise to call me Mac!"
Harriett laughed lightly. "I'll try, Mac."
"Where did you have in mind going?" Mac asked. 'Please say Leesburg; please say Leesburg,' she thought to herself.
"Well, I go to Tyson's all the time, and Potomac Mills at least every other month, so I was thinking... since we have the whole day... maybe... Leesburg Corner?"
"Perfect!! I haven't been there in ages," Mac replied. "I wonder if the Cole Haan store is still there... I need some new loafers, and I love their shoes. I can't afford them except at the outlet."
"What time can you be ready?" Harriett asked.
"Why don't I pick you up? It's right on the way... and Bud will need your van with Little AJ, anyway." Mac suggested.
"Actually, Harm is picking them up in his Lexus. I feel better about that. Bud isn't that sure of himself driving, yet, you know."
"So, how about I get to your place at 1030?"
"I'll be ready and waiting!" Harriett giggled.
"Harriett, I just had a thought. What would you think of inviting Tracy to go with us?" Mac asked.
"Oh, she's not even in town, Mac. She and Admiral Boone are off to Aruba this weekend! Isn't that romantic?"
Mac countered, "Well, they were supposed to, but with the Threatcon being raised, he volunteered to take this weekend... its being his last one in the Service. So she's home alone..."
"Oh! What a shame," said Harriett. "Sure, let's invite her along, too. It would be fun." Harriett looked through her small notepad that she kept by the telephone and found Tracy's home number. "Let me call her now. We have 3-way calling. Hang on a second, Mac."
Harriett clicked the button and got a dial tone, then she dialed Tracy's number. "Hello?" Tracy answered.
Harriett clicked the button again and connected all three of them together. "Good morning, Tracy," she said. "This is Harriett and Mac."
"Hi, Tracy!" Mac chirped.
"Well, good morning!" Tracy smiled. "What are you two up to?"
Mac laughed, "We're going shopping! Wanna come?"
"Shopping? Oooo.... where?" Tracy cooed.
"Leesburg Corner," offered Harriett.
"Oh! I love that place!" Tracy said. "Yes, count me in!"
They decided that Mac would drive to the Roberts' home, switch to the van with Harriett, and then head to Tracy's apartment. Collecting her, the threesome would head north to Leesburg... and outlet shopping!
Saturday, 8 February 2003
1435 EST
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets
Leesburg, VirginiaThe women sat around a small table at the City Deli enjoying their sandwiches. So far, Mac had bought the most of all of them. Harriett had found 2 dresses, 3 pairs of pants, and 2 tops at the Motherhood Maternity store, along with some bras at Maidenform. Tracy bought a pair of shoes at Cole Haan, a dress at Bebe, a pantsuit at Jos. A. Banks Clothiers, and a nightgown at Off 5th. But Mac! Mac had already bought 3 pairs of shoes at Cole Haan, 1 pair of boots at Kenneth Cole, 2 dresses at Bebe, another dress at Coldwater Creek, 2 pantsuits at Jos. A. Banks, 3 nightgowns and a red teddy at Off 5th, and a swimsuit at PacSun!
"It's February, Mac!" cried Harriett when she finished checking out at the swimwear shop. "You won't need a swimsuit for months!"
"Unless I make a trip somewhere," Mac suggested.
Tracy grinned. "Oh? And are you two planning a trip somewhere?"
"You two?" Harriett picked up on that immediately. "What two? Who two?" She glared at Mac. "What haven't you told me?!"
Tracy looked at Mac in apology. It should have occurred to her that Harriett might not know about Mac's relationship with Admiral Chegwidden... yet. But Mac shook her head. "No, we aren't planning a trip anywhere... but it's always best to be ready, just in case!" she giggled. "I mean, hey! Admiral Boone called you out of the blue to go to Aruba!"
"Maa-ac," wheedled Harriett. "Who two?"
Mac grinned at her friend. "Me and... AJ," she almost whispered.
Harriett gasped. "Admiral Chegwidden?"
Mac nodded, "Uh huh."
"Oh, my God!! When!? When did this happen?" cried Harriett. "Today's Saturday. You've only been gone from JAG for a week! I can't believe you didn't call me and tell me!!"
Mac giggled. "It started on Monday, Harriett. He stopped by my office that morning and... well, we had dinner that night and... he sent me flowers the next day..."
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed Harriett. "Monday night? This past Monday night?" Harriett bubbled. Mac nodded. "So that's why he was so preoccupied on Tuesday!" she laughed. "I can't believe it! You are the new girlfriend that Tiner's been talking about all week!"
"What?" she quizzed. "What do you mean, talking about me?"
Harriett explained, "Oh, he didn't know it was you he was talking about! But on Monday afternoon, the Admiral left right smack at 1700... which, you know, he never does. And Commander Rabb had a report to go over with him, and the Admiral made him wait until Tuesday. Tiner said he thought the Admiral had a date Monday night. Then on Tuesday morning, the Admiral was in the break room pouring his coffee. Only his mind wasn't on what he was doing and he overfilled the mug. The coffee went all over the counter! Commander Rabb walked in on him and called his attention to it."
Mac and Tracy laughed. Mac turned to Tracy, "Did you tell Tom about that?"
Tracy nodded, "Oh yeah. He got a kick out of it."
"He didn't tell me!" Mac grumbled through her giggles.
"Anyway," Harriett continued, "I walked in and offered to clean it up for him so he didn't burn himself. He was going to mop it up with paper towels! Hot coffee!" She shook her head in disbelief. "Men! He had the goofiest grin on his face... and he even said things like, 'Lovely day, isn't it,' and 'Your hair looks lovely today, Harriett.' It was too funny! Especially now that I know WHY!!! And Commander Rabb said the Admiral was humming when he walked in, too!"
The women were laughing so hard, other patrons began staring at them. Tracy piped up, "So, all those clothes you bought today... they were all with the Admiral in mind, yes?"
Mac grinned. "You know it, girl!" They all dissolved into giggles again as Tracy's cell phone rang.
She pulled it out of her purse. "Hello?"
"Tracy, it's Mike. Something's happened at home. We need to be there; when can I pick you up?" her brother said seriously.
Tracy's face went ashen, silencing Mac and Harriett. "What happened?" Tracy whispered.
"Mom's hurt. Maria just called," he told her. "I'm leaving my place now. I'll pick you up..."
"No!" she interrupted her eldest brother. "I'm not in town. I'm in Leesburg."
"What the hell are you doing up there?" her brother snapped.
"Shopping, Michaelo. I decided to go shopping with some friends today. Is that okay with you?" she snapped back. Mac reached over and patted her shoulder to help calm her down. Before her brother answered, she said, "I'm sorry, Mike. That was uncalled for."
"How soon can you get there, Girl Babe?" Mike knew that as much as they all loved their mother, Tracy was the one most attached to her. They were the only women in a family full of men, and they stuck together like glue.
"As soon as I can, Mike. You go on. Don't wait for me," she told him. They hung up and she looked helplessly at Mac and Harriett. "Would it be asking too much to head for home now?"
"Of course not, Tracy," Mac said quickly.
Harriett rose and scooped all of their food stuffs onto one tray and dumped it in the trash. "Let's go!"
As they made their way back to the car, Mac asked Tracy, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"My mother's been hurt. I don't know any more than that. That was my brother who called; he said we need to be there." Tracy sniffed.
"Where?" asked Harriett. "Where do you need to be?"
"Front Royal," Tracy answered.
Harriett looked at Mac and they nodded to each other. "Then that's where we're going. Do you know the quickest route from here?"
"Oh, I can't ask you to..." Tracy started.
But Mac interrupted, "You didn't ask, Tracy. We offered."
Harriett popped the back of the van and they loaded their bags inside. As they all climbed in the vehicle, Harriett asked again, "Do you know the quickest route? Or should I get the map out?"
Tracy gave her the directions, and soon they were on their way to Front Royal. Tracy took out her cell phone and dialed her brother. "Mike, it's me. We're going to the house from Leesburg, so I'll probably be there before you arrive. Do you know anything else?"
Mike answered, "No, Tracy, I don't. Maria just said that Mom fell off the staircase and we should get home right away. Sounded pretty bad."
Before they could say anything else, the battery died on her cell phone. "Oh, just perfect!" she complained. "And of course, I don't have my charger with me." Tracy's eyes welled with tears as she imagined her mother toppling over the railing and plunging to the tile floor below.
