Chapter 2
Lisa continues to Stare out the window, with a small smile playing on her lips, her eyes are tired heavy lidded, and is absolutely unfocused on the external stimuli, not really paying attention to what is going on outside. Instead, she is just thankful her little girls are all right, and not causing her father a great deal trouble tonight about staying up, and wanting mommy and daddy. She thought they would be wide-awake, making trouble and being over excited making them be too exhausted to go to the beach tomorrow, and naturally ends up glimpses over at Jackson and follows him with her eyes smiling. As he's talking on the cell phone in his standard secret code way, staring out of the window while his short sharp nails are scratching at his 2-day-old stubble, along with his warm familiar chuckle.
Her phone beeps loudly in her ear, and indicates in an annoying aggressive tone, that there's another call on the line, making her wonders who is calling her at this time, only when she looks at the ID she notices it's her worst nightmare. She apologizes to her father sympathetically, and presses the right button that puts him on hold; subsequently she answers the other call cheerfully as its Cynthia, her faithful desk clerk, probably with Selena the new trainee doing her first weekend of nights as lead receptionist. Cynthia can be a little silly, who can be semi-hysterical, and is her best friend from work, puffing as Lisa presumes she and the young trainee are running along the marble flooring in a rush. At the same time as she is asking about the trip, furthermore putting herself into a long-spun tale of run-on sentences and tangents on how the computer system is slow tonight and has had a virus for the last few days, also Selena is having trouble with the Taylors. Flustered as well as unnerved by the obnoxious couple with their usual intimidation, threats to corporate, and endless complaining techniques, that has been perfected over the many years of staying at the hotel, and always getting their own way. Selena as a junior receptionist with so much to learn, has managed to let the panic get to her, and has entered her own password incorrectly three times, then lock Cynthia's usual terminal via the old three-strikes-and-you're-out routine blocking further interaction with the computer until it is acknowledged. Moreover, when Cynthia goes to use the alternate terminal, while they're waiting for Support to unlock the locked terminal affected using a single password that is used for all low security applications, which will require Seleena to re-familiarize herself with the companies password policy. Only the entire system either has suffered a mini-crash or does what many Windows-based, cut-to-fit retail systems are as fond of doing as the result of the execution of single or multiple machine instructions, it should be attempting to offer safe mode while it tries to recover from the error and continue execution instead of crashing. This isn’t the case for their system, what usually happens, especially during a rush, or during dealings with the most obnoxious couple ever. The processor decides it is going to do a perfect impersonation of molasses attempting to flow uphill in the dead of winter leading to bugs, universal slow performance, and at worst case, takeovers by viruses and malicious software.
Even as she is hearing this, Lisa rolls her eyes subtly and smiles confidently, no problem is too big, and some of the higher ups were really noticing her uncanny ability to make things happen, she has always had the ability to smile in the face of adversity, and today was no exception. Sometimes she feels that it would be nice to have everyone do things for her, since that is all she did in her profession, being a people-pleaser one of the 'people with special needs' or what Cynthia says ‘Why don’t all the disgruntle customer’s just line up, and kick me like assholes until you’re done with your complaint’. She being the one who had to deal with all their bullshit that the whiney over-privileged guests can easily turn into problems and complaints because they feel they have the right to
However, she cannot help but wonder what the crisis is really, she told work not to phone her this weekend unless it is an emergency, which has been completely ignored, and this did not sound like one of those. Okay so she might have forgotten to tell Cynthia and Selena they were checking in today, but she also thought she and her trainee could handle it, it is merely another minor problem. However, this is though Selena's first time doing nights, so what to some would be enough to pull their hair out; to her was purely one more insignificant predicament that could be dealt with. Then she plunges into another long-spun tale of run-on sentences about customers, both of them feeling like headless chickens because of the systems. Explaining how sorry she is for ringing, not to worry about work, and how she is supposed to be relaxing and enjoying dinner plans tomorrow night with Mr. Rippner before she comes back then she can do some work. She can hear Cynthia start laughing as she is trying to hang up and Lisa is blushing and smiling resembling her little girls, looking at the man next to her with a grin. As she is trying to think of what her red headed friend means by enjoying her husband, when she has 3 excited little girls to deal with, Cynthia should know that being a mommy of 3 young children too.
When Cynthia tells her that Selena has just been handed a file by a coworker and she is starting to panic. Cynthia passes the phone to Selena, and Lisa explains to her, the routine in these matters and that Charles Keefe is heading to Miami for last minute emergency meetings with the politicians from the east coast states and other security representatives tomorrow, and for that, he has changed his arrival time at 5am instead. Lisa sighs in fatigue and her eyes glances to check the brightly illuminated clock on the dashboard, while she tells her this is a regular thing that his security does that all the time. At the same time tells Selena to arrange some of his usual items for his room, his Montecito Cubans and the Cristal on ice, as she knows it would be good training for her. In just 6 hours or so, Keefe is expected at the Lux Atlantic, with his security and diligent team, Cynthia and Seleena are going to greet the Deputy of Homeland Security, and God only knows Cynthia is the only employee she trusts at that hotel. Whom she knows can keep his stay comfortable and most importantly private, as well as train Seleena in procedures and etiquette of providing him with whatever he needs. Remembering how she had proudly trained a panicking Cynthia, when she was a trainee scrambling to gather random items to satisfy her customers, stressing over little details many years ago, whilst Lisa was the ever so encouraging lead manager of the front desk.
The taxi comes to an unexpected stop at the passenger drop-off and Jackson is elated once they were able to leave, the faster they could get to the check in line the happier they would be, as he begrudgingly pays the driver telling him to keep the wad money but did not tip too lavishly. Just relieved to get out of the cab, and they can now can hopefully get to the check in on time although he is not counting on it. Getting out and ducked out into the pouring rain, a newspaper each held over their heads in a laughably futile attempt to ward off the driving rain, they grab their luggage out of the trunk quickly, Jackson grabs a trolley and puts them on it, and they both walk at a steady stride through the airport. The airport is crowded with delayed aggravated and rain-soaked passengers who are all gathering in clusters together in fatigued groups. As Lisa concludes with her call, she looks up at her dark haired husband a smile crossing her lips and begins to talk to him about her conversation with her dad, before her phone rings again, and her dad comes on sounding concerned as ever. She smiles tiredly and wonders if his just thankful that, they will be home tomorrow to take over the girls.
Listening to Joe as he continues to report to her what has been happening that basically boils down to this: the extensive renovations of the family dream house they are having, is nearly done on their house. How the girls were, he's never doing yoga with them again, and how much trouble he has had putting them to bed, he read Cat in the Hat as he takes a travel down memory lane when she was younger, and he used to read to her instantly making him feel decades older. What her brother has planned for his wedding plans, they have finally decided to do it in Miami, and want the girls as bridesmaids, as well as details on Grandma Henrietta’s funeral and how their mother is coping. When they get home would they like him to pick them up from the airport? He goes on, on, and on asking her if she is okay, about things, which Lisa does not want to talk about now.
Despairingly exhausted, Lisa sighs as she turns the phone off from the exasperating conversation with her father, placing the warm metal object into her heavy feeling handbag. While she looks at Jackson, they look at each other and he throws Lisa a curious glance, which makes her flush in embarrassment he sees she has gone bright red, and kisses her cheek knowing why, taking her small hand carefully in his hand while Jackson can feel his own cheeks warm, too.
Finally, they get to arrivals and look at the boards, finally they find it: Flight 1019 to Miami, Florida was DELAYED, both groaning at the sight of the word and cursing under their breathes, to find their flight very much delayed. Resulting in the already late flight home being trapped by a freak storm the freaking delays, as they both slowly wander their way through the crowds and luggage until they find the FreshAir check-in counter. The check in line for FreshAir Airline is a tedious and time-consuming line. They both wonder how worse this day could get, both trying desperately to stay in a relatively sane mind-frame standing in line for what feels like three hours and swearing upon their and their children's very souls, no matter how urgent or crucial, to never venture into red-eye flights again.
Jackson asks with a huge grin, even though he knows the immediate answer, she will respond with because he has heard it a thousand times before, knowing there is never a time when Joe isn’t worried about Lisa. "How's Joe doing?" Whilst he holds Lisa hand protectively but not possessiveness, even as he reads the New York Times, that is propped open on his blue-sleeved arm and works on the crossword puzzle. From his position next to her, he can smell the delicious scent of jasmine in her hair whilst with his other hand he is rubbing the pad of his thumb along her hand. He loves to smell her hair, she always smells like jasmine and her favorite perfume, and the slight aura of cheap wine, which he is sure he smells like too and when they are mingled together and he is close to her that sends him crazy. The bed sheets and pillows always smell of her too, which some mornings he reluctantly hates getting out of bed.
While Lisa reads her self-help book using it as a distraction, as she is speaking to him with a coy smile on her face, enjoying the feeling of his simple touch, even though it is his, she lets her eyes wander around the airport, trying to condense her father tirade into one simple sentence. She notices some flight attendants heading to their next assignment, Children playing videogames, adults with cell phones not looking where they are treading, weary families with children on the cuff of throwing an almighty tantrum. Taking one last glance out into the masses of many noticing how businessmen are talking with their hands and exasperatedly to their bosses and wives on the phone, and lovers kissing and hugging each other goodbye, after that her eyes glances over at the travelers pulling Suitcases being on wheels behind them. That is when everything seems to fall into place and they all turn into blurs of color and noise. "More worried than he's letting on." She says in one simple burst with a sigh, giving him a half smile, and a shrug.
Meanwhile, Jackson meanwhile Smiles and nuzzles his cheek and nose against her shoulder softly, the fabric of her blazer and stubble causing abrasions of hot prickly heat, against his skin waiting for a bad reaction but doesn't get any. He does not want to push, but he can feel the twinge again, however he shoves it away once more. "That's because he loves you, poor kids. At least this gives us some time alone, before he starts again." He says with a small smile, as he thinks of Joe at home, he knows though that when they get older his going to be as bad as Joe is, ringing them every day and asking the same question.
They continue to converse congenially, enjoying each other's company as if they are old friends, and letting time slip away, turn into a dreamy blur, where nobody else is around and they are in a world of their own. Both try to avoid steering their conversations, to the things that are actually important to them. Lisa with a troubled secrecy a kind of darkness below the bright green orbs she shows to the world, to open her heart to him the only person who knows what lies beneath. As Jackson too desires to confess the things, she needs to know, no correct that, what she should know. However, right now though, maybe it is just too much for them to take. Besides, they are comfortable like this, and none wants to spoil the natural tranquil ambiance around them.
Jackson Smiles warmly, as he looks over at Lisa with the book in her hand, and in his smooth voice he asks, breaking subtly away from the conversation in hand. "So um what did Cynthia want?" While he is watching her with a small smile and his eyes bright and clear, waiting patiently for her to reply.
Lisa realizes how she is relaxing a little around him. She frowns slightly, looking at him patiently, and smiles knowingly when she met his eyes. "She asked about the systems apparently, she has lost her username and pin. How Selena wasn't trained on them, and the Taylor's." She answers with a poignant smile, which seems to be conflicting with the lighthearted smile she is trying to portray; her eyes however giving away how troubled she feels.
Except something in her expression, makes Jackson wonder what she is actually thinking. He remembers the couple that always seems to want Lisa when she's in the middle of something, as though she is always free at their beck and call at all hours of the day. Although Lisa doesn't show it publicly, he knows that they get on her last nerve too, they phoned on her work phone the night before they were due to flew to Dallas, when Lisa was trying to calm a very distressed Olivia to bed, and practically told her to shut the poor child up. She just smiled and coolly gritted her teeth, he knows she desperately wanted to say shove your reservation straight up your ass, to the 'people with special needs', unfortunately she always has to remain professional; she gave him little Olivia and walked into his office with the phone. Leaving him to try to get her settled enough, so she could go back to sleep and dream away, and worrying about how Lisa is really doing.
"Ah, I see great night huh." He says with an insightful smile, and infiltrates in his smooth deep voice, while he unconsciously glances down at the book in her hand. He realizes she is relaxing a little around him, as there seems to be an easing through her somewhat stiff with nervous tension shoulders. "Are you still reading Dr. Phil?"
When she hears Jackson say that, Lisa unwittingly gives him an adorable little playful smile, not wanting her thoughts to become obvious to him. "Yes, and loving each and every chapter wanna know what I'm reading" As she answers him sarcastically, shutting the book slightly so she can show him the front cover, in red and white blocked lettering, with a cheesy commercial picture of the man himself, looking pleased about all the money he raking in with his psychobabble.
Letting his eyes wonder to the book, then back at his still smiling wife. Jackson Smiles mischievously back at her, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Your dad needs to lay off buying you those; I'm worried the book shelf will become a library dedicated to him."
She copies his expression; her eyes are sparkling like diamonds also as she replies. "Don't worry about it; I'll just get another bookshelf."
"As long as they are in your office, and not in the one in the living room, that's fine with me." He retorts in a cheeky manner, his lake blue eyes, and smile also displaying the same expression.
"Fine" Her eyes now trained firmly back on the book, trying to hide the obvious blush, which is surfacing on her cheeks.
A few moments later as she absentmindedly, starts to roll her roll-on, back and forth gently, as if she is rocking a baby to sleep in a stroller with the well precise practice of a mother. However, in actual fact, she is doing so because of nervous tension, which causes Lisa to unconsciously and accidently knock her carry on, into the woman in front with what looks to be her combat boots. Making Jackson who is standing watching this from next to her, and causes him to grin impulsively like a naughty schoolchild, now his eyes instinctively glancing down at his arm, where he starts fake reading his paper not paying attention to the black words. He has already read every printed word on that page his thinks well over fifteen times, which is the disadvantage to being a speed-reader and paying too much attention to the women next to him. Knowing how clumsy his wife, can be from time to time, especially when she is nervous.
The woman's eyes drop down and she notices the unavoidable Dr. Phil book in her hand, they start talking about him, and her rather large family. Lisa meanwhile has her customer friendly face on working to keep her voice sweet, and to Jackson's disappointment. He absolutely hates the man however, he knows ever since 2 years ago Lisa's dad has been buying them for her because she refuses to take therapy. She did ignore them at first, she only began to read them on nights when she had the nightmares, they were too much, and she knew she could not stay asleep.
He listens on hopeful that the line will move on so he does not have to hear anymore in relation to Dr. Phil. As he ponders about the queue moving, Lisa the people pleaser gladly gives the book to the woman when she mentions she doesn't get to watch the show, Lisa seems happy enough though to give the book up and Jackson is too as it is one less book for the bookshelf of his and his stupid self-help. The older women smiles and gratefully accepting the book, as she quickly flicks through it and thanks Lisa genuinely.
The older woman is then called to the desk; at the same time as a counter attendant comes forward screeching as she is reminding people on another flight to start queuing. A man in his late 40's hotheaded and irate, clearly as annoyed as them, in a brown suit shuffles his way through the line yelling at a counter attendant.
Lisa turns her head, so does Jackson, to watch the man complaining, hoping he isn't going to cause too much of a scene, subsequently she looks at Jackson, and he stares at her with a grin, the man clearly not happy with the explanation, starts to heckle the woman who is apologizing sincerely.
Subsequently he starts to become discourteous; this man obviously thinks he is speaking for everybody as he stares indignantly at the staff member, leaving the poor woman to feebly try to placate him, but instead manages to further enrage him.
"Oh, so it doesn't matter that you cancelled my first flight, and then re-routed me twice…" He criticizes in a monotonous, cantankerous voice, as he pulls a disgusted aggravated face at the desk attendant, still trying to calm him down.
This makes Lisa steps in try to calm the situation and uses her managerial skills or what she calls Hotel reflexes, by leaning forward, Lisa raised her voice slightly, and her hotel reflexes kick in. Unfortunately, this causes the man seethe further, at the same time as he is glaring down at her as if she is a small child. Standing straight and confident, Lisa leans forward slightly, as the man menacingly turns towards her and raises his voice even more. Jackson steps in soon after, with a sharp voice that cuts through the older man's argument, using his managerial expertise. He has had enough of the person's bullshit; no one is going to talk to his Lisa that way, as they are defending the exasperated counter attendant. Glancing at her husband beside her, looking smart and handsome dressed smartly in his suit, with the newspaper he was reading held in one hand. She can't help but stare at him as he spoke, admiring the way his eyes glittered at the angered passenger. Lisa suddenly finds herself engrossed to him even more than usual as he tries to get his point across, with his handsome face looking serious, are adorned with his gorgeous eyes, that to some people can seem so dangerous.
All the poor woman in the staff was trying to do was direct some of the other passengers to their flights, and this man had obviously had enough of waiting not that they blamed him; she looked as though she was waiting for security would come up to them and get the man out of the airport. However, they thought he sounded worse than their children did, as he begins to retaliate, before wheeling himself round to stare into Jackson’s managerial facial expression, only to have his arm gripped by Jackson, whose fingers clamp around it, in a vice-like hold. Lisa holds her breath, her mind reeling at how straightforward her husband is being, as always, especially to this rude obnoxious man in front of them.
After making their points, they didn't have to call security in order to get the man out after all, he seems to resist anymore, he simply opens his mouth, quickly sighing and instead flicks his gaze over to Lisa before clenching his jaw, which in turn causes Jackson’s eyebrows to rise slightly, as if challenging the angry man. To which he snap childishly, before wrenching his arm out of the tight grip Jackson has on him, and huffily stalking away. As soon as that is over, Jackson smiles triumphantly and is just about to talk to Lisa, opening his mouth, when Lisa sees the umbrella lying on the post and she runs over to give it back to the old woman.
Lisa turns to him grimacing, looking slightly caught off guard, and causing her to smile as she whispering in his ear "Nicely done"
He gins widely, tucking his newspaper beneath his arm, while enjoying the tickle she just gives him from that one action and whispers back, hoping to give her the same feeling "Not at all," Jackson goes on, trying not to look at the beautiful woman next to him, that beautiful women being his wife. "That was just backup." He pauses for a brief second, smiling broadly at his wife with a hint of mischief in his bright blue eyes. "Well you got the ball rolling." She grins back and she kisses him on his scruffy cheek before turning back around.
Lisa smiles sheepishly at him, suddenly avoiding eye contact as she replies, she laughs, to brush aside the nerves she is feeling. "I guess its hotel reflex."
Jackson whispers in her ear again, with the same grin on his face, he wonders if she will relax if he takes them to the Tex Mex his favorite restaurant when travelling and famous for its insanely good tacos. The 24-hour joint was always busy and he knows from previous travels, with their children here to Dallas, that it is in fact positioned right across their gate. "Do you want to know what, that's why God created the Tex-Mex best nachos in town and right in front of our gate?"
She is worried as they have not been alone like this in the last 2 years, and this could lead to more than she is willing to go at the moment. They both agreed tonight, that they would flirt like the old days before they get home and start the grind of work and the girls. Before then every time they consider this, she can never go further and she knows in some ways that is his intention.
"Good tip thanks, but I think I should call dad you know, and see if they are okay and check my messages." She looks at her small wristwatch with a burgundy red strap, and a cream and silver face. Then she turns her head to him, she quickly smiles as she is slightly embarrassed to answer and trying hard not to show it.
He however knows she is stalling this, and he attempts to hide the slight smile that is trying to force its way across his lips, knowing she frightened, he wants her to have a sense of control over their interaction. Before, they had a good personal life every time he the flirting became more she clams up. He doesn't blame her for this, and he quite understands, but not being able to simply touch and enjoy being with your wife for 2 years can make you crazy. Nevertheless, he knows that one day, they will get back to the swing of things again and be the couple they were, maybe even better.
"Okay what about I'll save you a seat, just in case you change your mind?" He asks, with his mouth dry and his throat clogged up, forcing him to swallow, while also sensing her awkwardness toward him at the moment.
Lisa is getting nervous; she opens her mouth to reply and then shuts it. She stares up into his eyes for a moment, but all she can see is a little Cynthia on her shoulder grinning at her and mouthing ecstatically. "Do it Leese, enjoy Mr. Rippner like you are supposed to, it's your one chance to feel like you are on a date, before you get home to the kids." She always does this, when Jackson comes in to the hotel sometimes, to collect her for dinner early.
"Oh, uh…um, Okay." She smiles hesitantly, as she answers feeling fear rise inside her, but also a sort of contented anticipation bubbling through.
They are called to the desk, after being questioned, minor pleasantries the matronly counter staff making the final checks for clearance. Once the interrogation was finished checking in their bags and a quick stamp upon both their already packed passport and gone through security which had been a nightmare since angry travelers who decided that it was a good idea to mess with the security officers, they reached the checkpoint and went through without a problem. Usually when they flew with the kids, Jackson would have to call ahead to speed them through the lines and customs.
Jackson kisses her cheek gently, and they proceeded to walk their separate ways. Lisa carefully tucking her airline ticket away, and began to walk in the direction towards the gate lounge. As she looks around for a seat, and overhearing a middle-aged woman ask her daughter if she was going to be okay comes to a complete stop, Lisa allows herself to smile wistfully as she listens to the conversation. As she watches as a blonde haired girl aged 10 or 11 years old, tells her mother she's fine going on the flight on her own hoping she'd notice her independence, and the girl glances over at Lisa and rolls her eyes as if to say 'parents, honestly'. Lisa is unquestionably familiar with that look, and has to lets out a small laugh, because she is reminded of her dad, and her daughters, as the girl goes with the flight attendant. Automatically she starts playing with the metal band, on the finger twisting it, as she recalls her father asking her the same question not long before.
She comes out of her musing, in a moment of frozen shock, Lisa gasps and accidently bumps into a woman running right into her with a cup full of iced mocha coffee in hand, which spills all over her outfit she gives her a false smile and the woman apologizes profusely. Of course, she is making excuses, assuring Lisa, it was cold, and meanwhile Lisa has to bite back her sarcastic reply, something along the lines of, “really do you think?” Because the coldness of the drink shocks her so much, she can't even shriek out.
Leaving Lisa to watch as the woman turns away, and calls her husband asking him for another drink; and the husband hollering back something about her finishing the drink already. However, Lisa clears her dry throat, and swipes at a cold droplet slowly inching its way down her top, while she looks over at Jackson who has an apologetic smile on his face she gives him a little smile tilting her head slightly. While thinking that maybe she will take him up on that offer, maybe it will do some good to her confidence if she does take his offer up, Lisa's lips stretch out into a thin line before she turns heading to the bathrooms.
Inside she takes off her jacket, and dries her blouse the best she could; as the stain from her jacket refuses to wash away, it makes her sigh in annoyance, because out of all the blouses, it had to be this one, she contemplates, as she throws away the damp tissue paper, and discarded baby wipes from the counter. In the meantime, hearing the echoes of the announcements being made on all the flights that are currently delayed. Suddenly she paused momentarily, looks at the scar just above her right breast on her chest, It is a stark contrast against her pale body; just above her breast, upraised and dark pink, it is a mark she will bear for her entire life. While she is watching herself reflected in the mirror, as her eyes are drawn to the scar on her breast, looking at it grimly, that is when the awful flashbacks of that afternoon came flooding back to her. As she stares at it with sorrow and pain, the thoughts enter her mind, wishing that she could one day forget about the past, and how her entire life has changed after the incident, she wonders how Jackson can still love her so much, and how he thinks she is beautiful even though that scar now mars her. She looks at herself in the mirror again, this time making eye contact with herself, realizing how tired she looks, and how her eyes lack the fiery passion, of her former self. Shaking her head, her curls bouncing around her face tickling her cheeks, which takes her from her musings, looking away she reaches into her carryon bag, and removes a button up cardigan to put on over the over a pretty tank-top and changes quickly.
When she walks out of the washroom letting the door slam behind her, she starts surveying the area watchfully; she notices that Jackson is waiting for her at the Tex Mex playing with his glass, with a plate of nachos in front of him. That he is casually picking out a nacho every now and then probably to quench his hunger, or soak up the alcohol they had at the funeral with his other hand, and noting an empty seat next to him in hopes that she would change her mind. Not even noticing when Lisa slips up behind him and taps his shoulder to gain his attention. He looks like he is musing as much as she is and wonders if his thinking what she is thinking or waiting for news on their flight or a progress report from one of his associates in Miami concerning an assignment.
Patting the patterned fabric covered seat next to him, Lisa asks curiously, with a small smile, she can smell the subtle whiff of alcohol like a thin aura around him. "Is this seat taken?"
Jackson turns his head to her and a triumphant smile crossing his face immediately, his mind going back to their first date at the hotel restaurant. As he watches her for a moment, it is very difficult not to notice the pretty woman next to him Lisa Reisert has always been a mystery, and how this seems to be very familiar to it, noting the way she is feeling slightly uncomfortable around him. He watches her sit in a lady like manner; making sure her skirt isn't twisted by the action, and shuffle her luggage around. He notices as always, that she has such a beautiful smile, and as far as he was concerned, it is honest and it wasn't the same people pleaser look she always gives to all of the customers at the Lux, it was the smile she gave him when she felt comfortable and their daughters. He also observes how her auburn curls shine, even in the dim lighting of the Tex-Mex. "No not yet, have a seat." He answers, gesturing to the seat in question, while the little voice in his head condescendingly replies in amusement, ‘That’s real smooth, Rippner, Impeccably smooth’.
She smiles watching him as he plays with the glass she guesses he had scotch or brandy in, her mind distracted with the memories, flashing through her mind of Jackson, and where it all began 9 years ago, until she feels the words slip from her lips.
"Are you okay Jackson?" She asks timidly, genuinely curious.
He turns and smiles at her, glad she came here; he was worried and could bet his next pay cheque, even though he is not much of a gambling man that she would feel uncomfortable, about the whole thing and probably hide in the bathroom until their flight is called. Alternatively, she would go and sit somewhere quiet, less crowded and he would bring drinks over to her and have small talk. However she had made a last minute decision to wind down with comfort food and a nice drink to boot, but there's also the thrill of flirting with her at the Tex Mex bar, the enjoyment at acting normal with his captivating woman. "Yer good thank you, so…did you call your dad then, how are they doing?" He says with an inquiring smile, though what he has just said is absolutely compassionate and sincere, and in his heart perfectly true, he's also caught himself in a lie. Because what he has wanted to tell her all night is, "You look so beautiful tonight”.
That's when Lisa decides to relax and enjoy the night, doing something she had been so proud of before. "Yep no more calls, their good, they're still fast sleeping at the moment, nothing new to report". She says, with a small smile on her lips, and mentally slaps herself. Great excuse, wasn't it? Looking away, she avoids eye contact, as she can tell by the look on his face, that he doesn't believe one word of her excuse, however he understands why she did. Because by the way, he continues to stare at her and smiles trying to be secretively thrilled as he did on their first date, however she knows he cannot lie, and genuinely is ecstatic to see her accept his offer. Remembering how he was the first guy all those years ago, to have caught her eye after years of dedicating herself to her work.
He glances down to his arm and checks his watch; glad to see it is an hour where they would be sound asleep in their beds. "Oh good, I was worried they would be wide awake, causing your dad problems." He says knowing she didn't, her eyes are wide and completely giving away the fact that she's lying, and because if she did the conversation would have lasted more than 5 minutes. Joe would have told her everything, he strokes her arm gently, smiles, she smiles back, and he knows she's comfortable again, her natural guard lowering slightly not being stupidly over-trusting and he approves her caution.
"Hey, what would you like to drink?" He asks truthfully and a little weary, as the slight grin from earlier making its appearance, and he straightens up his posture. Afterwards he bites his bottom lip, as he raises an eyebrow and can see the underlying sadness in her eyes under the reserved flirting, and wonders if she's been worrying about the fact it's coming up to the 2nd anniversary.
Meanwhile Lisa observes him sucking in a breath still biting his full bottom lip, and thinks about their daughter Olivia doing the same thing when she's concentrating on something like her drawings, or whenever she tries to piece words together to form sentences. And how incredibly sexy he looks doing it, done in such a subtle flirtatious way, which makes him look more handsome. He did the same action on their first date, and while she was cautious, she liked that a lot. While it also reminds herself, of how cute their youngest daughter Olivia looks too. As she shakes her head, she did not want this to become more than it already is. It is already leading somewhere, and she would not let him buy her anything and leave her in debt like last time and she perks up in interest.
"Yes, please”. She says as she is now twirling one of her curls around her finger and biting the corner of her lower lip, a sign that she was concentrating that is both sweet and refreshing, while she was looking at the menu.
Entranced by this, Jackson watches her as if completely hypnotized. She does that a lot, not in an outlandish flirtatious way; it is just innocent, carefree, and childlike and reminds him of Emily their oldest daughter who is a twin. She does the same thing when she is doing homework, drawing a pretty picture, or simply looking at a menu and it always reminds him of their first date and never fails to make him smile and something he likes.
Jackson remembers he did this to her 9 years earlier, when they went to the hotel bar for their first date. He was at the Lux checking in, for a very long and tiring few days on an assignment. The first time he saw her, he knew she was the woman he wanted to marry. He remembers how beautiful she looked sitting next to him smiling; as he played the guessing game he noticed the way her eyes had strayed, and inclined her head towards the vodka section. As if he has the ability of telekinetic and reading her mind, of what her drink was, he guessed correctly, dead on, and he noticed she was impressed, more relaxed and yet slightly flustered.
Of course, she lied about her drink, knowing she enjoyed the guessing game, up until he had narrowed it down to the final two, and there was no way she would give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right, so instead she ordered a Bay Breeze instead and got slightly tipsy, also displayingher wicked sense of humor.They spoke about his nameand a kid Lisa knew at school who was also unfortunately named, both having to wear glasses and had braces until high school, Jackson being a band geek, Lisa playing on girl’s field hockey team.Being born in the great state of New York in Albany, how he killed his parents, which is not exactly true his mother a psychology professor and the head of the department at the same collage his dad teaches at, died of a brain tumor when he was younger. Explaining his father is a professor of English and can be as annoying as Joe can be, when it comes to his feminist artistic artist of an art teacher sister. Then they went to dinner and enjoyed each other's company, although he did not go too much into his job at that time she had fun trying to guess.
He looks at her and smirks raising his eyebrows, that look she just gave, made him feel warm and slightly self-indulgent. It is one of his many favorite looks, which makes him almost go insane inside everytime, and can be a very dangerous thing, which he can barely control himself when she gives it to him. As they carry on sharing secretive looks, constant glances that look so… coy, and blushing a bit in a way that, only they would understand. He throws his head back, and acts as though he is lost in thought, when really he is just trying to figure out the best winding trail to the already known answer of Seabreeze as it was at the hotel restaurant, a game that they still play sometimes when they were out on a date night. Even though he does know the answer, the look she just gives to him always gives away the fact that vodka is in the drink. She smirks back her green eyes twinkling, he knows she is going to lie again, but was one of the things he loves about her, that he could read her and she always surprises him, which the girls have inherited too. She does end up lying to him again, but uses it to his advantage.
The bar tender comes over and asks what he would like, Jackson asks for a beer while Lisa gives him a dark look before she asks directing her attention to the bartender for a bay breeze throwing him a smirk as she does, and he gives her an equally dark look because he can tell she was up to something. The bar tender nods once goes away hurrying to fill the drink order, leaving them to chat some more
Lisa plays her hair, twirling a strand around her finger before pushing it behind her ear, drawing his attention to the slim lines of her neck a small, embarrassed smile playing on her lips; her cheeks are blushing a light pink hue slightly, as she asks him in a jovially flirtatious tone of voice. "That's some trick you've got there Mr. Rippner, thanks for the drink, by the way."
Her husband Smiles and Jackson watches his wife with a grin starting to grow on his lips, reaching his eyes, and brightening them further. He wonders at thirty five-years-old, how he ended up being married with this wonderful woman for 8 years as he pulls his transfixed eyes once more from the crook of her exposed neck, even though her hair isn’t up tonight. At the line of her jaw, to the hollow, leading him to the joining-point, just below her right ear, noticing how she isn’t wearing any earrings, and realizing how he always manages to get distracted when he looks at her. "That's okay, it's a good way to break the ice, and though I do believe this is the second time I've ever been wrong." As he answers her in a contented tone, and with an immense smile now on his features that makes his clear blue eyes sparkle, while he thinks about this, he wonders about his beautiful little girls too.
"You know I've been thinking all day about how the women in your family are quite dynamic. And how my daughters seem to be just as dynamic, and how I am in for a lot of trouble."
She looks at him, amiably, expectantly, and laughs; she knows her daughters have many of their traits, which is both a good thing and in a small way a bad thing, but can mostly be counted as good. "Are you talking about how my grandmother ate grape nuts to keep her arteries clean, and used Duke for rest?" She waves her hand dismissively and laughs warmly, clearly embarrassed by the thought of her 91 years grandmother and the much younger, but just as energetic Duke.
"She was never fazed by anything she always told me to look forward." A slight smile dances upon her lips, although it comes out more as a poignant smile, as she feels a pang of sadness as she thinks of her grandmother. Remembering her grandmother's alma mater 'Always look forward', and quirky philosophies her grandmother had had a wonderful life; she had a wonderful life too before it was taken away from her one afternoon it has been those very qualities that have gotten Lisa through the most trialing times. She had been really close to Grandma Henrietta and her death was a crushing blow to her already fragile world. If was she a weaker person, then there would be no doubt that a breakdown would have occurred. However, Lisa Rippner formally known as Reisert is no weakling. With her feeling, her grandmother's spirit watching and guiding her, with her optimistic yet realistic outlook Lisa suddenly feels the need to let certain things go for the moment, and just be happy flirting with her gorgeous husband.
The same one that her grandmother said was worth keeping and told her if she was much younger, and didn't have Duke she would have him herself, she was always good at reading people within her vast circle of family, friends and acquaintances. She did not HAVE to dwell on the past, spiraling into the oppressive cycle of victimization and self-pity on the past right now. She could look forward and with an impulsive renewed vigor, and suddenly her olive green orbs sparkle with confidence and determination.
Jackson notices her olive green eyes are full of confidence, focused, and as striking as ever. "Well, you seem to use me for the same thing" he jokes in a cordially tone of voice, causing his dimples to show like a cheeky schoolboy. He watches her closely, knowing what she is hiding behind her deep sorrow and natural awkwardness, and remembering she was the first woman he'd ever met, who had been shy about the topic of sex, which makes him laughs loudly along with Lisa, as he continues. "And I'm sure our girls will do the same to theirs when they're older; I know you were close to her I'm sorry she passed."
"Of course, I know she helped us a lot and I miss her." Lisa says with sadness now on her features, suddenly finding the need to talk about her grandma. Her eyes look glassy with a flicker blue, while she gives him a sad smile, and see how his eyes are somewhat as glassy as her own are, because what he has just said is absolutely sincere, and in her heart she knows it is perfectly true.
"I think she knows you are Leese." He says as he smiles sorrowfully and holds her hand squeezing it slightly; she smiles back with the same expression. ”To Grandma Henrietta, her spirit is still very much alive."
The Bar tender gives them their drinks and Lisa takes the drink in front of her, the glass sparkles with little beads of condensation around the sides and she takes a sip, rather large a gulp to taste it. She instinctively scrunches her nose, when she tastes the Baybreeze, as she brushes off the taste, and Jackson cannot help but grin. As he is reminded of Millie the younger twin, when she is doing the same thing at the sight of or anybody refers to vegetables or anything she does not enjoy, and he smirks at his wife, who smirks back.
"Does that taste OK?" Jackson smiles and tipped his head towards the bartender. "I think you should of have had that seabreeze Leese?" Jackson continues their casual flirtatious conversation, one and while casually glancing up at the TV screen as the face of Charles Keefe takes over.
Watching Jackson’s handsome profile, Lisa wonders how many women would die just to have him smile at them like that. How many would die to sleep with him? "I think you know me too well Jackson Rippner, but I'm fine so you don't need to ask me." She rasps out, a little too quickly, she nods at him with a smile, emphasizing her point and tightly grips her drink.
He continues to grin at her touching her leg, as he knows where this is heading. "Really are you sure?" He half-smiles at the question her, asking the question her dad asks all the time, and compares himself to her dad, that's when his phone starts to ring. Just as she is going to answer, and he sighs frustrated by the interruption. He was just getting started, having a pleasant occasion with his wife, and feels as though she was just about to open up to him, maybe starting to tell him the things she hadn't told anyone, that she felt she wanted to tell him.He can tell she wants to keep talking to him, as much as he wants to keep talking to her; however, it is intruded upon by an obnoxious beeping, which he, unfortunately, recognizes."God what do they want now." He picks it up from his belt again, and glances at the id. It's Brad one of his work colleagues and, he sighs and looks at Lisa apologetically. It seems that his official title is manager, but lately it is beginning to feel more like babysitter to his staff, he had ordered them not to be disturbed, until he called them. "Baby I have to take this, I'm sorry" He says with a slight frown, and his expression seems to be of annoyance, not waiting for Brad's response, he puts his hand over the speaker and faces herto give them some privacy, knowing barely as he is just about to say something, and he is interrupted.
It is well after midnight, and finally there is an announcement regarding their flight 1019 is departing now, after all the delays from the thunderstorm, they are finally leaving, and a sudden uproar of noise as people start to clap and cheer around Jackson and Lisa. He looks around the crowd, and finds himself playing along with the clapping. Knowing they are finally going home to see their little girls, and give Lisa's father a well-deserved break from the chaos, although both of them seemingly rather reluctant to leave their places at the bar.
Letting out a long breath, Lisa smiled reluctantly and lightly claps for a moment; consequently, she consumes the rest of her drink, before she gets down from the stool carefully twisting her skirt back in place, and grabs her shoulder bag from the counter. "Okay thank you, can I pay for the drinks at least?" As she delves into the organized madness of her bag, for her purse, with a hesitant smile crosses her features,she's always been fiercely independent.
Jackson meanwhile beams a dashing smile, as he watches her, asshe doesn't mind him buying her a drink,maybe she's hoping to use it as an excuse to buy him one when they get back to Miami and have a date night. She always seems to get this way, at this part and it is very cute, but he also knows, there is fear inside her and he wishes she would just tell him what's wrong. "You're welcome I'll pay, you go and get on the plane I'll meet you there." He replies, keeping the smile on his face, even though at this moment he feels as awkward as she does and slides some bills onto the tile-decorated bar to the bartender, effectively paying for their drinks.
Shaking her head as if to shake off the alcohol from the bay breeze, Lisa smiles back putting her purse back into her shoulder bag, and kisses his rough cheek before turning, walking off with her roll on in hand, and then stopping to halfway and turning to see him. She smiles watching him, as he’s on the phone studying her also with that twinkle still in his eyes, and casually glancing away subtly so it appears he’s lazily scanning the entire restaurant and airport at the crowd in all that of leisure, as they continue with their laid-back flirting.
The Tex Mex Café is now beginning to get packed in with latecomers and early-risers, whilst his phone is attached to his ear in no time. "Fine so were still on great and they are okay, and their all-sleeping good I'm worried though, I'll let you know thanks for watching." He questions, the cell phone now clenched tightly in his palm, as he turns away to pay the bill, his voice sounding relieved at least and seems to be getting lost in the crowd.
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Thank you for reading, and I hope this does not sound as boring as the other chapter. I am trying to get the psychological aspect of their relationship down, because it is more complicated and there are many things hidden deep down that have not helped them.
Please be as critical as you like, I am not very good, but I would love to get better.
Great choice for introducing the Toons world.