YGM~~The Adventure Continues Chapter 9

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“I feel wonderful, Dr. Russell” Sheridan insisted. “See? I can walk without so much as flinching. I'm telling you, my knee feels great.”

“All right, Sheridan” Eve laughed. “You can go to New York this afternoon. Just promise me, you'll take it easy. No climbing on stools.”

“Thank you Eve” Sheridan grinned as she gave Eve a heartfelt hug.

“Good luck finding a dress. I have no doubt you'll come back with one that will knock Luis' socks off.”

“She doesn't need to impress me” Luis smirked. “I already know she's the most gorgeous woman in the world. Sheridan smiled at Luis. She never tired of hearing Luis tell her how beautiful she is.

“Well, I have a plane to catch” Sheridan said gathering her bag from the chair in Eve's office. Sheridan had spent the entire week on crutches, finally being allowed to bear weight on her leg yesterday. It had been difficult not being able to get around as she usually did, but she didn't want to jeopardize re-injuring her knee.

“Have a safe trip, Sheridan” Eve said as Sheridan and Luis walked out of the office.

“Thank you Dr. Russell” Sheridan called over her shoulder.

“I'm going to miss you this weekend” Luis said turning his head briefly to look at Sheridan as he drove her to the airport.

“I'm going to miss you too,” Sheridan said. “This will make two weekends in a row we'll spend apart completely.”

“Well I'm putting my time alone to good use” Luis grinned.

“Yeah, you're working again” Sheridan laughed.

“That's so I won't have time to miss you as much” Luis said.

“You'd better miss me” Sheridan said with a sly look.

Luis smiled. “I'll email you every chance I get” he said. “Just don't get lost in that big city. Remember, Tuesday night I want to take you to Miguel's basketball game.”

“I remember” Sheridan said. “And don't you forget you promised to show me how to play the game before that.”

“The Youth Center court is already reserved in my name for Monday night. You'll have your own private coach” Luis grinned.

“I can't think of anyone I'd rather have teach me the finer points of basketball” Sheridan said.

“Well, I'm sure your friend Larry could do a better job at it than I can” Luis replied.

“What about Robert Horry?” Sheridan asked with a twinkle in her eye.

“Robert Horry? Where'd you hear that name?” Luis asked in surprise.

Sheridan grinned devilishly and knew immediately.

“Never mind. I know. You've been talking to Jay” Luis said shaking his head. “I need to have a talk with her. It's bad enough she's become a Lakers fan, but now she's out recruiting for them.”

Sheridan laughed. Jay was right. Mentioning the Lakers did get a reaction out of Luis. “Speaking of Jay, I sent her an email last night to see if she's finally ready to admit there is something going on with that electronics guy and she. She emailed me to find out how my knee was and told me she spent Friday evening with him.”

“Oh yeah?” Luis grinned. “Has she answered you yet? For Jay to be emailing you about a guy, there has to be something going on whether she's ready to admit it or not. She still hasn't said anything directly to me about it.”

“Luis” Sheridan smiled, “This is kind of a girl thing if you know what I mean. Believe me, Jay and I had similar chats before you came to your senses.”

Luis feigned a look of shock. “Moi? Senses? My dear Sheridan, I have always been sensible about things.” Luis then gave Sheridan an impish grin. “What kind of things did you and Jay discuss?”

Sheridan laughed. “Nothing important. Just that I was incredibly attracted to you, even though you started out to be a first class jerk, that kind of stuff.”

“Jay never told me” Luis grinned.

“Good. The only reason I'm telling you is because Jay told me I could. She's not trying to hide anything from you, I just don't think she wants to say anything directly to you until she knows for sure something is going on with this guy.”

“Well, I want Jay to find that special person. She deserves happiness in her life. It's just too bad she couldn't have found someone while she was here in Harmony. It might have given her an incentive to stay.”

“Well, wherever this guy is, I hope he's Mr. Right.” Sheridan smiled. “And as long as she's in California, she can continue to give me the scoop on the rivals for your teams.”

Luis laughed at Sheridan's last comment. Even 3000 miles away, Jay was still making her presence felt.

Luis and Sheridan arrived at the airport and found Marianna waiting for them at the terminal. “They've just announced our flight is boarding” Marianna said as she flung her carryon bag over her shoulder. “I think you two should say your good-byes.”

Luis pulled Sheridan into a hug. “I'm going to miss you, Angel” he said, holding her tightly.

“I'll miss you as well” Sheridan said. She pulled back and couldn't help the feeling of warmth that came over her as she looked into Luis' eyes. He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

“Have a safe trip” Luis finally said. “I love you.”

“I love you too Luis” Sheridan whispered. She pulled Luis into another short kiss and then slowly walked away with Marianna towards the gate. “Don't forget to check your email” Sheridan smiled.

“Count on it” Luis called after her. Luis stood there and watched the two women, waving until they'd disappeared from sight.

Jay closed the last folder on her desk with a triumphant smile. “Finally, a weekend off” she said out loud as she gathered her jacket getting ready to lock up for a couple of days. Jay saw the few roses on her desk left from Scott last week that were still in bloom and decided to take them home with her. She knew that they'd be gone by Monday when she returned and decided she wanted to enjoy every last minute of their beauty. Jay smiled picking up the vase filled with yellow roses and thought about the man who sent them.

True to his word, Scott left for San Diego Monday afternoon. The DA's office called Jay and told her that the perp had pleaded guilty so there would be no need for her to show up for the preliminary. Jay was more than satisfied with that, even though she was secretly hoping she'd run into Scott in the courthouse.

The weekend after Jay spent the evening with Scott had been tough on her. After spending several hours eating pizza, learning about CD burners and just talking about whatever topic came up, Jay found herself falling harder than before for Scott. She'd gone home that night and cursed herself for allowing herself to have feelings for this man she hardly knew. After all, she and Scott were both witnesses to a crime. What if the DA had noticed the way she looked at him? What if something had happened between them? It could have been a conflict of interest considering the case involved. As much as Jay wondered what it would be like to kiss Scott, after going home and thinking things out clearly, she realized she couldn't act on her feelings, no matter how much she wanted to. At least not until this case was over.

As much as Jay wanted to run into Scott in the courthouse, it was much better in the long run that the criminal pleaded guilty. Another bad guy was behind bars and best of all, the case was closed. Jay and Scott were no longer witnesses on the same case, which meant that Jay was free to pursue a relationship with Scott if she wanted. Now the question was did Scott want the same thing as Jay?

Jay hoped the answer had been in an email she'd received from Scott just yesterday. Jay had received three emails from Scott in four days. While the first two were more informational, telling her about the hearing that didn't happen, his trip to San Diego and how his real estate search was going, the third letter was personal. Very personal and Jay still had goose bumps thinking about the words he wrote.

Thought I'd let you know that I found the perfect site for my new store. Now all that's left is the negotiations over the price, the financing, building, stocking, staffing… Okay, so I'm getting ahead of myself here, but finding the right location is the most important thing, believe me.

I've been thinking a lot this week about Friday night. I really enjoyed the time we spent together. I haven't been that relaxed in ages, nor have I enjoyed someone's company so much in a very long time. I know I already thanked you for an enjoyable evening, but I want to thank you again.

I'm not sure when I'll be back in LA, it all depends on how things go down here. I'm hoping to be back for Saturday, but I'm not counting on it. I sure would like to see you again Jay, just as soon as I get back to the LA area. I know you have a killer schedule, but maybe we can go out for a late dinner or catch a movie?

I hope this note finds you well. Take care and I really hope we can get together again, very soon.

Jay sighed. She'd emailed Scott right away and told him there was nothing she'd like better than to go out with him when he got back. She told Scott to let her know when he was back and she'd find time to see him. “Well now, I can think about this at home. I don't need to stay here another minute.” Jay held on to her roses tightly and left her office.

“Whoa, Jay! Where are you going so fast?” Stan Kowalski asked as he caught Jay headed towards the front door.

“Home, Stan” Jay laughed. “What's up?”

“Don't forget, we're meeting here at 10:30 tomorrow morning” Stan said.

"Not to worry Stan," Jay said. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. I've been looking forward to the game tomorrow for weeks. We're still stopping to pick up some of the food on the way, right?"

“Yeah” Stan said. “Danny and Chris are going to go earlier and get the grill going. They'll also get all the tables set up and make sure all the beer is on ice by the time we get there.”

"Since Danny and Chris are bringing the beer, I assume that we are bringing the coolers with the sodas and the water." Jay stated.

"Yeah, I've already got 2 coolers reserved for the non-alcoholic beverages. By the way," Stan mentioned. "There are still a few extra tickets if there's someone you'd like to bring with you. George and Bill are stuck on that stakeout and can't go."

"Boy am I glad it's not me stuck on a stakeout" Jay said. "I can only imagine their reaction when the Chief told them they were working this weekend. I know I would have been extremely upset if I had to miss this game."

“You and me both” Stan said. “So if you know of someone who'd like to go, just say the word.”

Scott's face flashed in Jay's mind, but since he was in San Diego, it was impossible. Not to mention the fact that she wasn't ready to announce to the PD that she had feelings for Scott, especially since they knew him. “Sorry Stan” Jay smiled. “I'm sure you'll find someone for the tickets. Especially since you'll be selling them at face value, right?”

“Of course I will Jay” Stan said, feigning shock at her innuendo. “In fact, I know someone who I might just give a ticket to.”

"And just what exactly is this someone going to have to do for you in exchange for this ticket?" Jay kidded.

Stan smiled. "Nothing that I'm going to tell you about, Detective" Stan said. "Now get out of here and I'll see you tomorrow."

“Night Stan” Jay said. She then left the station to spend a nice leisurely evening before getting ready for the big football game tomorrow.

********************

Sheridan and Marianna thanked the maitre'd as they were seated in the hotel dining room for a late dinner. “It's a good thing we left earlier than planned today” Sheridan remarked as she took a drink from the water glass in front of her. “We've been to three design houses and so far I've seen nothing that remotely interests me.”

“I thought that sleeveless one at the second place we went to was beautiful” Marianna said.

“It was, but I'm getting married in December in New England” Sheridan sighed. “I think I need something a little more for the winter season.”

Well, we still have a quite a few places to go” Marianna smiled. “Not to mention, there are other places besides New York to get a wedding dress.”

“Like Paris?” Sheridan smiled wryly.

“Yes, Paris” Marianna said, knowing exactly what Sheridan was thinking. “You wouldn't run into him there, Sheridan. It's a huge city.”

“It's not really that” Sheridan said. “I don't care about running into Jean Luc. As a matter of fact if I did I'd probably thank him. No, I was thinking about the time and expense. I'm half expecting my father to cut me off at any minute. I don't care about the Crane fortune, but there are a few things I'd like to get before I lose everything. My job at the Youth Center, my paid job that is doesn't start until after Thanksgiving and I told Luis that I want to open a joint account with him when I get my first paycheck. Until I actually lose everything, I want to save every cent I earn to help with the down payment on a house. I know it won't be much, but if I add it to what Luis has already saved it will help a little.”

“Good evening ladies” a smiling young man said as he approached Sheridan and Marianna's table. “My name is Henry and I'll be your waiter this evening.” Henry handed the two women their menus. May I get you ladies something to drink this evening?” Henry was completely taken with Sheridan's beauty and couldn't stop smiling at her.

“I'd like a glass of white wine” Sheridan smiled back at the friendly waiter. She wasn't sure why, but there was something familiar about him.

“I'll have the same” Marianna said.

“Very well. I'll be right back” Henry smiled. He turned and left to get their drink order.

“Now, where were we?” Marianna said when the waiter had left. “Ah yes, you want to save your money from your job to help with a down payment on a house.”

“That's why I'm paying for this dress as soon as we get it” Sheridan said, glancing at her menu.

“Have you any money of your own?” Marianna asked.

“Nothing to speak of” Sheridan said. “There's a safe at the cottage with some cash in it for emergencies. I'm not really sure how much is there.”

“Well my dear, I suggest you find out what's in that safe before too long.”

“I'll do that as soon as I get home. I almost forgot it was even there until you jarred my memory.”

Henry returned with their drinks and then took their dinner orders, all the while not being able to take his eyes off Sheridan. Sheridan seemed not to notice the waiter's keen interest, but Marianna saw it all.

Sheridan and Marianna were up at the crack of dawn. Sheridan was determined to find the wedding dress of her dreams and she had a list of a half dozen shops to visit. Before she left the hotel room for the day, she decided to send a quick email to Luis. She smiled when she signed online and saw Luis had responded to the note she'd sent him the night before. Even though it hadn't been 24 hours since she'd last seen Luis, she missed him terribly and seeing PezzMan's name in her mailbox brightened her spirits.

It's 2:00 am and guess where I am? You guessed it. At the station. It seems that Kenny's baby is sick and he and his wife had to take him to the emergency room. I feel really bad for him. I remember when I was a kid, Miguel had a temperature of 106 and Mama and Papa had to take him to the emergency room in the middle of the night. The rest of us were sent to the Bennett's for the night. Mama and Papa were beside themselves, not knowing what was happening. I didn't understand fully the situation at the time, but I sure know now. I'm not sure what's wrong with Kenny's baby, but I said a prayer for him earlier. Kenny promised to let me know as soon as he finds anything out.

It's a slow night in Harmony, crime wise that is. I've been checking out real estate listings on the computer, just to get an idea of what the houses around here are going for. I've printed up a few for you to look at when you get home. Most of the prices are a little more than I anticipated, but there are a few houses that are listed as handyman specials that are in our price range. That might be fun, being able to fix up a house together, the way we want it? The possibilities are endless!

So, how's the dress hunting coming? I bet you've already found the most beautiful dress in the world, but no matter how gorgeous the dress is, it won't hold a candle to the woman in it. I mean it Sheridan, you are the most beautiful woman in the world and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased. : )

I hope all is well in the Big Apple. I guess I should get back to work here. I think I might be doing a double again tomorrow night, but that will depend on what happens with Kenny's baby.

Write soon Angel. I miss you!

Sheridan typed an email in response to Luis. She wished she was there with Luis right now, able to give him a hug and kiss good morning, but had to settle for sending him a note. Sheridan really hoped that she'd find a dress soon so she could get home and be with Luis. This past week had been tough for her with being stuck at home so much and Luis working so much between his job at the station and covering for her at the Youth Center. She really was looking forward to the time she would be spending with him Monday and Tuesday. Just as Sheridan was finishing her email to Luis, she saw she had an incoming email and decided she had time to check it out.

I understand congratulations are in order! Way to go girl! I was talking to BabyShuis in the chat room last night and she told me you and PezzMan are getting married! I couldn't be happier for you.

Sorry I haven't been around lately, but things were crazy at my shop all summer and then with getting the kids back to school. I'm glad I got the chance to talk to you a little, but it's never enough.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I am really happy for you. Pezz sounds like a wonderful man and I can't think of anyone who deserves happiness as much as you. I think it's perfect that you'll be honeymooning in Spain. After all, isn't that sort of how you met?

Take care and if you need anything, I am always here for you.

Alexis (aka Passionatic)

Sheridan smiled. She hadn't talked to Alexis in weeks and was glad things were okay with her. Suddenly a thought occurred to Sheridan. “I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier!” She said out loud excitedly. Sheridan jumped up from her bed where she sat with her computer and headed towards the door. She had to go talk to Marianna.

Jay arrived at the police station and chuckled to herself at the amount of activity. Cars, vans, SUV's and the like were all lined up in front of the station. The sidewalk was littered with off duty cops, their spouses, children and friends as everyone was deciding who was riding with who. Jay was glad she decided to walk to the station today. She had to get up extra early in order to take the hike, but she decided that she needed the exercise, knowing what kind of food she would be eating today. The cops at the station only did this once a year and always did it in a big way.

“Hi Jay” she heard from several of her fellow officers as she made her way through the group gathered in front of the station. Jay greeted her peers and made her way to Stan who was the organizer of their once a year tailgate party.

“Looks like more people than last year,” Jay commented, as she approached Stan.

“There are” Stan smirked. “We've got about 100 people going this year, families and friends included.”

“This should be fun” Jay grinned.

“Did you want to drive?” Stan asked.

“No, I didn't even bring my car” Jay said. “I figured there would be enough traffic around here as it is. My place isn't too far so I walked.”

“No problem” Stan said. “You can go with Bruce if you want. He's got the black SUV in front. He's going to stop and pick up some of the food at McCreary's. Austin said he'd have it all packed and waiting for us. Everything should be set to go by the time you get there.”

“Sounds good to me” Jay replied. “I'm sure Danny and Chris have already started cooking those ribs. Danny's been bragging about his ribs for a week now.”

“Yeah, I know. He's bringing a homemade sauce for them. His aunt from Texas' recipe.”

“I hope they're not too spicy” Jay said.

“Nah, Danny's wife has that ulcer, remember? He's tamed his cooking way down from what I hear.”

Jay nodded and said good-bye to Stan. She met up with Bruce and another officer and the three of them headed towards McCreary's to get the food.

“I can't believe I didn't think of this before” Sheridan said as she and Marianna walked down the block from their hotel. “Alexis is the perfect person to help me.”

“”So what time is your appointment?” Marianna asked, as they entered a small café.

“Whenever we get there,” Sheridan said happily. “She said she will see me at any time. I booked us a two o'clock flight to Indianapolis. We can check out of the hotel as soon as we finish breakfast and head towards the airport.”

“Are you sure your friend will have what you're looking for?” Marianna asked as the ladies seated themselves at a table in the corner. “I'm sure your friend is the best dress designer in Indianapolis, but Sheridan, the city isn't nearly as large as New York.”

“No, that's true but Alexis is good. I remember she posted some of her designs months ago when one of the girls from the chat room was getting married. They were wonderful. Her designs have been modeled in Paris and Milan as well as New York. We were going to get together on her last trip to Paris last spring, but she couldn't get away she was so busy.”

“Well then, I am certainly looking forward to meeting her.”

“So am I” Sheridan replied, looking around at the décor of the quaint café. “This reminds me of the Book Café back in Harmony” Sheridan remarked. “Only it doesn't have computers at the tables.” She smirked at her last statement. “That reminds me, I need to email Luis and tell him where we're going. “

“Have laptop will travel” Marianna smiled, as Sheridan pulled out her laptop so she could send Luis a note. She glanced around the café and noticed a man enter the establishment and seat himself at the counter. The waitress at the counter smiled at him and walked over immediately when she spotted him sit down. “That's the man that was our waiter last night” Marianna said finally. She eyed the man for a moment, noticing there was something familiar about him, but not able to remember it immediately.

“That's nice” Sheridan said, not paying much attention to what her friend was saying to her.

Marianna watched the man carefully until he turned around, then she concentrated on Sheridan, not wanting to get caught staring. Henry, however spotted Marianna and Sheridan as soon as he turned around.

“Hey!” Henry said excitedly to the waitress behind the counter. “There she is! The woman I was telling you about. The gorgeous blonde from last night!”

“Where?” she asked, looking over Henry's shoulder into the crowd of people sitting at tables.

“The one with the laptop in front of her” he said.

The waitress scanned the room and found the woman with the laptop in front of her, but another waitress who had gone over to take Sheridan and Marianna's order obstructed most of her view. “Sorry, but Jane is in my way. I can't see her face.”

“I'm telling you, she's gorgeous. I hope she has dinner at the hotel again tonight. This time I might just follow her to her room and ask her if she wants to go for a midnight stroll.”

“Not a good idea” she said shaking her head. “She's wearing a ring.”

“What? A ring? You mean she's married?”

“Well, I don't know about married, but I see a huge engagement ring on her finger.”

“Engaged does not mean married.”

“Yeah, well, don't count your chickens yet. Wait, Jane is moving. I might be able to get a better look at her now.” Jane finished taking Sheridan and Marianna's order and walked over to the grill area to place it. The waitress stared at Sheridan in complete and utter shock. “Oh my God, it can't be.”

“Cant be? Beth, what are you talking about?”

“Hank, don't you know her? That's Sheridan Crane!”

Hank's mouth dropped open. He looked at the gorgeous blonde and then back to Beth, shock all over his face.

*********************

Jay arrived with Bruce at the designated spot in the Rose Bowl parking lot. Most of the people in their group had already arrived. Jay was impressed. Just as Stan said, there were tables and chairs set up and several barbeques lit and ready to cook. Some of her fellow officers had been patiently waiting the arrival of the food and helped carry it over to the grill area. Jay grabbed the last box of food out of the SUV and began walking towards the grills, past the lineup of cars. She smiled to herself when she saw that Stan has recruited someone with a small satellite dish so they could watch all the other football games. Reception in the parking lot had always been difficult, but today it looked as though that problem was solved.

“Here's the rest of the food” Jay said as she placed the box she was carrying with the others near Danny's grill. His wife thanked Jay and immediately placed the perishables in coolers behind her. Jay began walking through the parade of cars towards the white van with the satellite. One of the parts Jay enjoyed the most about the tailgate parties was watching the different games across the country. There was already a crowd gathered at the TV and judging by the cheers she just heard, someone from the East Coast had just scored a touch down. Almost immediately after hearing the cheers, there was a groan among the crowd.

“Hey! What gives?”

“Hey, what happened?”

“Calm down, it'll be fixed in a minute.”

Jay chuckled. She gathered from the groans she was hearing, that something happened to the reception. Jay saw Stan standing there with a beer in his hand. “Lost the reception, huh?” Jay asked.

“Yeah, but don't worry about it. It'll be back in a second. Scott's working on it right now.”

“Scott?” Jay asked. She tried to maintain her cool while talking to Stan, but suddenly she felt a huge lump develop in her throat and her palms were all sweaty.

“Yeah, you know. Scott, of Scott's Electronics. He's supplying the satellite dish and TV for today's game. Can't beat having a friend that runs an electronics store.”

“Right” Jay agreed. Her heart was pounding right out of her chest right now. “That's really nice of him.”

Jay was dying to ask where Scott was at the moment, but didn't want to look too obvious. “Who's playing anyway?” Jay asked, trying to make conversation.

“Notre Dame” Scott answered from directly behind her.

Jay slowly turned around and felt her knees weaken when she was greeted with his handsome smile. “Hi” she said. What started out to be a good day just got a whole lot better.

******************************

Beth stood anxiously behind the counter as Hank approached Sheridan. She needed to know if Sheridan Crane was engaged to be married and if so to whom. Beth had a sinking feeling that the answer to the first question was yes and praying that the answer to the second question wouldn't be Luis Lopez Fitzgerald.

Hank came back to the counter a few minutes later and waited for Beth to join him. Once Beth finished waiting on the customer at the register, she ran right over to where Hank was sitting.

“So? What did you find out?”

“You're not going to like it.”

“Just tell me” Beth demanded anxiously.

“She's engaged to a cop from Harmony, Maine and they're madly in love” Hank told her. "Beth, She's engaged to my best friend and your ex-boyfriend."

Beth nearly collapsed. She took a moment to gather herself. “Hank,” she finally said. “I think it's time I moved back to Harmony. My mother's health hasn't been the best lately you know and she's been asking me to come home. I think now would be the perfect time. Though Beth was talking to Hank, her gaze was on Sheridan. Had Sheridan been looking, she would have seen the daggers Beth was throwing her way.