Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #271 is a reply to message #270] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:54   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
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Maggie came to sit by Jeff and Dianne between dance numbers. "Whew! You sure know how to throw a party! I haven't had this much fun since New Year's... and I threw that one!"
Jeff chuckled and Dianne smiled. "Where's Drew?" she asked, looking around.
"He's going to dance the next one with Lisa," Maggie explained. She shifted a little, and said hesitantly, "I would have asked Kyrano, but... well... he's so reserved. I got to know him some while he was staying at our place, but I just didn't know how he'd respond to me." She shrugged. "Besides, he ducked out and headed downstairs before I could catch him. I think he wanted to check on the food."
"I think he'll find himself in a position where he'll have to be more outgoing," Jeff said. "God knows he'll need it with your family."
Maggie and Dianne exchanged glances, and shook heads in unison. Dianne rolled her eyes.
"Well, I'm going to be forward and outgoing, and ask you to dance, Jeff, since my husband is otherwise occupied." Maggie winked at Dianne, who chuckled.
"Go ahead, ask," Jeff replied, an eyebrow raised, and his arms folded.
Maggie huffed out a frustrated breath. "All right. Jeff, would you dance with me?"
Jeff glanced over at Dianne, who gave him a little push. "Go," she said. "Go dance with my aunt."
He got up, kissed her on the forehead and the lips, then offered his arm to Maggie. Dianne watched as the two of them moved out onto the balcony. She sighed, a noise born of frustration and longing.
Alan came along with the vid camera. "Here's Mom, enjoying the party... or so I hope."
"Yes, Alan, I'm enjoying myself. Hi, John!" she said waving at the camera and smiling. She blew a kiss at the lens, and both signed and said, "Love you!"
On Thunderbird Five, John saw the wave and the smile, and read her signing and her lips. He drew in a a sharp, quick breath, then swallowed against the lump in his throat. "Damn, I wish I could reply. She looks so much better, yet so tired. A bit melancholy, too. I'll have to do something. Maybe something silly in an email would cheer her up." He nodded to himself and set about composing one to send.
The balcony wasn't as crowded as the lounge, but Jeff took Maggie down to the poolside, just to be safe. As they danced, she asked, "Are you still planning on going to the ranch?"
Jeff snorted a laugh. "Where'd you hear about that?"
"Cherie," Maggie explained. "She was talking about it at our place -- once she'd seen Dianne, that is. She's really looking forward to this last fling with Stephanie."
Jeff sighed. "I may have to disappoint her," he said, a rueful expression on his face. "I think Dianne's just not up to the trip."
"As her nurse, I have to agree," Maggie replied. "I'm sure she'd want to go; she's bored stiff in the infirmary. But she's being a good patient and not complaining too much. This infection -- and the news about Dr. Willis -- threw her for a loop."
"I know. That's another thing I need to deal with: support for the hospital with the revelation about Willis."
"Don't think about it now, Jeff. Just dance and have fun."
He smiled wryly. "Not as much fun when I can't dance with my wife. Not that present company isn't acceptable, but..."
"I know," Maggie replied softly. "Don't think I didn't know your ulterior motive for coming down here to dance, instead of in the lounge where she could see." She cocked her head. "Why don't you pick her up and swing her around a little?"
Jeff shook his head. "No. She'd be afraid I'd hurt myself, and I do want to spare her ribs. I think her little meltdown of the other day was as much due to pain as to my poorly-timed joking." He smiled. "I've got plans ticking away in my head for when she's released. We'll do plenty of dancing then."
"What about her rings? Did you find them? She's been worried about them."
He nodded. "Yes, I found them, but don't tell her that. I want them checked over thoroughly by a jeweler and cleaned before she wears them again. Haven't had a chance to do that yet." The smile turned sly. "Besides, I have plans regarding them, too."
"All right, mystery man, I'll keep quiet," Maggie said in an exasperated tone. "Just don't wait too long, okay?"
"I won't."
The music ended, and the dancing couple stopped. They clapped for the music, out of habit, then Jeff offered his arm. "How about we get something to drink, then I'll return you to Andy. I should check the buffet anyway to make sure Alex isn't making a pig of himself."
"Good idea. I noticed that he tends to use food to deal with stress."
Jeff grimaced, and the pair moved up to the dining room together.
Post by Tikatu on 2/23/2007
  
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