Once Broken (4 page)

*

Jackie was working four nights a week at The Stockyard. A huge oak bar filled the center of the room, with booths and tables around it for dining customers. Working in a renowned restaurant, she made excellent money. She also made many friends in addition to Ellen, most notably, David Lancaster, a line cook. David was a tall, blond, twenty-year-old Texan who had a wild crush on Jackie at first sight. Much to David’s dismay, their relationship was strictly platonic. Jackie was aware of his romantic desires, but to her, he was comfortable, steadfast, and of no romantic interest.

*

A month passed since she met Tony at Molly’s. Jackie was at Sammy White’s, a popular hangout for employees of The Stockyard. The music was trendy disco and the crowd was subdued compared to Molly’s patrons. Sunday nights, being Ladies’ Night, always attracted a large crowd.

Jackie stood beside Sully, her brother Vic’s friend, who felt like another brother to her. They chatted and watched the disco band, dressed in bejeweled white bell-bottomed jumpsuits, perform “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Someone squeezed her shoulders from behind and whispered, “Guess who?”

No guesses needed. Only one person made her senses flair with his husky voice and that alluring scent of Brut. Her heart sank as her anger rose. She turned to look at him.

“Hi! What’s up?” Tony asked.

“Nothing.” Jackie turned away.

When Tony persisted in talking with her despite her cold shoulder, she excused herself to Sully and joined David at the other side of the long bar. Plopping down on the seat next to David, she grabbed his cigarette and took a drag. “I’m so annoyed.” She crossed her arms. “Remember that guy Tony I told you about?”

“Yeah, what about him?” David retrieved his cigarette and motioned the bartender to get Jackie a drink.

“He’s over by the dance floor. I’m shaking mad! I was talking to Sully and he came up behind me, squeezed my shoulders, and whispered ‘Guess who?’ I don’t know what kind of game he’s playing but I’m so freaking aggravated!” The bartender put Jackie’s vodka gimlet down on a cocktail napkin. “Thanks,” she said to David with a sweet smile. “You know me so well.”

“I sure do and I know that you’re aggravated
now
. But if this jerk asks you out, you’ll fall hook, line, and sinker. Jackie, I don’t know why you’re such a sucker for him. You’re not a sucker for anyone else. What is it about him? You should tell him to
…
” Sentence unfinished, David realized he’d lost Jackie’s attention. Tony was standing beside her.

“Hey Jackie, is something wrong?”

“Nah,
should
there be?”

“I don’t know.” Challenged to win her over, he added, “But I want to ask you if you’ll go to the movies Friday night?”

As David predicted, her defenses crumbled. “Why didn’t you call to ask me?”

“Oh I meant to… I wanted to… Ah, as embarrassing as it is, here’s the truth,” Tony confessed. “I lost your number and I don’t know your last name. So I couldn’t look it up in the phone book. Are you mad because I didn’t call?”

“Well, yeah.” Relieved, she sighed. “My last name is Martin. You know, when a guy tells me he’ll call, I’m naïve enough to believe it. So, if I give you my number again, promise you’ll use it?”

“Promise.” Typical of time spent with Tony, she was oblivious to anyone around her and neglected to notice that David had walked out leaving the chair available for Tony.

*

The following night at work, David was unusually quiet. Jackie stood in the back of the kitchen smoking a cigarette before the dinner rush, watching David cooking behind the line. Typically he’d join her for a cigarette, but not tonight.

“Hey David, you okay? You’re awfully quiet.”

“I’m fine. Just busy.”

“Really? The dining room is empty and your prep work is done. Come have a cigarette with me.”

David was a sucker for Jackie. He grabbed his coffee, joined her, and took a cigarette from his pocket.

“So what’s bugging you? You mad at me?”

“I’m aggravated with you. When you’re around that jerk Tony, you get lost. You didn’t even notice I left last night. No one else exists when that guy’s around. And I don’t think he’s good enough for you.”

“Oh David, I’m sorry. And it’s so sweet that you think he’s not good enough for me. But don’t worry. I can handle it.”

“Well, last night when I lost you to him, I was in the middle of saying you don’t take any shit from anyone. But this asshole comes around and you melt. I don’t get it.”

“I know. Tara and Ellen say the same thing. I can’t explain it,” she said, stubbing out her cigarette. “But thanks for being such a great friend.” She pecked his cheek. “You’re sweet.” Jackie secured her apron and started to walk away.

“Wait!” David grabbed her arm. “What if he doesn’t call you? You won’t get all obsessed, will ya?”

She hesitated, knowing where David was going with this. “We’ll see what happens.”

*

Tuesday night, Tony called to confirm plans for Friday. The remainder of the week dragged, despite Jackie’s obsession to find the perfect outfit. David, forced to endure her elation, wondered why she couldn’t see that Tony was a cad. He didn’t have the integrity of the boy from San Antonio.

June 1974

J
ackie answered the door wearing a sleek scarlet halter dress cut above the knee. Her long tanned legs ended with beige ankle-strap sandals. Her hair hung below her bare shoulders.

“Wow, Jackie, you look fantastic.”

“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself. Come in for a minute. My family wants to meet you.” Jackie introduced Tony to her brothers and her mother, who had heard about this elusive stranger. After a few minutes of small talk, Jackie and Tony said their good-byes.

“Nice car. I knew it’d be black!”

In true gentleman fashion, Tony opened the passenger door for her. After getting in on his side, before starting the car, he kissed her. His embrace was overwhelming and she quivered in response. After the brief but beguiling kiss, he started the engine and turned toward Jackie.

“I believe in hello kisses.”

“I’m a fan too.” She settled herself in her seat, dizzy with passion.

“So, there’s been a change of plans. I hope you don’t mind but we’re skipping the movie tonight. We’ll see it on the next date.”

Her adrenaline surged.
There’s a next date!
“Okay, where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise. Don’t worry, you’re dressed appropriately. By the way, red’s your color.”

“Thanks. So where are we’re going?” She hoped to trick him into divulging the information.

“I deliberately did
not
say. It’s a surprise.”

“Ah, I don’t like surprises.”

“Oh relax.” Tony chuckled. “It’s a ten-minute ride.” Tony turned on WMJX for some soft rock. Listening to “Can’t Get Enough” by Bad Company, Jackie leaned back, lit a cigarette, and relaxed.
Wherever we’re going, he’s in the driver’s seat in more ways than one
. Her mind swirled with possibilities, both good and bad, as she crossed her legs and tuned in “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John.

Tony spotted a jogger looking exhausted and pale, but determined to continue. “Looking at that guy really makes me want to take up jogging.”

Jackie smiled. “Seriously, it makes you wonder, doesn’t it?” Soon conversation flowed easily. Before she knew it, Tony turned his car into the Brighton Marina.

*

“You like boats, Jack?”

“Sure! I love water and anything to do with it.”

“Well, that’s something else we have in common,” Tony said, as he got out of the car and went around to open her door. “My parents gave me a boat for my last birthday; they got a great deal from a friend. I love taking it out. I didn’t want to promise you though because I wasn’t sure the weather would hold up. But tonight’s a perfect night to go out into the harbor. Warm weather, full moon, clear skies, and a beautiful woman. What more could I ask for? Okay with you?” He glanced at his wristwatch. “If not, we still have time to make the eight o’clock movie.”

“Oh no, this is fine.” They walked hand in hand down the boat ramp.
Does he do this on every date? How romantic!
Her skeptical side reared. “
Super Stud” will probably be scrolled across the bow.
As he pointed out the boat, however, she was relieved to read the name,
Moonlight.

“Here it is. It’s not much, but it’s mine. He hopped in and took her hand to guide her aboard. The boat was a 28-foot cabin cruiser, with an upper deck equipped with two leather captain’s chairs side by side and a lower deck designed for passengers to relax.

Once out of the berth, they cruised down the Charles River toward the Boston harbor. The setting sun scattered illusory floating stars on the gentle waves, and the fading daylight bounced off the willow trees that drooped over the river and cast romantic shadows across the banks. Jackie was mesmerized by the beauty of the river at dusk. Tony studied her and thought,
she’s breathtaking and so unassuming.
The combination intrigued him.

The couple enjoyed glasses of Riunite, delightful conversation, and intermittent flirtation. Tony steered the boat; Jackie nestled her head on Tony’s shoulder. After a few hours of enjoying the view of Boston from the harbor and the remarkable pink, orange, and gray sunset on the ocean side, the couple returned to the marina.

Tony docked the boat and enticed her to move to the lower deck. She hesitated. He coaxed. She capitulated and followed Tony. Tony took Jackie’s hand and kissed it.

“Another glass of Riunite?”

“Yes, please.”

After pouring wine into each glass, he sat on the sofa beside her. Placing his arm around her, he pulled her to him. They shared an arousing and investigating kiss under a full moon. The soft river breeze swept her hair around both their faces. At one o’clock, a weak-kneed and desire-drenched Jackie floated off the boat. Once home in bed, she fell into a deep sleep with dreams of Tony swirling in her mind.

*

Jackie was in the middle of typing a term paper when her phone rang. Her heartbeat quickened when she heard Tony’s voice on the phone.

“Hi Jack!”

“Hi Tony, how are you?”

“Great, and you?”

“Fine. It’s good to hear from you.” She kept her voice even.

“I had a great time last Friday.”

“Me too. It was a wonderful evening.”

“I’m glad you liked it.”

The couple bantered and flirted on the phone and laughed as they so easily did together. “Okay, so it’s now eleven o’clock. I’ve got work tomorrow. It’s time for me to go to bed,” Tony said with a yawn. “But I owe you a movie. How about this Saturday?”

“Uh, sure,” she said, trying to hide her excitement. She couldn’t wait to see Tony again.

“Okay, so
Blazing Saddles
is playing at the Medford drive-in. I’ll pick you up at six? I’ll be driving my dad’s Caddy. The bucket seats in the Mustang wouldn’t be at all romantic. I’ll bring a picnic, so eat light.”

“Sure, that sounds great!” After she hung up the phone, she twirled 360 degrees and fell on her bed.
He’s bringing a picnic!
He’s so romantic!
She couldn’t wait to share the news with Tara and Ellen.

After their shift the following day, she told Ellen about the phone call. That evening she updated Tara. “Can you believe it? He called! I’m so excited I can’t stand it,” Jackie told Tara.

“Well, give me specifics. What did he say? I want details.”

“Well, you know, had a great time Friday, glad to hear my voice. We’re going to the drive-in. He’s bringing a picnic! We talked for hours. Time flew.” Her eyes were dreamy.

Tara smiled at her friend’s delight. “That’s nice Jackie. So romantic.”

“Yeah, it is. Tara, I
really
like this guy!”

“I know. Boy, do I know. But I’m concerned. You’re falling hard. I hope he doesn’t hurt you.

“Hurt me, how?”

“What if it doesn’t work out? Will you be okay?”

“Not work out?” The notion startled Jackie. “Why wouldn’t it? We’re a perfect couple!”

“Jackie, this is what I mean. You’ve had two dates. There’s a long road ahead before you know what will happen. And remember how unpredictable he’s been.”

“Oh Tara, please don’t be a drag. He called and I’m psyched!”

“For now,” Tara said.

“Okay, really, don’t be a drag. Let me be happy that we’re going out this weekend.”

*

Jackie spent two hours perfecting her makeup and outfit for her date on Saturday, while listening to music in her room. Ten minutes before six, she put out her sixth cigarette and glanced in the full-length mirror, twisting and turning to check out her final choice of a royal-blue scoop-neck shirt and hip-hugger bell-bottom jeans. The thick leather belt pulled the outfit together. She tugged at the belt, smoothed her shirt, patted the neckline, and nodded in approval. The doorbell rang and her heart flipped. She raced down the stairs, grabbed her jacket, and met him at the door.

“Hi there,” Tony said, putting his hand on the small of her back. Once in the car, Jackie was ready and willing for the hello kiss. Tony read her mind. He took her in his arms and put his lips on hers. When the kiss ended, they drove in silence until Tony said “You’re a great kisser, Jack. Anyone ever told you that?”

“Possibly.” She cringed. He doesn’t need to know the level of my inexperience.

“And those jeans look fantastic on you. I didn’t want you to think I didn’t notice.”

“Thanks.” Jackie’s face flushed.

They talked, laughed, flirted, teased, and enjoyed the ride to the drive-in. Tony chose a parking spot and hooked up the speaker. Jackie wiggled over to sit beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. Before it began,
Blazing Saddles
had lost its significance. Their lips joined; Jackie was enveloped in his seduction. He lifted her shirt and massaged her back, slowly moving his hands higher, to the front, toward her breasts. Caught between desire and discretion, she remained enraptured by his kisses but transferred his hands from her breasts to her back. His hands returned to her breasts. She tucked in her shirt and put her arms around his neck. The precarious struggle continued. Tony pulled away in frustration.