Hello 1980!

Part 5 - Black Sabbath Valentine

February 14, 1980

Groove's Record Store

11:38am

Jackie tentatively walks into the record store. Not much has changed, even though she can't remember the last time she was in here it was so long ago. She is relieved she doesn't see Steven right away. It gives her some time to breathe. Things have been good between them lately. They say hello when they pass in the hall. When they hang out in Eric's basement, they no longer trade insults. Fez is always with her. She can see Steven's shoulders tense when Fez caresses her or calls her sweet names like pixie stick. She's been able to keep his hands at bay, most of the time. At least things are better than they were, she tells herself.

She grips the strap on her purse as she goes over to a record crate.

"Hey Jackie. Don't see you in here much," Randy says.

"Randy?!" Jackie says in surprise, "I didn't think you'd be here anymore."

"Why? Because Donna and I broke up? Come on, Jackie, we're adults," Randy says.

"You're right," Jackie says. He's being very mature about this whole thing. "So, how have you been?"

"Good. I'm actually leaving in about six weeks. My band's going on tour. We're opening for the Guess Who. Well, most of the Guess Who."

"That's great."

"Anything I can help you with today?" Randy asks, gesturing at the records.

"Uh, no thanks. I'll just browse," Jackie says.

"Oh, Happy Valentine's Day," Randy says as he goes back to the desk.

Jackie bristles at the reminder. She has been dreading this day. Fez made her heart shaped pancakes for breakfast and gave her a beautiful cashmere sweater. She gave him a giant box of chocolates, and has three more hidden away to give him later. She is sure he is going to pull out all the stops tonight. She wouldn't be surprised if she comes home to find him on a horse.

Leo wanders aimlessly through the store and bumps into Jackie.

"Oh, hey Leo," Jackie greets. Leo pauses for a moment, then takes off through the store, stumbling on the way. Jackie shrugs and returns to the records.

Leo bursts into Hyde's office. "Loud girl's back from Chicago!" Leo declares.

"Jackie? She's been back for like a year," Hyde says. Leo has seen her since then, right?

"Did she go blonde, man?" Leo asks.

"No," Hyde says.

"But your wife was blonde?" Leo says.

"Yeah, that was Sam," Hyde explains.

"But you love loud girl?" Leo says.

Hyde sighs. Curse Leo's unreliable memory. "Leo, why don't you go alphabetize easy listening again."

"Okay, man," Leo cheerily heads off.

Hyde steps out of his office. Leo was right, Jackie is here. She hasn't been to the store in ages. He is excited to see her here, alone. He's seen her more often the last few weeks, but she is always with Fez. He's a little worried about her. She's been looking tired and has no spring in her step. He saunters over to talk to her. It won't go anywhere, but he likes being able to talk to her again.

"Hey Jackie," he says.

Jackie jumps. She knew she would see him eventually; it is his store after all. "Hey," Jackie says.