New Beginning: Tortured by the Past, Haunted by the Future

Flashback #5: Surprising John at Work: Chapter 41

"Hey John some girl Tracie called for you." Chet says as he still has his head buried in his book.

When John hears her name, his face lights up as he tries to fight the grin that is making it's way onto his face.

As he tries to compose himself and control the excitement in his voice, "And did she leave a message, Chet?" John asks a little impatiently as he thinks about these past few weeks with this girl who has such a hold over his heart.

Roy is now standing near the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand, watching John's demeanor change as he talks about Tracie. He has never seen him like this before.

"Yeah she left a message." Chet says to John still not looking up at him just yet.

"And what did she say, Chet?" John asks now a little more impatiently.

Chet looks up from his book, "Something like she was going to stop by later to see you on her way home." Chet says nonchalantly.

"Did she say what time she'd stop by?" John asks Chet getting a little annoyed with his short answers.

"John relax, she is probably still working and won't be hear until later." Roy says

"Yeah, I think she said she was done on set and would be here around 5PM or so." Chet throws out there, knowing that he was saving that piece of information for last.

John looks at the clock and it says 4:30PM. "What? She is on her way here now. Let's get this place cleaned up." He says as he walks towards the couch and begins to pick up the newspapers from earlier this morning.

"What's the big deal about this girl John? I'm sure she will get to know you and dump you just like al the rest of them." Chet says with a laugh.

Roy shakes his head and just says, "No Chet, he has it really bad for this one. Right Johnny?" Roy says

Tracie pulls into the driveway of the station and pulls around back, parking in an empty spot.

Smelling the food that the caterer made for her today, she takes one last look at herself, shaking her head, she says, "You're a mess kid. But hopefully he doesn't notice."

Opening the door to her SUV, she gets out, rolling up the sleeves to her flannel shirt and tucking it into her jeans, leaving the top buttons opened so her black tank top is showing, she shuts the door.

Walking around the vehicle to the back, she opens the hatch and grabs the food trays when Marco comes out of the station and sees her.

Tracie sees Marco walking towards her as she is still struggling a little with the trays of hot food.

Marco recognizes her and says, "Hi can I help with those trays?"

Tracie smiles and says, "Hi Marco, right?"

He nods his head yes. "Can I help you with those trays?" He asks her.

"That would be great. Thanks. I thought I'd bring you guys some dinner since I know how difficult it can be to sit and have a hot, hearty meal." Tracie says to Marco

Marco smiles, "Did you know that it was John's turn to cook for us tonight?" He says

Tracie winks, "Yeah I did. I just wanted to save you guys from his hot dogs." She says

"Thanks. I don't know if we would've been able to handle them again." Marco says grabbing a few trays and heading towards the kitchen door.

"Yeah so what if I have it..." John is saying as Marco and Tracie enter the kitchen with trays of catered food.