Chapter 21: Talk to me

“For a girl who said she was hungry, you’re not eating much,” Wes said. “If you don’t like the salad, you can have half my sandwich or I can get you something else.”

“Huh?” Janet said, snapping back to the present. She had been a few light years away. “Oh, no, this is fine. Thanks.”

He watched her for a minute as she fiddled with the food, but ate little. “We can go for some ice cream later. Is that okay?” he said watching her with a creased brow.

“Sure,” she said poking at her salad, spearing a chunk of chicken and popping it into her mouth.

“Janet, please tell me what I did to upset you,” he said.

“You didn’t do anything,” she lied. Because she knew he was about to argue she quickly added, “How did you know baby spinach is my favorite?”

“Janet…”

“You didn’t tell me how you got passed all those people,” she interrupted, now sounding almost desperate.

Wes sighed. He knew a diversion when he saw it, but if she didn’t want to talk about what was bothering her, he wasn’t going to push. “What people?” he said unenthusiastically before taking a bite of his sandwich.

“At the restaurant. There was a line out the door, but you were in and out in ten minutes. How’d you do it? And don’t tell me you know the owner. Don’t see how that matters when there’s a huge lunch time rush,” she said, taking a sip of her drink.

“I get lunch there on Saturdays…always the same thing, sandwich for me, salad for my sister, but since she’s at a friend’s house today, you got her lunch,” he said with a shrug. “My mom used to like them and my sister does, so I thought you might too. I could get you something else. It’s no trouble,” Wes said, watching her anxiously.

“No, I like it fine,” she said frowning slightly. “So, you’re done by now on most Saturdays?”

“Done?” he asked.

“With your work and then you go home?” she said, curiously.

“No. Saturdays are my busiest days. Weekdays I have school and soccer, so I can’t do much. On weekends I’m free to work whenever. Sometimes I’m out working into the night. Depends. It’s been slow today.”

“You call today slow?” she said, incredulous. 

He laughed. “Phone usually is ringing off the hook.”

“Wow,” she said pensively. “But you still bring home lunch for your sister?” 

“Well, she’s not much of a cook, so, yeah,” he said. “And my dad’s always working, too. Someone’s gotta feed her.”

“Can’t she do anything for herself?” Janet asked.

“Of course she can, but you can only have so many PB&J’s and grilled cheese sandwiches before you’re sick of them. It’s usually the only thing in the house,” he said shrugging. “Happens when you don’t have a mother anymore to do the shopping and cooking.”

Janet didn’t know what to say to that, but she couldn’t have spoken if she wanted to. There was now a formidable constriction in her throat which threatened to choke her. And to make things worse, she felt like crying again. She tried to hide her face behind her curtain of hair, but at that moment Wes pushed it aside and looked at her. 

“Janet, what’s wrong?” he said. “Please, talk to me.”

She bit her quivering lip. “I’m sorry you don’t have a mom,” she whispered.

Taken aback, he stared at her. Was that all it was? Janet felt sorry for him?  Relief like he never knew stole over him.  It wasn’t anything he had done after all! But it actually was, he thought.  He kept mentioning his mother, didn’t he? He supposed he ought to stop it, but then…was that a good idea? She seemed to like him more when she felt sorry for him. On the other hand, it made her so sad. He didn’t like that!

Now he didn’t know what to do. until he took a look at her miserable face, that is. It tore at his heart.

“Janet, it’s okay, really,” he said, gently rubbing her back. “Things happen all the time, good and bad ones, but always for a reason. Mom used to tell us that all the time, so I gotta believe it. Don’t feel bad, okay?”

“Can’t help it. I keep thinking…” She bit her lip again, forcing the tears back. “You should come over for dinner, you and your sister, maybe your dad, too…anytime. My mom’s a really good cook,” she said earnestly.

“Shouldn’t you ask her first?” he said, grinning despite himself. 

“Maybe, but I know my mom. She loves feeding people especially if they can’t cook,” she said.

“Your mom is really nice,” he said. 

“So…you’ll come…to dinner?” she asked.

He nodded. “You’re so sweet, Janet.”

She almost choked on a piece of celery.

“Hey, you okay?” he said rubbing her back with just the tips of his fingers, in slow, hypnotizing circles.

She nodded, staring at him as if he was a ghost or something more unbelievable—a boy just like her father. 

Her mind went zooming back in time when she was about seven. She had rushed home after school, not stopping with Jasmine to play with their friends. It was the only day her father closed his store, so he’d be home. She burst through the front door tossed her book-bag onto the bench in the foyer then shouted, “Daddy! Where are you?”

“In here,” he replied, tossing the newspaper to the side. And just in time, too. Janet had tossed herself on top of him in a brutal hug. “Happy to see me, huh?” Jeffery chuckled, holding her tightly. “How’s my baby girl?”

“I missed you, Daddy. I wish I didn’t hafta go to school on Mondays. I didn’t learn anything today ‘cept that Tony Bishop can blow milk out of his nose and Sandra Miller can do a back handspring. Big whoop!” she said grumpily.

Jeffery laughed and kissed her cheek. “I love my baby,” he said.

“I’m not a baby anymore, silly Daddy,” she said giggling.

“No, you’re not,” he said sadly. “I know you have to grow up, but why does it have to be so fast? I remember when I first held you in my hands. You were so tiny, not even five pounds.”

She watched in fascination as he held his large hands together and looked down at them as if he could still see her that little.

“You were screaming your little head off when you popped into the world, but as soon as I held you, you stopped and just stared at me. Those big brown eyes found me and wouldn’t let go. That’s when I knew you were my baby and you always will be, Janet,” he said smiling and rubbing her back in slow circles.

“But you love Jasmine and Stevie, too, don’t you?” she said looking worried.

“Of course! But you’re my special girl and Jasmine is mom’s special girl. We were so lucky to have twins. Stevie, he’s the only boy, so we gotta share him,” he said shrugging.

“So, twins are better so you don’t hafta share?” she said her eyes growing large and round.

He laughed and kissed the tip of her nose. “Exactly.”

“I love you, Daddy,” she said, hugging him tight around the neck. He hugged her back just as tightly and it felt wonderful, the best feeling ever.

“You’re so sweet, Janet,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Promise you’ll always be a baby girl, no matter how old you get, okay?”

“Janet, why are you looking at me like that?” Wes asked bringing her forcefully back to present.

“Huh?”

He popped the last bit of food into his month and chewed as he stared at her, frowning slightly. “You were a million miles away again. What were you thinking about?” he asked, now sipping the last of his drink and shaking the cup. It rattled with ice.

She handed him her drink which was almost entirely full. “I won’t drink all that. I’d rather just have the  ice.”

“Thanks,” he said, taking the cup. He didn’t drink, but continued to stare at her, a bewildered expression on his face.

“Remember you said I don’t have cooties, so it’s okay for you to take it. You can even change the straw if you like. I won’t get insulted if you don’t want my germs.”

He laughed and she smiled. Then she finally started eating. That pleased him. When there were only a few black olive pushed to the side--he made a mental note to remember she didn't like black olives-- and some salad dressing left in the bowl, he took it from her and stuffed it into the bag it came in, tossed it all into the trash and stood up. He held out a hand to her and she took it. They walked to the car in silence, but they didn’t get in. Instead, they stared at each other, both with too much on their minds.

Wes caressed her cheek silently wishing she would tell him something, anything!

 Without stopping to think, Janet rose on tip-toe and kissed him.

Shocked but delighted, Wes grinned. "My yenta's full of surprises," he said, just before taking her into his arms and hugging her tightly.

He didn't exactly know what the kiss meant, but at this point, he didn't much care. Talking, he decided, was way overrated.

Janet smiled even as tears pricked her eyes. A hug was still the best feeling ever.

Chapter 20: Serious talk with Yenta

“What are you doing? Thought we were going to lunch,” Janet said.

“We are, but first we’re having a serious talk,” he said and he jumped out of the car slamming the door before Janet could reply.

“What for?” she said, once he came around to her door and yanked it open. He practically pulled her out then trapped her between the car and himself.

“Wes, what the hell?” she shouted.

“What happened, Janet? What do you have against love?” he asked earnestly.

She blinked stupidly up at him with no idea what to say. Where was this coming from and why did he care?

He placed a hand on her cheek. “Was it what happened between your parents?” he quietly asked.

Her eyes widened for a second then were mere slits in her face. “That’s none of your business,” she muttered through clenched teeth as she pushed away his caressing hand.

“Janet, talk to me,” Wes said gently. 

“We’ve been talking all day,” she said.

“Something is definitely bothering you.”

“You’re crazy. Nothing’s bothering me until now,” Janet snapped.

“We’re friends. Friends talk to each other about whatever is bothering them and…”

“Well, maybe you’re not my friend,” she muttered angrily.

That felt like a knife to the heart. “So, I’m only your friend when it’s convenient for you? You might want to look up the definition of friendship. I’ll let you borrow my dictionary,” he retorted, starting to lose his patience.

“I never needed a friend before and I don’t need one now,” she said waspishly. 

Wes could feel her slipping away from him and that was the last thing he wanted. “Janet, please…”

“Hey, folks…” came a shout from behind them.

They turned to see a grinning salesman coming toward them. “Great,” Wes muttered irritably. “Just what I need. a sleazy salesman.”

The man stopped in front of them, put his fists on his hips and frowned at them. “I…uh… you’re just kids.”

“Well, you’re brilliant, aren’t you?” Janet snapped. “What was your first clue?”

“Well…you here to buy a car? Maybe trade in yours?” the man asked doubtfully.

Wes snorted. “You expect me to trade in my Jag for a Toyota? Do I look stupid?” he asked gruffly.

“Then whatcha doing here? This isn’t McDonalds. We sell cars,” the salesman retorted impatiently.

“We were talking until you showed up,” Wes replied.

“This isn’t a kid’s hangout. This is a place of business. If you’re not here to buy a car then you can leave and stop wasting my time,” the salesman said.

“Yeah, I can see how busy you all are,” Janet remarked sarcastically, watching the dozen sales people just hanging around hoping for a customer. “Let’s get outta here, Wes. I don’t want a Toyota after all. Let’s go to the Dodge dealer instead. They like kids...kids with money to spend.”

Wes opened the door and Janet slid in. 

“Wait! Toyotas get much better gas mileage than any Dodge and I can make you a great deal!” the man said, now sounding quite friendly.

“Yeah, but we’re just kids and this isn’t a kids’ hangout. You just said so,” Janet said before slamming the door. 

She smirked watching the salesman ball his fists in frustration. “That should teach him to treat kids with more respect. Like we were hurting anything…Idiot.”

They drove in silence for a while until they reached a very crowded restaurant.

“We won’t eat for hours here,” Janet muttered.

“I know the owner,” Wes said before he stepped out of the car and went around to the passenger side. Again he opened the passenger door and pulled Janet out.

“Are we starting this again?” Janet said wearily.

“No,” he said, shaking his head. Much to her astonishment he took her into his arms and held her tightly. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

At first, she stood frozen. Then she tried to push away, but he held her closer. “Please, Janet, don’t be mad at me. If you don’t want to talk, I won't make you. I’m sorry.”

The oddest feeling came over her, something which rarely happened anymore. She simultaneously thought of her dad and had the overwhelming urge to cry. Tears welled up in her eyes, but by sheer force of will she blinked them back. She would not cry in front of Wes. Then he did something that made it virtually impossible for her to do this.

“You smell so sweet, like vanilla,” he said, giving her an extra squeeze and kissing her cheek.  He then drew back, but he didn’t release her. Instead he stared into her eyes for a long moment all the while his hands performed some ancient magic turning her to putty. The tantalizing fingers of one hand caressed her spine and the other wove its way into her hair. Before she knew it, he was kissing her and she was floating.

Had three days passed or just a few minutes? She couldn’t tell.  He pulled back and again he stared at her. Was he reading her thoughts? Were they plainly visible on her face? She couldn’t say. She could barely breathe, though, and her heart pounded way too hard in her chest. She couldn’t make sense of anything.

“I have one question, but I’m not sure I want to know your answer,” Wes quietly said. “Do you think I need practice?”

She looked her confusion, blinking stupidly up at him. What in the world was he talking about? Why wasn’t her brain working? And why did she just want another kiss?

“I’m willing to practice as long as you let me if you think I need it. Think about it and let me know, okay?” he said, before giving her exactly what she wanted, another incredible kiss.

This time, when they parted, he did release her, but quickly grabbed her again when she swayed. 

“You okay?” he asked anxiously, one hand going to her cheek.

She moved her head in a semblance of a nod and he smiled. He was so unbelievably cute she could eat him up!

“So soft,” he said absently, caressing her cheek.  “I’ll be quick. You stay here.” He then kissed the tip of her nose and left, going into the restaurant and pushing through a throng of people. 

Leaning against the car, Janet stared after Wes until her vision blurred. Why did he do stuff like that? Why did he do everything her father used to do?  And why did she like it so much? The more time she spent with Wes, the more she realized she terribly missed her father and she hated herself for it. She got back in the car and tried to get a grip on herself. She wiped furiously at the tears streaking her face. She tried to make sense of all this.

Was Wes doing it on purpose? Did he know what he was doing to her? Did he know how much his slightest touch affected her? She tried to wrap her mind around these stupid feelings Wes evoked, but before she could do more than blow her nose, he was back. 

“Hope you’re hungry. I’ve…”

“How did you do that?”

“What?” he asked, handing her a large paper cup and two straws.

“That place was jam-packed. How did you get this so quick?” she said, stuffing the tissue into her pocketbook before taking the cup.

“I told ya. I know the owner,” he said, now handing her a large paper bag. He looked at her now and frowned. “Janet, you okay?”

“Uh, yeah, I’m fine,” she sniffed, looking away from him.

“Janet, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she said, sticking the straw into the cup and taking a sip.

“Did I do something?” he asked anxiously.

“Wes, don’t start,” she snapped. “I got something in my eye. That’s all. Now can we eat? I’m hungry.”

He opened his mouth ready to argue until she gave him a pleading look and he shut it again. 

“Yeah, we’ll go to the park,” he said. He snapped his seatbelt in place, put the car in gear and left the packed parking lot. It seemed he would have to wait for that serious talk with his yenta.

Chapter 19: Practice makes perfect

“I want to ask you something, but you’re gonna think it’s stupid,” Janet said.

“No, I won’t, cuz I know you’re not stupid,” Wes replied giving her his sexy grin.

“Okay, um…” she said biting her lip. “Do you think practice makes perfect?”

“Of course,” he replied.

“Even kissing?”

He worked his brain feverishly.  What, he wondered, was this about?  “Uh... why do you ask?”

“Just wondering what you think…of um…about kissing me,” she said feigning casual.

He slowed down as the traffic became more congested and waited until he was stopped at a light to answer. “You don’t need practice, Janet, if that’s what you mean. You’re damn good,” he truthfully answered.

“Have you done much kissing?” she asked watching his profile curiously.

He shook his head. “Couple of girls kissed me once, but that’s it,” he said.

“They kissed you? What does that mean? Didn’t you kiss them too?”

“Nope. These two bratty girls snuck up on me and they attacked me,” he said, glowering. “I was ten, so I wasn’t too thrilled to get yucky girls kissing me. Girls have cooties you know!”

Janet giggled. “Um, hate to break this to you, Wes, but I’m a girl, too, so you shouldn’t be kissing me either.”

The light changed and they moved on. “Don’t tell anyone, but I downloaded your medical files before I kissed you. You’re clean,” he said smirking.

Janet burst out laughing. “Good to know!” she said. “So, um…does that mean I’m the first girl you kissed?”

“Yep,” he said, unable to keep from smiling.

“Really?” she asked, astounded.

“I wouldn’t lie to my Yenta.”

 “That’s hard to believe.”

“What? That I wouldn’t lie to you?”

“No, that I’m the only one you ever kissed.”

“Why?” he asked curiously. 

She shrugged. “It’s just…you’re smart and nice and… very cute…and fun. Of anyone, I’d figure you would’ve kissed a whole slew of girls.”

His chest swelled with joy, but he tempered it. “I told you my dad thinks I may be gay cuz I haven’t taken interest in girls yet. What he doesn’t seem to understand is I wasn’t about to go waste a good kiss on just anyone.”

A funny fluttery feeling started in her chest.“But… aren’t I just anyone, too?” she asked.

He took his time answering that one. He needed an answer that wouldn’t get him in trouble. “No, you’re my Yenta. You’re special,” he said confidently.

For a few minutes Janet looked out the window with a crease between her eyebrows. “So, I’m special cuz I’m gonna find you your perfect girl?” she asked, a little confused.

“Frick me,” he muttered, irritated with himself.

“What?” she said looking out the windshield. “What happened?”

“Uh…some guy tried to cut in front of me. That’s all,” he lied.

“Who? I didn’t see anybody,” she said, watching the slow moving traffic. “Where the heck is everyone going on a Saturday?”

“The mall, of course. It’ll be full with high school kids. Don’t you ever shop til you drop? Most girls I know do. Jasmine does. Troy complains about it all the time,” he said.

She made a face. “I already told you. I hate shopping…boring as hell. I’d sooner sit at home and stare at the blank wall.”

He laughed. “I doubt that. You wear nice clothes. You gotta go shopping to get them,” he said logically.

“Why you think Jasmine takes so long to shop? She shops for the both of us,” she said triumphantly.  "I do absolutely nothing and clothes just show up in my closet. It's the best!"

"I bet," he said laughing.

"And crazy thing is she loved doing it. She’s nuts, I tell ya!”

 “Oh, Troy’s gonna beat you up. He says she spends more time shopping than she does with him. He’s got you to blame for it!”

“Oh, please!” she retorted rolling her eyes. “They see enough of each other as it is. He practically lives at our house.”

“Guess you don’t like him much,” he said.

“Oh, he’s all right, I guess. It’s just annoying seeing them groping each other all the time. I mean, get a room, have sex already and be done with it.”

“What makes you think they haven’t?” he asked casually.

Her eyes widened dramatically. “Troy saying they have?” she shrieked.

“No! Not at all,” he said quickly. “I just…well, how do you know what they’ve done? Would Jasmine tell you something like that?”

“Well, yeah! She tells me everything. She’ll probably not have to though. I’ll just know,” she said.

“Really? You’re that close?” he said incredulously.

“Wes, we’re twins! How many times do I have to tell you?”

“I know you’re twins. That doesn’t mean you tell each other everything.”

“We can practically read each other’s thoughts. It’s almost impossible to keep a secret from her, so I don’t bother and neither does she.”

“Wow, but you’re so different I just…”

“Really we’re not that different.”

“You are, Janet. You’re like day and night,” he insisted.

She stared at him awestruck. “You’re the only one besides my fath...my family who says that,” she said. “And you barely know me.”

“I do know you…now. And that’s not true anyway. Troy says it all the time. He loves Jasmine but he…” Wes stopped and nervously glanced toward her.

She grinned. “He hates me. You can say it, it’s okay. It’s cuz I tease him all the time,” she said giggling.

 “Maybe,” he said.  “I didn’t think she would tell you when she has sex. It’s so…private. Would you tell her?”

“Me? Won’t have to. I’m never having sex,” she said so absolutely Wes took his eyes off the road to stare at her. “Wes, watch it!”

He braked in time to miss hitting the car in front. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Geez, Wes, you want to crash your car?” she said gaping at him.

“No, you…you just…surprised me,” he said frowning slightly.

“Why? Cuz I’m never having sex? ”

“Well, yeah. That’s just not a normal thing to say, Janet,” he replied.

“Since when am I normal?” she said grinning.

“I guess you mean until you get married then?” he said.

“Nope, never doing that either.”

This was too much. He abruptly turned into the parking lot of a car dealership and stopped the car next to a long row of  Toyota Cambrys. He was getting some serious answers out of Janet and he was getting them now.

Chapter 18: Totally convinced

Wes sighed in relief. He was finally done. It had been nerve-racking work. It took over an hour to clear the damage done by the virus. He knew it could have been much worse, however, so he was thrilled.

He turned toward Janet and grinned.  She was just too cute. “Guess you’re not ready to go, huh?” he said.

She had chosen that moment to clean out her pocketbook.  The entire contents were dumped onto her lap. Along with her wallet, Wes could see five paper clips, three mismatched buttons, approximately two and a half dollars in change, a soy sauce stained slip of paper from a fortune cookie, a few pony tail holders, a hair clip, two lip balms, a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer and another of hand cream, a small bag of M&M’s, three store receipts, several candy wrappers and a comb with a sticky peppermint glued to it.

She stared up at him and bit her lip. “Ah, sure I am… um…in a minute,” she said as she stuffed everything back in, even the candy stuck comb.

“You know, that’s pretty much exactly what my mother always had in her pocketbook when she decided it was time to clean it out,” Wes said with a laugh. “Are all girls the same or just you and my mom?”

“Uh…I guess all girls…I think,” she mumbled, taking the bag of M&M’s back out.  She tore it open and grabbed Wes’ hand. She dumped the contents into it, then took out all the green ones and popped them into her own mouth. 

“Teenage boys should never have these… I’ve been told,” she said with an impish grin.

Wes burst out laughing. “You’re so cute,” he said and he tossed the rest of the candy into his mouth. 

He stood and held out his hand to her. “Come on, I’m finished. We’re back on line. Mr. Hunowski will be happy. Let’s go tell him, Baby.” 

She yanked her hand out of his grasp. “Don’t call me that!” she snapped.

He stared at her, shocked. “What? Baby? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it,” he said anxiously. “Janet, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she replied stiffly. Now she felt stupid for overreacting. She turned her back on him and pretended to fuss with the contents of her purse. After a minute she turned back toward him and slipped her hand in his. She smiled up at him as if nothing had happened and said, “I’m ready.”

For a second he stared at her with a puzzled expression on his face. He looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he decided not to and she was endlessly glad for it. He led the way to the front where several workers lounged about smoking, drinking coffee and joking around. Among them was Ken Hunowski the manager and much to Wes’ surprise, John London, the owner.

“Wes! About time. You don’t usually take so long. Was it really bad?” Ken asked.

“It was his pretty girlfriend distracting him, wasn’t it?” John London said smirking. 

The men laughed. Janet, on the other hand, looked up at Wes with a guilty expression on her face. He squeezed her hand in a reassuring gesture and smiled.  It seemed only she could tell he was annoyed. 

“While my girlfriend is very pretty and could be a distraction, she wasn’t. I know when and how to separate work and play,” he said in a casual tone.

“Just teasing you, Wes. I know you’re good and a professional,” John said as he stared at Janet. “Hello, Jasmine. Don’t you remember me?” 

Janet looked at him until recognition hit her. “Oh, yes…you’re Chad’s brother. Hi,” she said, convulsively clinging to Wes’ hand.

“How is May? Haven’t heard from her in….since Chad died,” John added, giving a stiff sort of smile.

“Um...okay, I guess,” Janet answered. She glanced up at Wes silently pleading to be out of there as soon as possible.

Somehow he got the message. “It was a little involved, getting the computer back on line, Mr. London. It’s good for now, but I need to come back next week and finish up. I can tell you then what I did today and what still needs to be done, so this doesn’t happen again, or I can send you a service report if you like. I’m a bit pressed for time today or I would do it now,” he said apologetically.

 “Don’t worry about that. I trust you,” John said. “It was really nice seeing you again, Jasmine. My love to May and Travis, the next time you see or hear from them.”

 “This is Janet, Mr. London, not her twin Jasmine,” Wes corrected.

“Oh,” John said frowning slightly. “I’m terribly sorry. You look so alike. You must get that all the time.”

“No worries. I’m used to it,” Janet said shrugging.

“It was good seeing you again, Janet, and you too, Wes. Thanks for getting us going again,” John said.

They shook hands and said their goodbyes. Then Wes put his arm possessively around Janet and took her outside.

 “May and Tristan are your aunt and cousin, right? The ones that went with your family to Mexico?” Wes asked tentatively. “And Chad London died in the war.”

She nodded. 

“You don’t get along with John London?”

“My Uncle Chad didn’t get along with him, so I can’t like him,” she replied simply. “My loyalty will always be with my Uncle Chad. He was such an awesome  guy. He shouldn’t have died. We all miss him so much,” she said quietly.

“I bet. I’m sorry,” Wes replied.

They got to the car and as he opened the door she grabbed his arm and peered anxiously into his face. "Wes, I'm sorry," she said.

“About what?” he asked.

“I got you in trouble. It could hurt your business having me with you,” she said, searching his face, wondering if he was angry with her.

“It’s fine, Janet," He said smiling. "Really, don’t worry, okay?” He caressed her cheek with the tips of his fingers and stared into her beautiful eyes. He bent down and had been within a centimeter of kissing her sweet lips when he heard a wolf whistle, a very crude remark and some raucous laughter.

He immediately pulled back, looking angry. “Let’s get outta here,” he muttered between clenched teeth. He hurried her into the car and slammed the door.

Once in and safely buckled, Wes tore out of there as if the devil himself were after them. This utterly confused Janet. That had been a perfect opportunity to show they were a real couple. So, why hadn’t he kissed her in front of all those witnesses? Then she realized they really didn’t have to show them. Wes had called her his girlfriend. It apparently had been enough. They were convinced and all they did was hold hands! She wondered why Wes wasn't happy about that.

As if Wes heard her ask, he said, “I hate when guys act like that!”

“Uh, what do you mean?” she asked.

“It's bad enough when guys my age act like that, but they're grown men.They should know better and they acted like… like scumbags,” he said angrily.

“Were they?” she said innocently.

“Didn’t you hear what they said?” he asked.

“Sure I did. They acted like all guys do,” she said shrugging.

“I don’t act like that!” he shouted indignantly.

She laughed. “I know. I already told you you’re not like other guys,” she said. “But you should be happy.”

“Happy?” he said, incredulous. “Why the hell should I be happy they said those rude things about you?”

“I’ve heard worse, Wes,” she replied. “But I didn’t mean that. You should be happy because those guys obviously were convinced I’m your girlfriend and you didn’t have to kiss me or anything. Just holding hands was enough,” she said brightly. To her amazement Wes didn’t look any happier. In fact, he looked furious. If she had been confused before, she was utterly bewildered now.

Wes clutched at the steering wheel with such force, he marveled it didn’t break. Just perfect, he thought miserably. Now Janet wouldn’t let him kiss her anymore! What the hell was he going to do now? Then he felt her soft hand on his arm.

“Wes, you really don’t have to worry about what they said. I don’t care, cuz…well, cuz I just don’t and you shouldn’t either,” she said. 

“You shouldn’t have to hear stuff like that and you won’t if I have anything to say about it. I’ll make sure of it,” he insisted. “When I go back there, I’ll tell them they can’t talk that way to my girlfriend,” he said fiercely.

“Uh, are you forgetting? I’m not really your girlfriend,” she said, her eyes wide in surprise.

“Uh…yeah, but…you’re a girl and my friend…that’s...that's what I meant,” he said, knowing perfectly well he sounded totally lame. To his shock she laughed.

“Oh, my bad!” she said, grinning at him. 

Chapter 17: Love is for fools

“Finally, I can feed you,” Wes said as they hopped into the car and buckled up.

“Feed me? You really do think I’m a stray puppy, don’t you?” she said playfully sticking her tongue out at him.

 “No,” he said, laughing. “You look hungry.” 

“I do?” she said, surprised.  “What exactly does a hungry person look like?”

 “Just like you.”  

She laughed just as his cell phone sounded with “Matchmaker, matchmaker.”

She stared at him, mouth agape. “You stole my music, you thief!” she shouted.

“Your music?” he said, smirking. He winked and put the phone to his ear. “Wes Sebastian. Yes... Hello, Mr. Hunowski, how are you today? Oh, no… that doesn’t sound good...I only just finished one job, so I can be there in ten minutes. No problem. See you soon.”   

He hung up and grimaced. “Sorry, can’t feed you yet.”

“It’s okay. I only look hungry,” she said, wrinkling her nose at him. “Where we going now?”

“London Lumber mill. Their whole operation is on stand still until I can get them running again,” he said. 

“Why would a lumber mill need a computer to run?” she said, astonished. 

“You’d be surprised. I know I was,” he said, ominously.

Once they got to the lumber mill, they were quickly ushered into the office. Janet grinned seeing the familiar message on the computer screen. It was the same one which flashed across her own laptop, the exact one Wes had fixed in less than ten minutes. 

“That’s lucky. You’ll be done real quick,” Janet said brightly. 

Wes, on the other hand, grumbled a few choice curse words under his breath. “We’re gonna be here for a while,” he muttered. He then took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves.

“But it took you five minutes to clear it for me,” she said.

“Um...well, this is…uh, a different strain of the same virus, more resistant and more deadly to files,” he said nervously glancing at her. 

“Really? It looks exactly the same,” she said frowning.

“It’s not at all,” he said quickly. “ Janet, I’m sorry, but this is gonna take a while, maybe an hour or more. If you want you can take my car and go grab something to eat or do some shopping or something. You’ll be bored here.”

She made a face. “You don’t think shopping is boring? Cuz I do! I’ll be okay. Do your magic. I’ll wait for you,” she said confidently.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I brought a book to read so don’t worry about me,” she said.  

He stared at her not quite believing her. Then she smiled. It made his heart jump. 

“You’re really great, you know?”

She laughed and pulled a paperback out of her purse. “Get to work, Mr. Genius.”

But he didn’t get to work, not right away. Instead he pulled her close and thoroughly kissed her. They were both quite breathless when they pulled apart. 

“You’re the best, Janet,” he whispered. “Now, I’m gonna have to ignore you for a while, so I can fix this. Please don’t get mad, okay?”

Don't get mad? After that mind-numbing kiss? Was he insane? She blinked several times then nodded. Wes smiled and turned his back on her. From then on his concentration was solely on the computer. Hers, however, was on Wes. 

She truly didn’t know what to think of him. She was feeling things she’d never felt before. It frightened her almost as much as it thrilled her. She didn’t want to admit it, but she might be falling for him.

She stumbled backward onto the chair trying in vain to steady the panic she felt. What was she thinking? She couldn’t be in love! Love was strictly for fools and she was no fool! How many times had she said it? She had especially told Wes of her disdain for anyone as stupid as those who allow themselves to fall in love.  

That’s when his words came back to her.

“You need a lesson in love if you’re going to be a truly successful Yenta. The heart is in control of love not the brain and it often doesn’t listen to reason.”

So, that was it! He was trying to teach her a lesson, to prove his point. That was all it was, she thought, completely relieved. He wanted to pretend they were a couple just so she knew what being in love was like. But that didn’t make sense to her. They had been at the Mexican restaurant when he first asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend and only when he saw his aunt and uncle there. It had been a spontaneous thing, nothing planned…or was it? Had he known his relatives would be there?  No, he seemed genuinely surprised to see them and they did too.

Then there was the kissing. How come they were doing it when no one was around?  That definitely was fishy....wonderful, yes, but odd. At the Mexican restaurant it had been different. His aunt and uncle were watching them, so naturally they had to put on a good show in order to convince them, but what about the other times? At her front door both when they were saying good night and first thing in the morning when Wes came over, nobody was there to witness it and yet, Wes dropped a kiss on her. 

And not just a tiny peck on the lips either! His kisses went on for days. Okay, maybe not days, but they seemed to. At the same time they never seemed to last long enough, though. That didn’t make sense either! They were something, all right. Kissing Wes was special. He’d been doing it every chance he got now. Was it just a game to him? Or was he trying to make her crazy for him? Why would he do that? It didn’t make sense.

She sat frowning with these contrary thoughts twisting around each other until her head ached and still Wes sat hunched over the computer, muttering curses under his breath. She smiled and had been about to say something to him when she remembered this was his work and she shouldn’t bother him.

Janet looked down at her hands only then realizing she still held her book. She opened it to the folded note marking the last page she read and opened it up. It was a reminder to start Facebook and Twitter accounts for her Yenta business. She really should get on that.  She made a mental note to ask Wes about designing a website for her, too. 

She had been extremely impressed with his own website and the few he showed her, one’s he’d designed himself. He was really good…in more ways than one. Her thoughts drifted to Wes again, his muscles, his wonderfully curly hair, that sexy smile and all those kisses. She really liked them. She liked many things about him. He was fun to be with.

She shook her head of such silly thoughts and opened the book to page thirty-nine. She read it, but became confused immediately. It had been too long since she started the book.  She knew she hadn’t opened it since school started and that was a few weeks ago. She turned back to the beginning of the chapter and tried again. She read the same paragraph three times without understanding anything. The silly book had too much to compete with what with Janet’s thoughts going back to Wes, dancing with Wes, kissing Wes, and…

Dear God! Was she ever going to think of anything other than Wes? He was just a guy like every other guy.  So, why was she reacting to him like this? She let the book drop to her lap and she stared at the back of his head. Somehow she didn’t think he was like other guys. For one thing, he was smart. Most of the guys she knew were blooming idiots! Wes, on the other hand, could teach her a thing or too. He already had…but then, kissing didn’t count, did it? There were other things too, computer tricks and stuff, she reminded herself, but those things didn't make her knees go weak.

Wes wasn’t obnoxious either, Janet thought. For a jock, that was a shocker. She was quite certain every school athlete had to take a class on bragging, talking smack, bullying and being totally conceited. Wes was none of those even though he was an excellent soccer player. Jasmine and Troy had at least said he was and who was Janet to question them? Although, she did think he was arrogant  when she first read his business card. But then he has since proved that he is a genius when it comes to computers. It’s not arrogance if it’s true. At that point, it’s just confidence.

She could count on one hand the guys at school who weren’t obnoxious, and those guys were so geeky and shy they could barely speak to a girl without breaking out into sweat or pimples. Of course these pathetic guys were to be her clients, she had to remind herself. She would have to be extra nice to them.

 That was another thing. Wes was really nice. Forget about in high school, most people in the world were never as nice as Wes. Looking at it now, she could say he was a bit too nice.  He was always polite and hadn’t he offered his expensive car to her just because he didn’t want her to be bored? What guy would willingly give up his ride for a girl and for that stupid reason?

Wes was so…well, there was no other word for it. He was gentlemanly. He held doors open for her, he allowed her to enter first, he held her hand and treated her—dare she say it? -- like a lady and not just any lady, like a cherished person.

Janet had only known one other person to even match Wes…her dad. Her heart gave an uncomfortable jolt. Why hadn’t she seen it before? No wonder it all felt so familiar. She had lived it before. She had seen it all played out before her eyes from the time she was an infant to…just recently. Those had been the good old days, before her father, the one she had adored and practically worshiped, became like all the other lousy, cheating, selfish men in the world.

“That must be a very sad book.” 

Janet jumped and stared up at Wes. Her vision had grown blurry without her realizing it and she looked away quickly, blinking the tears away.

“Hey, I’m sorry I startled you,” Wes said reaching out to touch her hand, but she pulled it back. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” she snapped. “Shouldn’t you be working?”

Stunned, Wes merely stared at her frowning. “I’m running a scan. Should take ten minutes. Are you mad at me?” he said anxiously.

She said nothing.  She couldn’t. Her heart drummed in her chest so loudly she could barely hear. Her breathing was so rough, she thought she might pass out or worse… start crying.

“Janet, what’s wrong?” he asked, leaning forward and this time grabbing her hand before she could pull it back. “Tell me. Did I do something to upset you?”

If he were any more solicitous she would have to smack him! She stared down at their hands and watched as his thumb would go back and forth over her knuckles. Somehow, that simple motion, that soft touch calmed her heart and eased her breathing. 

“You’re not like other guys,” she said quietly.

“Uh…okay,” he said, bewildered. “Why do you say that?” 

 “You’re not an idiot,” she said blankly, her eyes still on their joined hands.

A slow smile appeared on his face. “Um, thank you…I think,” he said, watching her curiously.

She lifted her gaze and saw that he had messed up his hair when, in his frustration, he ran his fingers through it. Before she could stop herself, she reached up and fixed it, smoothing it down.  Before she could withdraw her hand, he ceased it. To her utter amazement, he kissed it and smiled. That smile always did funny things to her.

Then the computer dinged.

“Back to work,” he said, with an apologetic shrug. He squeezed her hand released it and turned back to the screen. Janet blinked at the other hand, the one he still held.

Love is for fools and I’m no fool, she said to herself, over and over again. So, how come she felt like one?

Chapter 16: The Picadillo Cafe

Janet should be used to it by now, but every time Wes kissed her...well, can you spell bedazzled? At that moment, she didn't think she could spell her own name.

She had to shake herself before going to sit by Alec. She pulled a chair from one of the small round tables scattered about the large dining area and sat down feeling a bit nervous.

“I think I might be able to help you, Mr. Frank,” she said, slightly breathless.

He turned away from the window and gazed at her for a minute. Then he took her hand in his surprisingly warm one and smiled sadly. “My sweet child. There is nothing to be done. Nothing will ever be the same,” he said.

“No, it won’t be the same. That’s true, but sometimes a jolt like this can fire up the soul and kick you into fast forward. That can be a blast, if you let it,” Janet told him brightly.

“I very much doubt that,” he said dejectedly.

“Well, I know someone who would love to be your new chef. She won’t, however, be your true love but we can work on that later. She’s an excellent cook and she’d love working in such a beautiful setting with the seaport right here and then there’s you. She’ll love you! She doesn’t like her current boss. He’s such a cretin. You wouldn't believe," she said.

"I bet I would," he muttered.

"Would you like me to give her a call for you or I could just give you her number?” she said coaxingly.

“I’m very particular. Not just anyone can work for me. Our personalities have to mesh,” he stated haughtily.

“Naturally. That’s very important. I’ll give her a call and you can talk with her without her knowing it’s for a job. How’s that sound?”she asked smiling sweetly.

“Oh, I suppose we can try, but I doubt anything will come of it.” He sighed dramatically and gazed out the window again.

Janet pulled her cell out of her  purse and dialed home. “Hey, this is Janet. Oh, I’m fine... yep, Wes, too...uh.. I have someone here who would love to talk to you. I told him about your desire to open up a restaurant and I thought he might give you some pointers to see if you really would like to do it sometime. He’s a wonderful man and you should see his Café. It’s gorgeous, right by the seaport. Uh- huh, he’s right here. Okay,” she said then handed the phone to Alec.

He took the phone grudgingly and unenthusiastically spoke into it. “Hello, to whom am I speaking? Wendy Meadows. Well, if we change the ‘E’ to an ‘I’ you’ll be a Windy Meadow. Now that might be interesting,” he said carelessly. “Yes, well, I often keep them rolling in the aisle, but at present I’m thoroughly depressed....Oh, you wouldn’t want to be bothered with my abysmal life story. It would only bring you down.... Yes, well, it sometimes does help, but...well, for one thing my love life....I mean what used to be a love life sucks....oh...really... do tell...uh-huh...oh, blimey!....Really? Well...if that doesn’t curl your wig...men are beasts!” 

Janet grinned gleefully, thanking God for a mother who could talk to anyone, even complete strangers, for hours on end. She slowly moved away to the back room where she saw Wes go. She found him busy at work hunched over the keyboard and glaring at the screen. She went up behind him and impulsively hugged him.

“Janet! You scared me. I thought for a minute you were Mr. Frank,” he said with a grimace. “How is he? Did he commit suicide yet? This is the worst I’ve ever seen him.”

“He’s fine. He’s currently conducting a job interview,” she replied, as she ran her hands over his shoulders. “You realize you’re ruining it for computer geeks everywhere.”

“Excuse me?” he mumbled, just barely listening. Her hands were doing wicked things to him.

“You’re not supposed to be full of muscles. You’re just too buff for the computer geek title,” she said, now passing a hand over his curling hair.

“That’s...um... why my title is genius not geek,” he said.

She giggled in his ear. "Oh, my bad!" To his surprise, she kissed his cheek.

He did so love this new affectionate Janet, but, unfortunately, she was distracting him from his work. He grabbed both of her hands and kissed the palms.“Um...let me fin...wait...did you say Mr. Frank is interviewing someone?”

“My mom," Janet said, looking down at her tingling hands. Why did he do things like that when no one was watching? She recognized it as a very romantic gesture. Her father used to do it all the time and her mom used to love it. Now she knew why. It made your insides melt.

"Your mom? What for?"

"Well, it could be for chef or for new BFF. Tough to say, but she’s getting him over his misery probably telling him juicy bits of her own. Other people’s troubles always put yours back into perspective, I guess,” she said with a shrug.

Wes stared at her with a mixture of amazement and admiration. “You really are a perfect matchmaker. Can I keep you?” he said before he could stop himself.

Her eyes popped open. “Keep me? What am I, a stray puppy?” she asked with an infectious giggle.

“You’re good for me...and my business,” he added quickly.

He wanted to kick himself. Why had he chickened out? Why couldn't he just tell her he was madly in love with her? Because it was a bad idea, that's why. Hadn't she told him she didn't believe in love? Looking at her now, though, smiling down at him, her arms around him, it did look as if she was starting to like him. Was she getting over her love-phobia?

“Um," she said. "Can I help?”

“No, it’s nothing much. I’ll be done soon. You can stay if you like unless you think Mr. Frank needs you again.”

“He's still talking to my mom, but I do want to ask him if he knows the drama teacher at school. I’d really like to get those two together,”she said, an impish grin on her face.

 “Yenta, Yenta, Yenta! Do you really think it wise to get a drama teacher together with a drama queen?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

She giggled and playfully pushed him away. “We’ll see about that,” she stated coyly. “I’ll have to think how to do it though, so they don’t know it’s a set up. I’ll think it over while you work,” she said looking into space, her hand absently stroking his hair.

Man did he love that, but he'd never get any work done this way! He grabbed her by the waist and sat her down on an empty chair beside him.

"What? Am I bothering you?"she asked innocently.

He shook his head and watched her for a few seconds.

“What?” she asked again.

“Nothing,” he said, quickly looking away and getting to work.

She frowned slightly and stared at him. Jasmine was right. He was cute. Very cute. She suddenly felt like kissing him, but she didn't know why. As if he got the same idea in his head, Wes turned to look at her just then. Without either knowing how it happened they became one in a magical kiss.

“I suppose if I’m not getting any it may as well be you two,” Alec said plaintively.

They broke apart, embarrassed. "Sorry, Mr. Frank," Wes said, turning to the computer.

“Oh, don’t stop on my account. Here, sweetie," he said handing Janet her phone. “Wendy is coming over now and she’s to wow me in the kitchen. Even so, if that doesn’t work out we have a date at the spa for Monday. I need a beauty treatment to lift my spirits, she informs me and I quite agree. My pores are atrocious!” he said and he flittered away leaving Wes and Janet in silent giggles.

Chapter 15: Flowers for Yenta

“Gosh, you’re amazing. How do you do that? I thought I was good but… man, how did you do that?” Janet said, awestruck.

“You match love birds and I know computers. We all have our talents,” he replied, grinning. 

He got up, took her by the hand and went to the front of the florist shop looking for the owner. He found her making a tall arrangement. 

“Okay, Mrs. Gideon, this should do it for you. If you have any problems let me know right away. Don’t want you falling behind again. The town can’t live without your beautiful flowers.”

“Oh, you’re sweet, Wes,” Mrs. Gideon replied, sticking a final painted daisy in place before turning to him and smiling.

“Um, Mrs. Gideon, I was hoping you could make a really nice bouquet for my girlfriend. Isn’t Janet pretty?” he said happily, putting his arm around her and drawing her near. 

Again, he took the opportunity to kiss her. He really liked this little game, but what he didn't know was the effect it was having on Janet, who stared up at him dazed.

“Ah, young love! The best kind. I’ll make you something pretty,” Mrs. Gideon said. 

Swiftly walking into a cooler, she picked several flowers, a bunch of Baby’s breath  and some greenery. Within minutes she made a wonderful bouquet and handed it to Janet.

“You have such a wonderful boyfriend here. Don’t let him get away! There’s none better than Wes,” Mrs. Gideon said brightly.

 “I think you’re right, Mrs. Gideon,” Janet said, smiling at him.  She then held the flowers to her nose. “Oh, that smells so good!” 

“Thanks, Mrs. Gideon. How much do I own you for the flowers?” Wes asked, taking his wallet out of his pocket.

“You know your money’s no good here,” she replied with an impatient shake of her head.

“Then here’s my credit card,” Wes said holding it out to her.

“Don't be a wise guy. With all the help you’ve given me with that website? Please! I owe you enough flowers for a wedding at this rate. Hey, that’s not a bad idea! See you in a couple of years, Janet,” she said with a sly wink.

“Wes, I’m starting to think we’re a bit too convincing,” Janet said after they got into his car and headed to the next place on the agenda.

“No such thing,” he said.

“I’m not so sure. Mrs. Gideon thinks we’re in love and that we’re gonna get married,” she said anxiously.

“It’s fine,” he told her casually. He reached out and grabbed her hand squeezing it. “Next is The Picadillo cafe. Mr. Frank is the owner and he really likes me because of my mom. She once put a character in a novel that bore a striking resemblance to him and he loved it,” Wes explained laughing. “The things that thrill people, huh?”

“Yeah, I say that all the time,” she said staring at his profile. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you. You have a really good vocabulary.” 

“That wasn’t a question,” he said smirking.

“You didn’t let me finish. I was just wondering why, how’d you get it?” she asked.

“Why? because clients take you more seriously when they think you know what you're talking about and when you speak correctly. How would be my mother who used to read the dictionary and I kinda got into the habit, too,” he said, shrugging.

“You mean looking up words? Everybody does that.”

“No, I mean she really read the dictionary. She would pick a few words every day, learned the definitions, used them in normal conversation and use them in the chapter she was writing. She really knew how to have fun, don’t you think?” he said wistfully. 

"And you do that too?"

“No, but I get the word of the day emailed to me. I’m prodigiously smart now. Prodigious was the word yesterday,” he told her smirking.

She laughed. “You’re so cute, especially when you talk about your mom. I just don’t understand why you didn’t have a girlfriend before…”

“Before you? Cuz I didn’t want one before. Now I’ve got you,” he said, happily.

She stared at him with a furrowed brow. “But I’m not real. You should have a real girlfriend.  I think you deserve someone real special.”

“You think so, huh?” he said, grinning at her.

‘Yeah, I do," she said smelling her flowers again. "I’ll find you the perfect girl, Wes. I will! She’s gotta be out there somewhere. She’s just…. hiding.” 

“You’re real enough for me,” Wes said gruffly. “Have you been to this place?  Mr. Frank is one strange dude. You’ll see in a minute.” 

He parked in front of the restaurant, but he grabbed Janet’s hand before getting out. 

“What is it?” she asked, her big brown eyes wide in surprise.

“Try not to laugh at him, okay?” he said seriously. “He is what he is and not at all pretending or acting or whatever. He’s a nice guy just…a bit… odd.” 

 “Maybe I should stay here,” she said anxiously, when he came around to her side and opened the door for her. 

He held his hand out to her and smiled reassuringly. “Come in. He’ll love you.” 

“I don’t want to cause you trouble,” she said even as she took his hand and followed him to the door.

“You won’t.”

“Oh, Wes! I have been frantic!” Alec shouted as soon as he saw him come in.  

Alec Frank was a thin, tall man with short, spiky hair slightly receding at the hairline. He had pale blue eyes and a pale complexion. This day he had donned a relatively conservative outfit, at least by his usual standard. He wore a gleaming gold lame shirt complete with puffy sleeves and frill at the collar and tight figure-hugging black leggings tucked into gold high heeled boots. 

He lay on a chaise lounge by the huge bay windows overlooking the sea port in an ever-suffering pose.

“Well, I can get to work on your computer right away and you’ll be back in business soon enough,” Wes told him gently.

“What care I for the bloody computer?” Alec exclaimed pathetically, his British accent more pronounced than ever.

“But isn’t that what I’m here for? You did call me, said your computer’s hung,” Wes said, confused.

 “Wes, oh, Wes! That is the least of my troubles. What am I to do? Vladimar has left me for another,” Alec shrieked, his head tossed back against the brocade-covered cushions and his eyes closed as if in mortal pain.

“Uh…your chef?” Wes asked, now decidedly bewildered. 

“Well, yes, he was my chef, but he was also the love of my life. I am beside myself in grief!” he bellowed miserably until he caught sight of Janet lurking behind Wes. “Who is that?” he shouted, excited, and completely forgetting his misery of a mere second before.

“This is Janet Fummel, my girlfriend, isn’t she pretty?” Wes said happily. He bent down and kissed her. 

This time she expected the kiss, but it still left her breathless. She couldn’t understand it, but she didn’t have time to ponder this for long. At that moment, she was pulled away from Wes and became encased in gold lame with a strong cologne assailing her olfactory nerves until she almost gagged.

“You’ve come to ease my pain. How lovely of you, dear, sweet child,” he said hugging her right off her feet. He put her down and looked critically at her for a long moment. “You are pretty, but we can make you gorgeous with just a little rouge and some eyeliner and the hair needs some curl to frame the face and…”

“No, Mr. Frank. I like her just the way she is….all-natural, my all-American beauty,” Wes interjected, quickly.

Alec looked stunned, but reluctantly released the strand of hair he held in his hand, pursed his lips for a second and with a careless flip of the hand he rolled his eyes to the ceiling. 

“Oh, to each his own, I suppose,” he drawled. He returned to his chaise and threw himself down.  “Where have I gone wrong? My Café is ruined without my chef and my life destroyed without my confidant, my love,” he cried.

Wes glanced at Janet silently asking her for advice. “Um, should I come back some other time? When you feel better?” he asked.

“I will never again feel anything but misery. All is for naught,” Alec declared.

“Wes, go fix the computer. I’ll stay with Mr. Frank,” Janet whispered. 

Wes gaped at her. “It’ll be fine. Trust me,” she said and for good measure she reached up on tiptoe and kissed him. 

He stared at her, his heart jumping around madly. Then he grinned and kissed her again. “I'll try to be quick,” he mumbled then went into the office.

Janet watched him go, her own heart doing somersaults in her chest.What had she gotten herself into?