Jean had had it…There had been just too many things to do…

“Chris is on heat again,” said Rae.

“Tell me about it,” Jean checked the clock,” Four thirty five! Jarrod said five thirty. I’ll never get out the door at this rate. And the traffic…!” She could hear Chris’s voice along the corridor. He burst into her office holding a bulging file and the latest draft for the Clensdales Brothers Account. Papers spewed across Jean’s desk as the folder slipped from his grasp.

“Damn, sorry about that,” he said breathlessly, “ but I have numbered the pages this time.” At least that was something!

Jean said, “ Let’s get them in order and I can start it first thing Monday.”

“Come on Jean let’s go,” said Rae. Chris watched Jean and Raewyn crossing the car park and sighed. Would he ever have the courage?

Walking up the drive to Sylvia’s party, Jarrod, his arm around Jean’s waist, a Steinie in the other hand, whooped, “Christian Cullen way to go!”

Dean picked up with, “ Shame Spencer’s out.”

“Oh hey the lads. “ Jarrod pushed over to them then turned back to Jean,” Just going to see Lance.”

‘You saw him this morning at the game’ she thought, saw Sylvia and pretended it didn’t bother her.

“ Hi Syl, Lisa says you’ve got your dress for Sally’s wedding. Let’s see. “ As the girls gathered in Sylvia’s room Hannah, Siri and the gang came in.

“Let’s have a look Sylvia. Oh it’s beautiful.”

“When’s the wedding again?”

“Jean, is Jarrod the one with the blonde crop top?”

“Yes, why ?”

“Hunky, that’s why. “

“Oh,” Jean said.

Siri whispered, “ Wonder what’s up with Jean?” Later, Sylvia and Lisa grabbed Jean, and, shouting over the music, “Hey, what’s up sadness?”

“What’dya mean?”

“In the bedroom. You didn’t seem too happy. Everything ok with Jarrod.”

“Oh yes, everything’s fine.” Someone changed the music to Bryan Adams. Sylvia coaxed her man onto the floor.

“Come on Hon, let’s dance.” Others joined in. Please Forgive Me is ideal for getting close and Jean wanted to. Looking back at Jarrod she saw he was “kinda busy” talking to a blonde ponytail in tight jeans. Jean pushed in.

“Jarrod let’s dance, come on. “

“Ah, yea , ummmm..okay.” Looking round at Lance, Dean and the others he smiled.

Chris, sitting at home, had settled down to a crumbed Lemon Sole in white wine, a fresh lettuce salad, and a bottle of Clensdale’s Chablis. Perfect, delicious. Another exquisite meal. Alone. Again. Now it was 11.37pm and Russell hadn’t rung. “Thought he was going to ring at dinner time.’ Chris had rung. Left a message after the beep. Hadn’t heard. So he watched “Under Suspicion” A Liam Neeson film. He wondered what Jean was doing. Such a vibrant woman. Impressive, always well groomed. “Wish I wasn”t so nervous around her.’

Gripping his hand Jean lead Jarrod into the lounge. Sylvia had opened the French doors and people spilled out onto the deck. Now Jarrod took over and pulled her to him. Shuffling in the crowded room Jean closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead. In moments like this he was so tender. Out on the deck now in the cool night air they stood gently rocking to the music. Then, he cupped her breast, kissed her and ran his hand down her back

“Oh Jarrod..Jarrod..no..Just hold me. Talk to me.” Now he had his hand between her legs. “Please don’t do that.” She pushed away.

“What’s the matter.”? Don’t you like it.?”

“Yes, but not now. I just want you to hold me, talk to me, Jarrod. I just want to feel you close.”

“We were. We were dancing. Come on honey…”

“Oh Jarrod,” Jean cut in. The mood was ruined. “It was lovely we were dancing close and ….”

“Don’t y’ like it?”

“What?” Jean puzzled.

“Sex! What else?” That’s why they were close wasn’t it. “Look let’s go into the kitchen, have a couple of beers.”

Jean grabbed his arm, “No Jarrod stay here, don’t walk away. I want you to understand. Please.” He stopped. “When we were dancing and you held me close it’s so romantic. I feel like I want you but I need time.” Jarrod was listening “Oh honey, “Jean put her arms on his shoulders, “I love being close, dancing, flowers on my birthday, romantic dinners and remember that weekend at Mongonui on the beach in the moonlight. Romance me is what I’m trying to say. That’s when I really feel like I want you. You know sweetie if we…”

Just then Lance came out. “Jarrod, the game’s starting.”

“Yea, ok.” Jarrod turned to her. “Ah look, honey the game’s starting. We can talk about this later, ay.” Jean just stood there. Just when Jarrod looked as if he was hearing her for a change his bloody mates break in. Why are they always so bloody important!

Then Dean came out to reinforce the point. “Come on guys kick off.” He glanced at Jean as they went inside. “What’s with Jean?” he asked.

“Dunno, “said Jarrod.

“Time of the month ay,” he sniggered. Sylvia came over.

“Yea, I heard that too. It’s just ignorance sweetie. Hey Sheena, get Jean a drink will you?”

“I will,” came a voice from behind, “What can I get you?”

Jean didn’t look up,:”Oh I don’t know. Just something with juice in it.”

“Here, I’ve mixed something for you.” How’s that?”

Oh very nice thank you.” Actually it was very good. She had never been offered a cocktail at a party before.

“I brought my own drinks, shaker and mixers. Glad you like it. But I don’t balance bottles like Tom Cruise.”

“Tom Cruise?”

“Yes, he played a barman in Cocktail. The film.”

“Oh.”

“Look I’m sorry. I’ll shut up.”

”Oh no..no it’s not you.” Jean looked, felt defeated. ” I just feel so……”

” Ignored?”

” Yes, yes like that.” She looked up. Who was she telling all this to? There was a youthful looking man almost baby faced, hair pulled back in a ponytail, maybe slightly overweight, dressed in brown checked shirt, brown slacks and boat shoes. All the browns.

” Are you a friend of Sylvia’s?”

” Ah no, I came with a friend. Mel, he knows Sylvia. You can’t miss him. Whenever there’s a group of people laughing Mel’s in there. We met tonight in a supermarket. He invited me here. My name’s Russell.”

” How’s your drink?”

” Fine, very nice. What is it?”

“It’s called Ramos Gin Fizz invented by Henry Ramos in 1888 and the recipe was a secret till the 1920’s. Requires a little skill to make well.”

” I’m impressed. Do you bring your cocktails to every party?”

” Oh yes, great way to meet people.”

” I noticed.” She was smiling. He was so polite. There was a huge shout from the bedroom and , ‘ Cullen, way to go !’ ” That’s Jarrod. Obviously the All Blacks have scored.”

Jarrod came out, “ Better get my bird. She’s missing this!” He stepped vigorously onto the deck, pushed round several people, saw Jean smiling and talking to man he could only see from behind. Jarrod hesitated, staring at the ponytail, then went back to the game.

” Where’s Jean?”

” Oh she’s busy.” He stared at the screen but his mind was out on the deck.

“Merhts got the conversion. ”

Suddenly the music stopped. ” Come on everybody let’s shake it. It’s rock and roll time.” Russell hadn’t had so much fun in a long time. Gave him an opportunity to look at Jean. Good looking brunette, nice figure. Looked as if she might be an athlete. 25 he reckoned.

Suddenly Russell, wide eyed, remembered, “ Chris! I forgot to ring! “

” What!” Jean, quite close.

” I just remembered a friend I forgot to ring, “ He said to her ear. ” It’s hot in here. Let’s get some air. Another drink?” Jean thought,’ A friend. So he’s got a lady.’ ” Cocktail?”

” Oh no just a beer or a juice.” With their drinks they sat on the back steps.

Jean wiped the condensation of her glass, “ What’s your favourite drink?”

” A cocktail. Well several actually. At home I have a full bar. I can make practically anything. Perhaps I can show you sometime.”

” That would be nice.” What was she saying! ” Oh Russell, listen, I don’t want to lead you on…. it’s been a wonderful evening….fun, but I can’t.”

” Yes of course I understand,” he replied. But now she wanted to see him again. Just the cocktail you understand. But he had a friend. Where was she, why hadn’t he brought her? Ask.

” When we were dancing you mentioned a friend you’d forgotten to ring. Er…would she mind if I came around? “

” Oh no he wouldn’t mind at all.”

‘ He!’ She thought. ” Oh… I see.” They looked at each other and Russell smiled.

” Oh no he’s a good friend not my partner.”

” I’m sorry I wasn’t meaning to be nosey.” Yes she was.

” Oh come on Jean I saw you with him.”

” Who? When?”

” At the party. That guy with the ponytail.”

” Oh Jarrod I was only talking.”

” And smiling.”

” Jarrod that’s what you do at party’s. Talk, smile, mix, mingle. ” Jean was loosing it. ” You were talking to that blond in the tight jeans…and her friend.”

” Oh yea, that’s different. ”

” Different! Jarrod I don’t time for this. I’ve had a huge day today and tomorrow the same. We’ve got the Clensdale Account finalised and the ….”

” Jean, you’re not listening to me. I was … just…..”

‘ Jealous’, she thought wearily.

” The guys were hassling me about him.”

” Him? Who? Jarrod.”

” The ponytail guy.”

” And what did they have to say?” Jean folded her arms. Let’s hear the divine wisdom of the lads.

” Ohhh they just said he’s probably a poof or something.

Jean rolled her eyes,” Then there’s no problem is there!” Silence.

Jarrod sighed. ” Ah, yea, look Jean I’m sorry…I’ve made something of nothing.”

Jarrod admitting something! ” Jean honey,” he fondled her hair.

” This is so tiring Jarrod. I just don’t need this crap. Tomorrow I have to put the finishing touches to two proposals.” She brightened, “ I told you we got the Clendales Account didn’t I. Well it goes to air shortly and this will help my chances ”

” Sure I know your job’s important to you,” he kissed her ear, pushed against her, holding her, “ Come on honey we can sort this out…..let’s go to…..”

Jean pushed him away, ” Jarrod, what did you come round for? “

” What’s the matter now?”

” Look, I just don’t need ….I don’t …” It was pointless. ” Please just go home.”

“So lala boy can move in!” Inflamed, she swung open the front door. After that she didn’t see him for a while.

Dianne Smit, Marketing Manager for Clensdales, proposed the toast. ” A great success. This is the market penetration we needed. The campaign exceeded our expectations…And thanks to Chris for pulling the whole thing together.”

Marcel, Creative Director for Callen Benmore came over to Jean, “ And thank you for retyping that bloody proposal 5 times!” They clinked glasses. Jean left just after 5.30 and minutes before Jarrod arrived. Russell’s invite to her at the party had been intriguing.

” Hi Rae, how are you?” Jarrod had never asked her that before!

” Oh hello, “ Jean’s gone. Meeting some old school chums.” True. Tomorrow night.

“Oh she never said anything about that,” Jarrod smiling weakly.

Russell met her at the gallery entrance. Guests gathered, the place filled. Everybody who was anybody in the art world. He introduced her to interesting people, conversation, explained the paintings, the artists intent. Jean was enthralled.

” Jean, we’re going to Matisse. It’s a cafe and a mecca for artists, writers, poets.” The joint was jumping, as Lance would say. Goodness, Jean hadn’t thought of the lads since …well she couldn’t remember. She sighed out loud. She didn’t miss them.

Much later Chris came in.

” Russell, how are you? How was the exhibition?”

” Brilliant. Just brilliant. Sublime.”

” Damn, I knew it. Still couldn’t get away. Perhaps we can go back during the week.”

” And congratulations on your campaign success, Chris.”

” Thank you Russell. Still celebrating when I left.” If only Jean had stayed perhaps he could have said some……

” Chris, I want you to meet someone.

“Chris, this is Jean. Jean this is Chr….”

” Jean!”

” Hi Chris. What are you doing here?”

” What are you doing here?”

” Having the time of my life actually!”

” Er.. you two know each other?” Russell staring.

” Yes!” they both said, ” we work together!”

” So how did you meet Jean?” Chris asked

” At the party Mel invited me to,” Russell replied

Jean met J. Arthur Bennett, the renowned art critic, well known painters Jack DeSota and Peter Siddell, Margaret Woolley, Ken Robinson and poet Linda Chanwai Earle. In the deafening noise it was a fascinating whirl of names and faces. Then she saw several students sitting around Chris. She watched as he talked. She heard the word Rembrandt and something about Baroque. This was not the Chris she knew. He was so sure of himself, confident. All Jean could remember was the nervous breathing… fumbling in her office, papers everywhere…. Such a skilled Account Director and copywriter but so nervous. Then she saw it! It’s me! He’s nervous around me!

It was well after midnight when they left. It couldn’t stop now.

” Back to my place,” Russell said,

Chris fumbled, dropped his keys, “Er.. I.. umm.. can I offer you a umm…”

Jean picked them up.

” Let me, “

In the car. ” Umm yes well… Russell lives in … ”

Jean cut across, ” No Chris. Your place. Where do you live?” She felt so good, in control.

Chris’s apartment was …well, “Just beautiful Chris. ”

” Thank you. Take a seat.” He smiled. More relaxed. Soon the wonderful smell of cooking filled the air and he presented her with an exquisite entree and, ” A distinctive Chablis from Whaling Bay Wineries. Perfect.”

Jean closed her eyes, ”Yes, just perfect. ”