Music of Souls

He had what appeared to be every item of clothing he owned strewn around the room. He stood in the middle with a suit hanger in his hand, and turned to her with a pained expression. "Help me."

She had to stifle a laugh."Okay honey, let's take a breath here." She walked over to him and took the suit. "If you want to impress this woman, show her what's in here." She held her palm to his chest.

Jackson closed his eyes, fearing his heart held nothing Elisabeth would desire. "And if she doesn't like what's in there?"

"She will, if she doesn't, she's a fool and doesn't deserve you." Sarah had never seen him like this, never thought she would. She felt thrilled and sorry for him at the same time.

The vampires turned their attention to the door, hearing someone enter the house. "Hello."

"Upstairs in Jackson's room, Sweetie. Come on up." Sarah started to pick up clothes and put them back in the cavernous, walk-in closet.

Connor stood in the bedroom doorway. "What happened here?"

Jackson glared at him as Sarah said, "Jackson is having a little trouble deciding what to wear on his date."

"All these clothes and nothing to wear. Poor guy."

Sarah stared at him as if to say, are you out of your mind?

Jackson snarled, "You're one smart ass remark away from a dirt nap, Skippy!"

"Um, maybe I should wait downstairs."

Taking a menacing step toward him, Jackson growled, "You think?"

Sarah knew better than to admonish him for his threat. She made a mental note to have a talk with Connor about 'poking the bear'.

She picked out an outfit right down to the shoes. "This will be perfect. She'll melt when she sees you."

Jackson hugged her. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, you need anything else?"

"Got any Valium?"

As he dressed, Jackson couldn't believe how uncertain he felt. Christ, I'm like a pimple-faced schoolboy on prom night. He checked the mirror one last time and headed for the stairs. He thought about what car to take. SHIT! Virtually every car he owned confirmed he was a 'player'.

The Lovebirds had started a fire and were sitting on the divan in front of it.

"Sarah, can I borrow your Lexus?"

"What? You hate that car." He called it a 'geriatric go cart'. She caught herself and quickly continued, "Sure, let me get the keys." She found her purse, fished them out and threw them to him.

"Thanks."

As he reached the door she called, "Jackson!"

"Yeah?"

"You look really hot."

He grinned. "It pays to have a dresser."