Music of Souls

"I heard you ran interference for me last night."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Thanks."

Jackson grabbed a cup of coffee and hurried off to shower. Once dressed, he returned to the kitchen. Sarah sat on the counter with one leg on either side of Connor, kissing him.

Jackson growled, "Get a room, would you?"

Connor quickly pulled away and backed up. Sarah threw her head back laughing. "Connor, he's not my father!"

Jackson gave him the, 'I'm watching you' hand signal and let out a low chuckle. "This all set?" He asked, tapping the basket.

"Yep."

"Thanks, you're a doll."

As he headed for the door, Sarah called, "Don't forget tomorrow night's the full moon."

"Oh shit. I did forget."

The two vampires always stayed in the night of the full moon to assure safety from their mortal enemies; werewolves. They'd make it a game night or sit around getting wasted on twenty-year old scotch recounting countless, crazy times they had through the years.

Jackson had hoped to make plans with Elisabeth, but he couldn't very well ask her over and say, "Don't mind the steel shutters on all the windows."

Sarah yelled, "Bring Elisabeth for dinner on Saturday. I have to meet her."

"We'll see."

"Don't give me that. Make it happen."

***

Nearing Elisabeth's house, his anticipation grew. When he rang the bell, she yelled, "Come in. I'll be right there." While waiting, he noticed the orchid had been moved. That was strange; he thought surely she had liked it. Elisabeth entered the room, and once again took his breath away. She walked straight to him and kissed him on the cheek. "How are you today?"

"Great.You?"

"Wonderful. It's a perfect day for a picnic, don't you think?"

"Couldn't be better. Hey, what happened to the orchid?"

"Oh, I moved it."

"Where?"

"Um, to another room." She seemed uncomfortable.

"If you don't like the orchid, it's okay, my ego isn't that fragile."

"Oh no, it's not that at all!" She hesitated then said, "It's in my studio; I'm painting it."

"Can I see it?"

"It's such a beautiful day. Let's not waste any of it in a stuffy studio." She had opened the door.

He arched an eyebrow. "You are very skilled at avoidance, you know."

"Let's go. The leaves are waiting for us."

Jackson drove a Porsche 911 turbo. He chose it mostly for color. It was white, the least showy. As they approached it, Elisabeth let out a whistle. "Nice wheels."

He laughed and thought, Guess I could've brought the red Testarossa.

"Why are you laughing?"

"You are full of surprises." Elisabeth wondered whether he meant that she liked cars or that she could whistle like a guy. He opened the door for her with an appreciative smile. "Your chariot awaits."