"Oh, this," he said pointing to a bandaged hand, "just cut myself at work. I wasn't even gonna come here, but my boss insisted that I needed stitches. I hate this crap."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. This is taking forever, I really feel like leaving."

"That looks like a pretty nasty bump on your head. Might not be such a good idea. Whadya' get in a car accident or somethin'?"

Jackie nodded. "Yeah, some jerk cut me off and I swerved into another lane and got clipped. I can't stand driving in this state."

"You're not from Jersey?"

"No, not originally. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, but I moved here about three years ago to find work.. Big mistake." Jackie picked up one of the magazines she had already read and began to skim through it; she didn't want to seem too anxious for his attention.

"So I guess you haven't found what you're looking for in New Jersey, huh?"

Jackie looked up from the magazine and he was smiling. He seemed interested enough in her, and he had a killer smile.

"No, unfortunately I haven't – not yet," she told him. "I busted my ass at Scranton for four years, looked for a job in Pensy for a year or so, then decided to try my luck in New Jersey. And do you know where my college education has gotten me so far? I work full-time in an entry level position at an ad agency that doesn't pay shit and I bartend at night to pay my bills."

"I hear ya. They keep saying we're out of the recession, what a joke. I guess they figure if they say it enough, we'll start believing it."

"You got that right." Jackie was wondering what the guy's name was but was afraid to ask. "It's really frustrating, but I figure they'll eventually promote me and I'll make enough to quit bartending."

"I couldn't deal with that. I'd never make it in the corporate world. Me -- I like to be my own boss."

"You own your own business?"

"Well right now I'm a cook over at the Starlight Diner, but I'm working on becoming a partner. I've been there for ten years -- started off as a dishwasher," he said proudly. "You know where the diner is?" he asked.

"Oh yeah, we go there a lot after work. They make the best pancakes."

"My recipe," he whispered. "So where do you bartend?"

"Smitty's Bar 'n Grill," she told him.

"I've been in there, that's a pretty cool place."

"It's not bad, and we get a good crowd on the weekends."

At that moment a voice came over the P.A. system; all looked up eagerly hoping to hear their name called. "Samuel Erickson," the voice rang out.

"Well, that's me. Take care of that bump, see ya around."

"Good luck with your hand," she called behind him. He turned and smiled.

The next day at work Jackie couldn't concentrate: she had Samuel Erickson on her mind. The day dragged along and the dull ache in her head didn't help matters. She watched the clock all afternoon until five o'clock finally rolled around. She quickly changed in the bathroom and headed to Smitty's.

"Hey Charlie, how's it going?" she asked her boss when she walked into the bar.

"Pretty good. I hope we get a good crowd tonight and this weekend. With the weather the way it's been, no one wants to venture out."

"I hope so too, I sure could use the money!" she called on her way to the kitchen.

"Me too," he laughed.

Jackie ordered herself a sandwich and fries. When she came back Dan was at the bar in his usual seat. She looked at the time, six o'clock -- he came in the same time every night just like clockwork.

"How are ya today Dan?" Jackie asked. She walked over and put half a sandwich by her place, and half in front of Dan.

"Oh, I'm all right I guess," he told her.

"Any luck?" She asked her usual question.

Dan shook his head. "Beginning to think there ain't no luck to be had."

"Now don't lose hope, you'll find something eventually."

"I don't know, seems like I've looked everywhere for a job. Ain't much construction work these days, and these old bones don't know nothin' else."

Dan's continuing saga always seemed to bring her down. When she looked into his eyes she could sense a deep sadness there. She felt sorry for him, but helpless to do anything except share her dinner with this unfortunate homeless man. He had been coming to the bar for almost a year now, and it was always the same story. He would find odd jobs now and then, but never anything permanent enough to get him out of the shelter. He said he didn’t have any family left either. Jackie decided to change the subject.

"You been watching any of the Olympics Dan?"

"Oh yeah, they had that on every night over there." He told her and slowly reached over and took a bite of the food left for him. Her generosity always made him feel ashamed and grateful at the same time.

"How about that Tonya and Nancy thing?" he chuckled knowing this would irk her.

"Oh please, I'm so sick of hearing about those two you'd think there was no else in the whole damn competition."

"I know what you mean, I know what you mean."

As the evening crowd started to filter in, Jackie began to wait on other customers and Dan got himself ready to go. "Only had two tonight Jackie."

"I know, you're really doing great. Pretty soon you'll be totally clean." Dan smiled and got up to go.

The following evening at work was a busy one. It was Friday, and the weather was good -- everyone was dying to get out. Smitty's was totally packed and Jackie was flying up and down the bar. The tips were rolling in so fast she couldn't keep count. When Jackie finally stopped to light a cigarette, she looked at the clock. She couldn't believe it was close to midnight already. She quickly sucked in the smoke enjoying the nicotine rush. When she looked over at the door her heart dropped into her stomach -- walking through the door was Samuel Erickson. Oh my God, she thought to herself, I can't believe he just walked in here. I must look awful from running around all night. She turned around and quickly fixed her lipstick and blotted her nose. I can't look any worse than I did after my accident! she told herself.

He and another friend walked up to the bar. "Hey, how's the head?"

"Oh, I'm fine, it was really nothing. How about your hand?"

"Six stitches, I'll live." He flashed her that smile that had made her melt yesterday.

"Well I'm glad to hear that -- I don't think the pancakes at the Starlight would be the same without you," she smiled back at him. She was afraid of seeming too eager, so she looked over at his friend.

"Oh, I'm sorry, this is, uh, Jees, I don't even know your name myself!"

"That's right, we never did introduce ourselves. I'm Jackie."

"This is Steve and I'm Sam. Pleasure to meet you."

"Same here. Can I get you guys something to drink?"

"We'll take a coupla draft beers."

Jackie's heart fluttered as she walked away. Calm down, just calm down, she told herself, you don't want to blow it.

Jackie brought the beers back over and told them, "they're on me."

They protested at first, but Sam told her, "Well in that case I owe you one. How about me treating you to dinner tomorrow night?"

"That would be great Sam, but I have to work."

"Well how about lunch then?"

"It's a date," she told him scribbling down her phone number. "I've got to run, but I'll talk to you later."

The following day Sam and Jackie went out for lunch to a small Italian cafe in the city and had a wonderful time. It was one of those dates where you talked and laughed and felt like you’ve known the person for a long time. Afterward they walked around the streets of New York window-shopping and talking for hours. Jackie couldn't believe how attracted she was to him. Normally she didn't let herself fall so quickly for a guy, but he was so charming and funny, and they had a lot in common. Their lunch date was running late, so she asked him to drop her off at Smitty's.

Outside the bar he asked, "How will you get home? Want me to pick you up later?"

"No, don't be silly. My boss will give me a ride, I'm only five minutes from here."

"Are you sure?" he asked taking her hand.

"Yeah, I'm sure," she said as little goose bumps spread up her arm.

"In that case, I guess it's goodbye for now," he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the lips.

"I had a great time Sam, thanks," she told him and started to go inside.

"Do you have to go already?" he said pulling her back toward him.

Jackie smiled up at him. "Unfortunately, I do. It's six o'clock and I'm already late."

"Wait, let me walk you in."

They walked into the bar hand and hand each caught up in their own thoughts of what the future might hold for them. Charlie was behind the bar and Dan was sitting at the bar in his usual spot.

"Let me introduce you to my boss," she told him. "Charlie, this is Sam," Sam went over to shake his hand.

"Nice to meet you," Sam told him.

"And this is our friend Dan," Jackie told him. Sam started to walk over to Dan but suddenly froze and just stared at him with a look of disbelief and then disgust.

"Sam, is something wrong?" Alarm coated her words.

Sam took a step closer to Dan. "What the hell? What are you doing here?"

"Sam? Oh Sam, let me explain!"

"Explain! Explain what! How you walked out on Mom and me 15 years ago? I have nothing to say to you!" Jackie looked from one to the other feeling helpless. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Dan, a father? Sam’s father? This just can't be, she thought, this just can't be.

"I was under a lot of pressure, I couldn’t cope, I ¼ ."

But Sam turned and stormed out of the bar. Jackie looked at Dan and he was crying. She felt tears welling up in her eyes too. She ran after Sam, but he was already pulling away. I’ll call him later she thought, we’ll work it all out somehow. But she wondered if she’d ever see him again.

Jackie walked slowly back into the bar. She had no idea what she was gong to say to Dan. She looked over at him and he had his head in his hands. "Dan? Dan, are you all right? I’m so sorry, I had no idea…"

"Oh God Jackie…I know I deserve this. You have no idea how many times I’ve wanted to see him, talk to him…I used to sit outside his schoolyard and watch him play…drive down our street to catch a glimpse of him, but I’m a coward, I couldn’t go back, I just didn’t have the courage to face him, and her." Dan wiped his eyes.

"Your ex-wife?"

"Yes, actually my wife, we were never legally divorced. She didn’t know where to find me, and I didn’t make things any easier."

"Well, you can try and make things right now," Jackie said sitting next to him.

"It’s too late, you heard Sam. He wants nothing to do with me, and I don’t blame him," he said taking a swig of his beer.

"Give him some time Dan…in time all wounds heal."

"This ones too big, I know that."

"Well, you can at least try, can’t you?"

"Yeah, I guess I can. I don’t know what to do."

"Maybe I can help. I would hope I’ll be speaking with him again, we just met recently, it was actually our first date…he seems like a great guy."

"I’m sure he turned out well. I don’t want you to get involved Jackie, I don’t want to ruin things for the two of you."

"Dan, whatever happens happens. No one can control what Sam will do at this point. You can only worry about your course of action now." She put her hand over his in an effort to comfort him.

"I guess you’re right, I just don’t know what that will be yet."

"When the time is right, you’ll know."

The next day Jackie was anxious every time the phone rang. She was hoping Sam would call, but was unsure of what she would say to him. Should she try to comfort him? Or not bring it up at all? This was an awful situation to be in and she just wasn’t sure how to handle it. When a week passed Jackie resolved herself to the fact that Sam wasn’t going to call her. I really want to talk to him, she thought, I should just call him. I can’t let him get away…I know this has got to be agonizing for him, maybe if we just talk about it and try to get past it. She picked up the phone and started to dial his number. She put the phone down. What will I say? she wondered. She picked up the phone again and this time she didn’t hang up. Oh damn, the machine…hadn’t planned for that. "Hi Sam, it’s Jackie. Just wondering how you’re doing. I wanted to talk to you, and was hoping to see you again. Give me a buzz 685-0294. Bye." She took a deep breath, oh well, she said aloud, we’ll see.

Jackie got ready for work and headed off for Smitty’s. Later that night Sam called her at work. "Hey, how ya’ doing?" he asked.

"I’m ok, how are you doing?"

"Oh, ok I guess. Listen, I’m sorry I haven’t called you, but man, this whole thing, it’s a little much…"

"I understand Sam…I can’t even imagine…"

"It’s really embarrassing, I mean you hardly know me and then this! Jesus!"

"Life is full of curve balls, you never know when you’re going to be thrown one."

"Yeah, you can say that again" They were quiet for a moment. "What are you doing after work? Are you busy, I’d like to see you."

"Umm, no, I don’t have anything planned. I get off early on Sundays. Do you want to meet me here, or maybe somewhere else would be better?"

"He’s not there, is he?"

"Oh no, he never comes in late at night. Why don’t you swing by around 10:00?"

"Sounds good, see you then." Jackie hung up and the phone and a wave of relief washed over her. I’m so glad he called, she thought, and I’m seeing him tonight…excellent!

When Sam came in the bar Jackie’s heart did a little pitter-patter. He looked great and was even cuter than she remembered. "Hi Sam, can I get you anything?"

"Yeah, I’ll take a beer."

Jackie brought him a beer and sat down beside him. "So, what’d ya have in mind?" Jackie could feel her coworkers' eyes on them, they were all well aware of the situation.

"I thought maybe we could just take a drive, go for some coffee or something."

"Sounds good, I could use a break from this place. But take your time and finish your beer."

"Nah, let’s get out of here, I want you all to myself," he said smiling.

Jackie smiled back. "Ok, then let’s go."

They drove for a while making small talk then Sam pulled into a diner on the outskirts of town. "Is this all right?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Gotta check out the competition ya’ know," he said chuckling.

When they got inside they sat across one another in silence for a moment. "Are you really ok Sam?" Jackie said looking into his eyes.

"I don’t know, I guess so. It’s a lot to take, you know?"

"It must be. He feels really awful you know…said he’s always wanted to contact you but was too afraid. Guess that doesn’t help you much."

The waitress came over. "What can I get you?"

"Just tea for me," Jackie told her.

"Make that two," Sam said.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Jackie asked.

"No thanks, just the tea. Anyhow, I’m afraid it doesn’t. I think he’s a coward and a bum."

"I can understand why you feel that way Sam, but he is a good person. I’ve gotten to know him fairly well this last year and he is a very sad man. Now I understand why."

"Well he’s got a family that’s been very sad too, and angry."

"I’d be angry too, I don’t blame you, and your mom. Is there any chance you’d talk with him? I know he’d really like to talk to you, get to know you…"

"I don’t know Jackie, it’s too late for all that."

"It’s never too late. I mean you’ve found each other, it’s hard to walk away from that now. Who knows, maybe this is all happened for a reason."

"Maybe. I’ll have to think about it for a while. But enough about my father. How are you? I’ve been thinking about you."

Jackie smiled. "I’m fine, just been worried about you. I was hoping you’d call."

"Yeah well, guess I’m a bit of a coward too. I couldn’t imagine what you were thinking about all this."

"Well anyhow we’re here now." He grabbed her hand and squeezed it slightly.