Jackie St. James

I enjoyed dinosaurs as a kid, so it’d be pretty cool to actually see one in person. If I could be-friend it, that would be an added bonus so long as it doesn’t eat me. True, you’d think they would have learned the lesson the first time around. 

I feel like cool would be an understatement! Okay maybe it would be possible to be-friend one if we work together. With both of our charms combined its bound to work! We could be the ones who save the world.

“I just love the way you think, you are full of endless wisdom.” She shrugged her shoulders, “Their loss and hopefully more for the ones who deserve it.” Her words made her raise her eyebrows, her excitement growing by the second. “They most certainly will, there is no question about that.” A proud smirk turning at the corner of her lips. “Well it just doesn’t seem quite fair that you’d have to wait to find that out.” Jackie started, taking a step closer to her. “There must be some way we can help make some of those intentions a reality. But if not I can try my very best to be patient.”

Well, now that nail hit right on the head didn’t it?  But you’re not wrong; it’s very attractive.  Well now, that’s the best compliment I’ve heard in some time.  I have some time this week.  How is your schedule with the musical?  Or we can always meet post rehearsal.

Well someone as gorgeous as yourself can make anything attractive. You sure know how to catch someone’s attention. That’ll be the first of many compliments you’ll get from me. I think that sounds like a wonderful plan. 

ALEX: you know what i miss??

ALEX: staring at your ass, that's 'bout it. 🍑

[...]

ALEX: baby, you caught me, I'm practically obsessed.

[...]

ALEX: Oof I mean, It would look better off you and on the floor.

JACKIE: Oh it is one of the many things, but its okay its hard to admit 😉

JACKIE: Just like how there are many memorable things about you.

JACKIE: The feeling is very mutual 😘

[...]

“I understand what you are saying, but I do try to not left that affect me too much.  I just put it out there and its up to them what they do with it.  If they accept, great, and if not, then they’ve made their choice,” Mia admitted.  She shook her head with a laugh before finishing her glass.  “Oh, I don’t know about too kind.  Maybe just kind enough.  And who is to say that’s not my intent?” she asked with a playfully innocent shrug of her shoulders before she filled her glass again.

“Well for everyone who doesn’t shine that light of happiness, I just hope I can do what I can to make up for it. Something about putting a smile on someone's face is such a rewarding feeling.” Jackie took one last drink of the champagne. Her eyebrows raising in curiosity. “Compliments just sound great coming from someone as gorgeous as yourself.” A little smirk growing on her lips, “If that’s the case I’d love to know more about your intentions...” She was having far to much fun with the playful banter. 

I am much more suited to take charge of my own pleasure than to necessarily depend on someone else to provide it.  Wonderful.  Let me know when and I’ll see what I can make happen.

I love someone who can take charge, it is such an attractive sight. It looks even better on you, gorgeous. When you are saying things like this I’m hoping it can be sooner rather than later. Maybe sometime this coming week? 

ALEX: so, like it’s been two weeks since I last saw you baked

ALEX: so, like wanna come hang?

[…]

ALEX: and since you’re already on your way, bring back MY hoody.

JACKIE: You miss me that much? 😘

JACKIE: I know once you get a taste its impossible to get enough.

JACKIE: Oh I am? How'd you know?

[....]

“Isn’t though?” Mia asked.  “I can’t complain about what life seems to hand me; so far, so good.  I’m happy, healthy, have a relatively good relationship with my parents, a job I enjoy, a nice place to live, and my other basic goals met on the daily.  That is the goal; turning days around, one coffee and smile at a time.  And on it goes,” she laughed before taking another drink.  Mia brought a finger up to her lips, pretending to think.  “For you?  Creative, talented, intelligent, and gorgeous of course.”  

“It really is a beautiful cycle and the fact that you can contribute to it is amazing. There are so many people who go through life without wanting to share happiness and that just hurts my heart.” But hearing her laugh instantly made her smile grow. Hearing her compliments made her smile turn into a confident one, tossing her hair over one of her shoulders. One of her hands moving onto her heart, “My goodness, you are too kind you know that right? You are going to make me start blushing if you’re not too careful.” 

REAGAN: hey girlie!

REAGAN: do you want to meet up for coffee at some point to discuss choreo stuff? like ideas you have for numbers and stuff.

REAGAN: i'm so excited to see your genius mind at work.

JACKIE: Reagan! Oh I am so happy to hear from you!

JACKIE: Yes please! I would love nothing more. It is always so great to bounce ideas off of someone. And you always get me!

Oh I rarely do.  You should come over and I’ll do better than just share.  

How wonderful to hear! A woman as wonderful as you deserves to enjoy herself as much as possible. Oh really now? I just couldn’t say no to that. 

“Some people are truly just that remarkable,”  Mia agreed with a nod.  “I agree, the source is also highly sought after.  There are some people where getting a complement is even it’s own complement.”  She laughed lightly before taking a sip of her champagne.  “I can be guilty of it myself as well.  When I get mired down in that though, I try to remember what’s really going to be important at the end of the day.  And I do want to put out as much goodness in the world as I’m absorbing myself.  It’s part of why I’ve stayed at the Lima Bean and not moved on.  For the most part, I like dealing with people.  Even first thing in the morning when they are desperately needing caffeine.  I like when I can help start someone’s day off right, or help them start their own day off right.  I love when I see customers come in and start a pay it forward movement.  It really can restore your faith in people.”  Mia took another sip of champagne.  “That’s definitely not a word I would use to describe you Jackie.”  

“And what an honor it is to know those kinds of people.” Her eyebrows rose at her next words, a proud smile growing on her face. “The feeling is very much mutual.” Her eyes not leaving the other woman, her own glass rising to her lips. Taking in all of her words as she took a sip, Jackie truly did love learning about people and what made them who they are today. “That is such a wonderful way to live even if it can be difficult. I just hope there are people who are taking the time to give you all that happiness too.” She knew that was something she had to do better at herself. “People are lucky though to have someone as a great way to help give them a good start of the day. Coffee and a smiling face? I am sure it could turn everyone’s day around.” She chuckled softly, “Oh really? I’m curious what words you would choose.”

“The truth can still be veiled in flattery and flirtation,” Mia said raising an eyebrow at the redhead.  She laughed.  “There is a certain satisfaction in that.  Why expect someone to do for you what you can do for yourself?  Being surprised is very fun though, but when you’re anticipating or expecting it, it’s less about actually being a surprise, don’t you think?”  Mia shrugged with a beaming smile  before popping the cork and filling the two glasses, sliding one over to Jackie. Mia stilled for a moment, “my family always put value in actions, words, and character over material things. I put what I want and need into the world around me and I always end up finding what I need and want in return.  Funny how that happens huh?” She watched as the other woman placed a hand over her chest in surprise.  “The pleasure is mine,” Mia said taking a sip of champagne.  Her eyes dragged down Jackie’s form and up again, their eyes meeting.  “I’d be even more  honored if you stuck around tonight.”  

“That is a fair point. You know some people just make it so easy to compliment.” Jackie nodded in agreement before laughing with her. “They are still special though, especially when there is thought behind it. It is even better when it comes from a great person.” She reached for the glass and took a sip, a content hum escaped her. But she still paid attention to her words. “That is such an admirable way to live. People just love material items, I’m guilty of it myself....but they don’t have that depth that actions and character have. I am glad that it works for you though, you deserve all of that in return and more.” A small smirk turned up at the corner of her lips though when she noticed where Mia’s eyes wandered. One of her eyebrows raising at her next words, “It would be an honor to stick around. I would be crazy to say no to that.” 

“Well now, Ms. St. James, if you’re flirting with the birthday woman to get some of the good stuff, then I believe you might be in for a treat,” Mia beamed as she led Jackie over to the drinks.  The hostess leaned down and pulled a key on a delicate chain from around her neck, unlocking a cabinet door.  From inside Mia pulled out an ice bucket, with ice and a bottle of Prosecco and two long stemmed glasses before locking the cabinet back up.  “I had  feelin this would come in handy at some point tonight,” she said with a wink.  Pondering Jackie’s question, Mia looked around and shrugged.  “There is very little I want in the material sense.  To be surrounded by light, warmth, friends, and good energy though?  Always a blessing on my birthday.  Looks like I couldn’t possibly want for more.  So thank you.”  

“I am only speaking the truth, but I can never say no to a treat.” Her bright smile only made her own grow. Jackie’s eyebrows raised when she got out the key and opened the door. “You are full of surprises aren’t you? Beautiful and clever.” A small smirk appeared on her lips when she winked, “You sure know how to make a woman feel special. Didn’t realize I’d be lucky enough to get such special treatment tonight.” The next answer warmed her hear though, “That is so wonderful you know that right? You are so wise. It isn’t often that people really appreciate things like that.” Her hand moved to rest on her chest in surprise. “Me? Well it is an honor to give you all the good energy your heart would desire on such a special day.”