Unknown Separation
Chapter Three: There You'll Be

When I think back on these times
And the dreams we left behind
I’ll be glad ‘cause I was blessed
To get to have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I look and see your face
You were right there for me

In my dreams I always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there will always be a place for you
For all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be
And everywhere I am there you’ll be

Well, you showed me how it feels
To feel the sky within my reach
And I always will remember
All the strength you gave to me
Your love made me make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me

In my dreams I always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there will always be a place for you
For all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be

‘Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I wanna thank you now
For all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always

In my dreams I always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there will always be a place for you
For all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be, There you’ll be
-- “There You’ll Be” Faith Hill

Joey enters her workplace, "The Central", which is just beginning to bustle with the lunchtime crowd. Her eyes automatically scan for Pacey and when she finally realizes what she is doing, she stops herself. Ever since Joey found Pacey's wallet at she's been expecting, no, desperately hoping, that his face will somehow appear amongst the crowd of many customers. It's been almost a month since she found his wallet and Joey is beginning to concur with Val's assessment that her behavior is beyond obsessive and is, in fact, completely neurotic.

"You've got to stop doing this." Joey chides herself as she enters the staff room. Quickly she changes her shirt and ties an apron around her waist and then she's ready for work.

Mark greets her outside and asks if she can go to the stockroom and get more bottles of ketchup and mustard.

"Damn. Must I always forget something at that cafe? Ugh." Pacey is on his way to the boatyard a couple miles away. He makes a U-Turn to return to the cafe. Luckily he has left early enough and won't be late for his boatyard shift even if he does return to "The Central" to pick up his forgotten bag.

Joey returns back up front with her hands full of bottles. "Here you go Mark."

"Thanks Joey." He pauses then looks at her speculatively. "Joey..."

She shakes her head vigorously. "Oh no. I know that look, Mark. You are NOT going to con me into doing something that I don't want to do."

Mark's smile is benign and innocent. "Now would I do that?"

"Yes!"

"I'm hurt Joey. Really hurt. If you want to make me feel better you could clean up the staff room?"

"No way Mark!"

"Please?"

"It's going to cost you."

Mark sighs. "Fine I'll give you twenty bucks to clean up the staff room."

"Deal." Joey grabs the money from Mark. "You're too easy."

"Actually...you're too easy." Mark retorts. "I would have gone up to $50."

Joey grumbles good-naturedly as she heads into the staff room.

Pacey pulls his car up by the back door of the cafe. Turns the motor off and sighs. He enters the cafe, and walks around the kitchen.

"Pace, you're back. You miss washing dishes already?" Mark jokes as he enters the kitchen door from the dining area.

"Actually, I forgot my duffel bag." Pacey makes his way towards the employee room.

"Stop right, there. I'm having the room cleaned." Mark laughs. "You might mess it up more if you step in there."

Pacey laughs. "Ha ha, Mark. Funny. Really."

"No I'm serious Pacey. I even paid one of my workers 20 bucks to clean the pigsty." Mark states. "Wait there. I'll ask Joey to get it for you."

"Joey?" Pacey eyes widen. "Um, okay. Is she a new waitress or something?"

"Yeah, hired her a month or so back. Good worker. You two should meet, but you have opposite shifts. So you tend to miss each other. Let me just ask her to get it for ya."

"Thanks." Pacey says as he turns to talk to Jim. "I'll just help Jimbo hear with the fries and burgers."

"Joey!" Mark shouts, just outside of the staff room; too afraid to enter.

"What?" She mutters as she continues to clean the mess.

"There should be a duffel bag lying around here. Blue in color. Could you get it for me?"

"Sure." She grabs the bag and navigates through the area until she reaches Mark. "Here you go, here’s your bag.” Mark takes it off her as Joey eyes the bag curiously. “So what's in the bag? Diamonds? Cash? Drugs?"

"Something like that." Mark agrees. "See that guy over there? He's my courier. Why don't you come over and meet him?"

Joey inspects the guy talking to Jimbo. Broad back. Muscular. Tall. Well built and fit. Tanned. Blonde frosted tips. And from the back she could tell he was wearing some glasses of some sort. She gets shivers down her spine.

There's something about him. He reminds you of Pacey. Don't think like that Joey. Stop thinking of Pacey. Besides this guy isn't Pacey. Just because he looks like him from the back doesn't mean anything. It's probably the tall, handsome looks. The great butt. The shoulders. Okay you're obsessing again. Every single guy you look at suddenly becomes Pacey. Next thing you know, you'll be thinking Mark looks like Pacey. Although Mark's hair color is the same shade as... STOP THAT!

"You know what, Mark. Maybe I'll meet him another time. The staff room really is a mess. And I don't think we should let anyone in until I've finished cleaning. It's probably against some health hazard or work safety law or something."

"Fine." Mark nods as Joey retreats back into the staff room.

"Here you go, Pace." Mark hands him the duffel bag.

"Great." Pacey smiles as he takes his bag, "I thought you were gonna introduce me to the new girl?"

"Ah, maybe next time. She says the room is a mess and just wants to get the cleaning over with."

"Yeah, I have to go anyways. The boatyard calls."

"Don't tire yourself out, ok. I don't need sleepy busboys in the morning."

Pacey leaves through the back door and begins his drive to the boatyard. Joey. Nah. It couldn't be.

*****

The middle of October. It is a month since Pacey arrived in Boston. With two jobs in place, he is relieved for the Sunday evening rest. Yet, it is pouring rain outside his windows. Gretchen is out with some friends watching a movie. Pacey is pleased for the time alone. Nothing to watch on television. Dinner is eaten and there is nothing to do but sit and slum around. Nothing to watch but the downpour outside the windows, something that somehow comforts him and steadies his heartbeat. Just watching. Just watching and wondering. His thoughts mill around like a mile a minute in his mind. It is a perfect time. He goes to the one of the hall closets and searches for a box on the top shelf. Inside lie special contents to him and his heart.

Once claimed from their secret spot, Pacey brings the valuables with him to the padded area by the windowsill. He leafs through the book. Past memories. Past thoughts. Past actions. Past emotions. He is brought back to the days before graduation. The days preceding the prom. He is brought back to Ditch Day and the lost nights that followed.

Did he still feel that way? Is he still feeling lost? Is he still angry? Emotions that haunted him then are haunting him now.

His mind drifts to the night of the prom. The dreaded night where everything came undone. The night when his heart broke once more and maybe for the last time. After all that was said and done will his heart ever be healed of its bruises and the missing hole that was torn away and thrown away beyond his reach? Somewhere unknown? Or somewhere known, but in dangerous territory?

It was the night she said he had broke her heart into a thousand pieces. Something, Pacey could never fathom doing, but apparently he had done so. That being the case, then she really didn’t deserve a guy like him. A guy who would break the heart of the most important person in his life - the love of his life, and destroy the most fantastic relationship he has ever partaken in.

Two broken hearts. And it was all his doing.

I don’t care how big a city is, something always causes two forces to meet. Call it fate. Call it destiny. Or call it sheer coincidence, but you two will end up meeting sometime and it won’t be under the happiest of conditions.

Send it or write another one. Just let her know how you feel before it’s too late.

“Why are you going to Boston?”

Before it’s too late he is going to do it. He is actually going to make a move and let her know what he is thinking. He’s going to do it. He just isn’t going to do it in person. It will be too difficult. Too complicated. Too stressful. Too much angst then he can handle.

He sets aside his journal and picks up Joey’s sketch of him. He eyes the tri-folded paper sticking out from between the last page and back cover of his journal. Pacey closes his eyes and listens to the beat of the raindrops against the window. Against the puddles forming on the streets. Against the light pole shining a few hundred feet away on the corner of the street. He listens to the beat of his heart. A heart that has yet to be mended. A heart that after five months is still in pain, broken and bleeding.

Pacey is content with being alone in the apartment this evening. No work, no demanding boss and no nagging sister. He is happy for that sense of quiet that the night and stormy skies can provide. He is lonely for his lost love.

Pacey stands up. Looks around him. The kitchen. Gretchen’s room. The sofa. The door. The window. He leans forward and places both his hands on the window, then his forehead. His eyes roam the wet streets. There are a few cars parked by the sidewalk. There are a few cars waiting for the light to turn green with their wipers swishing back and forth splattering the rain to the left and to the right. He spies the a small number of people with their umbrellas or raincoats or even newspapers over their heads running for cover under some available store or building awning. Pacey’s eyes rove the wet streets as if looking for his lost love. She is not there.

Pacey turns away as if pained by the thought. She is not there. A tear falls from his eye. He turns to see the time. Only an hour has passed. Only an hour. To him it seemed like more than that. More like hours not just one hour. More like forever has passed by him. No longer there for him to grasp or promise.

Pen in hand and paper in front of him, he uses his journal as a hard surface to write upon.

Dear Joey,

It’s been five months since we’ve had some communication between us. I don’t know what to say to you. You would think that during our time apart and with all the words spoken between us, I would have something to tell you.

And I guess, I do. It’s just a matter of how I want to go about saying them, expressing them. I wrote to you before, a while back. You’re probably wondering why, then, you haven’t received it. I never sent it. By doing so it was unfair to you, not knowing what I was thinking, but it was fair to me in a way. Like a journal, I wrote what I thought. Needing to get it out. Wanting it out of my system. But you and the thought of you could never leave me, or my heart.

I've been sitting here for the past hour trying to put into words how I feel about you, about us. So much has happened and so much has changed. Yet, the one thing that has remained is my love for you. How do you get over the love of your life? The person you can picture spending the rest of your life with. Having children and growing old together with. You're that person for me.

When I first got here, I admitted to Gretchen what I couldn’t admit during the summer. I miss you, Joey. I miss everything about you. Your beautiful face and those big brown doe eyes that I get lost in. I miss your smile and the way you chew on your bottom lip. I miss touching you, holding you, kissing you, making love to you, waking up holding you in my arms and whispering into your ear.

I miss you, but I can’t have you.

You’re at Worthington now, making new friends, working your ass off and impressing the hell out of the whole world. The world that is lucky to have you in it. Anyone should be privileged to meet you and talk with you. I know I am. I am so grateful for having known you since we were little tykes tormenting each other.

I am here in my apartment watching the rain pour down outside my window. I was looking through my journal and was brought back to our waning days as boyfriend and girlfriend. The way I pushed you away slowly bit by bit. I am so sorry for the way you were treated, Joey. I felt horrible then, I feel horrible now. But I can’t take it back. I can’t change what happened. As they say, what happened happened. Now I have to live with it and move on, grow from it. Learn from it.

And what have I learned? I’ve learned that I love you, Josephine Potter. I always have and I always will. You have etched your place in my heart and it will forever stay there. I also learned that I need to find myself. Kind of like what you had to do when you broke up with Dawson. I think we both need to find ourselves. Right now, we’re like two halves without the other. But just by being together we really don’t fully make ourselves whole. We are still two separate halves that make a whole. I don’t think I’m making any sense. Do you at least think you know what I’m talking about? It’s like an addiction. Thinking that something or someone can fill you up, but that’s not really the case. A person has to be whole first, individually, before sharing bits and pieces with another person. I don’t think I’m quite whole yet.

I hope you are happy and doing well. That’s all I ever really wanted for you. To be happy.

I’m sorry for breaking your heart Joey. That is one thing I truly regret. If it’s any consolation, mine was ripped to shreds when I let you go. I could never feel nothing when I’m with you or thinking about you. That is simply a hard thing to do, Potter. When I’m with you, when I think of you, when I see you…emotions fill me up. I feel alive. I love the way you make me feel.

When I spewed those words at you, I was mad at the situation. Where I thought our lives were headed. Apart. Two roads going in different directions. I could never be mad at you. Know that I could never be mad at you or feel nothing towards you. That’s simply impossible.

Remember one thing if you choose to forget all else, Joey – I love you always.

Pacey

PS. I think this belongs to you. I would rather have a picture of you than of me. My head might get too big. You made me look too wondrous for words. Your sketch reveals your passion and the talent for expressing them. Thank you for sharing it.

And with that, he takes the sketch in hand, gently folds it and puts it into an envelope with the letter. He scribbles the address Bessie had given him back at Capeside and stamps it. Out into the rain he runs to the corner mailbox. Inside his coat pocket, by his heart, he takes out the envelope and drops it into the blue metal container. No return address.

*****

“Am I good or am I good?” Val exclaims as she steps back to admire her handiwork.

Joey scowls a little and tugs at her tube top. “This thing is too short. My stomach is showing.”

“Stop playing with the top, Joey. It’s supposed to show.” Val replies. “So, Jordan, what do you think?”

Jordan lets out a low whistle. “Looking good, JP. Val, I’m very impressed.” Joey sticks her tongue at Jordan in response to his compliment and rolls her eyes.

Val takes a bow. “Thank you. Thank you. Now if Miss Fussy will stop fiddling with her top we can get going.”

Joey continues to grumble as Jordan quietly laughs. He throws a dark blue denim jacket to her. “Here, this might help you cover yourself up.” He takes another look at Joey’s outfit. “Then again maybe not.”

“You looking to lose the function of an essential body part, JD?” Joey asks threateningly.

Jordan vigorously shakes his head. “Who me? Nuh uh. No. I’m a good boy, I am. Real good.”

Joey snorts her disbelief. She glances down at her outfit again. “I think I’m going to go change. I won’t be a minute.” She walks over to her closet and begins pulling out some clothes.

A determined and exasperated Val firmly shuts the closet door. She then grabs hold of Joey and pushes Joey outside with the help of Jordan. At first Joey struggles and fights but eventually she realizes the futility of her actions and her body sags as she relents. The three of them enter the lift and Val pushes the button for the Ground floor. “Now, Joey, you’ve got to promise me that you’re going to have some fun tonight.” Val states.

“That depends on what your definition of fun is, Val. I’m not going to randomly hook up with some stranger.” Joey retorts as the elevator doors slide open and the three of them exit the dorms.

“Maybe I can get your friend Jen to help me out. From everything you’ve told me she seems like my type of girl.”

“Hmmm, Jen and Val. I like the sound of that.” Jordan states as they walk out of the University grounds and towards the carpark.

“You’re perverted, JD.” Joey groans and Val joins in.

“Why thank you, JP. Although, seriously, tell me more about your friends Jen and Jack. I can’t believe we’re actually going to meet them.”

“Too bad Dawson couldn’t make it.” Val pipes up. “I’d like to meet this would-be Speilberg.”

“Maybe another time.” Joey says.

“Maybe.” Val states. “By the way I did mention that I’m meeting up with an old family friend? Patrick Stevens?”

“Yes, you did mention something along those lines.” Joey recollects, her eyes scanning for any sign of Jen and Jack.

“It’ll just be for moment though. Although, if all goes well… You see Patrick is planning on hooking me up with some friend of his. Meant to be real good looking. I can’t wait. Hmm…maybe you and Patrick might get along Joey…”

“Nuh uh. No way. You can forget about that idea.” Joey shakes her head vehemently. “Okay, I see Jen and Jack over there. By the red car. Shall we go?”

“Let’s.” Val states and Jordan nods his head in affirmation.

All five of them pile up in Jen’s car as she drives them to the club. Introductions are made. Val and Jen hit it off straight away, declaring themselves to be soul sisters, and the car is filled with loud music and chatter.

*****

“Hey, Pacey? You almost ready to go?” A tall brunette Patrick Stevens calls from the living room. “I want you to meet this girl before the club gets too crowded and we won’t be able to find her.”

“Yeah, man. I’m ready.” Pacey comes out of his room with keys in hand. “Let’s go.” They exit the apartment and walk out into the cool summer night. “So tell me about this girl.”

“Well…her name is Val and she’s going to be there with a couple of people. Apparently she’s trying to loosen up this uptight cynic roommate of hers.”

“Uptight cynic, huh? Reminds me of someone I know.”

“Joey?”

“Yeah…but that’s another story. So, continue with this Val chick.”

“She’s a smart one, but she’s also the type that likes to let loose and have fun. She’s not that bad looking either, if you know what I mean.” He says as he nudges Pacey with his elbow, but Pacey ignores the gesture and just continues to look straight ahead. “Anyways, I was hoping to introduce you two at the bar away from her friends.”

“I don’t know, man.” Pacey sounds hesitant.

“PJ?” Patrick began calling Pacey “PJ” a couple of weeks after their acquaintance. He had told Pacey, ‘You remind me of my younger brother PJ, Peter John. You don’t mind if I call you PJ do you? Seeing as how you have the same initials also?’

“Stevens?”

“It’s not that bad is it? Scoping out other women and having fun? Female frosh, sophomores, juniors and seniors.” Patrick grins. “That is unless…you play for the other team?”

“No, Patrick. I’m as hetero as one can be.”

“I’m just making sure. It just seems like in the two months that I’ve known you, you seem to be avoiding the opposite sex.”

“I’m not avoiding them. I talk to the girls I see and meet. I’m just not ready yet. My relationship with Joey took a lot out of me emotionally.”

The club came into sight under the bright lights.

Patrick stops walking and turns to look at Pacey. “Look, man, I understand that. I do. But it’s been what, over six months. At least start to move on. I’m not asking you to get engaged to the next chick you lay eyes on. I’m asking you to try to at least keep an open mind to other women and the fun activity of dating.”

“Fine. I’ll try. Let’s just not talk about it anymore.”

They enter the club after showing their Ids. Pacey makes a note to go to the bathroom and promptly wash off the ‘Under 21’ stamp on the back of his hand. After following Patrick midway into the club, he licks his thumb and begins to rub on the stamp. The club is full to the corners with people. Some so inebriated they think they’re dancing. They’re not. Blue light, red light, green light, white light. That light that makes the people look as if they are dancing in slow motion. “I think I’m getting dizzy. And to think…I haven’t even had a drink yet!” Pacey thinks to himself. Smoke is filtering throughout. “No doubt people want to give me secondhand smoke and die of some cancerous disease. Not to mention filling their own lungs with nasty carcinogens,” his mind wanders. The music is decent. It is club music. One comes here to dance, drink and mingle.

“Why can’t I just go to a bar and sulk? I can’t because I need to move on. My life is not centered around her. It’s not. I just can’t stop thinking about her.” Pacey shakes his thoughts away.

“Let’s go to the bar to get some drinks. Maybe I’ll see her from there.” Patrick leads the way to the center of the club where the bar is situated in a round fashion. “Let me just go to the men’s room to rub this crap off my hand.”

“Yeah. I’ll meet you there at the end of the bar.”

“Sure.” Pacey makes his way to the bathroom and begins to soap and wash his hands.

“We’ll start off with two Coronas, please.” He tells the bartender as Pacey takes a seat on the vacant stool next to him.

“The first round is on me.” Pacey says.

“Good, ‘cause I’m running low on cash. Thanks, man.” He slaps his friend’s shoulder.

Pacey takes out his wallet for a twenty dollar bill. Patrick eyes his wallet.

“Dude, let me ask you something?”

“Ok.”

“How long since you’ve had any action?”

“Where did that come from, man?”

“I’m just curious, you know. Maybe that’s just what you need. A good one night stand.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Oh, come on. It wouldn’t hurt. Plus, what good is a condom in your wallet if you’re not going to use it anytime soon.”

“What makes you so sure I have a condom in my wallet?”

“Please. I’m a guy. You’re a guy. What guy, in his right mind, doesn’t carry a condom in his wallet? Besides…I saw the foil in your wallet when you were taking out the twenty.” Patrick smirks. He sees a familiar brunette.

“Oh, look. There she is.” He waves to the girl at the far end of the club to get her attention. She sees him and tells her friends she’ll be right back.

“Hey, there stud muffin.” Val says as she kisses Patrick on the cheek. “And who is this gorgeous creature?” She smiles flirtatiously.

“Val, this is PJ. PJ, meet Val.”

“Nice to meet you, Val.” Pacey extends his hand and shakes hers gently.

“Ah, so has Patrick has been talking about me? All good I hope.”

“All good.”

Val can’t help but stare at Pacey. Sandy brown hair with frosted tips and a go-tee. He seems so familiar. Like she’s seen him before but can’t recall when or where.

“Have I met you before?”

“I don’t think so. I’m new here. Just moved to Boston really.”

“Oh. You just seem so familiar to me. Like I’ve seen you before.”

“Can’t help you there. Like I said, I just moved here.”

“Ok.” Val shakes off the strange feeling of déjà vu. “Will you guys be here for a while? I want to hang out with my friends and see to it that my roomie is having fun.”

“Sure thing, babe. We’ll be right here.” Patrick winks at her as she leaves them to stare at her swaying hips.

“Well, that was a treat.”

“Pace, she’s all that and more. But I haven’t gone that far with her. She’s a family friend. I was hoping to make a love connection between you and her.” Pacey glares at him. “Listen, man. I said try. Just a few dates here and there. This is a chance for you to get back on the dating scene.”

“Two more Coronas please.” Pacey projects his voice over the music so that the bartender can hear him. “Thanks.”

“I’ll be back in a couple of minutes. I see some redhead who needs to be introduced to the fine world of Patrick.”

Pacey chuckles. “Go ahead. I’ll be here drinking away and bobbing my head.” He lifts his beer bottle and begins to bob his head.

He watches as Patrick approaches the tall redhead and begins introducing her into his world by way of rehearsed and overused pick-up lines.

Suddenly his view is obstructed by a tall woman with wavy light brown hair.

“Hey stranger.” She takes the seat left free by Patrick.

“Hey yourself.”

“Where did Patrick go?”

“Over there.” Pacey points in Patrick’s direction. He is now dancing and grinding to the beat of the music with the redhead.

“Ah. Well, at least I get some alone time with you.”

“I guess so.”

“You want to dance?”

“I’m not the dancing type.”

“That’s ok. We can sit and talk then.” She pulls her seat closer to him. So close that she is practically between his legs and causing him to squirm just a bit.

“Um….” Pacey takes a gulp of beer. And then downs it. “Another one please.” He waves the bottle at the bartender.

“So…PJ? You go to college around here?” She smiles seductively.

“No. I work.”

“Do you work with your hands?” She takes his hands which are grasping the beer bottle. “You have nice strong hands.”

“Thank you. And yes, I work with my hands. I work at the boatyard.”

“Ooo, I love a working man.” Her hands move from Pacey’s palms to slowly caress his upper arms, feeling his biceps. “I like strong working men. They turn me on.”

A lump forms in his throat. He swallows hard. One hand pulls away to grab the drink in front of him. “That’s nice to know.” The bottle occupies his mouth but his eyes follow her every movement.

“PJ…” Val leans over and sexily whispers into his ear. “You turn me on.”

Pacey’s eyes go wide. Physically he can feel something start to awaken. Emotionally, he is somewhere else. He freezes then shakes his head ever so slightly.

Val leans back and looks at him. She smiles, her toothy smile accentuated by her berry red lipstick. “Do you want to go to the back?” Her hands start to move under his shirt. His body tenses. The last time he was touched like that….

“Uh…no. I’m sorry, Val. I’d rather not.” Pacey pushes her hands away from him and turns to face the bar and it’s many tempting bottles. He brings the bottle to his lips and moisturizes his already dry mouth.

“Hey all.” Patrick puts his hands on both their shoulders. He’s all sweaty from his bumping and grinding on the dance floor. “Did I miss anything?”

“Nah, you didn’t miss a thing.” Val stands about to leave. “PJ, if you want to meet up again, here’s my number.” And with that she saunters off to her friends leaving a napkin with her name and digits.

“So…how’d it go?” Patrick inquires enthusiastically as he drinks his Corona.

“It went.”

“Pacey…”

“I’m sorry. It went okay at first, until she wanted to take things further.”

“Oh. Well, man, soon enough you’ll be ready to jump the gun.” Patrick smirks.

“Listen. I’m going to head out and take a walk. Thanks for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Pacey stands up and pays for the drinks leaving the napkin on the bar.

“Sure. I’m just gonna stay awhile and dance some more.”

Pacey stands and walks out of the club. He fails to see Joey with Jack, Jen, Val and JD; the group equally oblivious to Pacey’s presence.

*****

Joey, Jack, Jen, Val and Jordan are sitting and chatting while sipping their drinks. Joey has finally allowed herself a moment of relaxation and has appropriately loosened up. It’s like she’s forgotten that she found Pacey’s wallet; forgotten that he has yet to make contact with her. It’s like she’s forgotten that Pacey is somewhere in Boston, that he could be here in this very club at this very moment. It’s like all thoughts of Pacey have finally and completely been banished from her mind - if only for the night.

“Let’s dance!” Jordan suggests to Joey.

She shakes her head vigorously. “Nuh uh. No way. Forget it JD. I’m not drunk enough yet. So there’s no way you’re getting me up there!”

“C’mon JP, you know you want to.” He gets up from his seat and pulls Joey out of her chair. Joey is reluctantly dragged to the dance floor but when she gets there she sufficiently relaxes and soon is happily dancing with Jordan.

“She looks much happier.” Val notes with satisfaction as she watches Joey laugh as Jordan does some crazy dance move.

“Yeah she does.” Jen agrees. “She’s doing better than I expected considering…” Jen breaks off not sure how much Val knows of Joey’s personal life.

“Considering the fact that she found Pacey’s wallet at ‘The Central’.” Val finishes. “Well let’s just say that she’s been moping more than usual. And needless to say has now developed an obsessive attachment to her work place. Anyway, this is the first time I’ve seen her so, well, so…carefree.”

“Well Jordan seems to be a helpful influence on Joey’s mood. Are they?” Jen asks. Jack places a hand over Jen’s mouth; too late.

“Don’t mind Jennifer here. She’s just been her usual, gossipy self.”

“It’s not like you’re not dying of curiosity!” Jen shoots back. Jack gives a rueful shrug. The two of them then turn their gazes to Val expectantly.

Val automatically turns to watch Joey and Jordan who, ignorant to the conversation on the table, are still dancing. “They’re just friends. Good friends. Nothing more. I think Jordan genuinely likes Joey and Joey genuinely likes Jordan but that is as far as it goes. Anyway Jordan is too busy playing the field or being played by the field to be in a serious relationship. Take your pick.” They watch as a small but curvy blonde struts over trying to latch onto Jordan who brushes her off. “And I think he cares and respects Joey too much that if they did ever date it would have to be serious. Besides it’s not like Joey is over Pacey Witter.”

Jack and Jen nod as their absorb Val’s assessment. A thought occurs to Jen. “So what you’re saying is Jordan is a slut?”

“Or a manwhore.” Val concurs.

“He could be a professional manwhore.” Jack murmurs; his eyes fixated on the sway of Jordan’s hips.

Jen grins as she notices Jack’s interest. Mischievously she adds, “He’s got great shoulders.”

“Lovely back muscles and a good butt.” Jack automatically continues to add to the list of Jordan’s assets.

“Ja-ack’s got a crush on Jordan!” Jen cries triumphantly in a sing-song voice.

“I do not!” Jack denies and Val suppresses her laughter.

“Aww…c’mon and admit it Jack. You were checking Jordan out!”

“Jen’s right.” Val states. “Your actions did fit the definition of ‘checking out’.”

“Maybe I was.” Jack finally admits. “Just a little. But don’t you DARE say a word. Either of you! And that goes double for you, Miss Lindley.”

Jen pouts then sighs. “Fine.” Then whispers. “Jack likes Jordan.”

Jack glares. “I heard that Jen. And you are so infantile.”

Jen sticks out her tongue in response. “Anyway you’re right. Jordan is yummy. Very yummy. Of course, his butt doesn’t compare to Pacey’s.”

“Yeah, Pacey does have the best butt that I’ve ever seen.” Jack concurs.

Jen cries out once more in triumphant. “Ha! I knew it! You’ve been checking Pacey out in the past!”

Jack raises his eyebrows. “And you haven’t? Might I mention a certain sex pact?”

Jen is suddenly subdued and Val looks at the two in interest. “Okay, I’ve so missed out on something here.” Val complains. “And from the way the both of you talk I so have this meet this Pacey Witter. He sounds extremely jump-able.”

“Extremely.” Jen and Jack agree.

*****

“Dannie? What are you doing here?” Pacey greets.

“Well, I’m meeting my friends at the club. Do you wanna join us?” She is wearing tight black pants and a royal blue fitted v-neck top. Her whole outfit accentuating the curves of her body.

“I just came from there actually.”

A tall brunette nudges Dannie from behind. “Oh, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Rinny, this is Pacey. Pacey, Rin.”

“Nice to meet you, Rinny.” Pacey extends his hand. “What kind of name is Rinny?”

“What kind of name is Pacey?” She retorts.

“Touche.”

“Actually, it’s my nickname. Erin is my real name.” She smiles and pushes a strand of hair behind her ears.

“Oh, um. Give me a sec.” Dannie spots her other friend rounding the corner. Rin follows Dannie’s lead leaving Pacey to watch their backs. After a few minutes, Dannie returns. Her friends enter the club without her.

“I thought you were going to the club?”

“Yeah, I will. Later. You want to talk?”

“It’s nothing really. Patrick introduced me to this chick and well, flirty and frisky would describe her.”

Dannie sighs. “Fine then. Pace, I’m gonna go enjoy myself. You need to do the same. Are you sure you don’t wanna join us? I can protect you from that frisky skank if you want.”

“How about next weekend?” Pacey laughs.

“Next weekend it is.” Dannie leaves and enters the club. She sees Rin standing off to the side with some tall, husky looking guy.

“Billy, who’s that with Rin?” She asks her guy friend.

“I dunno. Probably some guy named Bubba who wants to get in her skirt.” He grins taking a sip of his beer.

“You think she’s interested in the guy?” Her eyes scrutinizing her friend and her companion.

“Well, she seems to be enjoying herself. I don’t know what she sees in those types of guys. They’re all gruff, truck driver looking pick up artists.” Billy shakes his head.

“And to top it off, she rides each of them.” Dannie laughs.

“So, what happened to your guy friend outside?”

“Ah, Pacey? He just came from here. We’re all gonna hang out next weekend.”

“That’s cool.” Billy motions with his head that someone was behind Dannie.

A tall, blonde haired guy approaches and taps her on the shoulder. He nods his head toward the dance floor signaling his desire to dance with her.

“What? You can’t talk? You know, move your lips and voice your thought?” Dannie rolls her eyes.

“Sorry. Would you like to dance?” The guy asks.

Billy sips his drink and tries to hold in his laughter.

“I don’t dance with guys who don’t articulate on the first try.”

The guy shrugs and walks off. “Her loss.” He mumbles.

“What was he? Some mime? I mean honestly. You guys are slow on the uptake. Where are your manners?” She rattles off.

“I beg to differ. I’m not like other men. I am quite the gentleman.” Billy grins.

“Yes, you are quite the gentleman. But that’s only when you want to impress a girl. Like other guys, however, you tend to think with your dick than with your brain.”

“My, my, my. Rin seems to be hitting it off with Mr. Bubba. Look at them humping each other in the corner.” Billy shakes his head in amazement.

“Good grief! She needs to take it to the car or bathroom. Somewhere other than that corner.” Dannie laughs.

“There is no way she’s releasing herself or himself in my car!”

“Look at her. My, God. She’s riding him like a bronco. I wonder if she hangs out at those rodeo bars and practices on mechanical bulls. You think?” Dannie and Billy watch Rinny.

“Dannie!”

“Well, look at her. She’s the cowgirl and Bubba’s the bull.” Dannie laughs. “Come on. Let’s go dance.” She pulls Billy as they weave through the crowd out into the dance floor.

*****

Another week has come and gone. Val and Joey are out shopping again thanks to Val’s insistence. They’ve been shopping for several hours and Val has collected an impressive ensemble of bags, most of which Joey is now holding.

“Don’t you have enough clothes?” Joey complains. Her feet are beginning to hurt and Val hasn’t even begun to start. “And why am I holding all your bags?”

“Joey, Joey, Joey. What type of woman are you?” Val clucks her tongue. “A woman can never have too much clothes. And you’re holding all my bags because you love me.” Her eyes gleam as she spots Victoria’s Secrets. “Joey, we have to go in there!”

"Nuh uh. No way. I'm NOT going in there, Val." Joey folds her arms and stubbornly stands outside the shop refusing to budge.

“C’mon Joey.” Val wheedles. “It’ll be fun.”

Before Joey can voice any further protest, Val has dragged her into the shop. They walk around browsing through the various garments. Joey feels her face beginning to heat up at some of the more seductive items. She decides to stay in the safer vicinity of sleep wear but Val has other ideas.

“Oh my goodness! Check out this purple teddy. Although the purple doesn’t look that nice on you. Hmmm…oooh the red is gorgeous. And it feels so silky. It looks like it was made for you, Joey.” Val shoves a crimson red teddy into Joey’s arms. “You have got to try that on. Go now.” With one shove by Val, Joey finds herself standing inside the dressing room. She turns around to exit but sees Val doggedly guarding the doorway and resigns herself to her fate.

Just outside the shop two tall men stare contemplatively at the sign.

"PJ, let's go in here. I wanna check out the mannequins in their lingerie."

“Are you kidding me, man? No way.” Pacey starts to push Patrick away.

"Aw, come on, PJ. It'll be fun. Picturing woman in those skimpy numbers." Patrick grins.

Patrick shoves his friend into the store and they are greeted by a saleswoman

"Can I help you men find anything?" She inquires.

"Actually, I'm looking for something for my girl. It's a special day for us next week." Patrick lies.

He whispers to Pacey, "I wonder if she'll model for us." He winks. They walk around one end of the store. “So when did you decide to get rid of the tips and fuzz?”

“Yesterday.”

“Any reason?”

“No. Just felt like it.”

"Patrick!" Val calls as she spots her family friend. "And PJ." She purrs and slides over to Pacey's side.

"Val!" Patrick exclaims.

"Hey, Val." Pacey says.

"So what are you two naughty boys doing here?" Val asks.

"Just browsing. Hey, you could be my model today, right, Val?" Patrick smiles and winks. Patrick then turns to the saleslady, “Um, I'm okay here. My friend can help me out. Thanks." With that the saleslady saunters away looking for her next buying victim.

Val laughs. "You know I'll always help you. In fact..." Her eyes twinkle with mischief, "There's this red number I want your opinion on."

"Oooh." Patrick licks his lips and claps his hands.

"By all means...try it on."

”Free show. Why not enjoy it.” He stands there laughing at his friend and his willing model.

Val giggles. "Oh no. Not me. Not this time anyway." She winks suggestively at them. "Wait here, boys. I won't be a minute."

"Stevens, I am going to go sniff the lotions. Maybe I can get one for Gretch. She's into that scented stuff. Be right back.”

"Yeah, sure, but you'll miss out on the show."

"I'll be back. Just give me a minute." He projects as he leaves.

Val emerges from the dressing room with a girl behind her. "Where you going, PJ? Don't go yet." She moves aside to reveal a scantily clad Joey.

"Pacey?" Joey cries involuntarily in surprise.

"Joey?" He turns around in clear shock. "What are you..."

Her face is bright red when she remembers what she's wearing.

Pacey can't find the words. He just keeps staring at her. "I, uh...Jo...I think you should, um, change."

She stands there frozen in shock and then hearing his words, turns quickly around and flees back into the dressing room, her face burning.

"That was Joey?" Patrick asks. "My God. She's gorgeous, Pace."

"Yes, she is." Pacey sighs. What am I going to say when she comes out of the dressing room?

"You know Joey? Oh my god. PJ is Pacey?" Val exclaims. "You're Pacey."

"That I am. So she's talked about me, huh?"

"Yes." Val looks Pacey up and down. "No wonder she's still..." She quickly breaks off not wanting to reveal any of Joey’s confidences.

Pacey puts his hands in his pockets. Eyes still glued to the dressing room door that hid Joey. "Still what?" Pacey queries.

Hesitantly Joey peeks out and then ducks back into the dressing room. Fool. Fool. Fool. She curses herself. This is not the way she envisioned her reunion with Pacey to be like. And she knows, from Pacey’s reaction, that she looked like an idiot – standing out there in that stupid red number. Joey takes several deep breaths in hopes of calming herself down. Her legs feel weak. C’mon Joey. Just walk outside. You can’t stay in here forever. Then with confidence she doesn't posses, Joey marches out. "I'm ready to leave, Val." Joey states, not looking at Pacey or his friend.

"Joey?"

Slowly she turns her head and tersely replies, "Pacey.”

"How are you? How've you been?" Pacey asks quietly.

"I'm fine." Joey snaps. "It was nice bumping into you but Val and I have to go. Maybe we'll bump into each other another time."

Pacey grabs a hold of her hand. "Wait."

"What?"

"Maybe we can talk?" Pacey questions. "Maybe somewhere not surrounded by ladies underwear?"

"There's a Starbuck's around the corner." Patrick blurts out.

Hesitantly Joey nods; still a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "That's uh, um, fine with me. Val?"

Val nods. "No problem on my side." She gives Patrick a look.

"Yeah, sure. I could go for some caramel machiato.”

They all end up sitting in Starbucks with the awkward silence hanging over them like a relentless black cloud. Joey plays with her napkin while Pacey stirs his coffee for the twenty-third time. Finally, Val gets up from her seat. “I’m going to get some food. Coming Patrick?” She gives Patrick a look and steps on his toe and he hurriedly gets up. They make their excuses and then they are gone.

Now it is only Pacey and Joey.

"Joey...” Pacey begins. "How have you been? Worthington treating you good?"

She bites her lower lip. "It's good. Good."

Pacey smiles. A genuine smile. He's happy to see her. To see her face. Just to be with her. "I'm glad.” He says. "So, Val’s your roommate?"

“Val’s my roommate.” Joey confirms. “You look good." Her voice has dropped to a soft whisper. Joey’s hand reaches out, almost instinctively, to touch Pacey’s arm but then she quickly retracts not knowing if she has any right to touch him. She clasps her two hands together and settles on putting them in front of her.

Pacey reaches over slowly. He unclasps her hands and holds each one delicately in his hands.

She shivers at his touch. "What are we doing, Pacey?"

"I just want to hold you, Joey. It's been so long." He pauses, unsure whether to say his next words. "I missed you Joey. I still miss do." He looks into her eyes and gently circles the back of her hands with the pads of his thumb.

"I saw your wallet in a lost and found box at work. I tried to find you. You were in Boston and you never tried to contact me." The hurt spills out from her voice tinged with a little anger. His touch bringing back all the memories; she pulls her hands away. "I can't do this Pacey. It's...it's too confusing." She sighs and looks into his eyes. "I missed you, too."

Pacey watches as her hands depart his. She saw his wallet. She works at the cafe? "Joey, I sent you a letter. Did you receive it?"

"I never got any letter." Joey states, relieved that he had tried to get in touch. "I suppose now you're going to blame it on the postal service." Her lips quirk up in spite of herself.

"Well, I did send it a couple weeks ago. So, I have every right to blame the postal service. In fact, I think I shall go there tomorrow and place a complaint in the suggestions box." He smirks.

She tries to stop the eruption of giggles but fails miserably. "You're such a dork, Pacey Witter!" Joey shakes her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Ah-ha, and the famous Potter giggle reveals itself." Pacey laughs. "Well, you can do several things to me if you want, dear Josephine." Pacey winks. He's happy the tension has died somewhat. He's just glad to be in her presence again.

She scrunches a napkin into a ball and throws it at Pacey. "Immature brat. Pervert. Jailbait." She laughs and allows herself to delight in the familiar routine of name calling; promising herself not over analyze the moment. At least not yet.

"Hey now." He catches the napkin ball and throws it back at her. "You might spill my drink causing me to yelp in pain from the scalding heat of the coffee and therefore having to sue Starbuck's. That, and you would have to buy me another pair of jeans because I am not leaving the mall like I just peed in my pants."

"Moron." Joey rolls her eyes. "I see you still haven't found your missing brain cells.”

"Hardy har har, Potter." Pacey reaches over to push a few stands of hair that have fallen astray on her face. His palm caresses her cheek. “I missed this. The banter."

"So have I." She captures his hand on her cheek. "How come this seems so easy? That we can just fall back on the banter and sparring like nothing has happened?"

"We just have this rapport with each other. Aside from all the angst and problems, our verbal jousts are just easier to fall back on. It's our trademark, Potter." Pacey sees Patrick and Val approaching.

"So what are we Pacey? Friends? Ex-Lovers?" Joey turns and also sees Val and Patrick.

"We will always be friends, Joey. Ex-lovers at the moment. Just...when you get my letter, hopefully you'll understand."

Patrick and Val approach the two. "So, are we ok, now?" Patrick inquires. Val nudges him. "Well, I'm just curious. It's not like you wouldn't be asking the same question once we've parted ways." He retorts.

"We're fine." Joey states. "Nothing to worry about." Her smile is just a little small but it is genuine. "Val and I have got to get going. It was nice meeting you, Patrick." Joey turns to look at Pacey. "And it was nice catching up."

"Nice meeting you too, Joey." Patrick smiles and nods his head.

"Yeah, Jo. It was nice catching up. Can I call you sometime? We can talk some more?" Pacey asks.

"You have the number, PJ. I gave it to you at the club." Val winks.

"Actually," Pacey begins, "I left it at the club. I wasn't interested then." He shrugs.

Val pouts and laughs. "Well it looks like you're interested now."

“PJ? The club?” Joey asks confused.

“Patrick here is the Patrick from the club.” Val explains.

“The one you were going to try and hook me up with?”

“The very one.” Val confirms.

“Damn, Val! You’ve been holding out on me.” Patrick jokes and leers at Joey. “Next time you have a hottie like this one, do me a favor and make an introduction.”

Joey laughs. “I think I like this one, Val.” Patrick beams at Joey’s comment.

Val grins. “Patrick isn’t one of the good ones, Joey. Be thankful I didn’t make the introduction.”

“Wait. You know what. I do have your number.” Pacey remembers that Bessie had given it to him along with Joey’s address. He laughs. “Do you two have separate lines, or share one?"

"Oooh, is Pacey going to place late night phone calls?" Patrick teases.

"I just might, if the lady is interested." Pacey replies.

"And which lady might we be talking about?" Val teases.

Joey rolls her eyes. "We have one line, thank you very much."

"Well, you'll just have to find out when I call won't you." Pacey states. "I only make late night phone calls to one woman." He looks at Joey.

Her stomach does flip-flops and she's torn between basking in the glow of the banter and flirtation or screaming at Pacey to stop toying with her affections. She settles for something in between. "Then I suppose we'll all have to wait. We really have to go, Val." Joey glances at her watch. "Shit, I’m supposed to meet JD at the library in ten minutes.”

“You’re going to meet JD? Now?” An indecipherable, secretive look passes between Val and Joey.

“Yes JD.” Joey snaps. “We have an assignment to work on. Pacey, Patrick.” Joey nods her goodbye and walks off with Val.

"Uh, yeah." Pacey watches them walk away. He turns to Patrick, "JD?"

"I don't know man. Maybe just a classmate. She did say they were doing an assignment at the library. Besides, JD could be a girl."

"Yeah, you're right. I'll just ask her about it next time." Pacey says with a tinge of worry in his voice. "Let's go. Will you be dining with us again, Stevens?"

"Since you asked so nicely, Witter, yes. I will have dinner with you and your lovely sister this fine evening."

“Then we better head home before Gretch wonders what has happened to the two of us.”