Friday Night With Friends    by usmgrad                          

Using Challenge #1 lines:

Your story's so touching, but it sounds just like a lie
Now listen, Jack -
Straighten up, and fly right
Release your hold, and I will set you free
Cool down, papa

A/N:  This is an "it could have happened if only" story.

Set-up:  Season ten, after 'Four Percent Solution' Harm and Mac started dating.  After the holidays, Mattie showed up at Harm's door, her father not able to handle the responsibilities of a teenager, had returned to drinking.  Harm regained guardianship.  Co-workers are the ones from the good years, true friends.

This little scene takes place on a Friday evening.  The week had been stressful for Harm.  He needed to unwind and relax so Mac suggested an evening at McMurphy's.  Just her and Harm, and few "unexpected" friends.

Friday Night With Friends

by usmgrad

They had been there only ten minutes, when who should walk in but Jack Keeter.  Harm was surprised; Mac wasn't.  She had spoken with Jack earlier in the day and arranged this little run in.  A few minutes later Sturgis and Jerry, an academy graduate and submariner, showed up for beers and a quick game of pool.  All of the sudden there was a mini-reunion of the Class of 1985.

With the pool tables full, the group found a booth in the back.  As soon as they sat down, the stories began to fly.

"You should have seen the instructor's face . . ."  Keeter could hardly contain his laughter.

"Now listen, Jack, it wasn't that bad."  Harm was not enjoying the 'pick on Harm' story.

"The instructor told Harm to straighten up and fly right.  Flyboy here thought he knew what he was doing and ignored him.  The instructor calmly told Harm that, if he didn’t realize he was headed toward Cuban air space flying upside down, maybe he ought to rethink his career choice."

Harm was not about to let Jack have the last word, "He did not; we were no where near Cuba and we were not upside down.  He said to check my instruments and then gave me the correct heading to the airfield because someone," glaring at Keeter, "had managed to relay an incorrect heading."

By this time everyone was laughing and having a good time, but Harm wasn't finished.

"I seem to remember that you were in the pilot's seat when we finally landed, after three tries I might add, and the same instructor got off the plane, kissed the ground, and immediately retired."

The entire group roared.  It didn’t matter what the stories were, with each passing year they became more and more unbelievable.

The place was busy for a Friday night, so when a pool table finally became available Harm, Sturgis, and Jerry grabbed it.  Keeter and Mac were in charge of getting the snacks.  While waiting at the bar, Keeter turned serious for a moment.  "How's Harm doing?  After we spoke, I was afraid I'd find one brainsick puppy."

"He usually handles the stress of our job fine, but there was something about this week that got to him.  Add that to a very long month and you have one stressed out flyboy in need of a relaxing night with friends."

Keeter smiled, "How's it going with his ward, Mattie, isn’t it?"

"It's taken some adjusting, but things are finally settling down.  Well, as settled as it gets with a teenager."

"What about the dating thing?"

Surprised, Mac wasn't sure how to respond.  They hadn't kept it a secret, but they also hadn't announced it.  "Harm and me?"

"No.  Although, if you want to share any deep, dark secrets on that subject, I'll be glad to listen."

Mac patted his arm, "Thanks, I'll pass."

Chuckling because he knew that would be her response, Jack clarified the question, "I meant Mattie and dating."

"Oh, it's taken her awhile to fit in again at school, but she’s managing.  She has a group of friends that she goes out with.  As a matter of fact, she's with them tonight.  There's not been anyone special yet, but it's only a matter of time."

"And Harm?"

Looking toward her date, Mac smiled and replied, "He's managed to be the picture perfect father of a teenage daughter."

Keeter looked at Harm, then turned toward Mac and said in a loving and caring voice, "Your story's so touching . . .  but it sounds just like a lie.  Actually sounds like a load of crap."

So much for the loving and caring friend.

"Tell me the truth, he's a basket case right?"

Mac, eyes still on Harm, replied before thinking, "From the moment she leaves until she comes back in the door."

"I knew it.  Wait until I . . ."

Mac, realizing her mistake, gave Keeter a stern look.  "Nothing Keeter."

"But, Mac, this is too good to pass up."

"Keeter if you say one word I'll tell him . . ." and she leaned in to whisper in his ear.  Keeter's face dropped.

"You wouldn’t."

Warning him, "Watch me."

Shaking his head, "You're a mean woman, Mackenzie."

The pool game turned into a competition between aviators and submariners.  Mac watched for awhile and then saw an opportunity to excuse herself and visit the ladies room.  When she returned, the game was over.  The submariners, apparently having won, were racking up for another game.  Keeter was getting fresh beers, the responsibility of the losing team, but Harm was nowhere to be found.  Asking Keeter where the missing member of his team was, Mac was pointed to the outside.

* * *

"Harm, what are you doing out here?"

"I was trying to call Mattie; it was too loud in there so I came out here.  But it keeps going to her voice mail."

"She probably turned her phone off."

"What do you mean she turned it off?"

"You are required to turn them off in the movies so you don’t disturb the other patrons."

"Movies, when did she decide to go to the movies?"

Patting Harm's arm, "Cool down, papa.  She checked in a little bit ago.  She called my phone because she couldn't get you on your phone.  I guess you didn’t hear it ringing."  Mac looked at Harm with a teasing expression.

Getting serious again, Mac continued, "She mentioned the movies to you when she left tonight.  When she called, I tried to get your attention, but you and Keeter were busy trying to get Sturgis to confess to the prank to end all pranks your last year at the Academy.  She only had a few minutes before the next show started so I told her it was fine, but make sure she was home by 11:00 ."

"Next time, when you want my attention, hit me over the head, will you."

Mac smiled, "It will be my pleasure.  Now, can we go back inside?  It's cold out here."

* * *

After another game of pool, won by the aviators, the group moved to the dart board.  Mac was pleased that Harm was finally relaxing and actually enjoying himself.  This was exactly what he needed.

Waiting at the bar for Harm to finish the last game of darts with Sturgis, Mac didn’t notice an "admirer" come up beside her. 

"How about you and me go have a little fun?"

"I don’t think so."  She tried to move away, but the persistent man grabbed her arm.

"Come on, just you and me and a bottle of Jack."

Not wanting to end the evening on a sour note, Mac quickly scanned the room for someone to run interference.  Harm had his back to her, so he wasn't any help.  However, she did manage to catch the eye of someone else.

Relaxing just a bit, Mac decided to play along with the pest until her backup was in place.  "Well, now that you mention it, Jack would be nice right about now."

"Well, that's more like it.  You sure are pretty to be here by yourself.  Let me get that bottle of jack and we can move to a table in the back."

However, the Jack that appeared was not the one the patron had in mind.

Mac smiled and said politely, "Release your hold of me …"

"… And I will set you free," said Jack, who had come up behind the guy and grabbed him by the collar.

"Alright, I get the picture; no need to double team me."   The disappointed man left in a hurry, unwilling to fight a losing battle.

"Thanks, Jack.  I owe you one."  Mac kissed her 'knight in shining armor's' cheek.

"Well now that you mention it, how about . . ."

"How about what, Keeter?"  Harm had come up behind Jack and placed his hand heavy on Jack's shoulder, taking him by surprise.

Winking at Mac, Keeter suggested, "How about you leave this lug and run away with me."

Patting his arm, Mac played out the 'scene.'  "Not tonight, Jack; maybe next time."

"You don’t know what you're missing."

Moving next to Harm and taking his hand, Mac smiled.  "No, but I know what I've got.  Good night, Jack."  Kissing him on the cheek again, she whispered in his ear, "Thanks."

"Anytime, Sarah, anytime."

End.

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