Sarah heard the piano playing very softly as she started down the stairs to make breakfast,. She stood at the doorway, surprised that Jackson was unaware of her presence.
"Morning."
He jumped and turned toward her, equally amazed that she had snuck up on him. "Hi, guess I was somewhere else."
"Hmmm, I wonder where?" It was obvious he was composing; staff paper littered the piano, and he held a pencil between his teeth. Sarah pointed to the piano. "Apparently you've found something to say."
A sheepish smile tugged at his lips as he raked his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, I guess."
"Have you been at this all night?"
"Yes."
"How was your date?"
"Wonderful."
"Care to share?" Jackson knew he had to give her something or she would burst, and, truth be told, he was proud of her for acting so casually when he knew every fiber of her being wanted to jump up and down screeching, 'Tell me, tell me!'.
He pondered on what information to give, wishing to disclose as little as possible, while satisfying her need for details. "We're going to the Berkshires for a picnic today."
"Oooh, how nice."
"And we danced to 'The Way You Look Tonight'."
She put both her hands over her chest and exclaimed, "How romantic!" She waited, hoping for more. When it didn't come, she asked, "Want some breakfast? I'm making omelets."
"No thanks, but could you do me a huge favor?"
"Sure, what?"
"Make up a picnic basket for me?"
"Of course." Sarah loved a project; he could see the wheels turning. "What time are you leaving?"
"About 11:00."
"Oh, I better get moving."
As she twirled to leave Jackson asked, "Hey, where were you last night?"
"Connor said to leave you be." And she skipped off.
Hmm, maybe Skippy's got more brains than I give him credit for.
***
Connor came down to the kitchen looking for Sarah. The scene he found certainly had nothing to do with breakfast. "Um, is there coffee?"
"Oh, Sweetie, I'm sorry, I forgot about breakfast."
"That's okay, are we going on a picnic?"
She grabbed his shoulders, gyrated a bit and squealed, "No, Jackson and Elisabeth are. It's going to be perfect! I have to be at the market as soon as it opens. Be back soon." She kissed him on the cheek and sashayed out the door. Connor shook his head with a half smile and started to make coffee.
A few minutes later Jackson entered. "Where's Sarah?"
"Gone to the market."
"Oh jeez, I'm sorry. I guess you didn't get your omelet."
"Don't sweat it. She's having a blast."