A Night To Forget

Three Weeks Later:

Tom, Colin, and Ally were over Jadyn and Sara's place for a BBQ. The past few weeks, Colin and Sara had been spending time together, she told herself it was for Ally but the ex couple had been getting closer. Though they weren't officially back together, to everyone else they seemed to be working it out.

Jadyn and Tom had been pretty inseparable since their first date. They pair really hit it off. Tom had a dark past and could relate to Jadyn's free spirited ways. Though Jadyn was iffy about getting serious and he felt she often still kept him at a distance. However, they had been going on many dates and sleeping together. Jadyn was even beginning to spend more time with Louie, which was a bit frightening for her.

"Steak or chicken babe?" Tom called to Jadyn who was helping Sara with something.

"Steak please!" She replied.

Sara smiled, "you two seem to be doing well."

"Yeah." She nodded with a smile, "I like him. I'm a bit nervous though, spending time with Louie. I just you know I'm not usually around long. My romantic excursions have three month expiration dates." Jadyn said the last bit softly.

((()))

Colin stood at the grill near Tom.

"Have a beer, mate." Tom smiled, his british accent especially charming. "Don't hold out on my account." Tom didn't drink, not anymore. He struggled with alcoholism and had been sober five years.

Colin shook his head, "I've been laying off the booze."

Sara sighed, "simply because that is what you choose."

:;:

Tom raised an eyebrow, "For SarA?"

"What am I supposed to do? My job requires a lot of travel." Jadyn whispered.

"Trying. Would be a good start." Sara laughed.

*&*

Colin nodded, "And for Ally and myself."

"Well, I'm proud of you. I know how hard the road to recovery is." Tom paused, "Not that I'm saying you necessarily had a drinking problem, like I did. I just mean, I'm here for you."

Jadyn frowned, "i dont know how."

;:;:

Colin smiled, "only on occasion. It got bad for the last year. But it was why Sara and i broke up. So im just done."

"Follow his lead." Sara smiled kindly.

"He's really great, Sara." Jadyn sighed, "Like really special. Besides all the exterior stuff, he has a kind heart and a good sense of humor. He has his act together. He's an incredible father. I mean the man mentors inner city kids for godsakes!"

*&*

Tom nodded, "You two seem to be working things out lately..."

Colin shrugged, "She is not too keen on the idea. But hopefully that changes."

Khk

Jadyn bit her lip, "maybe. I dont know."

Tom nodded, "She needs time. Have you told her about the movie offer? I haven't told Jadyn yet..."

(*(

Sara smiled, "Sounds like you're starting to fall in love with him dear."

"No!" Jadyn said quickly.

Colin shook his head, "i plan to later. We can tell them together."



Sara smiled, "ill be back. I have to check on Allyson."

"I want to ask Jadyn to come with. She's off for another two months at least." Tom sighed and glanced over at her through the kitchen window, "But that woman is hard to figure out. Reckon she might run for the hills if I ask her along."

***

Jadyn mixed the salad and glanced over at Tom, she smiled when their eyes met. She could swear her heart literally skipped a beat. She shook her head out of her daydream.

Colin smiled, "You could be surprised."

Twenty Minutes Later

Everyone was sitting outside eating while Allyson napped.

Colin cleared his throat, "We actually had something to bring up. Tom and I got a really great film offer. In New Zealand. That starts filming in just a few days."

Sara perked up. She loved New Zealand, "sounds like a plan!!!"

"Yeah that's a great opportunity for you both." Jadyn smiled weakly and stood to clear her plate. Tom followed her into the kitchen.

"Jadyn...I want you to come with me..of course." He explained as she put her dish in the sink.

"Oh." She was surprised, "I don't know..."

(*(

"So that means you'll come?" Colin smiled.

"Oh cmon. You need a nice break."

(;(

Sara nodded, "of course."

"Sara...can we be together yet?" Colin asked softly.

"Yeah but I mean I should be getting back to work." Jadyn said.

Tom shook his head, "Nope. You said you'd take off at least three months, it's only been a few weeks. Take off with me, in New Zealand."

*&*

Sara sighed, "Colin I can't take another heartbreak. I really can't..."

She sighed, "how long will you let me think aBout it?"

Yuu.


Colin frowned, "i am sorry for the hurt i caused. I awear i will spend the rest of my life hating myself but also proving myself to you."

"You don't really know how this works, do you?" Tom laughed softly and put two hands about her waist.

"How what works?" Jadyn made a face.

"A relationship." He said frankly.

She couldn't help but laugh slightly, "No. I really don't."

()

"I don't want you to hate yourself." Sara said sincerely.

"You and Ally are my world." Colin said.

"I will school you on the ways of a good, successful relationship."

Fhg


Sara sighed, "okay. I will give it one more shot."

"So this is a relationship?" Jadyn smiled slightly, they had never really defined what they were.

"Umm." Tom got embarrassed, "Yeah I hope so. Jesus I feel like I'm thirteen asking you to the dance." He laughed.

She kissed him softly,"I'd love for you to be my boyfriend." Jadyn even shocked herself with that sentence.

(*(

Colin kissed her, "Thank you."

Toms grin was infectious.

:;:

Sara smiled, "i love you."

He took her in his arms, "I love you too."

*&*

A few days later they were all getting settled in the home production had rented for them in New Zealand. To the back was mountains and to the front was the beach. It was an amazing country. Tom had loved see Jadyn snap everything with her camera, it was great to see her doing photography for fun and not work. Colin had been in heaven with his little family.

Tom had just gotten out of the shower after a morning surf, while Jadyn ran on the beach.

"I'm really happy you're here." Tom smiled as he rubbed the towel on his hair.

"Me too." She smiled, "But you know, remember I'm not sure when work will call."

Tom nodded, "i will keep that in mind."

(;(

Colin finished cooking and placed it on 3 plates.

Jadyn nodded and he pulled her to him.

"Hey!" Tom whispered, "Relax Jay. We're having a good time. Everything is okay."

She pressed herself against his damp body.

*&*

Sara came walking in with Allyson, "Oh look breakfast!"