After leaving the meeting Jessica weaved down roads stomach growling, and at the site of a fast food chain her hunger convinced her to grab something before heading home. 

The sight of the ramp that lead to a nearby diner caught her eye and she turned off, smiling at the flickering sign that was a bit past its last tune up reading M-eds though it was properly supposed to read Mr.Freds. 

It was a local joke that it would never be fixed since everyone would say they needed to get their meds at Freds, and it stuck even during the one time the sign had been fixed. Now Jessica was sure Fred kept it like that on purpose.

Walking in she took a quick gander at the red and blue colored interior with its pale yellow walls and shining dark tables. The carpet was an old checkered thing, but they had recently repainted the whole interior which made it look new again. 

Letting the door close behind her Jessica gave a smile to the portly dark-haired smiling woman behind the counter, Belladonna, and took her regular seat at the bar. There were a few other customers, a family of five eating loudly in a window booth, a younger couple in another booth talking in hushed voices, an old fellow that Jessica recognized vaguely to be someone who frequented her booth favoring some smoked cheeses, and a few seats away from her a dark jacket was draped and a plate of a half ate meal was left where she assumed the owner would be back to in a few minutes.

"Why Jessica! Haven't seen you here all month! Thought you had been avoidin' us, "teased Belladonna as she quickly made her way over with a tray laden with coffee and creamer. Setting down the cup she grinned at her, "looks like you've been workin' hard."

"Yeah, little this little of that. You know how it goes, "she leaned her chin on her palm when Belladonna made herself comfortable on a stool on the other side of the bar, "Anything exciting happen while I have been gone?"

Belladonna's smile grew even more and as fast as lightning she shoved her hand out to show Jessica a new shining engagement ring, "He proposed! He finally proposed!"

Jessica sat up straighter and her smile widened as she pushed down any jealousy to her good friend and forced herself to remain pleased, "Good, I'm happy for you!! I know you have been waiting for Steve to man up and make a move."

"Yeah," Belladonna laughed eyes glittering cheeks glowing," he was so romantic about it. Fancy dinner, music, down on one knee-The whole shabang! Everyone who saw thought it was so sweet."

They admired the ring for another moment till Belladonna leaned in glancing over Jessica's shoulder, "So, have you got yerself a man yet? I mean I know that whole thing with David went downhill, but that don't mean quit tryin' yeah?"

"Oh Bell," she sighed into her coffee cup ignoring as someone passed by her, "I just am in no shape to go fishin' ya know? I'll get a guy one of these days, but with the farm and all, I'm just too tired to start trying. Besides, "she set the cup down closing her menu at the same time with a grin, "I don't think I could handle something as extravagant as a public marriage proposal."

The other shook her dark curls and her honey eyes were laughing as she leaned in and whispered, "well there are some newer fish on the block. And I must say, if I didn't have my Steven, I would be trying for mr.boy in blue over yonder. So, what will it be?"

"Boy in blue? "she asked and set her gaze to where Belladonnas had been looking.

"Oh well you can't ask me for that one. It is supplied here at least 3 nights a week, but you'd have to ask the source for that order, "Jessica's face was probably as red as the fire engine colored seating when a chocolate gaze turned to the pair and a grin pulled at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh-wha? No! Bacon burger, fries, and cranberry juice please Bell, "Jessica sat stiffly as Bell teasingly relayed her order, remembering no salt on her fries and extra pickles.

"I'll be right back with it for you, "she sung over her shoulder as she went to relay the message to her brother in the back.

A chuckle to her right and Jessica slowly turned embarrassed eyes to the cop who had pulled her over just a few hours ago.

"Not a big proposal kind a gal?" he chuckled

"Nah,"she shrugged ears and cheeks burning," more the; hey it's been workin' let's get married over dinner conversation. All that attention-too embarrassing."

That pulled a laugh from him, profound and vibrant, and it helped her relax though the blush refused to leave her cheeks," You do seem the type to not want that."

Biting her lip she eyed him before asking slowly," I know you from somewhere don't I?"

"Why yes you do! I was beginin' to think you didn't even recognize me!" his grin was addictive, and she found her own lips pulling into a smile," We did know one another- least at one point...care to guess when?"

Smirking she fully relaxed against the bar enjoying the others company easily, "Well-besides earlier? I know it wasn't in jail as I have never been. And I am fairly certain I haven't seen you around before."

"No, "the grin didn't leave his face which relived Jessica that he wasn't upset that she couldn't recall his name, "you haven't seen me around here before."

After a moment of her thinking she shook her head deciding to play dumb even though she was sure she knew him – if she had pegged him wrongly she worried it would sour the mood "I am sorry but I can't remember."

"I suppose it's alright- at first I wasn't sure if it was you either you have changed so much, "he scratched the back of his head, "but I am certain I won't be forgetting you anytime soon Jessica."

The obvious open flirt made her smirk slightly despite her flip-flopping stomach and beating heart and she quirked an eyebrow, "OH? Really now? Since you know my name and remember me I feel as if I am at a disadvantage here. Do I at least get some hint?"

He tapped his stubbled chin and then scratched his jaw as if just realizing he needed a shave, "Well. I am obviously officer Harrison... .,"he trailed off sending a playful grin her way.

"No fair, "she laughed lightly, "didn't you get to see my ID?"

"Well is it too bold," He chuckled, "to say with that I have won the luck lottery twice today ma'am?"

She gave him a mock stern gaze and he ducked his head quickly," Yeah too soon."

Their light flirting was cut short as Bell delivered her dinner and quickly left with a wink.

He stood up and donned his uniform jacket, left a generous tip before turning back to Jessica who had been trying to pretended not to watch as his navy blue shirt clung to his muscled arms and back, "I hope I will be seeing you here again, "he said and then gave a slightly exaggerated sigh, "unfortunately it is too early to ask you on a date yet."

"Is that so? "she felt silly not having a snarky response but she always knew words were far from gifted to her.

Nodding the officer flashed her a heart pounding grin and nodded, "First meeting is more me boy you girl. Confirm attraction. Light teasing. Confirm a second meeting which may lead to regular dating if the lady would allow."

Laughing she shook her head, "Well then at the next meeting you must tell me your full name and how I know you. I don't date strangers."

"Of course, "he leaned forward and suddenly Jessica could feel her breath catching in her chest where her heart began to beat rapidly, "though you have to promise to think about me and try and remember on your own."

Nodding she looked him in his eyes and they stayed like that for a moment, him leaning over her looking her straight in the eye, "I think I at least deserve a hint officer."

 Smirking he leaned in closer and Jessica had to think hard to remember just how to breath, and her eyes focused suddenly on his lips the thought of kissing him not something she was willing to turn down. But just as she thought he was going to gift her with a kiss, he swept to her ear and murmured in a low voice, "Texas. You know me from Texas."

And then he was up smiling his goodbye leaving her breathless and blushing.

"Well considering you don't have time to be fishin',"Bell's voice made Jessica jump and she turned to see the other stealing a french-fry while grinning woofishly at her,"it seems as though Mr.Blue has his eyes on you and is biting."

Shoving lightly on Belladonna's shoulder she tried to laugh while shaking off her blush, "Well I do know him from somewhere. Back home apparently. Perhaps he lived close? Or school. .."she trailed off nibbling on a fry.

Shaking her head she looked up, "I am pretty sure I know who he is now.

Especially since he said Texas."

Belladonna raised a brow, smiled kindly and waved to the couple who had already paid, before turning back to her,"soooo-how?"

"High school. Goodness me, that is Brets older brother. . . ."

She remembered the kind silent boy from back then again, where he had graduated in her sophomore year. He hadn't any beard then, and his hair had been longer with a more boyish round look about him and nowhere near the same amount of muscle. He had often watched over her and Bret, frequently admonishing Bret and being there for her in her time of need. But shortly after he graduated he left followed shortly after by his brother, and while she had heard little from Bret after their departure she had heard and seen even less from him.

Looking at him now it was obvious the years had been good to him.

The women were silent for a moment before Bell leaned forward, "wonder if he uses those handcuffs recreationally."

"Bell!"Jessica laugh smacking her lightly and the woman giggled while heading over to the family who was ready for their tab.

As she finished her meal and made her way out to the truck she realized all too late that she had never set an actual date to meet the handsome blond.