For All We Know

[Janet Tripper]

Okay!!! I am usually not into staring a project and then leaving it but I had started this story a while back (almost a year ago) and I never had time to work on it. So I kinda forgot about it and then started the other FF "Together Forever" ....I do plan to keep that one going too but maybe at a later time!! I am so into working on this story and getting it done. It will not be very long but I hope you'll will enjoy it. and OF COURSE it is a JACK AND JANET story!!! Hope you'll will enjoy it!!


Chapter 1

For All We Know

“Hurry up Jack.” Janet called from her bedroom. “You are going to be late to school.” She said as she brushed her dark shoulder length hair.

“Coming mommy.” He answered from his bedroom where he was picking up his books and placing them in his backpack.

As the small hazel-eye little boy walked into the kitchen his mother smile a warm smile and complimented him on his appearance. “Lets go honey I don’t want you to be late on your first day of school.” She said as she took her purse and they left the small two-bedroom home.

It was a two-block walk from their apartment to the modest elementary school that Jack would be attending. “I want you to have a good day at school, okay,” she said as she kissed him good-bye. “Hopefully today will be a better day for both of us.”

The little boy nodded his head and hugged his mom one last time, “Good luck mommy.” He said as he walked towards his classroom.

Janet smiled and waited for him to disappear into the hallway, occasionally he would turn around and wave and she would wave back until he took a left turn into his classroom.

It was hard to believe that her little boy was attending his first day of class already. It seemed like just yesterday she had received the news that her and her then husband Philip Dawson would be blessed with a child. She felt a small tear escape as she walked remembering their excitement. She asked herself everyday why life had been so unfair. She had never hurt anyone at least not intentionally, she considered her self a good citizen, a sincere wife and good mother. So she couldn’t help thinking why Philip just left without any notices. All she found was a letter.

It had been two weeks now that she has been unemployed. After her husband left her and her son she went back to work at the flower shop but now that it closed she was forced to look for new job. ‘What could I do?’ She asked herself. ‘The flower shop was all I knew… all I’ve ever done.’

After spending an hour looking through the classified sections of at least three local newspapers she decide she had a son to look out for and she wasn’t going to spend another day without having a job. It was time to say hello to the old Janet. The Janet that was determinant and wasn’t afraid to fight for what she wanted.

After seven different job ads, a cup of coffee and two donuts later she was hired. “Thank you sir.” She said as she shook her new manager’s hand. “I promise, you won’t be disappointed.” She said with a bright smile.

“With the experience you have I know I won’t.” He replied.

She blushed and followed him outside his office to the sales floor of ‘Bradford & Company Flower Shop’. It was the newest flower shop in town and one of the most elegant.

“If you have time I would be glad to show you around.” Mr. Crocket offered.

“I would love that.”

They spend about fifteen minutes introducing her to her new co-workers and then he took her upstairs to the second floor where they did most of the decorations and special orders.

“Well we hope you liked the place.” He said, as she was about to leave the store.

“I really do, Mr. Crocket, and I appreciate the opportunity you gave me.” She said as she shook his hand.

“Okay, Mrs. Dawson, we will see you tomorrow bright and early.”

She smiled and made her way towards the door. But just when she was about to pull on the door handle the door opened and a careless clumsy man walked right into her making her drop her purse.

“I-” He observed her as if he was trying to recognize her pretty face. “I am very sorry Ms.-”

“Dawson.” She said slowly trying to straighten out her dress.

“I am very sorry Mrs. Dawson; I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

“No. No its okay.” She said as he handed her the small purse and she made her way out the door in a rush not wanting to be late for picking up little Jack.

The handsome man made his way towards the manager, “Hi Jason.” He said as he kept his eye on Janet trying to remember when and where he had seen her before. “Was that a new customer? I don’t recall seeing her here before.”

“No sir that is our newest employee, her name is Janet. Janet Dawson.”

“Really?” He said as he finally turned around. “She looks so familiar I just don’t seem to remember where I have seen her before.” He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, “So has she had any experience?”

“Yes, actually she used to be in charge of a small flower shop on the other side of town that just closed a few weeks ago.” He said as he handed him her resume.

The well-dressed man examined it closely hoping that would give him a hint of to where he had seen that woman before. She was in such a hurry he didn’t even get to take a good look at her face.

After reviewing the white paper in front of him he finally realized where he has seen that familiar and beautiful face before. How could it have taken him this long to recognize her? “The Arcade Flower Shop.” He said with a huge smile. “Of course.” He added with the biggest sound of excitement in his voice.

“Did you remember sir?” Jason asked curious, never before seeing his boss that happy about anything.

“I lived with this girl a long time ago.” He said, as his baby blue eyes seemed to twinkle.

“You lived with Janet Dawson?” He asked with a great shock.

“No, well yes in a way, just at that time she was Janet Wood. She became Janet Dawson after her marriage with Philip.”

“Janet. My little Janet.” He whispered almost forgetting he wasn’t alone. “I can’t believe life has reunited us again.”

“Hey honey.” Vicky said as she climes into bed with Jack. “Did you have a good day?”

Jack kept his eyes on the book he was reading but as the thought of him running into Janet even if they didn’t cross words brought a smile to his face.

“What is that smile for?” She asked coldly.

Her relationship with Jack was not that of a normal couple. They married and within weeks their feelings disappeared. He seemed to be in search for something else. But she had a reputation to sustain and was not going to be everyone’s main joke at social events she wouldn’t divorce him. He has asked her for a divorce many times and her answer has always been the same. Though she did love Jack at first, their marriage came more of a routing. They slowly avoid each other and when she tried to get close to her husband he seem to be light years away. But she knew where his mind was; it was with her, with Janet Wood, his longtime roommate. Even though he never confessed to it she knew that behind those over-friendly moments between them there was something deeper. She never knew if Janet felt the same way but she could almost bet her soul in it Jack was attracted to Janet.

“Did you not hear me? What was that smile for?” She repeated her self.

Jack’s smile grew wider, “I-” he thought about it before letting Vicky know about the exciting news. “I just had a wonderful day at work. The restaurant chain has been doing wonderful our revenues keep increasing. While the flower shop keeps advancing.”

Vicky forced a smile on her face. “Yea, you turned out to be a magnificent business man.” She said with a low sad tone.

“We just close out one of our main competitors.” Jack informed her as he closed his book.

“Really?” She asked in excitement. Not that it matter to her at all but just the fact they where actually having a conversation made her happy.

“Yes. Do you remember the Arcade Flower Shop?”

“The flower shop where Janet Wood used to work?”

“That’s the one. It closed its doors two weeks ago.” He said unable to hide his proud feeling.

“You have run down other competitors before why does this one make you this happy?” She wondered.

“Well this one has brought me closer to my goal and life time search.” He said as she leaned over to turn off the night lamp next to him.

“Good night Vicky.” He said as he smiled at her.

“Jack?” She wonder not wanting to push it but unable to contain herself. “Don’t I get a good-night kiss?”

Slowly Jack sits up and kisses her cheek. “Good night.”

“Night Jack.”

*~*

The next morning Jack was up on his feet bright and early. It has been a while since he was actually up and ready for work this early in the morning. Jack wasn’t the only one that noticed his good mood and over joy for getting to work. “Why are you up this early in the morning?” She asked as she looked at the clock next to her bed. “It’s still before eight.” She said trying to open her eyes.

“Yes. Well I want to finish my monthly routine reviews of the restaurants and then stop by the flower shop and see how things are going.” He said as he fixed his black tie.

“I though you were there yesterday.”

“I was but I think we have a new employee and I want to meet her.”

Vicky gave him a strange look, “Why do you want to meet her?” She said her voice gave away her anger.

“Because we are the owners and we need to be on top of our businesses.” He said as he left the room.

“Jack you better behave I don’t want to hear anything at the club. You know how rumors go around.” She said remembering past situations. Thought they have never really have a good marriage she trusted Jack. He has never done anything behind her back even though she does remember hearing from Terri and Janet how much of a ladies man he was.

“Morning ladies!” Jack said as the cook handed him his orange juice.

They smile as he danced his way out of the house.

“I wonder why Mr. Tripper is so happy.” One of them asked the other.

“I know. I haven’t seen him this happy in years. Maybe she agreed to sign the divorce papers.”

“I hope so this marriage is probably the saddest one in the world. He spends all his life at work and she does nothing but spends money and go to social events. What kind of a marriage is that?”

*~*

“Bye honey.” Janet said as she kissed little Jack at the entrance of his new school.

“Bye mommy, I hope you have a good day at work.” He said as he hugged her.

“I love you honey. Now go in there and make me proud.” She said as she handed him his lunch.

Janet decided she would take the bus to work today. Even thought it was still under walking distance she didn’t feel like stressing out about the time and wanted to be there early to try to remember where everything was located.

When Janet arrived at the flower shop she walked into a large empty store. Everything was so different compare to her old job. ‘I guess I am just going to have to get use to it.’ She told her self smiling as she looked around. And for the first time she took a while to read the shop’s name under the logo. She smiled to herself as she realized that the logo was jus like the old watering pot she used to water her plants many years ago when she used to live in Santa Monica. Even had the same bright red color to it. Then the stores name caught her attention. “Bradford” she whispered to herself. That name seems so familiar to her but no one with that last name came to mind.

“Hello Janet.” Jason said as he stepped out of his office.

“Morning Mr. Crockett.” She said as she was caught off guard.

“I am glad you came in a little early. The owner said he would be by to pay us a visit today and I want you to be prepare.”

“Prepare for what?” She asked confused.

“Well sometimes he likes to ask questions…you know just to make sure we are all up to date with our product and services.”

“Oh,” she said, never remembering being quizzed at her old job before. “Okay well I sure wouldn’t want to let him down.”

Jason smiled at her, “He is a very nice guy. He just has a way of running his businesses. He likes for everything to be perfect.”

“Like any other owner.” She added.

“Well I think the reason he is so picky with our services being the best is because he also owns a chain of restaurants and you know how restaurant owners are.”

“Do I,” she said remembering her best friend Jack Tripper. Unable to hide a smile, which she tried to cover, she informed him she would be glad to learn anything that was necessary to not let her new boss down.

After they had gone over most of the basic details around the shop, Jason made a mental note to let Janet know about their bosses’ wife. “She hardly comes in here. Ever. But when she does she is pickier then he is. She is very arrogant and doesn’t seem to have any manners at all. She spends all day at the gym or at some kind of resort.” He laughed.

“What is her name?” Janet asked wanting to make sure she knew how to treat her in case she walked in one day.

“Vicky.”

“Okay, Jason. Thank you for the notice. I will try my best to look good in front of the owner.” She said as she took her place behind the cash register.

After a somewhat busy morning Janet took a moment to rearrange the flowers at the entrance of the store. “Good Morning.” She said as a very handsome tall blue eye man who surprised her entered the store.

“Good morning Mrs.” He answered with a dazzling smile.

“How may I help you?”

‘She doesn’t recognize me.’ He thought.

“Well-” Jack was known for his practical jokes and after all these years he couldn’t just reunite with Janet with a smiling ‘do you remember me’ question. He was going to play along and see how long it would take her to remember him. “Well I am looking for the best looking red roses in town.”

“Oh, are they for someone special?” She asked unable to take her eyes of him. She didn’t know why but there was something about the man in front of her that filled her whole body with a great feeling.

“Yes. As a matter of fact they are. See after so many years of not knowing anything about this special person I finally will get to ruined with her and I want to giver her the best.” He said as his eyes never left hers. “Because she is the best.”

As an uncomfortable feeling set in Janet, she smiled. Those eyes, those azure eyes seem so familiar she thought, where had she seen them before.

Even though Jack was still the same adorable guy, he had change in more then one way. Other then loosing much of his silliness and playfulness, Jack had physically changed. He has let his mustache and beard grow, he had gained some weight and his appearance was that of a successful business executive.

After Janet had chosen the best roses in the shop the two adults made their way to the cash register.

“You know what,” she said with a grin, “you look so familiar. Were you a customer at the Arcade Flower Shop?” She asked as he observed her every move.

“No.”

“Well I don’t really know where but I am sure I have seen you before.” She informed him.

“Well I am a very frequent customer but I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before.” He said hoping she would finally recognize him.

“No sire you haven’t. Today is my first day here.” She said as she handed him the roses.

“I know that someone special will absolutely love them. They are beautiful.”

“I hope so too, Janet.” He said almost giving up on her.

Her smile soon faded, “How do you know my name?” She questioned him.

He pointed to her nametag and smile.

She blushed, “Of course. Well I hope you have a good day and good luck. Mr.-”

“Tripper. Jack Tripper.” He said with a wide smile as his eye penetrated into hers.

She stood still. Unable to capture what her ears had heard. His smile grew wider and she awoke from her moment of thought. She gave him a questionable look and he nodded his head. “Yes, Jan. It’s me Jack.” He said as he open his arms expecting a hug.

Janet wasted no time. She came around the desk in a heartbeat. “Jack!” she said with an uncontrollable joy. “I can’t believe this.”

With his open arms he received her warm body. They embrace each other like long lost lovers. They held each other like they never wanted to let go. And for those few seconds everything but the other melt behind them. He swirled her around as she planted a small peck on his lips. He could taste the familiar soft flavor of her lips just like he did many times before. He finally let go of her and with his hands on her waist he smile, “After all these years I never thought we would see each other again.”

[Number 9 Dream]

OMG YES!!!! This is so amazing!!! Totally different and so cool! I love the way you reunited them after all this time!

[JJ4EVER]

WOW it's really good, I LOVE IT! Please continue!

[Tibbs]

This is real interesting, I like it!

[Heart Shaped Box]

YES!! Another JJ story. This story is really interesting. I like the way you reunite them.

[JackTripper258]

Originally Posted by retrogirl82

OMG YES!!!! This is so amazing!!! Totally different and so cool! I love the way you reunited them after all this time!

:

[KissMyGrits]

Awesome!! I love it!! Can't wait to read more!!

[Janet Tripper]

Thanks for reading guys!!! And of course THANKS for the reviews!!! They are always welcome...even when waiting on new chapters!! LOL!! Hope you will like this chapter...its kinda short! Enjoy!

Chapter 2

“Jack” She said again tears coming out of her almond brown eyes. She softly placed her hand on his handsome face and looked deep into his eyes as he put her down.

“Mr. Trippe-” Jason said coming out of his office. Surprised to see his boss and their newest employee in such a position his body froze solid. “Mrs. Dawson.”

“Sorry.” She said embarrassed removing her hand and walked back to her place behind the counter. Her first day and already making her manger mad at her was not good. “I am very sorry.” She repeated herself wiping her eyes, “I’ve just…”

“It’s okay honey.” Jack interrupted her.

The manager’s head turned wanting to know what was going on. Why did he and Janet seem so close, why did he call her honey, and most of all why was Janet crying? But then he remembered Mr. Tripper had told him they knew each other. That they used to ‘live together’.

Scared, she wanted to explain to Mr. Crocket what was going on, “I am terribly sorry, I promise this is the last time I let my personal life interfere with my job.” She said as she turned to Jason.

“Janet. It’s okay.” Jack turned to Jason and asked if they could please use his office, he wanted to talk to Janet.

“Certainly sir. You’re the boss.” Jason answered as he moved out of the way so that the two friends could enter. “Take as long as you want. I will manage the floor.”

Like a robot Janet followed Jack into the small office. “Jack?” Janet asked as he shut the door behind them, “You’re the boss. You’re the owner of this flower shop?” She asked in shock.

He nodded his head and smiled a guilty smile. “For you,” he said giving her the beautiful crimson roses.

She willingly accepted them and took a moment to smell their fresh and sweet aroma before turning back to their conversation.

“Wha-why?” She asked as she took a seat across from him. “What happened to your dream of being a successful restaurant owner?”

He laughed, “You must think I’m crazy but…”

“I already do.” She giggled.

“I’ll get you back for that one.” He said placing his index finger on her nose. “I also own a very successful chain of French and Italian restaurants.”

“But when we came back from Italy I tried going back to Jack Bistro’s and it was some kind of hamburger place for teens to hang out at.”

“You mean you and Philip?”

“Yes. After coming back from our honeymoon in Acapulco he had a message on his answering machine. They had offered him a great job at a very famous museum outside of Rome. We lived there for 3 years before we came back. Philip decided to open his own art gallery and antique shop in Beverly Hills.”

“Who would have thought little Janet would have lived in Europe before I ever even got to visit.” He laughed as he took one of the roses and carefully placed it on Janet’s right ear. The jet-black color of her hair brought out the bright red. Jack sat still looking at her for a second. She too had change, her hair now about an inch longer then shoulder length, her eyes started to show a small sign of age as he saw a line or two under her ever beautiful eyes, and as oppose to Jack, Janet looked thinner.

They smiled as Jack told Janet how he and his then father in law who may now rest in peace started the food chain business. “I wanted to do french food and he wanted Italian food, so we would open a French restaurant then an Italian and so on.” He laughed. Despite their beginning relationship he and his father in law had quiet a nice relationship. He understood when Jack would get frustrated with Vicky over a childish thing because he raised her on his own. ‘She has always been the baby and as you will soon find out when you and my daughter give me a grandchild, the baby is always spoiled,’ would always be his way of telling Jack to hang in there.

“Well that was a fair way to do business.”

“Yes, he really was a great man. I truly miss him. I learned so much from him.” Jack said in a sad tone. “And after we had enough restaurants we decided we needed to invest on something different. So that is when the flower shop came into play.”

“You just decided to open a flower shop out of no where?”

“No well, see.” He stood up for a moment and started walking around as he remembered clearly. “I always like to bring home roses after a long day at work, Vicky loves them.”

‘What woman wouldn’t? He must really love her. They must have a perfect lovable marriage.’ She thought to herself.

“…plus they are just so beautiful and smell delicious.” Janet laughed; he still had not loose that adorable trait of trailing off during his conversations.

He smiled and continued, “And when I was at the flower shop I couldn’t help but be very picky about them, I even remembered the scientific name for some of those plants. I impressed myself. I couldn’t believe that after all that time I finally learned all that mess from you.”

She gave him her usual Janet look.

He winked, “So I told him about the idea of opening up a flower shop. There were many in the area but none like the idea I had. So here we are,” he said opening his arms as to demonstrate a price just won, “And that my friend is how I became your boss.” He laughed.

*~*

Meanwhile in the lobby Jason was watering some small plants. The morning had been some what slow. He was glad because that gave Jack and Janet a chance to talk. He wonders what they were talking about and most of all how is it that hey knew each other enough to be hugging in that manner. “He did mention they lived together before,” he thought, “I wonder if they were ever married?” He asked himself but agree that no ex-married couple could express such great joy of reuniting. “Maybe they were-”

“Jason.” He heard a familiar voice from the entrance door interrupting his thoughts.

“Mrs. Tripper, good morning. How are you?”

“Fine thank you. Is Jack here? He said he would be here and I wanted to stop by so that we can both have lunch today.” She said looking around.

“Yes, he is. But-”

“No buts where is Jack.”

“He is in the office with our nest employee. Mrs. Dawson.” He informed her.

“Why?” She asked confused, he never met with any of the employees unless he was thinking of hiring new management. He usually trusted Jason to make the decision when it came to new lower positions in the flower shop.

“Well apparently they knew each other from years before and I guess they just have some catching up to do.”

“Dawson.” She whispered. “What is her first name?” She demanded. That name did not bring a face to it but did sound familiar.

“Janet.”

“Janet Dawson….Janet Daw- of course.” She said angry. When she married Philip she left Wood behind and her new married name became Janet Dawson. ‘No wonder he was so happy and excited to get back to work.’

Jason didn’t say a word, it was obvious now that Janet had been a very important part of Jack’s life at some point in time; something that clearly bother Vicky. “How long have they been in there?”

“Probably about fifteen minutes twenty the most.”

“Who hired her?”

“I did just yesterday morning.”

“Did Jack tell you to hire her?”

“No mam Mr. Tripper did not get to actually met her until this morning. I hired her yesterday we needed to fill Ann’s position as soon as possible and with all the years’ experience she has, Janet was perfect for the job.” Jason started moving over near the office, hoping Jack would hear the conversation and come out soon. “But when Mr. Tripper came by Mrs. Dawson had just left actually they just passed each other at the entrance.”

“Well.” She said hesitating whether to go into the office or not. Of course the idea of just imagining them together after all these years made her furious and extremely jealous but then again, Janet is a married woman. May even have family by now, Jack may not mean anything to her but a good friend. Never the less that was her husband and with their marriage practically destroyed she couldn’t take a chance.

Jack and Janet were both laughing at a comment Jack had made when Vicky came in. “Jack darling I came by so that we can have lunch together.” She said interrupting them.

His attitude changed at a hundred and eighty degrees, “Did Jason not tell you I was with someone?” He said standing up and removing her arms from his neck.

“No. I did not even see him out there. I just came in since I knew you were supposed to be checking the books and making sure he was doing his job.” She turned to face Janet. He stomach did a back flip as she spotted the most beautiful red roses on Janet’s lap while she smiled up at her.

“Hi Vicky.” She said in a cheerful but shy voice hoping she would recognize her.

“I’m sorry I don’t think we’ve met.”

Janet’s smile faded as she placed the bouquet on top of the desk.

“Of course you remember Janet. My roommate back in Santa Monica, we shared apartment 201 with Terri several years ago.” Jack said knowing she was faking and almost sure that Jason has told her he and Janet were in there.

“Oh why yes, of course Janet Wood.” She finally said after a while pretending to finally recognize Janet. “How are you? We haven’t heard anything from you or Terri since your wedding to Philip.”

Janet looked at Jack and smiled at the couple, “I know it’s like everyone went their own ways and after all those years of living together you would have though we would have kept a better friendship.”

“But life has brought us together again.” Jack said optimistic.

“So are you in town for a visit? How is Philip doing?”

“No actually Janet is our newest employee.” He answered. “Jason hired her yesterday.”

“I thought you and Philip had agreed you wouldn’t work.”

“We did. But when you are divorced and left with nothing you kind of have to work.”

“You and Philip are divorced?” He asked with a smile on his face which he tried to cover up.

Janet nodded her head and smiled a hopeless smile, “Yes.”

“Oh honey why didn’t you tell me.” He left his wife’s side and went over to hug Janet.

“Because it’s not important.”

“I am very sorry to hear this,” Vicky’s blood was now to a boiling point. “But Jack babe we have to go Kathy is waiting for us to plan our yearly fall trip.”

“I don’t remember us talking about having lunch with Kathy.”

“Well I arranged it for today; I guess it must have slipped my mind. Come on we can not be late. She had to cancel on another client just for us.”

Hating to leave but not wanting to have Kathy waiting on them, Jack had to tell Janet goodbye. “I guess we will have to catch up at a later time.” He said his eyes pointing towards Vicky.

She giggled inside, “That is okay. I need to get back to my job as well.” She stood up to hug him one last time before he left. He kissed her cheek, “Have fun. It was nice seeing you again Vicky.” She said as she too gave her a hug.

Janet watched as Vicky and Jack left hand in hand, ‘They must have the perfect life along with the perfect marriage’ she signed as she noticed Jason standing there watching her.

She smiled at him as she discreetly watched the couple get into there Mercedes and leave. She took the flower on her ear and a warm feeling set inside of her as she took in its sweet fragrance before placing it back behind her ear again.

[KissMyGrits]

Wonderful!! I love it. I could actually picture the scene! I loved it. Keep up the excellant work!!

Michelle

[MrsRitter]

Awww...How cute!? I love this story too Thank you so much for updating it.

[Chain Gang Member]

Yes!Janet & Phillip are divorced

[Janet Tripper]

Thanks guys!!! Glad you are enjoying it!!! I will hopefully have another chatper next weekend!!!

[Janet Tripper]

Originally Posted by Chain Gang Member

Yes!Janet & Phillip are divorced

LOL!!!! Yea I could only stand writing one character Philip or Vicky....and b/c of the ending Vicky is needed!!! So I had to say goodbye Philip!

[Number 9 Dream]

AWWWWW so adorable!! I am still smiling over the fact he gave her that rose *swoon* Damn, Vicky needs to be shoved aside so they can get together!

[JackTripper258]

Originally Posted by retrogirl82

AWWWWW so adorable!! I am still smiling over the fact he gave her that rose *swoon* Damn, Vicky needs to be shoved aside so they can get together!

i totally agree!