*some mild sexual references

 

Author's Notes: This story is the sequel to Coming Home. It was originally posted on The Other Side.

I admit that I ruthlessly stole the title from the song Just One Kiss from the CD Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet by Rick Springfield, but it just seemed to fit.

Many thanks again to Bonni for reading and rereading this story until I got it right and her patience when I kept changing things. And to Lynn for taking the time to help me out. Her suggestions definitely made this a better story. Thank you!

 

 

Just One Kiss

 

by SJaye

 

Dan Mangan returned to his apartment after the picnic at the Wheelers' lake, and threw his keys on the kitchen counter as he slammed the door behind him. "I should never have gone to the lake today," he mumbled to himself. "What was I thinking?"

*     *     *

Dan's morning had started out simply enough. He awoke after a fitful night's sleep, thinking only that he needed coffee before he decided whether or not he had managed to totally screw up his life after being in Sleepyside for less than twenty-four hours.

Throwing on a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans, Dan ran down to Wimpy's for coffee. And that's when the day had started unraveling.

"Dan! When did you get home? It's good to see you!" Dan turned, wishing he had had a chance for one sip of coffee before having to deal with this!

"Hi, Jim." Dan set down his coffee. He held out his hand, but Jim ignored it, grabbing him in a bear hug.

"It's really good to see you!" Jim exclaimed. He was impeccably dressed, as always, even though he was only wearing a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. Dan felt decidedly grubby next to him, and very conscious of the fact that he hadn't even showered before leaving the apartment. Well, who thought I would run into someone I know at 7:30 on a Saturday morning, Dan groused to himself.

"It's good to see you too, Jim," Dan answered.

But it was better seeing your girlfriend, Dan thought. Oh, shut up! he told himself. It was just one kiss. He picked up his coffee and drank, burning his mouth on the hot liquid.

"Damn!" he exclaimed. "That's hot!"

"You were expecting something else?" Jim laughed. "Look, I'm in a hurry right now, I'm meeting Trixie at Crabapple Farm for breakfast, but why don't you come down to the lake for lunch? Trixie told us you were coming home today and everybody wants to see you. Brian was even able to get away from his studies."

Jim paused for breath. "We try to get together at least once a month, and we planned for today, hoping you'd be able to join us. A little swimming, a little volleyball - what do you think? Can you get away from the moving grind for awhile?"

What I think is that I feel like a total slime, Dan groaned to himself. "Sure, that sounds great. I can't wait to see everybody. About noon?" Dan asked.

"Sounds good. We'll see you then." Jim shook Dan's hand and clapped him on the back. "Trixie will be really glad to see you too. I know she's missed you." Jim hurried out of Wimpy's leaving Dan to stare after him as he gulped the rest of his coffee.

What was I thinking? Dan asked himself. It's bad enough that I don't know what's going on. Now I have to pretend that everything is fine in front of the people who know me better than anyone. How am I going to get through this? I'm not sure I can hide how I feel about Trixie, especially after last night. This is going to be a very long day.

"Can I have another one to go?" he asked the counterman.

*     *     *

Trixie had just finished her shower when Moms called up the stairs, "Trixie, Jim's here!"

"Okay Moms," Trixie answered. "Tell him I'll be a few minutes."

Trixie looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn't slept well and she was afraid it showed. Would Jim be able to tell something was wrong?

Oh for cripes sake! Trixie scolded herself. It was just one kiss!

Putting on a white sleeveless blouse that set off her tan and a faded pair of jeans, Trixie ran down the stairs to meet Jim. "Where is everybody?" Trixie asked as she entered the kitchen.

Jim sat alone at the kitchen table, drinking a glass of milk. Milk! Trixie thought. Who drinks milk in the morning? She shook her head, realizing she was being unfair.

I'll bet Dan doesn't drink milk, she couldn't help thinking.

"Mart said he had some things to catch up on at work, and I guess Brian must still be sleeping," Jim answered, getting up and giving Trixie a peck on the cheek. "Your mom said something about working in the garden and Bobby stayed overnight at the Lynches."

"You know more about what goes on here than I do," Trixie complained, pouring herself a cup of coffee from the pot on the stove and sitting down across from Jim.

"I just pay attention," Jim replied easily. "Hey, guess who I ran into at Wimpy's when I was picking up breakfast?"

Trixie looked at Jim, her heart sinking. I know who he ran into, she groaned to herself. She glanced at her watch. I'm pretty sure Dan wasn't planning on running into Jim first thing in the morning. Well, maybe it wasn't Dan. Yeah, sure, my life doesn't run so smoothly.

"Who?" she asked.

"Dan!" Jim exclaimed. "He looked like hell, but I got the feeling he had just rolled out of bed. I told him about the picnic and he said he could make it." Jim paused. "He must have gotten in last night, don't you think? He wouldn't have driven in this early."

Trixie felt miserable and guilty all at once. She hated lying and she wasn't very good at it. She knew she had to be honest with Jim, but she hadn't even had time to sort out her feelings yet. Surely, a little white lie could be justified now. She was planning on telling him the truth later. "I would think so," Trixie answered. "I don't think he'd drive in this early either."

"I'm sure that's it," Jim nodded. "I told him how glad you'd be to see him too," Jim added as he started to eat.

He looked up in surprise as Trixie choked on her next swallow of coffee.

*     *     *

Dan heard the voices of his friends long before he saw them, as he walked up the path to the Wheelers' lake. Standing at the clearing at the edge of the woods, Dan watched the others. His eyes were immediately drawn to Trixie as she sat talking with Honey and Diana. God, she looks good, Dan thought.

Tearing his eyes away from Trixie, Dan wondered how one lousy kiss could break down all the defenses he had spent the last nine years building.

Mart looked up and saw Dan standing there, watching them. "Hey look!" Mart yelled gleefully. "The prodigal son has returned home."

Mart raced toward Dan, followed by the rest of the Bob-Whites. The next few minutes were a happy confusion of babbling voices, as the others hugged, kissed and welcomed Dan back.

"Welcome home, Dan," Trixie murmured as she kissed his cheek. "It's good to have you home." Dan's heart dropped to his toes, as he felt her lips brush his cheek. Oh man, he thought, what she does to me!

"Hey, congratulations, you guys!" Dan looked at Mart and Diana. "You'll be the first of the Bob Whites to get married. How does it feel?"

Di smiled and took Mart's arm. "It feels great. And now that you've finally come to your senses and come home, Daniel Mangan, we're going to have to find you a nice girl."

Mart laughed at the look on Dan's face at Di's comment. "You're blushing!" he pointed out teasingly. Dan felt his face getting warm. "Maybe he already has a nice girl and he's holding out on us. Come clean, Mangan," Mart prodded. "Who's the lucky girl?"

Dan involuntarily glanced toward Trixie before he answered. "There's no one, okay?" With a sinking feeling, he noticed Mart staring at him quizzically. It was obvious Mart had seen the look Dan flashed Trixie. Oh great. I'm going to hear about this, Dan thought.

"Hey, I came here for a party. I'm starved. When do we eat?" Dan asked, in an attempt to deflect attention away from himself.

"That's my line!" Mart exclaimed. As everyone laughed and began moving toward the boathouse to cook the hot dogs and hamburgers waiting there, Mart grabbed Dan's arm as he tried to pass by.

"What's going on?" Mart hissed, making sure they were out of earshot of the others. "I saw that look you gave Trixie. I thought you had worked that out!"

Dan sighed. Mart was the only one who knew how he felt about Trixie, but even they hadn't really discussed it. Mart wasn't interested in hearing about romantic fantasies that starred his little sister. And who could blame him? "I had, I did," Dan whispered back. "Forget it, I don't want to talk about this."

"Dan! Mart!" Honey called as she walked toward them. "Hurry up, we're going to take a swim before we eat. Last one in has to cook!" With that, Honey dove into the lake, barely causing a ripple.

"Okay," Mart replied as he and Dan walked toward the lake. "But this isn't the end of it."

"Stop acting like my mother!" Dan snapped. "I can take care of myself!" He immediately felt guilty, but the last thing he wanted right now was a heart to heart with Mart. Dan knew Mart meant well, but this was something he had to figure out himself.

To avoid any further conversation, Dan dove into the lake.

*     *     *

Mart wasn't the only one who had noticed the look that Dan had given Trixie earlier. Or the lack of interaction between them now. Honey chewed her hamburger thoughtfully and watched Trixie and Dan avoid each other.

Something is definitely going on here, she thought. Trixie was so excited about Dan coming home, and now she's barely speaking to him.

Since she had moved to Sleepyside ten years ago, Honey had been Trixie's best friend. She understood Trixie's sometimes convoluted thought processes and always understood her, even when no one else did. Except maybe for....

Dan! Honey sat up straight as the thought hit her, bumping Brian's arm and causing him to look at her, puzzled. Could it be?

Honey snuck a look at Jim, deep in conversation with Mart. He doesn't seem to notice anything wrong. But why would he? Jim's a great brother and the best guy in the world, but even I have to admit he takes Trixie for granted. Trixie and Dan would probably have to do more than just look at each other before he realized there was anything going on.

Honey blushed, amazed at how easy it was for her to imagine Dan in a compromising situation. Don’t go there, Madeleine Wheeler! she scolded herself. Of course, it doesn't take too much imagination, when he's wearing those cut off's and no shirt.

Honey appraised Dan through lowered lashes. Yes, I can definitely understand the attraction. Poor Trixie!

Looking at Brian, Honey smiled softly to herself. Although Honey and Brian had agreed to date other people and not get too serious before Brian finished medical school, Honey had no doubt that Brian was the man she would spend the rest of her life with. I'm glad I know he's the only man for me, she thought.

*     *     *

Dan sat a little apart from the others, concentrating on his food. He was glad to finally be home. Until he had seen everyone together again, Dan hadn't really realized how much he had missed his friends. Now, if he could just talk to Trixie...

After her welcome home kiss, Trixie had obviously been avoiding him. Every time Dan tried to catch her eye, she managed to be looking in the other direction.

Is she regretting what happened last night? Dan wondered. What is she thinking? I'm glad to be here, but maybe I should have stayed in New York. None of this would be happening if I had just kept my distance.

Dan looked up in time to see Jim smile fondly at Trixie. He's been doing that since she was thirteen years old, Dan realized. Do I really think I can compete with that?

Dan looked at his watch and wondered how much longer he had to stay.

*     *     *

This day has been pure torture, Trixie said to herself. Will it ever end?

After consuming all the available food, the guys had decided to play volleyball to work off the meal. Well, not really a game, since they didn't have enough people, but just hitting the ball back and forth. Unfortunately, Dan and Jim ended up on the same side, which gave Trixie ample opportunity to compare them, as she sat watching with Honey and Di.

It's not fair to compare them, Trixie thought, aware that she had been doing it since breakfast that morning. They are totally different.

Jim's red hair gleamed in the sun like fire, while Dan's dark mane, pulled back from his face in his usual ponytail, shone like ebony. Although the two were about the same height, Jim's broad shoulders and well-developed chest made him appear much larger beside Dan's lithe, agile form. Both of them were in great shape.

Trixie jerked her eyes away from the guys. "What did you say?" she asked Honey, realizing that Honey was speaking to her.

Honey and Di stared at her with concern. "What's up Trix? You've been acting strange all day!" Honey repeated.

Trixie wasn't unaware of the looks Dan had given her, or the way Honey had stared at her during lunch. Nor had she missed the conversation between Dan and Mart. In fact, the only people who seemed unaware of the undercurrents were Brian and Jim. Brian she could understand, since the poor guy barely had time to sleep, but what about Jim? I know he's not a stupid man, Trixie thought, but he sure isn't being very perceptive.

"Oh, Honey, Di!" Trixie wailed. "I just don't know what to do!"

"I knew it!" Honey exclaimed. "Something happened with you and Dan, didn't it?"

Trixie nodded, feeling relieved to finally be talking to someone about it, although she knew it should be Jim she was talking to. "Dan came home last night and I helped him move in. I didn't tell anyone he was coming yesterday because I wanted to see Dan alone for a while. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lie. And now..." Trixie gestured helplessly. "Everything is all messed up."

"Well," Diana replied, slightly miffed. "I know you and Dan are close, but he's our friend too. Why didn't you just say you wanted to see him alone?"

"I said I was sorry," Trixie snapped. She softened her voice. "I am sorry, Di. It seemed like a good idea at the time. "

"It's okay, Trixie." Diana smiled, a little evilly, Trixie thought. "Did anything happen?"

"Diana Lynch!" Trixie exclaimed. "If you’re asking what I think you’re asking…"

"Why not?" Diana tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Dan's a good looking guy. I'm sure he's had his share of women. And you and Jim have...haven't you?"

Trixie face became decidedly pink. "Well…" she began.

Honey looked pained. "Oh, stop, please! she begged. "I don't want to hear anything like that about my brother. " Honey wrinkled her nose. "It makes me feel, well, icky."

Trixie laughed. "I understand. I feel the same way about you and Brian and Mart and Diana. Besides," Trixie paused thoughtfully, "I don’t think that’s part of the problem anyway. It's about how I feel, or don't feel, about Jim anymore."

Trixie spoke slowly, the impact of what she was saying hitting her as she said the words out loud. "Dan didn't cause this, I did. If I had been honest before this, I would have realized that I'm not in love with Jim. I love him, but I can't marry him, or continue to date him, regardless of what happens with Dan."

It hurt to say these things out loud, but there was a certain measure of relief in it for Trixie as well. Surely it would be easier to say them the second time around.

Trixie's eyes misted over. It had always been the seven of them together. Now she was going to change things forever. Trixie wondered if anything would ever be the same again.

"But, Jim loves you!" Honey exclaimed.

"I know. I love him too, just not that way. If I don't end our romantic relationship, I'm afraid our friendship will be over, too." Trixie replied. "I'm sorry Honey, but I have to do this."

Honey looked at the ground. Trixie was her best friend, she wanted her to be happy, and she could certainly understand Trixie's attraction to Dan. But, Jim was her brother. Honey knew this was going to hurt him. Why did things have to change?

Diana had been sitting quietly, listening. "Trixie, you have to do what you think is right. Nobody can make that decision but you. We love you. Whatever happens."

Looking up, Honey nodded her head. "Of course I feel the same way. I just don't like to see anybody get hurt. But nothing will change our friendship, Trixie. I hope you know that."

"I do now. I was worried there for minute." Trixie knew that she had the best friends in the world.

Poor Dan, she thought. I'll bet he hasn't talked to anyone about this. He must think I'm regretting what happened and blaming him for my problems with Jim. Knowing Dan, he probably thinks everything would have been fine if he hadn't come home. I'll have to talk to him and straighten this out, but first, I have to talk to Jim.

Trixie wiped her eyes, removing any trace of tears. Even Jim would know something was wrong if he saw her crying. "Do you think we can get the guys to wrap this up?" Trixie asked her two friends. "I have some things I need to take care of."

*     *     *

Trixie and Jim sat on the porch steps of the Manor House in the twilight.

Jim grabbed Trixie's hand and wrapped his strong fingers around hers. "Why so quiet, Trix?" he asked gently.

Trixie took a deep breath. It's now or never, she thought. How could so much happen in two days to change my life so completely?

"We need to talk, Jim," Trixie answered.

Jim immediately dropped her hand. "Conversations that start with those words are never good ones. Do I want to hear this?"

"Probably not," Trixie replied truthfully. "But it's been a long time coming and I have to say this."

"Okay, shoot." Jim sat back and looked at her. "We've known each other a long time, Trixie. I'd like to think we can talk about anything."

Trixie felt tears welling up in her eyes. We have known each other a long time. I just hope we can still be friends after this, she thought.

"We need to stop seeing each other, Jim. I'm sorry, I didn't ever, ever want to hurt you. I should have said something sooner, I know I should have. But I didn't want to hurt you or lose your friendship. It's just..." Trixie stopped, trying to see Jim's face in the growing dark.

When Jim didn't answer, Trixie continued. "I do love you - you know I do. But there's no place for me in the future you're planning, except as your friend. You want to get married and settle down with a house and the kids and the mini van in the driveway. I could never fit in there. You'd end up hating me because I didn't conform to the ideal you've built up in your mind, and then we'd both be miserable. This has to end, but I hope our friendship can survive."

When Jim didn’t answer right away, Trixie continued speaking. "Please say something, Jim. I can't stand this!"

"I never realized you felt this way," Jim answered slowly. "I never meant for you to give up your agency. I just worry about you Trix. You're so impulsive - what if something happens to you? I just wanted to take care of you."

Well, he's right about one thing, Trixie thought. I am impulsive. I'm about to throw away a sure thing for the unknown.

"But don't you see, Jim? I don't need someone to take care of me. I'm a big girl. I need someone to support me, not run my life."

Jim sat quietly for a moment. "Is there someone else?" he asked.

"Yes, no....oh, I don't know. Not the way you mean. I'm not seeing anybody else, but..."

"You'd like to." Jim finished her sentence. "Is it Dan?"

Trixie's head jerked up. "What?"

"I'm not as oblivious to everything as everyone seems to think I am," Jim replied. "I know how close you and Dan are. I saw how you guys were avoiding each other at the lake, and the whispered conversation between Dan and Mart. And I saw the way Dan looked at you. Not that I can blame him for that." Jim paused. "Did you…?"

"For crying out loud, don’t even ask me that!" Trixie interrupted testily. "I've only seen him twice since he's been back."

"Twice?" Jim questioned.

"I saw him yesterday when he first got home. I helped him move in and we had dinner. We kissed, but that's all."

Jim thought about Trixie's kisses. Well, unless he's made of steel, Dan has to be half in love with her already.

"I just thought, that, well, I’m not quite sure what I thought," Jim admitted.

"I do want to date Dan," Trixie said, trying her best to be honest with Jim, "but I can’t do that until we settle things between us. And Dan feels the same way. I know it may be hard to believe right now, but both of us value your friendship."

""I just wish we had talked about this sooner. There's nothing I can say to make you change your mind?" Jim asked.

"No," Trixie answered sadly. "This has been a long time coming. Dan didn't cause it, he was just the catalyst."

"Where did you learn such big words, Miss Belden?" Jim smiled sadly, remembering how much it had always annoyed Trixie when Mart used big words. "Be careful, or you'll end up sounding like your brother."

Trixie suddenly felt more hopeful. Maybe things would be okay after all. "Are you okay with this, Jim?"

"Well, I'm not going to tell you I'm not hurt, because I am. But I'll get over this. I don't want to lose our friendship either. Yours or Dan's. I would hope you'd wish the same for me if this were reversed."

Trixie didn't even try to stop the tears this time. What had she done to deserve her friends? "I can't tell you how much this means to me, Jim," she whispered.

"I think I know." Jim smiled. "I'm not saying things won't be weird for a while. It's going to take some getting used to - seeing you with Dan. But I wouldn't have the life I have now if it weren't for you Trixie, and you know that's true. I just want you to be happy."

"Well, I really don't know if you'll be seeing me with Dan, not after the way I treated him at the lake." Trixie sighed.

"So, go talk to him Trixie. I'm sure you can make it right," Jim answered.

Especially since you've already kissed him, he added to himself.

"Thanks, Jim." Trixie stopped. "Am I allowed to hug you?"

Jim wrapped Trixie in his arms. "We're friends before anything else Trixie. Always remember that. Now, scoot."

Jim sat on the steps and watched Trixie as she walked away.

*     *     *

Jim was still sitting on the steps, when Brian brought Honey home that night. Jim could tell by the way they looked at him that Honey had filled Brian in on the situation.

Brian walked up to Jim and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay, buddy?"

"Actually, I am," Jim responded. "I think this might be for the best. Maybe I'll take this opportunity and make some changes of my own." He caught Honey's look of disbelief. "I really don't want to talk about this now, but I'm okay. Please, trust me on this."

Brian and Honey nodded as Jim went into the house, leaving them alone.

*     *     *

I will never understand women, Dan thought. I didn't expect Trixie to throw herself at me or anything, but I didn't expect to be totally ignored either. And the way Jim looked at her - he really loves her. What have I gotten myself into here?

A knock on the door brought Dan back to reality. He yanked the door open, expecting to see Mart standing there. When the opened door revealed Trixie, Dan was dumbfounded.

"Can I come in?" Trixie asked. "I'd like to talk to you."

Dan said nothing as he held the door open for her. He knew they had to talk, but he was afraid of what he might hear. He knew he couldn't give Trixie everything that Jim could. Dan looked at Trixie. But I can make her happy, he thought.

Trixie stood in the middle of the room and began talking very fast. "Dan, I'm sorry I ignored you today." Trixie's words ran together. "I was so confused and Jim told me he ran into you at Wimpy's and I didn't know what to do and I felt so guilty, but at the same time I didn't and I knew I had to talk to Jim and...." Trixie stopped as she ran out of breath.

Dan hid a grin. This was vintage Trixie Belden. He just hoped he had guessed the ending right.

"Did you talk to Jim?" Dan asked, careful to keep a safe distance from Trixie.

Trixie nodded.

"And?" Dan prodded her.

"It's over. Not the friendship, but the other. He says he understands and he wants to remain friends. With both of us."

Dan stared at her. "Really?"

Trixie nodded again.

Jim Frayne is a very big man, Dan thought. I don't think that's how I would have handled things.

"So, what now?" Dan asked.

Trixie moved closer to him. "Well, I thought maybe you'd like to kiss me again."

Dan's heart beat faster. "I guess we could start with that, if you think we should."

In answer, Trixie pulled Dan to her, their lips meeting softly.

The End

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