Progress Report (J.R, Marissa, open)

[Dix C. Martin]

It had been a few weeks since Dixie had spoken with J.R, or Marissa for that matter. And she decided to do something about it by inviting them both to the Yacht Club for lunch. She wanted an update, not only about the cancer but also about her son and the new woman in his life, and if they were considering a future together or what. So far as she could tell they both cared a great deal for eachother but she wanted to know where things were at, or where they were headed together. After all she was a mother, it was her job to be curious about things like this.

She'd done a morning shift at the hospital, and the twins were with Opal and Kathy was at school, so she had the whole afternoon cleared. Going over to one of the tables, she took a seat and ordered a cup of coffee, and then grabbed a book from her purse knowing she'd have a little time to catch up on her reading before they'd arrive.

[Marissa Tasker]

Having gotten Dixie's message on this beautiful spring like day. Marissa pulls her car up infront of the yacht club, it had been a morning filled with classes and long talks with her professors. But it was going to feel good to just relax and chat with Dixie. She was glad to have a friend like her, she was sweet and she almost reminded her of her mom, and that was a real comfort to Marissa.

After shutting the engine off Marissa opens the drivers side door and steps out into the warm sun light. It was almost that time of year again and Marissa couldn't wait. Summertime was her favorite time of the year, she had become quite the nature girl, and she loved going swimming. Perhaps when it warmed up that would be something that her and AJ could do, and even JR and Dixie and tad too if they wanted to come.

Dressed in a simple but elegant black spaghitti strapped dress, with a matching ladies business jacket over top of it and black heels. Her brunette hair hangs down her back in soft waves, and her makeup is done to perfection. She makes her way across the parking lot towards the yact club. The door man opens the door for her and she thanks him before heading on into the club. She makes her way towards the dining area and soon smiles as she sees Dixie. She makes her way down the three steps before heading over as she speaks.

"Hey Dixie, thank you so much for inviting me to lunch. I'm sorry if I'm running a little late my classes ran a little bit longer then I thought they would."

Marissa said those words while giving Dixie a hug before she takes a seat. She slides off her jacket and hangs it on the back of her chair before setting her purse in her lap. She gives her a small smile while she waits to see what Dixie has to say.

[Dix C. Martin]

Glancing up and closing her book when she heard Marissa greet her, Dixie glanced up and gave the younger woman a smile.
"Hey sweetie, and it's fine don't worry about it. I remember lengthy PVU classes well."
She said, having gotten her degree there when she was only a few years older than Marissa.
After returning her hug, she waited for her to get situated before speaking.

"I'm so glad you could make it. It's been awhile since I talked to you, and J.R for that matter."
She sighed guiltily. It bothered her she hadn't spoken with her son in so long.

"Anyways, consider this me trying to remedy that. Um, so I understand you spent the holidays with J.R and my grandson?"
She asked, brushing a lock of her now pixie cut hair behind her ear. And got a nod from Marissa that made her smile. in relief. She'd tried to get over by way of the manse at Christmas, but there hadn't been time and with all the snow traffic had been a nightmare. And she was glad her boys had spent the day with someone they cared about, who cared for them right back.

"Tell me, was A.J fine with the train set Tad and I got him? I swear we spent an hour at the toy store trying to find the right one and argued about it the whole ride home. He wanted the one with all the bells and whistles but I thought the simpler one we went with was nice. Call me old fashioned but, I liked it."
Dixie chuckled sheepishly, taking a sip of her coffee, right as the waiter came up and asked Marissa if she wanted anything to drink.

[Marissa Tasker]

"Can I have a white wine spritzer please."

The waiteress nods her head and gives her a smile before she heads off to get the drink that Marissa had just ordered. Marissa smiles abit as she thinks back to Christmas day. It was amazing and she enjoyed spending time with both AJ and JR. She then smiles when she thinks about the Train Set, she nods her head as she speaks.

"Oh my god AJ loved the train so much... He was so happy with all of his gifts. I think I over did it and really really spoiled both him and JR. But thats what first time Aunties are for, and spending time with both of them on Christmas and watching JR with AJ, made me realize just how much I do love JR."

Marissa blushes abit after saying that, she brushes a stray piece of hair from her face and gives Dixie a smile as the waitress sets her drink down infront of her. Once she is done, Marissa picks the glass up and takes a sip before setting it back down and speaks.

"Speaking of gifts I really hope you and Tad enjoyed your presents. I know I didn't have to get the both of you anything but I wanted too. Besides Tad helped me realize just who I really am, and you are a great friend Dixie. I'm just sorry we haven't kept in touch much, school has kept me so busy. I haven't really been able to spend much time with AJ and JR since Christmas and I miss being around them both you know."

[Dix C. Martin]

"Hey as far as I'm concerned there's never too many gifts to give at Christmas. Especially when they're for your loved ones."
Dixie smiled, and hearing Marissa say she realized just how much she cared for J.R melted the blond's heart.
"You really didn't need to sweetheart but thanks anyways. The gifts you picked out for us were lovely. Tad especially loved his."
She laughed lightly, but heard the brunette say she missed being around J.R and A.J. Who wouldn't?

"Well I've been as guilty of that as you, Marissa. Moreso. Tad and I are working through some things and, well with the twins and Kathy and work..I know..sounds awful of me to say it. I hate admitting it too. But, hopefully J.R's gonna take us up on his invitation. Of course I don't know how he'd resist the company of two ladies like us."
Dixie teased, right as a different waiter came over to their table.

"I apologize, Sara just went on her break but I'm Chad and I'll be serving you now. And, in answer to your question miss, any man would be a fool to, in my opinion."
Chad grinned, getting Dixie blushing a little.
"Well aren't we a flatterer?"
She teased.
"Well yes, when it's well deserved. Anyways, what would the two of you like?"
"I think I'll have a turkey club on wheat with a side of the, sweet potato french fries."
"Very good, and for you miss?"
The waiter asked, looking to Marissa.

[Marissa Tasker]

"Hmm you know what that sounds really good but instead of the sweet potato fries. Could I have a small grilled chicken ceaser salad with ranch dressing please."

The waiter nods his head and gives Marissa and Dixie a smile before he takes there menus and head's off to place there order. Marissa picks up her glass and takes a sip before she looks over at the blushing dixie as she begins to speak.

"Looks like someone is blushing *giggles* Everyone needs abit of flattery sometimes. Everytime JR tells me how beautiful I am or something like that, I always blush. Call it me feeling like a shy teenager, thats being complimented by the most popular guy in high school. What ever it is I feel like theres a million butterflies floating around in my stomach when he says those things you know what I mean Dix."

Marissa sets her glass back down and brushes a stray piece of hair from her forehead. She wondered if JR would take Dixie up on her offer to have lunch with them. She wanted to see him and be close to him even if it was just for them to have lunch. She looks over at Dixie and gives her a small smile as she speaks.

"You know I have a good idea, a party to kick off spring would be eally great. That way everyone could kick back and relax and enjoy themselves. I've been too two parties and a wedding, and I know Pine Valley has some wonderful parties. Maybe me and you can get together and plan something, what do you think."

[JR Chandler]

JR had gotten the message from his mother about meeting her and Marissa for lunch. He was looking forward to the afternoon with them, especially since he hadn't seen his mother over Christmas with as busy as everyone had been. He hoped that the holidays had helped to fix things between her and Tad. Even if JR still had a little anger towards Tad for leaving, he knew he was what his mother and siblings needed. Christmas with Marissa and AJ had been great, he just hoped his mother's Christmas had been the same.

JR headed to the Yacht club from his office. He knew he should probably have cut back on his hours at work a long time ago, but having his father's stubbornness he didnt want to admit he couldnt handle it anymore. But his body was feeling it today, even more tired than he usually was just from his illness. But he hoped with a smile and good conversation he could keep from adding to the worry of the two most important women in his life.

As he walked in he saw the two women already sitting down, laughing at the table, a sight that made him happy, glad they got along. He walked over to join them. "Sorry to keep you two waiting, Dad wanted a monthly report sent to him on how the company's doing, I needed to look it over before it got faxed"

[Dix C. Martin]

"Oh, I was not!"
Dixie defended, getting Marissa giggling all the more. Hearing her talk about J.R though with so much love the blond couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah, I do. Tad so much as squeezes my hand or gives me a smile...that's all it takes to get the butterflies going. By the way I get all the flattery I need from that man. Just does the ego good knowing I still can get it from the younger crowd."
She winked, taking a sip of coffee.
"Remind me to tell you though about the time, way way back in the day..that Tad actually had to convince me I was in love with him, by giving me a two part test!"

Hearing Marissa mention throwing a party, Dixie's ears perked up.
"Yeah, I think a little gathering like that would be terrific. I'd love to help you plan it out."

She said with a smile, that broadened when she spotted J.R enter the club. When he got closer she could see he looked tired. And when he mentioned what kept him away, she had a feeling that contributed. She knew there was no sense fighting it, given how J.R was her's and Adam's pride and joy, but it bothered her the business even had to remain a priority with him with everything else he was battling.

"It's fine baby, I'm just glad to see you."
Reaching up she gave her son a quick hug before he took a seat.
"So, I've discussed this with Marissa here but I want to make sure your stories match up. The classic train set for A.J...a success? Or do I owe Tad twenty bucks and my grandson an upgrade on his Christmas gift?

[JR Chandler]

"I'm glad to see you too, Mom" JR replied, giving his mother a hug before looking over at Marissa and giving her a smile. "Its always good seeing you too Marissa" He told her before he took a seat with his two favorite women.

JR laughed a little as his mother questioned her Christmas gift for his son. He could see the hint of worry, or maybe doubt in her eyes that she had gotten a gift that her grandson had enjoyed. It was so sweet of her to be concerned about something like that. "He loved the train set, it was a complete success. He made sure we had it set up right after breakfast."

((OOC: Sorry its a bit short! I'm headed into work but wasnt sure if I'd get another chance to reply today!))

[Dix C. Martin]

"Oh good! Oh, I'm so glad."
Dixie said, relieved to know her skills at gift giving hadn't completely vanished. Taking another sip of coffee she glanced at the two of them.
"So, c'mon. Tell me what else has been going on? On the A.J front or, anything else for that matter. I'm not trying to be nosy, I'm just curious. It's been awhile since we talked and, I dunno..I just wanna check in on things. It's what I do."
She shrugged with a sheepish smile. There were just so many things she wanted to know, how J.R was holding up with the cancer, if he and Marissa were together or not together or on the verge. Ordinarily she wouldn't be this concerned with the state of her son's personal life, but given everything he was battling she felt the need to keep tabs.

[JR Chandler]

JR smiled as his mother told him she wasn't trying to be nosy just curious. "You're my mom, you're allowed to be nosy if you want, but no I dont think you are" He said with a light laugh. "Well AJ's doing great" He said starting with his pride and joy. "He's doing well in school, he's been learning how to skate this winter, wants to try out hockey next year" He said a little tentatively, worried his son might get hurt.

"I should thank you too for watching him the other night too" JR said looking over to Marissa with a fond smile. She had planned a wonderful romantic dinner for him at the house, and had arranged for Dixie to watch AJ so they could have some time alone, it was just what they needed. "It was nice to have some time alone with Marissa...she means a lot to me" He told his mother but looked into Marissa's eyes for a moment before looking down a little embarrassed.

He felt a scratchiness at his throat and tried to cover a cough with just clearing his throat, before taking a sip of the water already poured at the table. "Other than that just been busy at work...its tiring but at least I'm still making it in more days than not" He told her, knowing he probably should be taking it easy and staying home resting more than he was but feeling like when he stopped going in he'd never make it back.

"How about you and Tad and the kids? What's been going on with you guys?"

[Dix C. Martin]

"Hockey! My goodness.."
Dixie exclaimed, but smiled thinking back a bit.
"Well..I wouldn't be worried about him. I remember you did very well on ice skates. When you were little the first time I took you out you kept me on the rink all afternoon. If A.J's anything like you were at his age he'll be a pro."
She said knowingly.

"Oh it was my pleasure! No, we had a great time. We made a deal, he could teach me a new Wii game if I could teach him to make cookies. Worked out quite nicely."
Catching J.R and Marissa staring at eachother she smiled softly. Anyone could see they were getting even closer and it did her so much good to see it.
When J.R coughed though, her smile faded. That didn't sound good at all. And hearing him mention work again, being tired..a frown found its way to her face.
"I, well.."
Set to reply to the work comment he made, when he changed the subject back to her she swallowed her thought and spoke.
"It's just been business as usual, really. Kathy's already thinking ahead to her spring break. And Tad's been busy with work and things and, so have I at PVH but, we're managing. The twins are climbing out of their cribs now though and, finding their way into Kath's room first thing in the morning, which..isn't thrilling her."

Shrugging with a smile Dixie glanced back at her son and saw he'd begun coughing again.
"Honey, are you alr--?"
Nervously she was set to ask how he was but before she could he waved her off, indicating he was okay. In her eyes though that wasn't the case.
"Alright..just, I don't want you overdoing it is all."
She said, taking a sip of her drink before speaking again more softly.
"Not now, or at the office.."
Dixie wasn't sure if J.R heard her last sentence but if he had she didn't regret her words.
She trusted J.R to take care of himself and not take his health lightly, but also knew how stubborn he could get especially when it came to the business, with Adam to thank for that. And even if her son disagreed with her it wouldn't change her mind. She couldn't sit back and let him work himself to death, literally, at Chandler, and hoped J.R felt the same way.

[JR Chandler]

"Oh its not his inheriting my skating abilities that I'm worried about, but rather I'm hoping he doesn't take after me in picking fights on the ice" JR said with a chuckle. Looking back now he was sure he was a bit of a handful of a child growing up.

JR was glad to hear that his mom had a nice time with AJ, he knew his son had enjoyed spending the night there with his nieces and nephew (though with the closeness of the ages they were really more like cousins). After he coughed though he could see the look of concern on her face. It was probably one of the things he hated the most about the cancer, the smallest thing and every looked at him like he was going to drop dead any second.

"Well if Kathy's got any time in her spring break not planned with her friends maybe I can take her out, just the two of us, get some ice cream or see a movie. Maybe I could get her a new bike for summer, she's probably just about outgrown her old one"

He started coughing again, not being able to cover it up as quickly as he had (tried to) last time. His mother didnt waste any time in asking her about it. "I'm fine" He told her, with a bit of an annoyed frown, taking another sip of water, trying to soothe the scratching in his throat.

"Overdoing it?" He asked shaking his head. "I'm not made of glass, I can handle coming out to lunch and going to work without breaking. My throat's dry that's all"

[Dix C. Martin]

When J.R spoke, and scoffed, the sharpness in his tone took Dixie aback for a second. He hadn't gotten remotely snappy, at least with her, really since she'd been back. But just because she hadn't seen him act like this in awhile, didn't mean she didn't know how to deal with it.
"Sweetheart I never meant...I know, alright? I do."
She reassured, knowing her best bet now to keep things calm was to back off. She knew her son was tough and certainly that he wasn't made of glass. Even though since his diagnosis a big part of her felt more protective of him than usual. Try as she might not to act on it..it was proving tougher by the day. Catching some skepticism in his eyes though, she sighed.
"Really J.R, I didn't mean anything by it. I know with the canc...with, everything you've got on your plate..."
As familiar as she'd become with it lately, for the life of her Dixie couldn't bring herself to say the word cancer, certainly not to J.R's face. She felt saying it aloud it just reinforced all the more that he had it, and worse that she could lose him to it.
"I..a little frog in your throats not worth making a federal case out of. I'm sorry."

[Marissa Tasker]

"You dont have to bite your mom's head off JR she is just worried about you hun... Infact I'm worried about you too... I know you have been working all of those long hours at Chandler... And I can see how tired you are. You really need to take a day out too yourself and just relax. Spend the day with AJ or something like that hun. You dont need to ware your self out for anyone, thats all your mom is trying to say."

Marissa says those words as she picks her glass of water and takes a sip of the cold liquid. She sets the glass down and blushes her hair from her face before she begins to speak once more in a soft sweet voice trying to change the mood abit.

"You know I was thinking since everyone has been down with the whole winter thing and us getting all of that snow. And seeing as we have been having some beautiful almost summer like weather. I was thinking we could have a welcome spring luau party. Complete with the grass skirts the coconut bras, the hulla dancers you know the works."

Marissa looks over towards JR and gives him a small sheepish smile. She allows her eyes to roam slowly over him before she begins to speak while allowing her eyes to meet his blue ones.

"Besides I would defintly love to see you in your luau outfit, and I'm sure you would love to see what I am going to wear. *smiles* Just like I'm sure Tad would love to see Dixie in a grass skirt and doing a sexy little hula dance. I actually went to hawaii once and took hula lessons. And I got inspired when I went back and started looking at some old photos and I thought why not pitch the idea to you and dixie and see what you think."