CJ's Office Hour

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She's flipping through the Neiman Marcus catalog she picked up, listening to her headphones. Every now and again she sings along to snippets of Manilow, The Carpenters, and Neil Diamond. If anyone needs to talk, she's here.

Comments

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Geoff! [She jumps up and hurries to hug him] I missed you so much.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"I missed you, too, CJ." He laughs a little at her enthusiasm and kisses her.

"It was only a few days, though. I'm sure you'll be able to recover from being deprived of my presence for such a short time."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sure I'll get over it. [She kisses his cheek softly in return.] I got you a gift.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

With a pleased grin, Geoff raises an eyebrow and lets go of her. "A gift? You didn't have to do that, CJ."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She moves to her desk, opening the drawer and pulling out a small velvet box.]

It isn't much, really. Just a token. (http://shamydesigns.com/images/rings/Troy_Ring.jpg) I hope you like it.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Opening the box, Geoff's eyes widen as he pulls out the ring. "My God...CJ, it's beautiful. You shouldn't have..." He looks up at her in disbelief. "It's beautiful."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She smiles softly] I'm glad you like it. It's titanium...very light, ery strong. And I thought of your eyes when I saw that sapphire. [She blushes slightly.]

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Geoff blushes a little as well, as he slides the ring onto his finger. "No one's every given me a gift like this. Thank you, my lady," he says, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

You're so welcome, Geoff. [She brushes her lips softly against his.] Don't Ladies do that? Bestow favors of their charges?

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"They do indeed, my lady. And I shall wear your favor proudly." He gives her a bow, only half jesting.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

What did you do over the holiday, Geoff? More writing? [She slides up on the desk, holding the edge.]

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Moving to lean against the bookcase, Geoff nods. "That's exactly what I did. Got a fair bit of work done, too. What did you four do while you gone?"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

We...I took Adam shopping and we all went to Big Sur, I got disowened, we went to dinner at an exquisite restaurant, and I saw my dad.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Raising an eyebrow, Geoff says, "You were trying to slip that bit about being disowned past me, weren't you? What happened?"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

We had Thanksgiving with my brothers. All of us. All...four...of us. They weren't, well, Geoff. [She sighs] They're very Catholic, and I did something a long time ago they've never forgiven me for, and then to show up with Ten and Adam...it was too much.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry, CJ. I'm very sorry." He moves nearer and takes her hand. "Don't give up on them. You never know -- sometimes it takes people longer to change."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

They won't change, Geoff. I've had faith for so long that they would. They won't. Not unless I cut all ties and join a convent...and I'm too old to become a bride of Christ. [She smiles softly.]

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"You'd be wasted in a convent, CJ." He takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "I know it'll never be the same, but you have another family here, and we love exactly as you are."