Jessica had her heart broken 2 years ago. She had given it so happily and lovingly and then Jim just broke it. She knew it had broken, she heard the sound it made as it was torn in two. She couldn't stay at home anymore. Everywhere she went, there were memories of Jim and the times they shared. She explained this to her parents and then packed her things. Her first thought was just to get a map and blindly point her finger. Then she thought she really needed a change, something as far from Cabot's Corners as she could be. She smiled to herself as she thought of the perfect place.
The move to Las Vegas went smoothly. She found a nice little apartment quickly and got settled, living on her own for the first time. She learned the neighborhood and made some acquaintances. Her dad had a friend who owned a car dealership, and he offered her a good job, working in the front office. Things were looking hopeful for Jessie, if only her broken heart didn't hurt so incredibly much!
Each day at the dealership, she listened to the other girls talking and giggling. It seemed there was a guy at the car rental building who had everybody's attention. Except Jessie. She was a good worker, a good office mate. She listened to everyone's stories and problems and never shared her own. She was dependable and honest and everyone liked her.
Very slowly, she felt herself becoming interested in her surroundings. She felt as if she had just awakened from a long dream. She began to listen to the discussions about the hunk next door. She was sure she would easily recognize him. After all, according to the gushing girls, he was 8 feet tall with a perfect body and a face made in heaven. Exactly the kind of man she avoided!
One day, just before lunch, the usual excitement began. She heard the girls saying he was out there, getting into a convertible, and, god, wasn't he cute? Jessie moved to the window, expecting to be dazzled. She saw an attractive man with deep blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. She wasn't dazzled, she was smitten. He looked so incredibly happy, content, sure of himself. She watched him smile as he drove away. Jessie was totally unaware, but the bonds of sadness that had held her captive were released, she finally saw a good reason to be young and female.
He became her new focus. She quietly listened to the girls, gathering information about him. His name was Erik, he was single, he was incredibly nice. The people in his office liked and respected him. He worked out several days a week. He played golf. He hung out in a club called "DALLIANCE" most weekends.
Jessica became friends with Lucy, from his office. Lucy was full of information about her boss. So Jessie learned that he liked tall, leggy blondes. He enjoyed dancing and having fun. Erik did not drink much. He didn't smoke. No tattoos marred his body. He worked out, but was not obsessive about a washboard abdomen. And, said Lucy, he was just a really nice guy. He cared about his employees, making them feel special. When Lucy had her second baby, Erik had brought a gift for the new one...and something really wonderful for the pouting older brother. AND convinced the brother that a sister was a good thing to have. Lucy would always be grateful for that!