A Chance Encounter - Part 2

After about an hour of driving we finally made it to the convention center downtown. We parked in the lot closest to the entrance and headed inside. “Wow! Can you believe we’re actually here?!” Kaitlyn’s excitement was starting to be contagious. I felt like I just might enjoy the day after all. “Kait, where is Jack’s meet & greet?” Abbie asked.

“Um, let’s see,” Kaitlyn responded while staring at the map. “Ah! I see it! Over by that tech exhibit,” I said, pointing toward one of the bigger exhibitions on the convention floor.

Next to a sign that read something along the lines of ‘What does the future hold for gaming?’ stood three very large security guards and the beginnings of an extremely long line.

“I guess we didn’t get here early enough,” Abbie sighed, taking in the sight of the line.

“Oh, come on, guys, we can still meet Jack!” Kaitlyn said, pushing us towards the line. As we approached the end of the line, we heard Jack’s blissful Irish accent filling up the room. After about 25 minutes of waiting, we found ourselves at the front of the line. Kaitlyn sauntered over to Jack’s side and batted her eyelashes before asking for his autograph.

“Well, aren’t you something,” Jack said wistfully. Kaitlyn simply smiled and nudged her way closer to Jack.

"Kait, give him some space. Dang," exclaimed Abbie.

I stood back as Kaitlyn flirted shamelessly with Jack. Abbie sighed and watched alongside me.

"What on earth are we going to do with that girl?" I asked as we both stared in a mix of awe and horror.

"I wonder the same thing," Abbie said, shaking her head in embarrassment.

"I guess it's your turn," I said, nodding toward where Jack stood.

"Kait seems to have gotten what she wanted." Abbie smiled and looked over at me, worry in her eyes.

"Are you sure you're okay, Jenny? I know you miss him, and you have every right to. But are you sure you can do this?" I shrugged and sighed before finally responding.

"Abbie, I don't think I have a choice."

Just then Kaitlyn came running up us, grinning from ear to ear. "Kaitlyn you're about to explode with excitement. Calm down!" Abbie placed her hands on Kaitlyn's shoulders, trying to hold her still.

"Abbie, you might as well hang it up. There is no containing her, and you know that," I let out with a laugh. Abbie dropped her hands to her sides and just laughed. Kaitlyn continued to bounce on her toes like a kangaroo in a jumping contest.

“Guys! Guys! He’s soooooo amazing! Abbie go meet him! Now! Go!” Kaitlyn pushed Abbie toward Jack causing her to trip into Jack’s arms. “

Well that is certainly one way to say hi,” Jack grinned down at Abbie before steadying her.

“I’m Jack. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Abbie shot Kaitlyn a death glare before turning back to Jack with a smile. “I’m Abbie. It is definitely my pleasure to meet you.”

Kaitlyn and I stifled our laughter as Abbie took a picture with Jack. Abbie gave Jack one last hug and glided over to Kaitlyn and me. “He is super nice! And his accent! Oh my!” Abbie made a fainting gesture with her hand; she was bursting with giddiness.

“Jenny, you have to meet him! He is incredible! Go over there!" Just as Kaitlyn had done to her, Abbie pushed me forward to Jack. Before I reached where Jack stood, I felt another pair of hands gripping my elbows. I looked back to see if Abbie was still there. “Top of the mornin’ to ya,” a high-pitched voice sang out to me.

“Hi, Jack,” I replied as he gently pulled me in for a hug.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” he asked quietly. “Jenny. Jenny Powell,” I replied in an equally soft voice. He stopped and turned to face me directly. “Did you say Jenny Powell?” I nodded and said, “Yeah, that’s me. Does it sound familiar or something?” I stood there staring into his glistening blue eyes, confused. Why would he recognize my name?

-End of Part 2-