It's A Secret
"What's going on here?"
Jean whirled around, eyes wide. "Mattie! What are you doing here?!"
Mattie frowned and cocked her head curiously. "I live here. Jean, why are you in the sunroom in your dressing gown? It's the middle of the day."
Knowing she'd been caught, Jean sighed, trying to ignore the embarrassed blush creeping into her cheeks. "If you must know, I'm trying to plan something for Lucien. It's our…anniversary of sorts."
"But you were married just a few weeks ago."
"It's a different anniversary." But as soon as Mattie's eyes went wide and she stifled a giggle, Jean was quick to correct her. "No, our first kiss! Goodness, Mattie!" she scolded. "And I haven't told him, so keep it to yourself."
"Your secret is safe with me. But why are you in the sunroom in your dressing gown? Oh my god, Jean, are you wearing anything under that!?"
"Didn't you say you had plans this evening?" Jean asked, wrapping her dressing gown tighter around the new lace negligee she was wearing underneath.
Taking the hint, Mattie explained, "Yes, I do. I just wanted to change out of my uniform before I leave. Give me ten minutes and I'll be out all night, I promise. Though if you want, I can stay at Lisa's till the morning."
Jean's blush deepened. "Just till after dinner should be fine."
Mattie decided to bring her toothbrush to Lisa's anyway.
Meanwhile, Lucien was rushing through paperwork at the police station. Charlie was looking over his shoulder. "I think your name is Blake, not Bake. You've forgotten the L there."
"Are you sure this can't wait, Charlie?" Lucien begged in exasperation.
"What are you in such a rush for?"
"I promised Jean I'd be home at four, and I have some things I need to do first."
"Other than here?"
"Yes. If you must know, I've got something planned. It's our anniversary, though I'm not sure she actually knows it. I've ordered some things I need to pick up."
Charlie grinned. "Flowers and chocolates?"
"Among other things, yes," Lucien replied vaguely.
"So is this why you asked if I had the late shift tonight?"
Lucien had signed the last form and stood without answering Charlie's question. "Right, I'm off to the jewelers. If Jean calls looking for me, tell her I'm on my way but keep everything else I've told you a secret, alright?"
"Secret, right. What kind of jewelry did you get?"
But Lucien didn't respond. He was already halfway out the door and distracted by picturing his new wife wearing a dazzling diamond necklace and nothing else. And which room in the house she might look best in. Perhaps the sunroom, with all that natural light…
