1016 words

Chapter Three

The work day went slowly. Jess was miserable over Becker's impending departure. Finally, her shift was over. She was glad she had errands to distract her from how depressed she felt. She stopped by the grocery and picked up the components for a simple but nice dinner.

Then she stopped and got prawn crackers. She smiled at the memory of the first time they'd shared them. She sighed sadly. She shook her head to focus.

She had one last stop. It was a small surprise for Becker. She hoped he wouldn't mind or think it silly. No, she told herself. She didn't care. She wanted to get a present for Becker and she was going to get it.

She burst into her flat, carrying several packages. Now she was in a tizzy to get everything done. She hurriedly prepared dinner and kept it warm in the oven. She then set the table. She was going to put out candles, but thought it might be too much. After all, they were just two friends having a goodbye dinner.

With champagne. Fine. On her part, they were more. Or could be. If he wasn't stuck in bloody Norway forever.

Again, she shook her head to push those thoughts out of her mind. Darn. She'd run out of things to do. She sat nervously at the table, drumming her fingers. She wished her mobile would ring.

After a few minutes, she decided to change her clothes. Big mistake. She couldn't find a suitable dress. They were too intimate, too fancy, too sexy, or boring. Finally she chose an outfit that meant something to her. She put on the green-yellow outfit she wore the day they'd met.

Like he'd remember. Guys never thought of stuff like that.

Finally, Becker phoned. "Do you still want me to come over?" he asked.

"Of course. I'm ready and waiting."

He chuckled. "OK. I'll be there in a few minutes, unless that's too soon."

"No, not at all," she said pleasantly. "See you soon."

She hung up and flew into action. She turned off the stove and put the food on the table. She took a breath then. "The present! Where'd I put his present?" She flew into the living room. "There it is. Ok. Calm, Jess, calm."

She waited by the door. Finally, she heard footsteps. She opened the door as Becker walked up. He chuckled. "Hi."

She beamed. "Hey, you made it!"

"I told you I would."

She smiled and invited him in. "I know you're in a hurry, so…shall we go ahead and eat?"

"That's fine, Jess."

She nodded and made a move toward the kitchen, but he grabbed her arm gently. "I was raised by a mother that taught me never to arrive empty handed when you're invited to someone's home," he said. "I didn't have much time, but somehow I thought you'd be alright with this."

He handed her a box of chocolates. "Nothing with orange in it," he said.

She smiled. "That was so kind," she said, taking the box. "You really shouldn't have. Wait, maybe you should have. I just realized that you won't be bringing me chocolate for a while."

He laughed. "Yeah, that donned on me too."

She laughed and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you."

He nodded.

"Well, now I have to wait until after dinner to eat these," she said, placing the box beside the living room sofa. "Something to look forward to," she said with a grin.

He laughed.

"Right this way, Sir," she said, taking his hand. She led into the kitchen. Becker smiled as he walked in. It was sunshine yellow, with colorful floral accents and bright red pans, utensils, and linens. It was perfectly Jess.

She pointed him to a chair. "It's a simple, short dinner, as requested," she said, smiling.

"Thanks," he said. "It's sweet of you. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"Nah. It's just grilled salmon…"

"Which someone else gilled," he said with a grin.

She laughed. "Of course, just like someone kindly cooked the spinach and baked the dinner rolls."

He laughed along. "Nice of them."

"I know!" she cried happily as she dished it all up. "And…of course," she said, opening a Chinese container, "Prawn crackers."

He smiled and took one. "Brilliant."

She smiled. "Oh, I forgot." She retrieved a bottle from the fridge. "Don't go nuts, but I had to get this."

Becker turned to see that she was opening champagne. He cocked his eyebrows.

"I know," she said, "but neither one of us are happy that you're leaving so I thought we could cry about it over champagne."

"Good idea. Just one glass, though. I have to get up very early."

She agreed and filled his flute. He waited until she sat back down. "So…to you, Jess," he said, raising his glass.

"No. To coming home, safe and soon."

He smiled. "To coming home."

They clinked their glasses and sipped.

"Good," he said.

She nodded and giggled as the bubbles tickled her nose. He smiled and stared at her. She didn't notice. They ate and chatted about the weather, the royal family, and shoes.

"I can't believe you're only taking your work boots," Jess said. "I'd die with only one pair of footwear."

Becker laughed. "I suppose I shouldn't tell you that I plan to only take my uniforms."

She almost choked on her salmon. "Don't! It's a fashion travesty!"

He chuckled, smiling as he watched her spout on about the fashion "must haves" for cold weather.

"Plus, it isn't normal, British cold, you know. We're talking Norse blizzards and sub zero weather. You should wear layers of clothing."

"I think the ARC expects me to bring cutting edge equipment with me, Jess, not sweaters, parkas and fur-lined boots."

"Faux fur, Becker. Even I don't kill cute fluffy animals for fashion."

"Nice to know."

They giggled together. Becker let her ramble on about anything at all and Jess was more than happy to oblige. She'd finally begun to calm down and cheer up.

End of Chapter Three