Chapter 6 - Preparations
Lucas Bouchard felt like he had gone over his plans for the afternoon a dozen times. Even with such a high number, he felt like he hadn't gone over his plans enough for his liking.
He stood behind the counter of the Queen of Hearts dining room, crouched over a notebook with precise cursive handwriting in neat little rows. Every line had a bullet point. Over and over he read them through, his lips moving beneath the dark goatee.
"Have you memorized it yet, monsieur?" asked a heavily accented voice behind him. Turning, Lucas caught the amused expression of his chef, Gustave Pepin.
Lucas smiled half heartedly as he straightened up.
"You'd think I did with the amount of times I've read it over."
Gustave, a bit shorter than Lucas, leaned around the raven-haired man's shoulder as he wiped down a pint glass with a cloth. "May I ask what it is you're so intent on concentrating on?"
"It's my itinerary. For lunch with Elizabeth and Little Jack."
The chef's eyebrows raised dramatically.
"An itinerary?" He seemed to be chewing the word over in his mouth. "I will give you a bit of unsolicited advice, no? If you are looking to enjoy the afternoon with Elizabeth and Jack, you cannot call it an 'itinerary'."
"No?" Lucas dropped his shoulders slightly.
Gustave shook his head. "No, monsieur. Do you not think that such language is a bit...formal for someone building up a romance?"
Lucas pressed his lips together. "I suppose I haven't looked at it like that."
"It is not your fault, monsieur. You are a businessman. Words like that stick to a man's mouth like a bee to honey. But, you musn't let it trip you up, no? If you tell Elizabeth that you have built an itinerary, well, it takes away all the spontaneity. The flavour! Are you understanding what I am saying to you?"
Lucas nudged the notebook away from him.
"Clear as crystal."
This was one of the things that had worried him the most in recent days. While many of his neighbors in town considered himself and Elizabeth a finished story, Lucas knew that their journey was just beginning. Aside from a few intimate moments alone - most notably at Elizabeth's private publication party, Lucas hadn't spent much time with Elizabeth, and certainly not Little Jack. He knew that it wasn't something to feel down about. After all, everyone led such busy lives. Yet, he felt in his heart that the lack of quality time was something that he needed to work on.
A fancy lunch was just the start of his ideas for the afternoon.
"Gustave," he added suddenly, handing the notebook off to the man. "I won't call it an itinerary...but...will you take a look at what I have in mind?"
Gustave, true to form, gave Lucas an appraising glance before turning his full attention to the list. Every few seconds he tittered, clicking his tongue against the back of his teeth. More and more the noise persisted until finally the man handed the notebook back to Lucas.
"You are making a valiant effort, monsieur," he said. "But, this may be too vague."
"How so?" Lucas brought a hand up to stroke his dark facial hair nervously.
"Well, let's see here. You have put down, 'Go for a walk.' But, there is no mention of where you are going! One must have a destination planned before they set out, otherwise you are sure to become lost. What if Elizabeth asks you where you are going? You can hardly expect to tell her that it's a surprise and then disappoint her at the end."
"That's true…" Lucas enjoyed listening to Gustave. The man gave excellent advice, but it was also terrifying at the same time. Lucas normally acted in a very self-reliant, confident way, yet there were still times where he doubted himself. Elizabeth was no doubt working on getting him to open up more. That would come with time. This time, however, he wanted to impress not only her, but Little Jack.
"Where would you suggest we go?" he asked.
Gustave tapped his temple with a finger. "Always think of what Little Jack might like. A child is the key to a mother's heart. Elizabeth will be pleased if Jack is pleased. So, perhaps someplace to play?"
Lucas nodded. He had been thinking about Little Jack for a while, and the mention of playing gave him a feeling in his gut that he couldn't quite decipher. It was a mixture of guilt that there wasn't some place to play in the town, and also a desire to do something about it. He had seen so many parks when he lived in larger cities. There were swings and various structures for children to enjoy. An image of Elizabeth pushing Jack in a fancy toddler swing made Lucas smile.
"There aren't any parks around here," said Lucas. "But, I think I might have an idea."
Gustave smiled and went to dry another glass.
"As for the lunch," he said. "Do not worry so much about that part. Just remember that Jack is a child. He needs things to be simple. No creme brulee for a young boy like him, yes? Apple slices. That is a safe bet."
Lucas chuckled. "Apple slices and cinnamon. Got it."
"Then after that, you go for your walk to a nice place where Little Jack can play, and you and Elizabeth have a chance to spend some quality time with him."
"I like that idea." Lucas was already reformulating his plans in his head. Yes, he thought. I think this will work.
"You see? It is not so hard," said Gustave. "Everyone learns as they grow. Even me."
"Especially you," Lucas replied. "I don't know how you manage to come up with new dishes all the time, but I am incredibly appreciative. You keep things exciting at the saloon."
"And you," said Gustave, pointing a finger at Lucas's ches, "keep things exciting for Elizabeth and Jack. Now, go and finish getting ready. They will be here before you know it." He added one last bit before Lucas made it around the counter. "And, monsieur, I made sure to acquire the package you asked about. It is freshly wrapped and waiting up in your apartment."
Lucas grinned and gave the man a nod.
"I couldn't do this without you," he said.
"Give yourself some credit!" Gustave chuckled as Lucas hurried to the stairs. Once the man was out of earshot, he added in an amused tone, "But, this is true. I am integral in the romance department, am I not?"