1174 Words

Chapter Twelve

Again, news traveled fast. They walked directly to Ops and were greeted by applause and cheers.

"I knew you couldn't stay away from each other," said Connor.

"What?" asked Jess.

"You're back together," said Abby.

Becker laughed. Jess, however, was in shock. "How could you know? We just got back together!"

Becker kept laughing.

"News travels fast," said Matt chuckling.

"I'm so glad the gossip lines run so smoothly," said Lester. "Pity that it's the only thing here that is currently working!"

The whole Ops laughed. Jess shook her head and relieved Epstein at the ADD. Lester strolled to his office, but winked at the Captain and smiled at Jess.

"I had no idea the welfare of the ARC depended on our relationship," said Jess.

Becker laughed. "They're bored. It's been what, twelve hours with no anomalies?"

"Sh! Don't jinx us!" cried Connor. Several heads nodded in agreement.

Becker laughed. "I better get to Security. We are understaffed," he said. He walked behind Jess' chair.

"See you later," she said.

He nodded. They looked at each other for a moment, trying apparently to decide whether they should give the gossip line more ammo.

Becker leaned down, Jess raised her neck up. They kissed.

"Aw," said Ops in unison.

"Honestly! Get a life!" cried Jess.

Becker chuckled, walking out of Ops.

"Doesn't anyone else have work?"

"Sure, Jess," said Abby. "We're just happy for you."

"I know. Thank you."

The two women exchanged smiles. "Come on Connor, I'll walk you to your lab."

"Oh. Are we done teasing?"

"Yes, Conn."

Matt chuckled. "I have plants to take care of. Em?"

"Yes, I shall leave as well," she said. She walked to Jess and whispered, "I am relieved that you two are happy once more."

"Thanks, Em."

Emily nodded and walked out with Matt.

The rest of the morning was uneventful. There were no anomalies, so Jess was glad everyone had their minds on work and off her and Becker.

That is, they did until lunch.

Becker had stopped by Ops to walk Jess to the canteen. Inside, a server smiled at them, and directed them to the back, unused conference room.

"Oh, boy. Here we go," said Becker, laughing.

"Well, I wouldn't mind a violinist today," said Jess.

Becker shook his head. They walked into the conference room and found a small table set for two with flowers and candles.

"Don't you guys have enough work feeding hundreds of people?" asked Becker, chuckling.

Bernie came over, a bottle of sparkling cider in his hands. "No."

Jess laughed. "Short but sweet answer."

Bernie smiled. "Sit down. Please."

Becker laughed, held her chair out for her and Jess sat. He sat beside her.

"I just wanted to get this reconciliation off on the right foot," said the Chef. "I've made a prawn cocktail, seared trout with lemon accompanied by a lovely vegetable medley, and for dessert, of course chocolate."

"Chocolate what?"

"Does it matter, Jess?" asked Becker.

She blushed. 'No."

The men laughed.

"Your lunch shall be right out."

Bernie left the room, nearly bumping into Lester.

"Why is it that my minions are so well treated, and I stand here hungry and un-loved?"

Jess broke into laughter, hearing his words.

"And mocked. Charming."

Bernie laughed. "I apologize, Sir. I have made you something succulent: lobster bisque, followed by a lean cut of steak and your favorite vegetable."

"Ooh, artichoke hearts?"

"Indeed. Do you feel more loved?"

"Yes. Thank you. I'm still starving though."

"Be right with you, Sir," said Bernie.

The rest of the team had arrived and were in the serving line. "I should be jealous," said Matt.

"Of Becker?" asked Emily. "I did not realize you had a secret affection for Jess." She smiled.

Matt snickered. "Funny. Why shouldn't I be jealous? He's already seated and being served."

"While we wait in line for the ordinary food," said Connor. "Abby, let's break up."

"Not for trout, Connor. Maybe if Bernie was serving Lobster or something," said Abby.

"Good point Abs. It's not worth it."

Becker and Jess ate their lunch. "Are you OK? I mean are you embarrassed?" asked Jess.

Becker smiled. "No. You?"

"No," she said, holding his hand. "I really don't notice anyone else right now."

He chuckled, and kissed her hand. "Yeah. Me either."

She smiled. They finished lunch, and waited for the chocolate whatever.

"It was short notice," said Bernie. "Next time, let me know when you're about to make up."

"No," said Jess firmly. "There will be no 'next time.'

Bernie smiled. "That's what I like to hear." He set down two bowls of chocolate sundaes.

"Ice cream! Yummy," said Jess.

Bernie scoffed. "Please don't be rude. 'Ice Cream,' Miss Parker? No. I have given you each a huge wedge of homemade chocolate brownie, topped with the best chocolate ice cream on the market, then added some hand-whipped cream, and a secret chocolate sauce I have perfected over the years. Then I sprinkled the whole thing with chocolate shavings and added a few handmade chocolate truffles."

Jess turned to him. She had tears in her eyes. "I love you, Bernie."

"Hey!" cried Becker, as Jess jumped up and hugged Bernie tightly.

Bernie laughed. "Thank you Miss Parker." He cleared his throat nervously. "Try to remember Captain; I'm a lover, not a fighter."

Becker laughed loudly as Bernie set Jess back in her chair, and left them alone. Becker watched Jess devour Bernie's concoction. He laughed and shook his head. "You're amazing."

"Mmm….I know….mmm," she said between shovels of sundae.

"I suppose you want mine?"

She nodded, pulling his bowl over to her with one hand, as she kept shoveling the stuff in her mouth with the other.

In a few minutes, both bowls were licked clean. Jess sighed with satisfaction and smiled at Becker.

"Was it good?"

She nodded. "Duh."

He laughed. "Well, this has been…disgusting."

"Becker!"

"Sorry, but I can't imagine eating all that and still looking as fabulous as you do."

"She's not human," said Abby from the door.

"Hey," said Becker.

"Hey," said Abby. "How's it going?"

"Deliciously," said Jess.

Abby laughed. "Glad to hear it. Lester's having a coronary. He said to 'tell the love birds that standing on the unemployment line tends to ruin relationships.' His words not mine."

They laughed. "Thanks," said Becker. "I was getting ready to head off anyway. I just wanted to make sure Jess survived dessert."

Abby grinned. "Yeah. You are amazing to watch, Jess. The way you inhale sweets is incredible."

"Stop it," she said bashfully. "I guess we should get back to work. I hope you don't mind a chocolate kiss."

Becker shook his head. "My favorite."

He pulled her into him, and they kissed long and tenderly.

"I'll see you after work," said Jess.

He nodded. "How about we go out tonight?"

She eagerly nodded.

"Good. Alright, well, have fun in Ops."

Jess nodded, watching him leave.

"You still OK?" asked Abby. 'No regrets?"

Jess shook her head. "None."

"Good."

End of Chapter Twelve