2261 Words. Sorry, it's long, but better as one whole chapter

Chapter Four, The Wedding: Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Becker sat in Jess' car. It was their lunch hour. The last place he wanted to be was at a strip club. Especially one where the dancers were male.

"Becker, come on!" Jess cried, tapping a blue and yellow heel. "You promised."

He crawled out. "I know, Jess. I really don't want to do this."

She smiled, and kissed him slowly. "Better?"

He nodded. "Thank you," he said. "Let's go."

She laughed, and took his hand, pulling him into the club. It was empty. Hip hop music played, and neon lights flashed, but no one was on the stage.

"Hi, folks."

"Hi, I called about hiring some strippers for a hen party?"

"Yes, I'm Cindy. I own Pecs and More. Come on in and sit down."

"I'm so glad you didn't tell me the name of this place before," said Becker.

Jess laughed.

"Would you like a drink?"

"Yes."

"Becker, you can't. You're back on duty in less than an hour."

"Oh, are you a policeman?"

"No. I'm a soldier, actually," said Becker, suddenly feeling the need to be very macho.

"Ooh," said Cindy. "I love military men."

Jess' stomach flopped, and she suddenly didn't like the owner as much. Cindy was old, well, to be fair, only about forty or so, but Jess wasn't feeling kind. Cindy was pretty, but wore gaudy jewelry and lots of makeup. Cheap.

"Oh, I'm sorry, this is my boyfriend, Captain Becker."

"Ooh, and a Captain. Nice. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jess growled lowly. Becker coughed to avoid laughing. "Nice to meet you too."

"So, are you the happy couple?"

"No," said Jess, blushing. "They're our best friends."

"Nice. Now, did you want to hire some dancers to perform elsewhere, or did you want to reserve a night here?"

"I'd like to hire them for my flat, I mean, the party's at my flat, with other people, uh, women. Not that they have to be women. I mean...ugh...I'm sorry."

Jess turned bright red. She held her head in her hands.

"Are you alright, honey?" asked Cindy.

"Could you get us a couple of sodas?" asked Becker, taking Jess' hand.

Cindy smiled. "Sure," then she bent down to Jess. "Don't be flustered honey. First time in a strip club?"

Jess nodded.

"We're old pros. I promise you, we aren't embarrassed. You don't need to be either. I'll be right back with a nice, cool drink."

"Thank you," said Jess, feeling bad for her earlier dislike.

"You OK?" asked Becker.

Jess shook her head. "I'm so...this is weird."

Becker laughed and kissed her. "You have no idea how happy I am that you're uncomfortable."

Jess chuckled. "Well, I'm glad you're happy."

Becker held her hand. "I'm here, and remember, this is all for Abby."

She nodded. "For Abby."

"Here you go," said Cindy, bringing the drinks. She sat down next to Jess. "Now, just relax, honey."

Jess nodded, and took a few sips. "Thank you, you're very kind."

"Don't mention it. OK. So, do you know how many dancers you'd like?"

"Two, I think," said Jess.

Cindy wrote in a binder. "Do you have any preferences, I mean, do want a specific race or hair-color or height?"

Jess looked clueless. "Uh...I don't know."

Becker smiled. "I doubt Abby would care," he said.

Cindy smiled. "Hair preference?"

"Her groom-to-be has dark hair," said Jess, "but again, it probably doesn't matter."

"Fine. Body type?"

"Connor's kind of wimpy and short."

"He is not!"

Becker laughed. "Compared to me."

Jess giggled. "Don't tell him I said so, but yes, compared to you."

Cindy laughed. "So someone of average height maybe?"

Jess nodded. "Just make them gorgeous," she said, making a face at Becker.

Becker smiled. "You feel better, now, don't you?"

"Yes, thank you. Too bad it's at Connor's expense."

He laughed.

"What date did you want?"

"Is next Thursday too soon?"

"It's perfect," said Cindy. "Thursdays are slow, so you can have your pick." She plopped the binder in front of them, and winked at Jess. "I thought showing you their pictures might help. If you're really nervous, honey, they don't even have to dance."

"Thank you, but I want to do this right. I'd like to see them dance. Maybe just a few, though," she said, flipping through the pictures.

The guys were shirtless or in tight tanks, wearing shorts or jeans.

"You pick out three or four you like, and I'll have them do a routine for you. Now, these six that I've flagged, they're here in the club right now. But, you can pick anyone and hire them from the picture. They just can't dance for you now."

Jess smiled appreciatively. "That may be for the best. Thank you, Cindy. I feel much better."

She patted Jess on the shoulder. "I'll leave you alone. You call me if you need a single, little thing, OK?"

Jess nodded, and Becker smiled. "I like her," he said, "But then I'm a sucker for anyone nice to you."

Jess laughed, and looked to make sure Cindy couldn't hear. "I didn't at first," she whispered. "I got a little territorial."

Becker laughed, and kissed her hand. "I don't mind."

She smiled. "OK, let's sift through these pictures." She turned the pages. "I just don't know. They're all cute."

"They're pretty, like girls."

"Becker, that's not nice."

"They're trying too hard to be sexy."

Jess laughed. "I guess it comes easy to some," she said.

He smirked. "It does."

She smiled. "I just can't pick. No one jumps out at me."

Becker smiled, smugly. "A whole book of pecs and more, and you don't like any."

"Not exactly what I said, Becker."

"Find anyone?" asked Cindy, coming back.

Jess flipped back to the pages of the guys currently in the club, and pointed to one. "He kind of looks like Connor."

"You sure you should pick one like him? I mean the poor girl is going to be stuck with him for the rest of her life."

"Stop it, Becker!" He laughed. "I like him," she said.

"Carlos, he's a good choice. His routines are: fireman, matador, deep sea fishing..."

"What?" asked Becker. "How is that sexy?"

"Oh, darlin, anything can be sexy with the right amount of attention," said Cindy.

Jess smiled. "What else?"

"He also has an act with a python."

"A real python? That's perfect! Abby's an animal expert. She loves reptiles!"

"That is perfect," said Cindy.

"Wait, wait. He's going to strip, with a live snake wrapped around him?" asked Becker.

Cindy nodded.

Jess smiled widely. "Abby will love it!"

Becker shuddered. "It's creepy."

Jess giggled. "I'm so excited. Hold on. Is the snake safe? I mean, I don't want anyone bit. Wait, why am I worried? Abby is an expert."

"The snake's name is Monty, and yes, he's safe."

"Monty the Python?" asked Becker.

Jess giggled. "Connor would love it too!"

"Too bad, no guys allowed," said Becker.

"Yeah, you look heartbroken," teased Jess. "Is Monty here?"

Cindy shook her head. "Sorry. He 's Carlos' pet, and only performs in private."

"That's fine. Let's save Monty for the party."

Cindy nodded. "We have Anthony who does a lion tamer routine. No real lions."

"Pity," said Jess seriously. "What does he look like?"

"Tall, blond and beautiful," said Cindy.

"Let's look at him anyway," said Jess, causing Becker to choke on his drink.

"Now who's being mean to Connor?"

"What? I've never know Abby to go ga-ga over blondes, that's all," said Jess.

Cindy smiled as she marked Anthony down. "Would you like to see Ben? He does a Tarzan."

Jess made a face. "I don't think Abby's into ape men, don't make any Connor jokes, Becker."

"Ben also does a dentist, biker, and mad scientist."

Jess and Becker both looked at her and smiled. "Ben," they said in unison.

"Which routine?"

Becker smirked. "The mad scientist, for sure."

"Very well," said Cindy. "Three dancers enough to audition?"

Jess nodded.

"Give me a few minutes to round them up."

Jess smiled. "I'm excited now. I think they'll be perfect for Abby. I am a little worried about the snake."

"Be more worried about the man with the snake."

Jess laughed. "You're not back to being jealous, are you?"

"Can't help it. None of these guys better get too close to you," he said.

At first she smiled, but then a horrible thought crossed her mind. "You aren't armed, are you?"

He smirked.

"Becker! Maybe I should frisk you."

"Now you're talking."

Jess laughed, and the lights came down slightly, and music began to play. Cindy came out, and sat beside Jess, taking her hand.

"Anthony is first, and remember. This is his job, nothing to be embarrassed about."

Jess smiled. "Thank you."

Cindy nodded.

"What does he do again?" asked Becker.

"Lion tamer," said Cindy.

Becker smirked. "Right, blond, beautiful, and boring to Jess."

Jess grimace.

The lights on stage started flashing and a man, beautiful and blond came out, wearing a flamboyant red jumpsuit, and carrying a large plush lion.

Anthony gyrated around, dangling the lion in front of him, and Jess and Becker burst out laughing.

"I'm so sorry!" cried Jess, trying desperately not to be rude.

Anthony didn't seem to notice and kept going. He threw the lion down, and stood on it, like he had just grappled with a 500 pound man-eater.

Becker was dying. He tried to be polite and keep the laughter in, but his ears turned pink, and his eyes were weeping.

Jess wasn't doing much better.

Then Anthony pulled the big, obvious zipper down his pantsuit. He jutted his hips and tried to look sexy.

It wasn't working.

Becker lost control and collapsed onto the table, laughing.

"No," said Jess, giggles bursting out. "I'm sorry. I don't think this will work. Thank you."

Cindy waved her hand, and the music stopped. Anthony looked put out, but grabbed his lion and left.

"I think I need to talk to him about that routine," said Cindy.

"I'm sorry. I hope we didn't get him into trouble," said Jess, wiping her eyes.

"Honey, watching you two react like that was painful, a whole, crowded room like that would kill me."

Becker laughed.

"OK. Next is Carlos. He's going to do his matador routine, but don't worry, no stuffed bull," said Cindy.

"Probably good," said Jess. Becker smirked.

Sultry Spanish music played, and a man pounced through the curtain. He wore a sombrero, tight, tight black pants, a red vest, and a tight black shirt.

"Whoa," said Jess.

Becker's eyes narrowed.

Carlos shook his hips, staring intently at Jess.

Becker's blood warmed.

Carlos thrust his hips, and ground his pelvis.

Jess gasped. Becker growled.

Carlos then dropped to his knees and jumped forward, moving slowly toward the edge of the stage.

Jess held her breath.

Then, Carlos began removing clothes. First his sombrero hit the floor. He rolled his shoulders, and slowly removed the vest. He held it above his head, twirling it.

Jess smiled.

Becker did not.

Slowly, Carlos undid buttons on his shirt, watching Jess' face.

So was Becker.

Carlos licked his lips, and Jess eyes popped out.

So did Becker's.

Carlos removed his shirt, kissed it, and tossed it toward Jess.

She stared at it lying on the table.

Becker growled again, and shot daggers through his eyes at Carlos.

Carlos then jumped up in one move, standing. His hands went to his pants.

"That's enough!" yelled Becker, jumping up from his chair.

Cindy gave the 'stop the routine' wave.

Jess clapped with enthusiasm. "That was great!"

"Gracias, Senorita," said Carlos.

"Oh, are you Spanish?"

"Si."

"You were wonderful."

Becker growled.

"We'd like you to dance for our friend's hen party, but could you bring Monty, please? She's an expert on reptiles."

"Si. It would be my pleasure. Monty, as well."

Cindy smiled. "Thank you Carlos."

Becker growled. "I don't like him."

Jess smiled, and stood up. She hugged Becker, and gently kissed his cheek, then she slowly kissed him.

"He's just dancing. That's all I want him for. You, however, I want for much more, and more than a couple of hours. I promise you."

Becker's tension eased away, and he kissed her back. "Sorry. Instincts kicked in. I can't stand you looking at anyone else."

"I'm yours. Always."

Becker nodded, and sat back down.

"Thank you, honey," said Cindy. "Your man had me worried there for a while."

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Oh, darlin, you are too hot not to forgive. Will you behave so we can have the last dancer?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Jess giggled.

"Fine. On with the show. Ben, our mad scientist."

Ben came out and did his routine.

Jess giggled and Becker smirked. Cindy didn't quite understand the joke, but then, they didn't know Connor.

"You're hired!" cried Jess.

"Definitely," said Becker.

Jess ran over and hugged Cindy. "Thank you! This is going to be great! I'm so happy."

Cindy smiled. "Good, honey."

"Thank you. I was so nervous. That's why I dragged him along," she said, gesturing to Becker. "You were very helpful and sweet."

"You're welcome. I'm glad we could set you up. And I'm glad you did bring him along. He's a keeper."

"He is. Goodbye. Bye Ben, Carlos. See you soon. Sorry, Anthony."

Ben and Carlos waved and smiled pleasantly, until they saw Becker.

He glared at them and did the 'I've got my eye on you' gesture.

Ben and Carlos gulped, and Anthony smiled with relief.

It was the first gig he was glad to lose.

End of Chapter Four

I'm saving the description of the mad scientist striptease for the hen party.