1187 Words, ends a bit abruptly, this and the next chapter was one big one, and I chopped it in half.
Chapter Five, Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
"Jess, where do you want this one? Jess! Come on, it's heavy!"
Becker heard the clip clop of heels.
"Sorry," she said running across the restaurant's private party room. "Right here, on this table. Thank you."
"That's the last one. Have enough stuff?"
Jess dug through the box. "It takes a lot to set a brunch for 24 people, Becker."
"Wow! That many?"
She nodded. "I hope this one has the place settings. It better, or I swear I will freak out. I could kill Lester. Sure, hosting a bridal shower isn't enough work, let's invite the minister's wife!"
"Relax. It will be fine."
"Fine is not good enough. It has to be perfect."
Becker smiled at her. She looked lovely in a soft green sundress with a full skirt that ended just below the knees. A pastel floral print bordered the bottom of the skirt and the bodice top. Delicate spaghetti straps showed off her shoulders, and her shiny brown hair flowed loosely over them.
"Would it help your nerves if I told you how gorgeous you look this morning?"
Jess smiled. "It might."
He pulled her towards him. "You are sure to be the most delicious sight at this brunch. Good thing no men were invited."
She blushed, and rewarded him with a loving kiss. "Thank you. That hit the spot. So did the compliment."
He laughed. "I have some time, can I help you set up?"
"Really? Oh, Becker, thank you," she said, hugging him tightly. "Most guys would grumble, 'its your party, you set up.' You are too sweet!"
"Only if its you," he said with a smile. "What can I do?"
"Well, I haven't blown up the balloons, want to man the helium tanks?"
"Sure," he said, with another quick kiss.
He had just started filling the first balloon when Jess, during idle conversation, said, "Actually, there are a couple men coming."
The blue balloon lost its helium and floated around the room, angrily hissing. Ironically, that's what Becker was trying not to do.
"What? You said no men!"
Jess laughed. "Down Captain. They're all older, married men, attending with their wives. There are only three: Abby's great uncles, and her step grand-father."
"Oh, that's OK."
"I'm glad we have your permission." Jess giggled, running over to kiss him. "Hmm. You are a bad distraction."
He grinned. "That was the plan, actually."
"You're bad," she said, smirking. Still, she kissed him again. Eventually, she pulled herself away. She had found the table settings, and got to work setting up the table. It took a while.
"Finally, done. How are you doing?"
She turned to see the last balloon, spotted like a blue leopard, float upward. Above Becker's head was a whole inflated sky of black and blue animal print balloons.
"Ooh, look at you! You did all those?"
"Please, I'm a trained soldier. I can handle dispersing a few dozen balloons."
She laughed. "You are very capable. Thank you. How does the table look?"
Becker glanced over the table. The table cloth was a soft blue with black tiger stripes. Each place setting had a large black charger plate, and another dark blue plate on top. A light blue napkin and matching silverware sat beside the plates. Black wine goblets and an iridescent blue glass completed each setting.
Between every four settings was a large see-through vase, lightly lined with black and blue stones. A tall, green peace lily sprang from each vase, and inside, swimming happily, were different colored fish.
"The table looks nice," he said, then he smirked, "but not as good as you."
She giggled.
"Wait. Uh..Jess? Those fish are real."
"Nice, Captain, it only took you half an hour to notice."
He glared at her. "The poor things will die."
"They will not! I was very careful. The pet store assured me they will live, and they are all going into Connor and Abby's aquarium after the shower. Relax."
"You're prepared."
"I am," she looked at her watch. "OK. Em's bringing the desserts from the bakery. The kitchen says they're ready when we are, so now I just need people."
Becker raised his eyebrows.
"Female people," she said, smiling.
"That is good," said Emily, walking through the door. "I am a female person."
Jess and Becker laughed, as Becker took the bakery boxes from her.
"Have I arrived before Abby?"
"You have," said Jess.
"I apologize for my tardiness. I wanted to help you set up, but the bakery had much business."
"That's fine, Emily. At least we weren't both delayed. That's why we split up, remember?"
Emily nodded. "Still, I wanted to help you."
"Wait, how did you get here? You don't drive," asked Becker.
"Yet," said Emily, smiling.
"She will be soon," said Matt, carrying more bakery boxes. "I'll be out of a job."
"Thank you for driving me and assisting," said Emily, taking the boxes, with a kiss.
"Yes, thanks. Bye," said Jess, pushing both men toward the door.
"What, I can't steal a bite?" asked Matt.
"No," said Jess. "Besides, the food isn't here yet."
"Too bad," said Matt.
"I have to eat, want to go grab something?" asked Becker.
"Sure," said Matt. "I told Connor I'd drop by after I dropped off Emily. We can all go out, since we've been banned."
Jess smiled, waved goodbye, and then returned to shoving them.
"Ouch!" cried Matt. "Pushy!"
Becker laughed. "Yeah, she uses me for my muscles and lips, then casts me away."
"Oh, no, you're on to me!" She smirked, and kissed him. "Thank you for helping."
"Anytime, Jess. Call me later?"
She nodded, and they kissed goodbye, as did Matt and Emily, and the men left.
"Is my outfit appropriate?" asked Emily.
Jess nodded. Emily wore a dress as well, but longer than Jess'. It was deep burgundy. It went down to her calves, draping over tall dark brown boots. The skirt was embroidered with a silver paisley-like pattern, but had no other colors. The top was simple, with a shirt-like collar and long sleeves. Emily's hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail.
"You look lovely. Becker said I did too, but, well, I'm not sure he counts. Do you think I look appropriate?"
Emily smiled. "You do look wonderful, Becker was not telling you a false hood."
"Thanks. I think I'm ready in here."
"I will open the desserts. The bakery set them on nice trays. We need only remove the lids."
"Good. I'll help."
"No. You have done enough. Sit. It is a command."
Jess scoffed. "I thought it was Lady Merchant, not Captain."
Emily smiled. "I promise you, I can be as formidable as your Captain."
"I believe you. I'm sitting down, right now. Thank you."
Emily nodded, and opened the boxes, setting out the desserts on one of the extra tables. Jess relaxed, sipping some water.
Just then the manager walked in. "Excuse me, Miss Parker, Miss Merchant. The first of the guests are arriving. Is it fine to send them back?"
"Yes, please do," said Jess.
End of Chapter Five