928 Words, this chapter
Chapter Nine, Just a Costume 2: Redressed
At the end of the day, Becker waited for her in Ops. "What do you want to do tonight?" he asked.
"Don't care."
"What sounds good for dinner?"
"Um..Italian?"
"OK."
"Good," she said. "Ooh, you know what? We can go to that place across from Joe's."
"Joe's? Jess, we've been to Joe's shop every day for a week."
"I don't get your point, Becker. Besides, we're talking about eating."
Becker laughed. "I know you. We'll have to go into Joe's. In fact, I think that's why you picked that Italian place instead of another."
"I picked it because it has yummy food."
"Right."
She put her things in her bag and started to move across Ops. She turned to him. "But it wouldn't kill us to pop in and say hi to Joe."
"I knew it."
"What's your problem, anyway? You suddenly don't like Joe?"
"No. Joe is fine."
"So?"
"So," he said with a laugh. "We'll never use all those costumes!"
She smirked and tiptoed up to him. She kissed him lightly. "We can try," she said with a wink.
He shook his head and chuckled.
"Besides, we have to stop by Joe's. He'll wonder where we are if we don't."
"Sure he will," he said. "Work. Eat. Costume shop. What a weird life."
"It's not weird. It's perfect," said Jess. "Plus, we do other things."
"Like?"
"Well, we have a big date coming up in a few days."
He smiled. "We do?"
"Yes. I've been planning for it. You?" she asked, her hands on her hips as she tapped her foot in annoyance. "Answer carefully, Becker."
He smirked. "Fine. I've made reservations at a posh restaurant. Does that count?"
She giggled. "Yes. Thank you," she said, reaching up and pulling him to her and kissing him. "You're a good boy."
"Thank you," he said. "So what are these other plans?"
"You'll see on Saturday."
He smirked. "No sneak peeks?"
"Nope. Sorry. Now let's go. I want to try on some costumes!"
"Of course you do," he said.
Eventually Saturday arrived. Jess and Becker both worked. "Kind of a dull day," said Connor.
"Yes, I love it," said Jess. "Becker and I can sneak out early."
"If you get all your work finished," said Lester.
Jess stared at her boss. "Oh, don't you worry. It'll be done. Early."
Jess was very efficient, flying through her work. She hummed. She giggled out loud. She sang, "Anniversary...anniversary."
She heard laughter behind her. "Have plans?" asked Abby.
Jess smiled. "Maybe." She giggled. "I intend to have a lovely, cozy dinner with my man."
Abby smiled. "And then?"
Jess blushed. "Then the night gets even better." She giggled.
Abby laughed. "I'd ask you to elaborate but I'm afraid."
Jess blushed. "I can tell you...champagne."
"Ooh."
"Strawberries."
"Chocolate-covered," said Abby.
"Obviously," agreed Jess. "And Becker's made reservations at a nice restaurant."
"Nice."
Jess nodded and giggled. "I can't wait. You should see my dress!"
"I have."
"Really?"
Abby laughed, shaking her head. "You showed it to me. It's red, very low-cut, in fact, you bought a shiny black shawl to cover up with so Becker doesn't go ballistic."
"Right. I forgot I showed you."
"I guess you were thinking about someone else."
Jess laughed and nodded.
"Buy anything else for the occasion?"
Jess giggled and blushed. She looked around. Then she motioned Abby to come closer. "I bought a new, sexy nightgown."
Abby laughed. "Black for Becker?"
"No."
"Red?"
"No." Jess giggled. "It's brilliant white, with tiny crystals all over it."
"Aren't you afraid Becker will rip them off?"
Jess blushed, and covered her face. "I didn't think of that," she said with a laugh.
Abby laughed too. "Oh, well. Some things have to be sacrificed for romance."
Jess nodded, still laughing. "At least I'll have an excuse to buy another one. It's fashion; you have to roll with the punches."
Abby nodded. "Well, I guess I don't have to wish you a good evening."
"Nope. Just as long as no stupid anomalies show up..."
On cue, the ADD blared.
"No!" screamed Jess.
"Well, maybe it's just an anomaly and no creatures," said Abby, coming behind Jess.
Jess cursed. "No such bleeping luck."
Abby chuckled and patted her shoulder. "Don't feel sorry for yourself. Feel sorry for us."
"You?"
"We're the ones chasing after creatures with Becker. He'll be angrier than you."
Jess huffed. "Our anniversary is ruined."
"No it's not," said another voice. Becker walked into Ops with the rest of the team. "It only takes a second to zap the creature. Another to the throw the thing back through time, than before you know it, you and I will be alone, celebrating together."
Jess looked up and smiled. "Right."
"Wishful thinking."
"Shut up Temple."
"Come on," said Matt, grabbing black boxes. "Let's get this over with. Far be it from me to stand in the way of romance."
"Good. Hurry and get this done," said Jess.
Becker smiled, leaned down and kissed her. "Back soon."
She nodded. She watched them leave, a quiver in her stomach. "Becker?"
He looked back.
"Be careful."
He nodded. "Of course. I'll be back."
She smiled and they left. But she couldn't shake a bad feeling that she had.
End of Chapter Nine
