1135 Words, this chapter
Chapter Fifteen, Just a Costume 2: Redressed
Sunday morning, they slept in. Around noon they decided to have breakfast: champagne, chocolate, the left-over bread from the night before, and strawberries.
Then they went back to bed, but didn't sleep.
Around four, Jess was hungry, but Becker convinced her to stay in the bedroom. Finally around 6, they were starving.
"Frank's?"
"No. I want real food."
Becker smirked. "Yeah, I guess we have worked up our appetites."
She blushed and nodded. She finished dressing, taking far less time than usual. She wore a bright yellow mini skirt and a red sweater. Her hair was tied up with a green ribbon.
"You look very pretty."
"Thank you. I'm barely trying," she said with a smirk.
He laughed. "You're naturally beautiful, Jess."
"Aw," she said, leaning up to kiss him. "I'm definitely keeping you."
"Good. I'm glad to hear it, Jess," he said, chuckling. He took her hand, and led her out of the flat. As they walked to his truck they talked about where they should go.
"How about that little cafe by Joe's?" she asked.
"Again?"
"What? Last time we went to the Italian restaurant, not the cafe."
"Right. I still think it's the costumes calling to you, not food."
"They both are, but my stomach's calling loudest."
"OK. Just checking."
Jess hopped in his truck and they drove to the cafe. On the way Jess said, "We can stop at Joe's after."
Becker chuckled and shook his head. "Of course we can. After all it's almost been two whole days."
"I know! I'm having costume withdrawal."
He laughed. "If Joe was serious about getting costumes in every day we'll be swamped."
Jess grinned. "Yeah. We'll have lots to try. Fun!"
He shook his head. "You're idea of fun gets stranger and stranger."
Jess kept grinning. "You love my costumes. Don't deny it."
"No comment."
They had a nice quiet dinner. Then they hit up Joe's. Jess skipped to the counter. "What have you got that's new?"
Joe laughed. "Hi. I was worried. Two days."
"Sorry," said Jess. "Our anniversary took precedence."
"Oh. Right. Happy anniversary guys."
"You're responsible for us hooking up, indirectly," said Jess.
"I am?"
"I took one look at her in that angel costume and it was over for me," said Becker.
Joe laughed.
"You know, you should give us a present," said Jess.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because your our...match maker," she said.
"Then shouldn't you owe me?" asked Joe.
"No! Get with spirit Joe."
"He's already giving us 20 percent, Jess."
"Becker! Sh!" she cried, stamping her feet. "You're an awful shopper."
"You mean extortionist," he corrected.
Joe just laughed. "Actually, I don't have a present but I do have a proposition."
Jess and Becker's eyebrows shot up.
"Clarify yourself, Joe," said Becker with a glare. "I'd hate to have to make Linda a widow."
Joe laughed. "Right. It's a business proposition and I promise it requires both of you."
Becker smiled. "You get to live."
Jess giggled. "What's on your mind, Joe?"
"We need help. I told Linda that I was afraid we might let some of the costumes onto the floor that maybe we shouldn't. It's a big job. We have lots of costumes."
"Too many."
"Hush, Becker! Go on, Joe. I'm intrigued."
Becker chuckled and shook his head. Jess was hanging onto Joe's every word.
"Well, it was actually Linda's idea. She thought maybe we could enlist your help."
Jess began bouncing up and down. She grinned widely.
"You don't even know what he's asking yet," said Becker.
"But it sounds promising."
Joe laughed. "We thought maybe we could have you and the Captain here try on some costumes and let us know if they pass the 'Becker's gonna kill someone' test."
Jess giggled. "Makes sense."
"Wait. If they pass the test, doesn't that mean I will kill someone?"
"Whatever," said Joe. "Pass or fail. Just OK the ones to put out on the floor."
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Becker! Why?"
"Because there is a major flaw in this plan," he said. "We'll be inside the store, trying these on. Someone will die, Jess."
Joe laughed. "I haven't become owner of the biggest costume shop in town by being stupid. We thought it would save time, medical bills, and lawsuits to send the costumes directly to your flat."
Jess squealed.
"Ow! Jess!"
She ignored her boyfriend and bounced in giddy excitement. "And you can pay us in the costumes!"
Joe nodded, laughing. "That's what Linda thought you'd say."
She nodded too, jumping for joy. "I'm in!"
"What happened to 'no moonlighting?" asked Becker.
Jess stopped bouncing. "For goodness sake, Becker! This isn't a job! It's a privilege!"
Joe laughed while Becker shook his head. "Sounds like a waste of time."
Jess glared at him. "You're insane. It will save us a fortune."
"True," said Becker. "In our flat, huh?"
Joe nodded. "Discreetly shipped too."
Becker looked at Jess. "I guess I'm in too."
"Of course you are," said Jess, like he was an idiot. "I can't wait!"
"At least we won't have to drive all the way here so often."
Again Jess looked at him like he was insane. "Why would we stop?"
Joe laughed and Becker just shook his head. "I'm fighting a lost battle."
"You are," agreed Joe.
Jess leaned across the counter and kissed Joe.
"Watch it!" he cried. "I'm too young to die, Jess!"
Becker laughed. "It's OK, Joe. I realize that she's in love with the costumes, not you."
"Sorry," said Jess, wiping shiny pink lipstick from the shop owner's mouth. "I got overly excited."
"It's alright," said Joe. "As long as the captain is fine."
She looked at Becker. "I only want to kiss you, sweetie, I swear."
He laughed. "I know, Jess. Thank you."
She smiled. "I appreciate your trust." She sighed. Then she turned to Joe. "Now. About the costumes, how soon can we start trying them on at home?"
Becker shook his head and chuckled. "There goes our evenings."
"Really? I thought you usually spent your evenings with my costumes," said Joe with a cheeky smile.
"No comment."
Jess giggled. "Yes, Joe, I thought you valued your customers' privacy."
"I do, believe me. Some more than others."
Becker laughed. "We're the some, Jess."
She giggled. "Good. Joe's right of course, it won't cut into our private time at all." She shot Becker a wicked grin.
He winced. "Too much information, Jess."
"Yeah, I don't want to know," said Joe.
End of Chapter Fifteen
