736 Words, this chapter

Chapter Nineteen, Just a Costume 2: Redressed

In the last days before Halloween, Jess had led more trips to the costume shop.

Becker was getting tired. "Another trip to Joe's? Seriously? Jess, why?"

Jess looked flabbergasted. "I need costumes!"

He laughed, rather rudely. "You do not! You could fill a small house with your costumes!"

Jess stared at him. "I thought you liked them!"

He snickered. "You're going overboard."

"I am not!"

"I don't want to spend another Saturday in Joe's!"

"Fine. Don't come!" She gestured to Matt and Emily. "They need my expertise more than you do," she said. "No offense."

"None taken. We didn't have costumes," said Matt, "in the future."

"And I am enjoying my freedom in expression," said Emily. "You are teaching me much."

"See?" asked Jess triumphantly.

Becker didn't budge.

Jess huffed. "Let's go without him." She sent him one last nasty glare.

Becker caught her arm as she started to leave her flat. "Hey," he said. He smiled. "I don't mind the costumes. It makes you happy, so, I guess I kind of love them."

Jess smiled.

"I'm just a bit tired out, that's all."

Jess sighed. "OK. I"m sorry. I have dragged you to Joe's...a lot."

He nodded.

"You don't have to come. It's really OK." She smiled. "You've been really good to me, letting me dress you up."

Becker smiled. He kissed her. "I don't hate dressing up...for you." She smiled. "And I really like the ones that are just you and me," he said.

She giggled. "Me too."

"I just need a break, OK?"

She nodded.

"I want you to go and just have fun."

"OK. What will you do while we're gone?"

"Oh, probably hit the shooting range." He smirked. "Unless you want to ditch them and come."

She wrinkled her nose. "No! You do your thing. I'll do mine."

"For now, right?" he asked with an eyebrow raise. "We're good?"

She smiled and kissed him. "We're good. I'll see you later, though?"

"Definitely. I promise I'll call when I'm done at the range."

"OK. Have fun," she said. "Be careful."

"You too," he said, winking. "Maybe only try on loose, billowy things, huh?"

She laughed and nodded. Then left with Matt and Emily. Soon they were inside Joe's shop.

"No Becker?"

"Nah. He's getting costume-stressed," she said, "but we're good."

"Good. It has been a long month," Joe said.

"Two more days," said Jess, "and Halloween's over! How did it go so quickly?"

"I'm a little glad the season's nearly over," said the owner. "I need a break."

Jess giggled. "I bet. I'll still be coming in, you know."

"I hope so. The kids still have to eat."

She laughed and nodded, then they hit the racks.

Emily soon pulled a costume out. "I like this, however I am surprised that I seem to be favoring the Occult."

Jess laughed. "It is Halloween."

"Indeed," said Emily. She held a"Day of the Dead" costume. It was a long, black dress, covered with tattered gray lace, appliqued skull heads and black roses. It had an old, distressed look.

"I like it," said Matt.

"It is macabre," said Emily.

"Yes," said Jess. "It's a bit too dark and depressing for me, but it's nice. Get it."

"I shall. However, I did see another one that appeals to me." She pulled out a long light blue period dress. It came with a big, fluffy hat. A sash across the dress said, "Votes for Women."

"A suffragette," said Jess. She smiled. "That's perfect for you."

Emily nodded. "It represents a strong, independent, and formidable woman."

"That's you alright," said Matt.

"I shall purchase it as well."

"You'll need several," said Jess.

Matt moaned. "You're making us hit several clubs again?"

Jess nodded. "Of course. Becker's OK with it."

"Becker's whipped."

Emily blushed. "Be careful, Matt. I may have a whip of my own soon." She looked at Jess and smiled.

Jess giggled. Matt didn't get the joke; they hadn't shown him the dominatrix.

After a few more choices Jess said, "OK, I think we're all set."

"Good. I've had my fill of costume shopping too," said Matt.

Jess shook her head. "Men. They just don't know what's fun."

End of Chapter Nineteen