Brooke followed Debie into yet another shop... This time, it was a bakery for desserts.
DEBIE : Let's recap, so we have the mini apple tarts, the teurgoule verrines, and the pear-chocolate puff pastries.
BAKERY MANAGER : That's what we were going for, yes.
DEBIE : Perfect! I think we thought of everything... What do you think, Brooke? It's all mouthwatering, right?
BROOKE : It looks delicious... But also very Norman, right?!
DEBIE : Exactly! There's nothing like showcasing our local produce and artisans at the same time... Do you think it's... Too Norman perhaps?!
BROOKE : Let's just say that Norman desserts don't have the reputation of being the lightest...
DEBIE : That's why we've also planned Norman holes with apple sorbet and Calvados, isn't that right Micheline?
BAKERY MANAGER : A refreshing gastronomic interlude, which, moreover, will facilitate the digestion of the guests!
BROOKE : You thought of everything... It seems perfect, and...
Suddenly, Brooke's cell phone started ringing in the store. She looked at Debie.
BROOKE : Excuse me... Can I take this call?
DEBIE : Of course! Micheline and I still have to discuss the last details about the delivery...
Brooke thanked her quickly and decided to leave the store to talk freely... Because she knew it was Owen.
BROOKE : Hello?
OWEN : Hello beautiful! How are you?
BROOKE : Hi Owen! I'm fine... And you, especially?
OWEN : I'm fine too but let's say I'm getting a little impatient... I was planning on arriving tonight.
BROOKE : Tonight?! Already?
OWEN : Hide your joy... It's nice!
BROOKE : No, I'm sorry... It's just that...
OWEN : It's just that you didn't find me a place to stay, is that it?
BROOKE'S THOUGHT : If he knew what I was thinking... It's just that I don't want to betray the people of the Community, Lucas in particular. It's just that I feel like he's going to be the source of trouble that I'm bound to be involved in... It's just that I might have a real chance of getting out of this and that I could ruin it because of him... It's just that I'm not so sure that I want or need to see him anymore...
OWEN : Brooke? Don't worry, honey. I'll stay anywhere as long as I see you, feel you... No matter the risk I run without a hideout, I don't want to wait any longer. I'll be there late afternoon.
The words they spoke seemed very tender to Brooke on his part... She wasn't insensitive to it.
BROOKE : You can't take any chances, Owen. I might have somewhere you can stay, safely...
She knew she shouldn't... She knew it might backfire on her... But she also knew Owen would go to jail if he was arrested, that she loved him. Well, she thought... She had to see him to make sure, she had to know he was still part of her present or rather her past.
BROOKE : There's a cottage of sorts on the estate where I'm staying... No one ever goes there.
OWEN : No one? Is it secluded, though?
BROOKE : It's tucked away in the woods. Apparently, it's only when they have the Bishop or whoever... I should be able to tell if they're planning on having anyone stay... And it's pretty comfortable too.
OWEN : You're perfect, Brooke. And this place looks perfect too. I can't wait to hold you in my arms...
Brooke finished giving him the necessary explanations. Owen gave him a list of things he would need.
OWEN : Oh, I especially need a new prepaid card so we can communicate peacefully, can you find that?
BROOKE : Ok, that should be within my capabilities. I'll take care of it.
OWEN : See you tonight then, my dear?
BROOKE : Yeah, see you tonight, Owen.
Debie and Brooke then went to a hardware store to find some outdoor candles. Brooke wasn't really into what she was doing anymore... It was going round and round in her head.
DEBIE : I'm looking for those big candles in terracotta pots. I'd like to put some to light up the path.
BROOKE : Mmhhh...
As Debie began to pace the aisles, Brooke followed her half-heartedly, like a shadow, a lost soul.
HALEY : Brooke ?!
BROOKE : Oh! Hello Haley!
Debie also greeted the home educator and left to continue her search.
HALEY : By the way, we're celebrating Sam's birthday on Wednesday starting at 3:00. Would you like to join us?
BROOKE : I'll ask Debie because the Gala is the next day... But I'd really like it! Besides, what would make her happy?
HALEY : Your presence will be enough of a gift, believe me! I'll keep the surprise, so...
DEBIE : Brooke! I found it!
Debie's enthusiastic voice echoed in the store. At first surprised, Haley and Brooke laughed at the same time.
BROOKE : I'm going to have to leave you, duty calls!
HALEY : I understand!
BROOKE : I'm doing my best to be there on Wednesday... Have a nice day!
Once a whole box of candles had been loaded into the trunk of the van, Debie and Brooke were ready to hit the road again. At the last moment, Brooke saw a phone and computer store across the street... She stopped.
BROOKE : Debie, do you mind if I just go get a recharge for my phone?
DEBIE : No problem but I'm coming with you...
BROOKE : Don't feel obligated... I'll only be two minutes!
DEBIE : Actually I don't feel obligated at all... On the contrary! And I find Keith so charming, you'll see.
Bothered for a few moments that she was accompanying her, Brooke smiled to see her so impatient to see the mysterious salesman again. She even hurried to cross the street! After entering, Debie blushed and calmed her ardor in one go.
KEITH : Hello Debie!
DEBIE : Oh! Hello Keith!
Brooke amused herself by observing the scene and seeing Debie so destabilized by the handsome Keith so clean on him. Faced with a somewhat pronounced silence from Debie, Keith decided to go for it in her place.
KEITH : What can I do for you?
DEBIE : Oh, nothing for me... That's lovely! Actually, it's for my friend... Brooke?
Debie turned around as her arm seemed to reach for Brooke. Brooke stepped forward and greeted the clerk.
BROOKE : I'd like a prepaid mobile top-up... For thirty euros, please.
KEITH : Okay, miss. They're right here, behind my counter... Here you go.
As Brooke pulled out her card to insert it into the terminal, she looked up at Debie who was staring at Keith.
BROOKE : Thank you, sir. Say, I was wondering if you'll be attending the Gala on Thursday night?
Brooke glanced back at Debie. She jumped, blushed, and turned her head back to Brooke, all at the same time.
DEBIE : Brooke, what are you talking about?
BROOKE : Oops... Sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass anyone. Do you already have a date, Debie?
DEBIE : A date?! No... Well, yes. Nathan will be there. But I... Um...
BROOKE : Nathan's not a real date, he's your son... Plus, I think it would be a good idea to have a tech professional with us... You know, for the sound, the mics, the lighting... Imagine if we had a problem during the party?
Debie seemed to be weighing her arguments... Brooke hoped her attraction to Keith would take care of the rest.
DEBIE : Keith, would you be able to handle the technical maintenance of a gala evening?
Apparently, Debie still needed a little help. Years of being single didn't help.
BROOKE : In other words, do you have anything planned for Thursday night?
KEITH : This Thursday? Is that an invitation or a job offer?
Brooke turned to Debie, with a look that said "your turn now"...
DEBIE : Well, it could be an invitation...
KEITH : Then, I accept gladly, dear Debie!
It took Debie a few seconds to realize... Then she put on a shaken but totally delighted smile.
Once their purchases were done and the trunk loaded, Brooke and Debie left for the abbey. Debie had been whistling the whole way.
DEBIE : We can leave everything in the van! We're going back to the hall tomorrow... We'll drop everything off. Come with me, I know exactly what we have to do now!
Debie was light, frivolous and even a little exuberant... Brooke followed her and she communicated her joy of life to her. A few steps further, they arrived at Sister Julie's workshop, which didn't delight Brooke much.
DEBIE : Hello Sister! We're coming to see how your creations for Brooke are going...
SISTER JULIE : I'll show you right away, ladies! Settle down Debie... Brooke, follow me.
A little resigned, Brooke walked with lead feet behind a screen that served as a fitting room. Sister Julie brought her several dresses ... She tried them on one by one. The first was a black dress mostly in leather with a little black lace ... The second was light gray and shiny but accompanied by a jacket that gave a very glamorous side to the outfit. The third was burgundy and entirely in leather, it was low-cut at the neckline ... Very sexy! And finally the last one, a long dress but fortunately black. It was also tight and transparent on the top. Brooke puts them on one by one, observing herself in the mirror. She preferred to stay out of the gaze of the two women. She could already spot the one she preferred.
Even though she really wasn't a fan of dresses, she had to admit that Sister Julie was very talented. Leather, black or red, the jacket side, transparency and especially the sexy side that she liked to assume. What's more, she had respected her style and tastes in clothing as much as possible... Besides, she thought she already knew which one she would wear... But she wouldn't say anything. Not yet. She was too proud!
She got dressed again and finally left the dressing room, taking on a slightly jaded air. The two women were waiting for her reaction.
BROOKE : They're not too bad...
DEBIE : I'm sure they're absolutely magnificent! Even more so worn by you!
BROOKE : In any case, Sister Julie, it's much less worse than what I thought at first... So, thank you.
A sparkle shone in Debie's eyes, she perceived Brooke's compliment and had deduced that there was a chance.
SISTER JULIE : I am very touched to see that I was able to capture what might make you change your mind...
BROOKE : I haven't said yes yet... But I promise to think about it seriously. Thanks to you and your dresses!
Brooke exchanged an awkward smile with Sister Julie who smiled warmly at her. Debie, she was stamping her feet.
SISTER JULIE : Is there anything else I can do for you ladies?
DEBIE : Maybe yes... It turns out I recently found a date...
Sister Julie waited for Debie to continue. She raised her eyebrows to invite her to continue.
DEBIE : I was thinking that maybe this would be an opportunity to wear something... new and more spirited...
SISTER JULIE : Oh! Are you really asking me to make you a dress?
DEBIE : Yes, well... Only if you think you'll still have time... It's true that it's short and...
SISTER JULIE : No, it'll be fine, no problem! I just didn't expect that... But I'd be very happy to!
DEBIE : Magnificent!
Debie looked more and more like a teenager defying her own inhibitions ... She turned to Brooke.
DEBIE : Brooke, you can go if you want. Julie, take my measurements, it might take a while. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and thank you ... Thank you for everything!
Brooke thanked her and didn't need to be asked twice to leave the workshop. She wanted to see Lucas.
As soon as she left, she headed towards the central garden hoping to catch a glimpse of him. As she looked towards the outside, she didn't see the open door on her right. She felt a hand grab her wrist and pull her into a dark room then quickly close the door.
BROOKE : I was just thinking about you ...
As she naturally approached her lips to kiss him, Lucas turned his head away at the last moment.
LUCAS : Brooke, we need to talk, you and I...