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"Hey, babe," JC greeted as they took off their dirty apron and sat down next to Nicole.
"Hey," Nicole returned barely glancing up from her sketchpad.
"I'm about to clock out," JC informed. "Want to head back to your place for dinner and watch a Bill Murray movie?"
Nicole looked up at her partner. Their face and arms were covered with dried flecks of flour from the various baked goods they made during their shift. The shirt they were wearing was littered with fruit stains. They smelled like coffee, muffins, and cleaning supplies. She loved it when JC looked like this. It showed how committed they were to their craft.
"Uh, no," Nicole finally answered after she realized she was staring. "I'm going to hang out here for a bit longer. I got some more work to do. Tomorrow though?"
JC tried to not look upset, but they understood. Nicole worked better in an environment where she could focus and get more work done. "Yeah, tomorrow. Sounds good."
Nicole didn't like seeing JC upset. It was routine for them to head back to her place after work for dinner and old movies when neither of them had any real plans. She also didn't like deceiving her partner into thinking she had work to do. Which she did, but not in the way JC was thinking. She and Bob needed to have one of their many private conversations about an upcoming event.
"I'll call you later," Nicole promised.
JC leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. "You better."
After JC left with Drek, who offered them a ride home, Bob came over and sat down next to Nicole, handing her a fresh cup of hot chocolate.
"Do they suspect anything?" Bob asked.
Nicole took the cup. "I don't think so, but they seemed upset that we weren't heading back to my place for the evening."
"I'm sure Jennifer Charles will be fine when they realize why plans have changed," Bob reassured. "Are you sure you want to hold the party here?"
The young art teacher nodded. "Yeah. Cafae Latte gave them a fresh start along with found family. It only seems right to celebrate them here and not some random venue."
"Well, Rethu and Cyrus are heading out to get the decorations after we close," Bob said. "Husniya sent out the invites during her break. Yarn Granny and her husband along with a few other regulars, a couple of their friends, and a few others have already RSVP'd. I have a sign written up that we'll be closed for a private event. And Drek said that after he drops JC off he'll head to the store to pick the food and drinks."
"My college roommate's partner is baking their favorite cake tonight, so it should be ready in time for the party," Nicole stated.
At that moment Oscar, the newest member of the Cafae crew, came over. "Are we hosting a party?" he asked. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."
"It's okay Oscar," Bob reassured. "I was just going to come talk to you about it. You see JC's birthday is in a couple of days and we're trying to keep it a surprise. They have tomorrow off, giving us time to set up."
"Ooh that sounds like fun," Oscar said, glowing a bit with excitement. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Yes," Bob said. "You see the theme is 1920s. I wondering if you could hit up a few antique shops to see if you could find anything from that time period. I'll give you some money to buy whatever you can find. If there's any leftover, it'll be yours to keep."
Oscar nodded as his glow got brighter from the excitement he was feeling. "I can 100 percent do that. Anything in particular I need to look for?"
Nicole pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Oscar. "This a list of things JC has been looking for, but could never find or afford."
The seraphim took the paper and read down the list. "Oh, some of these will be easy to get. My mother has a storage unit filled with this stuff. How she can still afford while in prison, I don't know, but getting a key to the place shouldn't be too hard. And if she doesn't have it, I know of few antique shops that will have these things."
"Will she mind you giving her stuff away?" Bob asked.
Oscar shrugged. "After everything she's done, I don't think she really deserves it. She hurt so many people with her lies. People who needed real medical help. It'll feel right to give these to someone who deserves it. And don't worry, I'll make sure everything is in good condition before bringing them here. Don't want anyone getting sick from mold or anything of the sort."
"Agreed," Bob said. "Why don't I go get you the money, so you can go ahead and get started." She looked over at Nicole. "I'll text you later the list of everyone that's coming. We should have enough for everyone, but these change."
Two Days Later:
JC woke up to an urgent knock on their door. They jumped out of bed and quickly grabbed the bat they kept next to the bed before rushing to the door.
"Who's there?" JC asked as they reached for the doorknob.
"It's Rethu," the unplanned visitor replied. "Now let me in. We don't have a lot of time."
Confused, JC opened the door and let the dragon in. They tossed the bat onto the couch as they closed the door. "What happened?"
"You need to get dressed and get down to CaFae Latte," Rethu replied. "Something's going on and Bob needs your help."
"You couldn't have called?" JC asked.
"This was faster," Rethu explained. "Now hurry up and get dressed."
JC rushed back into their bedroom to grab the clothes they had set out the night before. "Do you know what happened? Or did Bob just call you and tell you to come get me?" They asked as they took off their pajamas.
"She said something about how someone came in with a bunch of baked goods and left without a word," Rethu answered. "She's unsure of what to do but thinks you might. Maybe look at the tapes to see if you recognize the person who dropped them off."
JC came out of the bedroom dressed and ready to go. "That sounds very odd. Maybe they want a job, but chickened out?"
"We'll find out when we get there," Rethu said. "Come on"
At CaFae Latte:
Cyrus stood outside watching the sky, looking out for his partner and their passenger. When he saw a familiar speck closing in, he rushed back outside. "They're almost here. Everyone hide. Someone needs to get the lights."
Everyone scrambled to hide while Husniya turned off the lights. A few people giggled but quieted as the bell above the door jingled.
"Why is so dark in here?" JC asked, reaching for the lights.
Rethu didn't say anything and just watched as JC turned the lights back on. As the cafe was filled with light almost two dozen people jumped out and shouted "SURPRISE!!!"
"Gahh," was JC's reply to being caught off guard.
Their reaction got a few laughs, but not in a malicious way.
Once JC got their heartbeat under control, they looked around and realized what was happening. They looked over at Rethu, who was doing their best to not bust out laughing. "There's no mysterious baker is there?"
"Well there was, but they aren't trying to work here," Rethu answered. "All they did was deliver the cake and other baked goods." They pointed to a nearby table where a massive cake sat surrounded by cupcakes, cookies, and various types of cheesecakes. By the looks of it, they all appeared to all JC's favorite treats to make and eat.
JC kept looking around and noticed all of the decorations and how different the cafe looked. Where the counter was a bar with a variety of drinks lined up behind it. There was a small stage in the corner where Nicole usually sat with an old-timey-looking microphone and piano on it. Next to the stage were several racks of suits and dresses that also looked like they were from a different era. An era JC knew a lot about.
They looked over and Bob who was grinning from ear to ear. "You turned the cafe into a speakeasy."
"Just for the day," Bob confirmed. "And don't worry, all of the drinks are non-alcoholic."
"How did you kn-" JC stopped short of finishing their question when they noticed Nicole, who was standing off to the side. "This was your idea."
"You always talked about how much you liked the style of the 1920s," Nicole answered. "I figured you deserved a chance to experience it."
JC walked over to their girlfriend and pulled her in a hug before giving her the most passionate kiss they could give in public before it got awkward for everyone. "Thank you," they said after they pulled away.
"Now before we can get this party started, everyone needs to get dressed in the right clothes," Yarn Granny announced as she handed JC a gift bag. "That goes for the guest of honor as well."
JC reached into the bag and pulled out a beautiful sequined black dress with a rainbow fringe.
"Now, that dress there is magical," Yarn Granny explained. "It can turn into a suit or something in between. It all depends on how the wearer is feeling when they put it on."
"It's beautiful," JC stated. "Thank you."
"You're welcome darlin'," Yarn Granny replied. "Now go put it on, so we can get this party started."
JC headed into the bathroom to get changed. They looked in the mirror and nearly cried from the body euphoria they were feeling as the dress shifted to fit them. For the first time in a long time, JC felt comfortable and confident in their own body. The dress gave them a sense of peace and happiness. Feelings they only felt when they were with Nicole.
JC picked up their jeans and pulled a small box out of their pocket. They had planned on proposing today, but it would have to wait. Today would not be the day. No, they'd just have to wait for the perfect time.
They put their clothes and the ring into the gift bag and headed back out to join the party.
After a few hours of mingling and games, it was time for JC to open the rest of their presents. Aside from a few things, most of the gifts were from the 1920s; a radio, a beaded evening purse, a jewelry box, a few different broaches, a variety of knickknacks, and tickets to a 5-day 1920's film festival.
"I've already approved the time off," Bob stated as if reading their mind.
"Thank you," JC said, looking around at all of their friends. "For everything. Today has been just amazing."
After a few more hours the party-goers began to trickle out, each of them taking time to wish JC a "Happy Birthday" before leaving. Soon the only ones left were the CaFae Latte crew and Nicole.
Once the last guest left, everyone started cleaning up. Bob waved her hand and the glamoured speakeasy disappeared.
JC walked over to her with the gift bag Yarn Granny had given them earlier. "Can we talk in private for a moment?"
Bob knew that look. JC was nervous and needed advice. "Of course. Let's talk in my office."
The two stepped behind the counter and walked to the back of the kitchen where the office was. Neither seemed to notice the worried look Nicole had when she noticed the two disappear.
Bob sat down in her chair and gestured for JC to sit down as well. "What do you wish to discuss."
JC pulled the small box out of the gift bag and set it down on the desk. "I was going to ask Nicole to marry me today."
Bob picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a beautiful but simple diamond ring with a silver band. "This is gorgeous." She closed the box and set it back down. "I am sorry if we ruined your plans."
JC shook their head. "Don't be. Today has been a blast. Most fun I've had in a long time."
"But," Bob pushed.
"But now I need to find a new time to propose," JC said. "I want to do it in private. I don't think Nicole would like a public proposal. I thought today would be the perfect time, because we were just going to go out to dinner and then hang out at her place, creating a comfortable and safe environment to do it in."
"You'll know when the time is right," Bob promised. "Maybe the film festival will provide the perfect environment."
"Maybe," JC sighed. "Until then can you look after the ring for me? If I keep it, Nicole might find it and ask about it. I don't want either of us being caught off guard."
"I'll look after it," Bob agreed. "But are you sure you two are ready to take the next step?"
"Yes and no," JC answered. "We've been together for over a year and I don't care how long the engagement lasts as long as I'm with her. I love her more than anything. She makes me happy and inspires me to be the best version of myself. I want to spend my life with her and no one else."
Bob nodded. "Okay," She picked up the box. "I'll hold on to this until your perfect moment arrives."
"Thank you, Bob," JC said, feeling a weight lift from their shoulders.