Secret Admirer
Valentine's Day had arrived. Francesca was in good spirits. Today she'd chosen the nicest outfit to show off her new shoes; she felt good about the day. She sensed it would be a good one and hoped
that Fraser would pick today, of all days, to finally express those things he'd been keeping hidden.
Stepping into the bullpen, she looked across the room and there it was. On her desk was a huge display of deep red, plump roses. The smile on her face widened as she approached. Flowers. Red.
Roses. Beautiful.
Taking a moment to glance around, she saw Ray Kowalski. He was sitting at her brother's desk, giving her the occasional glance, but Fraser was no where to be seen. She looked back at the roses, noticing a note tied in
the ribbon. No, she wouldn't open that quite yet. Fraser should have the chance to see the look on her face when she did open it, she decided, so she stood beside the large bouquet and sniffed the flowers as she took a
moment to count them.
She'd reached 15 when she turned the bouquet and noticed it. Amongst all the red roses was a single yellow rose. She furrowed her brow. What was he trying to say? Looking up as she wondered, she noticed
Fraser step into the room. She smiled broadly and he acknowledged her with a slight smile. He crossed the room and she watched him stop at Ray's desk.
'Odd,' she thought to herself before walking back behind her own desk and leaning into the arrangement to untie the note sealed in an envelope. 'Maybe he just wants to watch from a distance?' Opening it and unfolding
the note, she began to read the words written somewhat neatly on the page.
My Dearest Francesca,
Roses are red
Unless one is yellow
I think you're sweet
Can I be your fellow?
Your Secret Admirer
Biting her lower lip to stifle a smile, she sank into her chair and glanced at Fraser. He was looking at her. 'So that's why he didn't come over.' She watched as he turned back to look at Ray. It was then
she noticed that Ray had been watching also. Fraser's staring had gotten his attention and he wondered what was going on, she decided, so she gave Ray a smile as he turned back to look at Fraser.
A moment later, Ray ushered Fraser past her desk. They were gone in a moment and she hunched her shoulders. She'd have to confront Fraser later.
***
Francesca looked at the time and knew she'd had a long enough lunch break. Sighing, she picked up her magazine, starting toward the squad room.
Having moved the roses to one corner of her desk, she had a clear view the minute she entered of Ray and Fraser by Ray's desk again. A moment later, she saw a large, heart shaped box on her desk with frilly lace
edging. 'Ah,' she thought. 'He must have returned for another.' Moving close, she winked at Fraser and sat down. Tenderly lying on top was a yellow rose. She picked it up and smelled it
before setting it aside. Running a hand over the velvet on the chocolate box before she opened the envelope, Frannie tilted her head, making sure that Fraser could see just how beautiful she looked while she read it.
My Dearest Francesca,
A rose that is yellow
Not as lovely as you
I want no more games
I only want you
Your Secret Admirer
'Ok, so he's not the most original or the most poetic. I didn't expect Einstein, but knows how to speak to me and that's what's important,' Frannie thought and licked her lips as she stood. Stepping toward Fraser, she
moved as smoothly as she could. "Benton?" she said softly.
Ray cleared his throat and tucked his handcuffs into the leather pouch on his belt. "We have to go," he said.
Fraser looked apologetically at Francesca. "I'm afraid we have to go."
She grabbed his arm. "What are you doing tonight?"
Fraser smiled vaguely. "I have plans," he said smoothly.
Francesca nodded. Perhaps he'd fill her in on those plans later, she decided.
"Come on," Ray insisted.
Francesca watched them walk away and sighed.
***
Sitting quietly at her desk, Francesca looked at the time. It was getting late and she was concerned. Fraser had plans and had been playing the games with the poems and gift. So what was he planning?
She frowned as she looked around the room. She'd seen neither since Ray had taken off with Fraser hours ago.
She felt a tapping at her foot and rolled her chair back. Spotting a remote control car with a stuffed otter on it, she furrowed her brow. Immediately, she looked around, but couldn't see Fraser so she bent over
and picked up the otter. The car then drove away and she watched it disappear.
As she untied the red ribbon from the otter's neck, the sealed envelope came loose, but it also revealed a beautiful necklace. Smiling, she examined the heart shaped pendant with rubies and diamonds – or something with a
similar, lustrous appeal. She let a gasp escape and opened the note.
My Dearest Francesca,
Mounties are red
Cops wear the blue
Meet me at the fountain in Brook Park at 8
So I can say I love you.
Your Secret Admirer
***
Francesca had a hell of a time choosing the perfect dress. She knew she needed one to accentuate her figure that wouldn't scare the hell out of Fraser. Finally she opted for one with just a hint of cleavage and silk
trim which looked perfect with the new necklace she wore.
She tapped her heels across the cement, knowing she was late, and crossed to the back of the park where the fountain was. It was flowing with the backlights lighting the water droplets in a beautiful display. As
Francesca neared, she saw a blanket laid out on the step in front of the fountain. On it was a bottle of champagne and two glasses with glowing candles all around. She stepped up to it and looked around, but there was
no sign of her 'Secret Admirer.' Sitting slowly, she crossed her legs at the knee and waited.
And waited.
And waited.
She didn't hear the footsteps as they neared her. All she heard was the voice. "I'm glad you came," he said.
Francesca knew the voice and stood immediately. "Ray!?" She paused. "I thought you were Fraser."
Ray looked sheepish. "I know. I let you think that because I knew you wouldn't come if you thought it was me."
She folded her arms. "You were right about that."
Ray looked her over. "You look beautiful," he said.
She clucked her tongue and he cocked his head. "Maybe I play it off like it's just some flirtatious thing, Frannie, but I really care about you." He paused. "I love you."
She dropped her arms. "How can you say that?"
"Because it's true. I love the way you laugh and tuck your hair behind your ear. I love the way you tilt your head when you're on the phone. I… I thought maybe if I got you out here…"
"You thought wrong," she interrupted and started to turn, though it was a defense mechanism to hide the fact that he'd made her blush.
He grabbed her arm pulling her back. "Please, Francesca. Give me a chance." He looked at her closely and though she looked upset, he could see the softness in her eyes. "I know you
think you're in love with Fraser, but did you ever think that maybe I'm not so bad?"
"Fraser is a good man," Francesca said firmly, making no attempt to escape his grip.
"He is," Ray agreed and wrapped an arm around her, surprising her with a kiss. "But he'll never love you like I do. Frannie, maybe I'll never be good enough to deserve you, but I want to try."
She looked at him a moment and soaked in those words. He didn't think he was good enough? It was a similar feeling she harbored for Fraser, even if she wasn't willing to admit it. She chuckled. It
struck her funny that Ray would say that. He was nice enough and did good things. Maybe he wasn't that bad.
"This is funny?" he asked, looking hurt.
She smiled. "No, no. I just realized something."
"What?" he asked.
She kissed him. "I realized you're not so bad." He smiled and kissed her again.
The End