Fee Fi Fo Fum

Jack watched as a formal looking man ported in and spoke to Kate. He walked over to him "Names Jack Blackheart, I don't think we've met" he said offering his hand. " I'm kinda new to all..this." he said.

Jess stood up and walked over to Abby " I'll get her dressed " she said picking her up " come on Abby, lets make you look pretty for daddy and mummy" she said smiling as together they headed up the stairs. " good morning Michael." Jess said as she passed them by with Abby.

"Ah, yes," Michael said, shaking hands with Jack. "Robert mentioned that he hired you. Welcome aboard. I'm glad to finally place a face with the name. Good morning, Jess."

"'Morning, Michael," Marcus said.

"Well, well!" Michael said. "Marcus Belby, is that you? What brings you to these parts? I thought you were in Bulgaria."

"Not anymore. Robert made me a very generous offer, and I came home. I work here now," Marcus said.

"Oh. The business in the papers," Michael said.

"Yes," Marcus said.

"There's more to this story, isn't there?" Michael asked.

"I'll fill you in," Kate said.

"Michael went to school with Kate and Robert," Brian said to Jack. "He's been a friend of the family from before Khaat and I were even thought of. Jack and I are going out for awhile today, Michael, and with things being as they are, it'll make everyone feel a bit more at ease if there's another fighter in the house."

"Not a problem," Michael said, helping himself to a scone and some cream and some jam. "What sort of jam is this, Angus?"

"Caramel apple," Angus said. "Made it fresh this morning."

"Sold," Michael grinned. "Smells divine."

Jack nodded and smiled at Michael before stepping back to let him talk to Marcus. He heard Brian and nodded " I had wondered how he knew Kate." he said softly his arms folded across his face " I'm guessing I'll see a lot more of Michael." he said watching him closely.

"okay, lets go and yeah your driving." he said standing close to Brian waiting for him to port them to the stores so they could get the clothes in. Jack pulled out a small note book and checked he had all the measurements that Marcus had told him he should know.

"You will indeed," Kate said, levitating a couple of dishes to up near the ceiling to float them out of the dining room and into the kitchen. She flicked her wand to get the dirty dishes to stack themselves. "The three of us were all in the same house, so Michael is part of the family."

"Michael, if you get a craving to be in the kitchen, Khaat mentioned last week that she's been hungry for your Chicken Madeira."

"There's nothing to that," Michael said.

"With the potato croquettes?"

"That isn't a problem either," he said.

"She's been a little stressed the last couple days, so..."

"Say no more, I'll take care of it," he smiled. "I know how to spoil her."

"Thank you. Okay, Jack," Brian said, "Let's go." He drew his portkey and when Jack had taken his arm, Brian ported them out.

Brian's plan had not been so complicated. The way to get it right, for certain, was basically to take no risks. He ported them to Venice to the sidewalk outside Tobias's shop.

"I plan on us winning this bet," he told Jack with a grin. "Nobody will fit them like Tobias can. And it isn't cheating. They never said we couldn't go to Tobias. What do you think? Can we get it done all in one place?"

Jack laughed and nodded as they appeared by Tobias's shop " haha, now that's thinking " he said and pulled out his note book."I got Jess's measurements and sizes just in case. " he said showing Brian " Marcus suggested it so I wouldn't go wrong." Jack admitted " I'm not that good at picking out women's clothing, im not good at picking my own ether." He motioned to the white tee and black slacks he wore.

He walked over to the door and waited for Brian. " come on then, lets get this over with." he said chuckling " I want to see the look on there faces when we hand them the clothes." he now grinned as he pushed open the door for Brian to enter before him.

"Well, that's good thinking to get sizes," Brian said. "I have a general idea, but I'm trusting Tobias to keep me straight." He went in, and Tobias saw them right away.

"Welcome!" Tobias said. "I didn't think I'd be seeing you today. How can I help you?"

"We're taking a long weekend to Santorini, Khaat and Jack and Jess and me. The girls challenged us that we could not equip them for the weekend in clothes they would like and that would fit."

"Really? What do you get if you win?"

"Two batches of Kate's chocolate chip cookies. If we lose, we're making the cookies and paying for the wardrobe."

"You're paying for the wardrobe either way. But I think I'd better rescue the cookies. Kate will do a much better job with them," Tobias laughed. "Alright. Santorini, eh? Well, they're going to want shorts and some sundresses, maybe a pair of slacks, swimsuits, sandals, maybe a light jacket or a sweater. Going out for the evening?"

"Very likely," Brian said.

"Then a dinner dress or two. Doing any sorts of sports?"

"Outside of maybe some boating, swimming, or walking? I doubt it. It's more like a romantic get away, with plenty of private time for each couple."

"How nice. I think I have the idea. Well, let's see what they have. Shall we start with shorts? How short do you want? We have capris, up to short shorts. What about colors or fabrics?"

"Tasteful, I think," Brian said. "Short enough to be comfortable if it's hot but not too short. Not sports shorts. We have better things to do for a couple of days than working out."

"Okay. Denim? Cotton twill? Thoughts about colors?"

Jack listened to Tobias he sat down " wow that's a lot." he said some what over whelmed by all the choices. " well I brought Jess's sizes." he said " But im thinking like Brian, Simple light airy as it might get hot, oh I'm taking Jess on a date, so something light and simple but suitable for a restaurant in the evening." he said now standing and moving to the racks of clothes.

"swimsuits, and bikinis for sunbathing." he added " not skimpy , that's not Jess's style." he moved a dress out of the way and saw a burgundy cocktail dress spaghetti strapped short sleeves cocktail dress " this one with some low heeled strapped sandals same color, but I'll leave that for you." he said and began slowly walking around the shop.

"Good choice for a dress," Brian told Jack. "I think she'll like it."

Brian chose two pairs of shorts--one in a seafoam green color and the second pair in a light pink, and a pair of capris in white. He chose some floral tops that would mix and match with any of the shorts, and added a white long sleeved shirt because it was a versatile piece that he had seen Khaat use in a lot of different ways.

He chose four different sarongs that she could use as skirts or beach cover ups or dresses. He chose colors and prints that he and Tobias believed could be used as casual prints or sophisticated designs.

He added a pair of new skinny jeans, knowing how much she loved them, but then there was the whole question of a dress. He had intended to only get one but he saw several that he liked. And he saw one that he could see her in. It didn't fit the trip, but he liked it. It was a little black chemise that had a lot of silver and gold beads and pearls. It shimmered, and he could see her in it.

"Set that one aside, will you? It doesn't fit Santorini, but I can see her in it."

"I can do that," Tobias said. "But which ones will you take on your trip?"

"I have no idea," he sighed.

Jack placed the dress over his arm and moved onto the next rack. Soon he stopped and looked at Tobias " Im not that good at this, can I just give you her sizes, please." he said placing the red dress down on the counter.

"how do women do this I'm shattered already" he said " and we haven't been here that long ether." he watched Brian moving around the shop picking out items and he shook his head chuckling at his swift movements. " maybe I need more practice." he said to Tobias as he ran his hand over his head.

"Well, I don't know how she does it, but I know what she likes to wear, and I know what I like to see her in," Brian said. "Part of this is me buying what I like to see her in. And, the other part is what I know she'll be comfortable in. This really isn't about fashion as much as it is just having some down time. You do realize that the challenge isn't for Tobias to do your shopping for you, right? Jess is smart. She will know if you didn't pick it out. Come on. Give it another go before we end up having to bake those darned cookies. I'm going to look for a sweater and a jacket. I might let Tobias give me a hand in picking the shoes and the accessories. I know I'll buggar those up for sure. And he's definitely going to have to help with with underthings or she's going without them--or with her old ones."

"I can do this for you, but if Brian's right, you'll be making cookies, right? Do you want to do that?" Tobias asked Jack with a laugh.

Brian chose a day dress and a one shoulder dress for evening. He found a natural colored cable knit pullover and a lightweight jacket in a pale dove gray. He managed to pick a two piece swimsuit for her and a white lace coverup.

"Tobias, you're going to have to help me with the small stuff when you're done helping Jack. I really don't want to buggar this up any more than I need to," Brian said.

"Alright. Give me a moment. Your buddy is a bit flummoxed."