The new bedspread needed laundering after our antics. It was a too bulky for our washing machine, so I bundled it into a leaf bag and took it to a laundromat in a strip mall not too far away. While it was in the wash I spent some time at the boutiques in the little mall, looking for possible Christmas gifts for Laura. Back at the laundromat, the washed bedspread was clean but soaking wet. It took three cycles to fully dry.

“What a beast,” I texted to Laura, midway through the second cycle. “Sorry it’s taking so long.”

“No problem,” Laura texted back. “Take your time. I have a surprise for you.”

Home again, the moment I opened the door I could tell what the surprise was just from the aroma. Laura had baked cookies. “I know what your surprise is!” I announced in a sing-song voice.

“No you don’t,” Laura replied, mimicking the sing-song.

“It’s not cookies?” I said, confused.

“You’ll find out,” she said. “Close your eyes and do not peek or you’ll ruin the surprise.”

I closed my eyes. Laura took my hand and led me into the bedroom. “Don’t open your eyes until I say. Promise?”

“Promise,” I said.

“Just to make sure I’m putting you in the closet.”

“You can trust me,” I said.

“No, I can’t. Now keep your eyes closed.” She led me to the closet and closed the door. “No peeking,” she reminded me.

I kept my eyes closed. It seemed like a long time. Maybe several minutes. I wonder what the surprise could be, if not cookies.

At last Laura called that I could open my eyes and come out.

Laura was lying on the bed, naked, grinning. “Surprise, surprise, surprise! Three surprises for you, my love. For you and for us.”

“Mmm, yeah, I see,” I said. “Another new bedspread. Very pretty. And you’ve shaved your pussy hair. So pretty! So very very VERY pretty.”

“And?” Laura prompted.

“And chocolate kiss cookies! My favorite!”

“Not cookies,” Laura said.

“Not cookies?”

“No, not cookies. A treasure map. Do you think you can find the treasure?”