My Dearest Ellen,
As promised, I have planned a scavenger hunt for you. It is kind of based on the "12 Days of Christmas. Only I am calling it the "12 Roses of Christmas". With this letter you found a single red rose- just one of a dozen. It is your challenge to collect the others based on the instructions you get at each stop I have arranged. When you get to each stop, tell them who you are. They will provide a service or product that I have already paid for and give you one or more roses and a note that tells you where to go next. I have timed this out carefully, so DO NOT dally or try to fit in anything else!
Your first stop is the tanning salon on Main St.. Your appointment is set for 10AM.
Enjoy your day of pampering.
I Love You,
George
I set the note down on the table, picked up the rose and smelled it. When George had told me he was planning a special day for me, I protested. Although my shopping was finished weeks ago, and everything that I could precook was cooked, Christmas was less than a week away and the thought of "wasting" a Saturday was not at all appealing. As always, George persisted. He reminded me that tomorrow, the first of our five children were returning home so, this was the last day we were going to be alone for a week or more. He also insisted that I needed a good pampering and it was part of my Christmas present. He finally won and I, begrudgingly, gave in.
I looked at the clock, it was 9:40. I had just enough time to get to town. George was long gone, telling me he had some details to work out. I grabbed my coat and headed out the door.
The tanning salon he sent me to was not the one I usually patronized to. It was new and I didn't know the owners. I felt kind of foolish just walking in and giving my name. The lady behind the counter gave me a smile and told me that George had booked me a booth for ten minutes. I entered the booth, stripped and pushed the button to tell the clerk I was ready.
When I emerged from the booth, the woman handed me a rose and a note.
"Your husband, George is it?" I nodded. "Told me what he had planned. That is so romantic. You're a very lucky lady. I don't think my husband is capable of a thinking up a plan like this, so much for actually doing it."
"Thank you." I said. I left the salon, went to my car and opened the note.
******
"
I hope you enjoyed your tanning. Your next destination is Loretta's for a nice massage. Your appointment is for 10:45. I love you, George."
I set the note next to the rose on the passenger seat and pulled out into the traffic.
I was grateful that George had chosen Loretta to give the massage. She was a friend and I had been to her on a number of occasions. George knew that I would not have been able to fully relax while being massaged by a stranger and that would have defeated the purpose. It was 10:45 when I entered Loretta's studio.
An hour later, I left Loretta's and walked out into the cold December air feeling relaxed and carrying another rose and note. While waiting for the car to warm up, I read the note.
******
My Dearest Love, I hope your enjoying my little game. You've collected 3 roses so, there is a lot left to enjoy! I think it is time for lunch, so I have made a reservation for you at the Depot in Waterville at 12:00. Love, George"
I must admit I was enjoying George's game and felt foolish for being so adamantly opposed to it in the beginning. I looked at the clock on the dashboard. Waterville was a solid 30-minute drive and it was already high noon. I set the rose and note with the other and put the car in gear.
The "Depot" is one of my favorite places to eat. They cater to the health conscious diner. The meals there are unlike anything else you'll find anywhere else. George hated eating there. He called it "Granola House". But it was obvious this day was about me, not him, so he was making it special for me. I donβt know why, but I assumed he would be meeting me for lunch and not making me eat alone. I was wrong.
I arrived at exactly 12:30 and looked about the dining room, looking for my husband. A man that I knew as the owner approached me and asked if I wanted to be seated.
I meekly stated, "My name is Ellen."
"Oh yes. I have something for you." He reached behind his podium and pulled out a rose and note. "These are for you and your table is ready." I found it odd that he did not grab a menu when he led me to my table.
"Your waitress will be right along." He said and walked away.
I took off my coat, sat down and opened the note.
******
"Hello Dearest, I took the honor of ordering for you. I kept it light since you don't want anything too heavy after your massage and you have quite an afternoon ahead of you. I have allotted 45 minutes for lunch, then you are to go to Dianne's Satin and Lace Shoppe. Bon Apatite!"
I had no more finished reading the note, when the waitress showed up. "A Caesar Salad." She said as she put the large salad plate in front of me. "Your husband had ordered an iced tea for you, is that alright?"
"Yes, thank you." The waitress turned and left me alone with my salad, a nice view of the river out the window and my thoughts.
"Is everything alright?" I looked up to see the owner standing at my side.
"Just lovely, thank you."
"I have to tell you, " he began. "Ever since your husband came in and told me about his plan last week, you've been the subject of a great deal of conversation. Every woman in this place has been talking about how lucky you are and what a wonderful husband you have."
It was the third time I had heard those very words and I doubted it would be my last. "Yes, I am. And Yes, he is." I looked at my watch, reached in my pocket book.
"All paid for. Even the tip." He said.
******
Dianne's Satin and Lace Shoppe
is the nicest and priciest dress and lingerie shop for miles. I entered and was immediately approached by a clerk.
"My name is Ellen." It was getting easier to announce myself.