The Way to Love

True Love

Time flew fast as the whole day was full of action. Livia had gotten back to her enthusiastic self since the last time she and Mr. Brooks had a short one on one about work. He’s right. “If I were him, I’d fire an inefficient crew.” Her thoughts as she moped the floor with efficiency. “That’s how to do it.” Livia whispered to herself, satisfied with her output. Livia saw someone smiling at her, as if approving what she did. She followed where the gaze was coming from and saw Mr. Brooks. She smiled back at him and gave him a thumbs up. It was her first time seeing Mr. Brooks smiled at her, and he looked better that way. “Cute,” she thought.

It’s past five and Livia can’t wait to go home. She’ll be meeting Josh. No, actually, they are going out on a date. Date? Yeah, date. Last night, Josh called her to ask if they could have a fancy dinner. “What to wear for tonight?” The thoughts of Livia as she was preparing to leave the shop. “Bye, Mr. Brooks. See you tomorrow!” Her greetings as she passed by the Manager’s Office.

It’s thirty minutes past six in the afternoon when the doorbell rings. Josh is wearing business attire and looks extra fancy.

“You look lovely, Livia.” Josh speaks to her, who's wearing a floral white and pink maxi dress. Livia smiled and reached out for Josh’s hand. At the restaurant, Josh reserved a seat for two. On the table are white and red roses with a glass of white wine waiting for them.

“Please have your seat.” Josh, as he lets Livia have her seat.

“Are you at your usual self, Josh?” Livia grinned while her heart skipped a beat because of Josh’s kind gestures.

“Actually…” Josh smiled back at her.

After they have eaten the sumptuous scoglio and salmon steak. Josh poured out the white wine in their glasses and they had a toast. “For a romantic night and what’s ahead of us.” Livia felt another tingle and her heartbeat went fast as she heard the words “what’s ahead of us” from Josh. “Is he going to propose tonight?”

“Livia, I know we have been friends for a long time now. And a few months from now, you’ll be a senior in college. I have to be honest that, for about a year now, I have been enjoying your friendship and that’s getting deeper and deeper as I have come to know more about you… What I am trying to say, Livia…” Josh as he was trying to get something from his pocket. He placed it on top of the table. It was a small dark blue casket. He opened it and handed it to Livia. “Livia, will you be my girlfriend?”

Livia’s cheeks turned red as Josh popped the question. She was speechless. The casket has a golden necklace with a pink gemstone on it.