When you love alone

Unsure answers

Chapter four

Dan had never done this in the five years since we'd been dating. I thought, smiling to myself as I hung up.

“I’ll go, Dan paid for the ride”, I told my parents, thrilled.

“Oh!” they exclaimed, their faces relaxed from worries.

“Hurry now, or you'll be late”, my mom urged, excitedly.

“You don't want to be late on your date”, my dad chimed in, cackling.

“Hell no”, I laughed.

I walked outside, holding my purse, watching my steps. I felt like a celebrity when the driver opened the back door for me. Still on cloud nine, I hopped in, waving my parents' goodbye.

“Be safe!” they called out as the car ignited. I saw the most passionate smiles on their faces, and I promised myself never to take that for granted.

“We're here, ma'am”, the driver announced. I was eager to step out. I didn't wait for him to open the door—I did it myself.

I took a moment to admire the surroundings, as I exited the car. The building stood tall and majestic, illuminated by golden lights. A fountain danced gracefully in front, surrounded by vibrant flowers that added to the charm.

I composed myself as I walked into the restaurant. Wow, I thought, breathing in the luxurious environment. The tables were beautifully adorned, and soft classical music played in the background, much to my delight.

Dan waved at me from his table upon seeing me. I was all smiles as I made my way over to him.

He stood up to hug and kiss me, then gestured for me to take a seat. As soon as I sat down, he ordered champagne.

“Do you love this place?” he questioned, glancing at the menu.

“Of course, I do”, I replied, smiling as I continued to please myself with the elegant surroundings. “This place must be expensive”, I added, nodding in appreciation.

“It is, no doubt”, Dan quipped, smiling playfully. “What would you like to order?”

“What's on the menu?” I asked, curiously, leaning forward.

Looking narrowly at the menu, he began listing, “Appetizers, soups and salads, main courses….

“What's on the main course?” I interrupted.

Dan handed the menu book to me. I looked through and ordered. "Alright then, Seared Ahi Tuna with a soy-ginger glaze, served with wasabi mashed potatoes and bok choy," I decided, smiling at Dan.

“Filet Mignon with a red wine reduction, served with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus”, Dan ordered, smiling back at me.

The waitress wrote down our orders, with a smile, she excused herself.

As we waited for our orders to arrive, I could feel Dan's gaze lingering on me. His eyes always had a way of making my knees feel weak.

“What?” I asked, smiling, unable to resist his gaze.

“Nothing”, he responded, smiling softly. “Just admiring the queen before me”, he added, taking a sip of champagne.

I felt my cheeks turn red, but I giggled to conceal it. “Okay”, I finally replied.

Dan reached across the table, gently touched my hand, and looked even deeper into my eyes. Oh my gosh, is this love? Because I was drowning, I screamed inwardly, feeling my heart beat.

I scoffed playfully, trying to keep my cool. Just then, the waitress arrived with our orders. But as she placed my plate in front of me, something unusual caught my eye. My food was arranged to spell out a word. Looking closer, I gasped in surprise. The message read, "Will you marry me?”

Overwhelmed with excitement, I screamed, "Yes!" My outburst caught the attention of the other diners, who broke into applause as Dan got down on one knee and slipped the ring onto my finger.

I sighed, pulling myself back to the present. Standing up, I undressed and headed to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, I let the water run through my hair down to my feet. As I exhaled, I felt the day's trouble wash away.

I dressed in my pajamas after a shower, and made my way downstairs, loving the aroma filling the air. My parents were already seated, waiting for me.

“I love the aroma already”, I complimented as I sat down at the dining table.

“As always, I make delicious meals”, my mom bragged, dishing out a plate of steamed casserole. “Here you go”, she said, handing the plate to me.

“My favorite”, I giggled, ravishing the meal.

My dad nodded in confirmation as he took a bite, in satisfaction.

We had begun eating, but my thoughts drifted back to Dan. I smiled sheepishly but frowned, not noticing my dad's gaze on me.

“Lucia, it's been a while since I heard from Dan. "Is everything okay?” my Dad asked, wiping his mouth with a paper towel.

I nearly choked on my food, but I managed to conceal it. "Yes",I replied, forcing a smile.

“Well then, let him come and see me”, my dad emphasized.

“He will”, I responded, unsure.

My mom kept quiet throughout the conversation with my dad about Dan. Somehow, I felt she knew I had lied about Dan and I had not had an argument earlier.

“I can't wait to see my grandchildren”, my dad spoke on cloud nine.

I smiled sincerely at that, and my mom did too. I couldn't wait either, I thought to myself.

After dinner, I cleared the table and did the dishes while my mom helped my dad to the couch to watch soccer.

“Good night, dad”, I said, leaning in for a kiss on my forehead.