Page 2 of Where There's A Will
“Have a lovely evening,” said the hostess, a genuine smile on her lips. “If you need anything, be sure to let me know.”
I would remember this evening for a long time to come. I tried to stifle a smile.
We had barely settled into our seats when Hugo stood up.
“I’ve gotta pee,” he said, stalking off in the direction of the restrooms.
I mentally hugged myself.Aww, he was so nervous about asking me!
Taking my phone from my bag, I messaged my best friend, Bree. I had to tell someone what was going on or I was going to burst.
Bree, you’re not going to believe what’s about to happen!!
Impatiently, I watched for the three dots to tell me she was going to reply, all the while keeping an eye on the hallway to the restrooms. The last thing I wanted was for Hugo to reappear and catch me out.
Montana, this had better be good…you know I’ve got a date with Pablo tonight. I was right in the middle of waxing.
TMI. I wrinkled my nose as I typed my response.
Hugo’s GOING TO PROPOSE!!
Propose what?
Honestly, I loved her, but sometimes she could be so dense.
We’re going to get married!!!
I added in a few emojis of churches and brides, even though there was no way I’d get married in a church. Maybe somewhere in Central Park or even at the Rainbow Room.
OMG, Montana!!!! You have to let me know the moment he asks!!! And I can be your bridesmaid, right??
Bree’s response was littered with smiley faces and hearts. I sucked in a breath; I was going to be so happy.
Gotta go, hunni, you need to let me have all the deets!!! Chat later xxxxx
Of course! All those things! Love ya! xxxx
As I put my phone back on the table, the smile on my face was so broad, it was a wonder those around me weren’t asking what the matter was. I sipped my champagne, revelling in what was to come.
Several minutes later, Hugo still hadn’t returned.
The waitress came over with a basket of bread and an expectant look. “Are you ready to order?” she asked.
I was. But where was Hugo?
“My boyfriend went to the restroom. He should be back soon; can you give us a minute?”
Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. It was a busy Friday night in the restaurant and they probably prided themselves on slick service. A missing boyfriend wasn’t going to help with that.
“Of course. I’ll come back.” And she flounced away.
Hugo had left his phone on the table, so I couldn’t even message him to check he was okay. A cold feeling spread over my body. What if something had happened to him? He’d drunk so much so quickly he could have passed out in the bathroom or slipped and knocked himself silly. Maybe the hostess had been onto something, after all, when she’d steadied him as we went to our table earlier. Uncertainty nagged at me and in the end, I had to get up and see what was going on. I grabbed Hugo’s phone, as well, and popped it into my bag. It wouldn’t do for it to get stolen.
As I walked past the hostess stand, I realised it was vacant, odd for a busy Friday night. Then I rounded the corner to the restrooms and saw Hugo. He was standing at the end of the hall to the restroom with the hostess. She’d obviously thought he was too drunk and had gone to check on him, as well. Hugo seemed to be frantic about something, waving his hands around. The hostess was clearly trying to soothe him.
Back off, bitch, that’s my job. You leave my fiancé alone.
I started to walk towards them when suddenly they weren’t talking anymore.
