Page 175 of Sassy Love
“Evening, can I take your order? Perhaps start with some drinks?” a waiter in a black-and-white uniform says, his hand poised over his tablet.
“Give us a minute, will you, honey?” Millie pats his arm like he’s her long-lost nephew.
He gives her a forced smile and wanders to another table.
“Actually, I’m not very hungry,” Millie proclaims. “I’ll have the entrée, maybe a small glass of wine.”
She’s picking up the menu, studying like it’s the most interesting thing in the world. We order and enjoy the world’s silkiest pasta with the most amazing sauce, and then dessert arrives, the richest chocolate lava cake that’s ever been created. I swear it on my father’s grave. Whenever that blessed event should occur.
Millie’s looking around, like she’s looking for someone or something.
What is up with her tonight?
Henry yawns. “I could turn in early, actually. Long day and all.” The acrid scent of sulfur drifts through the large room.
“What? No, Henry.” I rest a hand on his arm. “Are you feeling okay?”
He tugs at his collar.
“Oh no. You need some water?” I pour the table water into a glass and shove it between his hands. I look for waitstaff, butthey all seem to be busy moving around the room to each table, handing out something small before darting to the next.
“Maybe it’s this table. Bad feng shui or something.” He rises, and Millie does the same. I glance back at them, confused.
What is going on here? I stand and help Millie as she shuffles closer to Henry, now heading away from our table.
“Another table sounds good, Henry. I’m not in the mood for company now.”
“Mills, what are you up to?”
Henry guides her to a spot a few tables down. “Whatever you need, my love.”
It’s then I find the waitstaff lined up along the wall, their hands clasped in front of them and smiles on their faces. The house lights dim, and the many lit candles now burn brighter.
I turn, looking around the room. The other patrons have fallen silent as I notice the dozens of candles dotted around the restaurant and on every table. Some patrons are still lighting their table candles frantically.
“Mills, what’s going on?”
She smiles at me, happiness radiating through her gaze as she laces her fingers together in front of her chest.
The restaurant is a buzz of flickering candles, my now laden breaths, and the odd throat clearing. Henry swirls a finger in a stirring motion, telling me to turn around.
I—
My body moves of its own accord. I find nothing at first, then deep blues beaming up at me from...
Lawson is kneeling on the floor, on one knee.
Oh fuck.
“Hey, Princess.”
“Hey, Cowboy,” I choke.
“Tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
He smiles up at me, but I can see his chest heaving with every breath, his grip tight on the small velvet box in his hand. He runs a hand through his hair, messing it up a little. The sight takes my breath away.
