Chapter 11: date 2

I signaled the waiter, gave Ann the menu to order. She chose samosas, spring rolls, honey-dipped turkey, basmati rice, and fruit juice. I ordered chicken with pineapple rice and a bottle of red wine.

While we waited for the food, I started a conversation so the silence wouldn’t grow awkward.

Me: “What time did you wake up today?”

Ann: “Past nine, I think shortly after you left.”

Me: “Did you see the food I left in the microwave?”

Ann: “Yeah, it was still hot. I ate it without reheating.”

Me: “So what were you doing all day?” I smiled.

Ann: “Well, I saw your note and the dress, so I decided to go all out. I went to the spa for a full body massage, got a pedicure and manicure, went to the salon, had my makeup done, and came straight here.”

Me: “You must’ve had a long day.”

Ann: “I did… especially now that I’m with you.”

Me: (Blushing) “I assume you like the dress, then?”

Ann: “Oh, I love it. Love, love, love it. Thanks, Daddy.”

Me: “You’re welcome, Princess.”

Ann: “My mom called today while I was at the spa.”

Me: “Oh, that’s good. Hope she’s okay.”

Ann: “Obviously she’s fine. Still at the company with Dad. They just bagged a huge new contract, so they called to share the news. Honestly, do they even care about me? My well being? What’s going on in my life? They only care about the company. Am I not as important?”

Me: “They do care. That’s why they’re working so hard to give you a better life. They know things get easier when you’re successful. They want to do the hard labor so you can enjoy the fruit.”

Ann: “Then why don’t they call? Why don’t they check on me?”

Me: “Shhh, Princess. Keep your emotions in check. I care about you, okay? I want you. You can move in with me and my parents, too, if you want.”

Ann: “Seriously? I can? I won’t have to stay home during holidays with just the house help?”

Me: “Yeah, you can.”

The food arrived. We ate, keeping up table manners while countless thoughts ran through our minds.

When we finished, the waiter cleared the dishes and brought her the flowers I’d ordered.

Ann: “You got me flowers?”

Me: “Yeah. You like them?”

Ann: “I love them. I love anything you do, say, or give me.”

Me: “Including in bed?”

Ann: (Smiling shyly) “Yeah… as long as it’s you, Daddy.”

Me: “Ann Harrison, I got you ninety-nine stems of fresh red roses to express how beautiful, intelligent, and gorgeous you are, and how pure your heart is. Well, apart from when we have sex you’ve got such a dirty mind.”

We both laughed.

Me: “You’ve brought me so much peace and joy, and you’ve given me a reason to see this school in a different light. Will you be my girlfriend? Let’s go official, Ann. Let me court you properly, and when we’re done with school next year… I’ll marry you.”

She looked into my eyes, searching. My words seemed to catch her off guard so much so that tears began to well up. She dabbed her eyes with a tissue and smiled.

Ann: “Nathy… yes. I’ll be your girlfriend. I look forward to marrying you and spending my future with you in it.”