Chapter 96
Grant leaned back in his chair in the middle of their second course then smiled down at Betty. “Clean that guilty look off your face, darling,” he said brightly. “Marissa has moved down here permanently, at least for the time being so you are still going to see her.”
It was Sunday evening, the day after the girls’ day out. She and Grant were out on a date. The soft glow of the setting sun cast a warm hue over the cozy restaurant, creating a romantic ambiance for the lovers seated at a corner table. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air and the gentle hum of quiet conversations, providing the perfect backdrop for their intimate evening together.
“That’s a huge relief,”Betty said. “Why don’t you invite her to the wedding?”
“Okay,” he nodded. “I will do just that. I’m sure she would like to attend.”
He had told her earlier in the week that his cousin would like to meet her on Saturday. And Betty promised to make a stopover at his house on her way back from their event. But they didn’t finish up on time and by the time she called him, his cousin, Marissa had left.
“Is she on a job transfer or what?” She gave him a questioning look over the rim of her wineglass.
“No,” he set his wineglass on the table with a smile. “Her father wants her to take over the family business in a way. It’s kind of complicated, though.”
“Tell me about it. What is complicated about taking over the family business?” It intrigued her.
Grant chuckled. “Marissa and I are second cousins,” he said in his usual chipper voice. “Our moms are first cousins.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
“I see.” Betty looked into Grant’s eyes with interest, wanting to hear more.
“The problem is that her father wants to sell part of the family business off. It’s a hotel, which has been in their family for generations, but he’s having some financial problems. He wants to sell fifty percent, and wants his only child, Marissa, to be the CEO while he retires.”
“Well, I understand how it could be a problem if she’s not ready to give up her own career to satisfy her old man.”
“You get it,” Grant tilted his wine glass towards her.”
Betty wiped her mouth. She was now more eager to meet Wendy.
“I like her already,” she said. “I am so sure we are going to be friends.”
“I can tell, ” Grant responded with a lazy laugh as he polished off the last of his spaghetti bolognese.
When their dessert arrived, Grant got all serious and said, “there’s an opening in my company I would like to apply for.”
“Oh really?” Betty took the strawberry mousse on her spoon into her mouth and licked it off. “That’s fantastic.”
“Yeah it is,” he dropped his dessert spoon. “The issue is it’s not here in New York city. If I take up the position, I will have to move to Hawaii, where our headquarters is. It will help my career a lot.”
Grant was a software engineer, going to Hawaii will give him the opportunity to become one of the senior software architects.
“That’s interesting,” she took another spoon of her dessert. “Are you ready to make the move?”
“Betty,” he reached out over the table and took her hand. “I want to and I want you to come with me.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you so much Betty, and I would like you to make this move with me.”
Her body tender, when she realized what he was actually saying.
“Are you proposing, Grant?” She raised a furrowed brow at him.
“Yes, darling,” he smiled. “I am telling you what’s in store for you if you accept my proposal.”
“I love you so much too, Grant,” she whispered. “Though it’s going to be a tremendous step for me to leave my family and all.” She took a deep breath. “I want to be with you. I will go anywhere you are going. Take the position.”
“Wow!” He grinned excitedly. “I was so nervous. I thought you wouldn’t want to take this step with me.” He leaned over and gave her a long kiss.
“I will tell my boss I am ready to go,” he raised her hand up and kissed the back. “We are going to do the proposal thing the right way after your sister’s wedding.”
“Okay,” she nodded.
They fell into companionable silence. They said nothing again as they finished up their dessert. Both kept stealing glances at each other.
Their eyes locked in a silent exchange of love and affection. The flickering candle on the table illuminated their faces, highlighting their emotions.
Grant called for the check and paid immediately after they finished the dessert and they left the restaurant, holding their hands.
“Lest I forget,” Betty said the moment they got into the car. “The wedding rehearsal and dinner are now Thursday.”
“Oh,” he nodded. “That’s okay. I like that. It will give the couple the opportunity to relax on Friday.”
“Yes, that was what Becky wanted.
“How is the presentation going?” He asked as he backed out of the restaurant’s car park.
“Thanks for asking. Everything’s coming together nicely.”
They continued to talk about the wedding preparations. Suddenly, Betty realized Grant was not taking the normal route to her house, and she asked him, “where are we going, Mister? This is not the way to my house.”
When they finished, he drove past their street and she asked, “where are we going?”
“My house,” he gave her a devilish smile. “I thought we could have a nightcap. You know, Katie is spending the night with her cousins.”
She smiled, knowing what he meant.
“Did you plan this all out?” She traced an imaginary line on his thigh. “Tell me.”
“No, I didn’t,” he said truthfully. “It was while we were at the restaurant that it occurred to me we could have some nightcap before I take you home.” Grant winked at her. He was such a charmer.
He slowed down the speed of the car and stared at her.
“Do you want to come with me?” He asked in a whisper.