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The solitude in my living room makes me recount the lovely moments we shared today, from the bowling alley to Frizzes and our conversations over burgers and milkshakes.
While reminiscing about my exciting day with Damien, I stored my takeout box in the refrigerator because I was content with the round of food we enjoyed at the restaurant.
Before sleeping, I quickly shower and wonder if he is doing the same.
Lying in bed, ready to sleep, I realized no sad thoughts had crossed my mind all day.
***
The morning light filters through my blinds, casting a warm glow across my room.
I stretch, my mind still half in a dream, replaying fragments of last night’s adventure with Damien.
Bowling had been an absolute blast, a perfect blend of laughter, playful competition, and those unexpectedly deep conversations while we grabbed a bite at Frizzes.
My phone buzzes, pulling me back into the present. It’s Damien.
“Morning, Lea. How about I give you a ride to work today?” His voice is cheerful, a stark contrast to the groggy state I find myself in.
I hesitate, the edge of the blanket clutched in my fingers.
“I don’t know, Damien. I’m happy to drive myself to work, and it’s not a big deal.”
“But we’re engaged, remember?” he teases, the word ‘engaged’ feeling like a costume we’ve both agreed to wear.
“We’ve got to act like it, at least in front of our colleagues. It’ll be fun, I promise.” He continues.
I can’t help but laugh. The absurdity of our fake engagement scheme washes over me anew.
“Alright, you’ve convinced me. But only because we’re ‘engaged,’” I air quote, even though he can’t see me.
“Perfect. I’ll be ready in about thirty minutes. Don’t be late for our first commute together as a faux fiancé couple,” he quips before hanging up.
I scramble to get ready, choosing my outfit more carefully than usual, mindful of the charade Damien and I are embarking on. I pair my cream blouse with black pants and a pair of black heels.
As I brush my hair, my reflection seems to smirk back at me as if it’s in on the joke.
True to his word, Damien was at my door in thirty minutes, ringing my doorbell once outside my door.
I grab my bag, check my appearance one last time, and head out.
He was already heading to his car in his driveway. As I approach him, he graciously opens the passenger door for me.
“You look amazing.”
“Thanks,” I mutter as I get into the car.
Damien’s car is now a familiar sight, and he greets me with a contagious smile and a grin that reaches his eyes.
“Ready for our first official day going into work together as an engaged couple?” he asks, his tone laced with humor.
I roll my eyes but can’t suppress my smile.
“As I’ll ever be. However, let’s not go overboard. I don’t think I can handle pretending to plan a wedding on top of everything else.”
We engage in simple conversation and laughter during the drive to work.
We both realized that no one had asked us about how he proposed or why I was not wearing an engagement ring.
