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“Talk is cheap.”
Enzo laughs. “You’re the king of idioms tonight.”
Devon makes a face at him before turning back to me. “All I’m saying is, if you’re this miserable, and you really do love her, show her you’re serious.”
Show her you’re serious.
Finally, I catch his meaning. And the thought has crossed my mind more than once in the last few weeks.
“Are you suggesting,” Enzo asks dryly, “that Hayden propose to the woman who just broke up with him?”
“I’m suggesting it because apparently the only reason they’re not together is that she’s sacrificing her own happiness so he can retain complete control of his share of the company. That’s a grand gesture. He should make one too. Show her he’s not just full of hot air.” Devon turns to me. “No offense, but you do have a history of sweet-talking your way into things.”
I actually find myself smiling. “I won’t deny it.”
“You really think this is a good plan?” Enzo asks.
I don’t answer right away because it’s a loaded question. Proposing marriage to a woman isn’t something to take lightly. Especially when the woman in question has just dumped you and there’s a much greater likelihood she’ll say no than yes.
But I guess that’s what Devon means by taking a chance.
In the end, there’s not much to think about really. I love Ada Flemming and want to be with her for the rest of my life. I can’t actually imagine my future without her in it.
If she says no, then so be it. But at least she’ll know without a shadow of a doubt where I stand.
“Who wants to come ring shopping with me?”
35
Ada
“Thanks for meeting me,” I huff out through breaths.
As Karlene and I run along the Hudson, I thank my lucky stars it’s a cloudy day.
“No problem. Although I warned you,” Karlene says. “I’ve been doing more walking than running. I’m not sure how long I’ll last. Nice shirt, by the way.”
I slow my pace, looking down at Hayden’s tee. Why do I torture myself with the reminder? “We can walk if you want.”
Actually, I know exactly why.
“No, that’s okay. I’m actually curious how long I’ll last.”
Noon is basically the worst time of the day to run in the summer, and even with the clouds, today is no different. The air feels muggy and heavy, like rain might be coming. It matches my mood just perfectly.
“You missed it last night. Qasim was on a roll.”
A few of our colleagues went out to a karaoke bar together, which is unusual for a Saturday. We usually stick to happy hour since a lot of people don’t live in Manhattan and commute to work. Once Friday hits, people scatter.
“I bet. What did he sing?”
She gives me the side-eye, not answering my question. “You can’t go on like this, Ada.”
“Yes, I can.”
We nod to a runner passing us in the opposite direction.
“You look like someone told you that you can’t eat chocolate or drink wine for the rest of your life.”
