Chapter 28
28
Brylee
The nail salon buzzes with activity as Candace and I settle into our plush chair, surrounded by shelves of colorful nail polish bottles with names like “Moonlit Majesty” and “Sun-kissed Coral.” The scent of lavender and vanilla fill the air, mingling with the sound of laughter. A wave of relaxation washes over me. The soft hum of tranquil music mingles with the decorated fountain in the corner.
Candace leans over to me, her eyes sparkling. “Isn’t this just what we needed?” she whispered.
“Yes!” A moment of indulgence in the midst of our hectic lives.
I watch as Candace flipped through a magazine, pointing out different designs she wants to try. The manicurist approaches us with a warm smile, her expert hands deftly shaping and painting our nails. I choose a soft pink shade for a classic look, while she goes for a bold crimson that matches her fiery personality.
As the manicurist works her magic, I admire the intricate artwork adorning Candace’s nails. Delicate swirls and glittery accents transforms her fingertips into miniature masterpieces, reflecting the vibrant spirit that shines from within her. With each stroke of the brush, it is as if a piece of her essence is being captured on those tiny canvases.
The nail technician wields her tools with precision and care, sharpening and painting my nails with a fierce determination. My mind drifts back to simpler times, when Candace and I would huddle in her basement, frantically painting each other's nails while exchanging secrets and gushing about our crushes. Memories of our unbreakable bond wash over me, filling me with warmth and nostalgia.
But the serenity is short-lived as we both spill our guts, venting about the never-ending stress and chaos that consumes our lives. The pace quickens, time a blur as we race against the clock to finish this rare moment of indulgence. As the technician triumphantly declares “Done,” we exchange exhausted smiles, knowing that this brief escape from reality was worth every second.
Reluctantly, we rise from our cozy chairs, bidding farewell to the haven of serenity that is the nail salon. Stepping out onto the bustling street, the scent of freshly brewed coffee beckoned us from a nearby café. Candace's eyes light up with excitement as she tugs at my arm, urging us to prolong our pampering session with a steaming cup of caffeine.
Stepping inside, we are enveloped in the rich, comforting scent of roasted beans and caramel. We get our regulars, and then settle into our seats in the corner by the window to enjoy the sunshine.
“So, are you ready for tonight?” Candace asks.
Leo and I have been dating for a while now. Why is she making such a big deal about our date tonight? He has been away for a week helping cover for a veterinarian two towns over while he had surgery and recovered. I missed him dearly, and so excited for him to be back. Sleeping in a bed alone after getting used to having someone to sleep next to sucked. Most nights, I toss and turn until my alarm goes off for work.
“I might actually get a decent night’s sleep tonight.”
She smiles. “Or maybe you won’t sleep at all.”
She is always so quick to throw out sexual innuendos, but when I talk like that, she is a prude. “I’d be good with that too.”
Outside, the sky transforms into a canvas of pink and gold hues as the sun begins to go down. We can’t stay here too long. I still have to go home and get ready. Leo is meeting me at the restaurant at eight.
After drinking our coffee, we walk the two blocks to my house, and settle in my bedroom. Candace flops down on the bed, kicking off her shoes with a satisfied sigh. My fingers trail along the rows of dresses and blouses, each one holding memories of past outings and special occasions. This is the worst part of dating. Trying to figure out what to wear.
“You pick.” I say, feeling defeated.
“Okay, something flirty and fun or elegant and sophisticated?”
I chew my lower lip, contemplating my options. After a week apart, I want to look stunning for our reunion. “A little of both.”
She settles on a sleeveless black dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. As she helps me slip into the dress and fasten the necklace, excited washes over me. The thought of seeing Leo after what feels like an eternity fills me with a heady mix of nerves and longing.
With a final glance in the mirror to ensure everything is just right, I grab my purse and link arms with Candace as we make our way out the door. The evening air is cool against my skin, a gentle breeze carrying the promise of a night filled with passion and stolen glances.
“Let’s go! We don’t want you to be late for your Prince Charming.”
I get into the passenger seat and buckle the seatbelt. Instead of driving my car and having to drive it back, Leo will just take me home afterward. Candace is sweet enough to drop me off.
“Thank you! I’ll call you tomorrow!”
Walking toward the entrance to the restaurant where Leo awaits me, a smile tugs at my lips.
Leo is leaning against the entrance of the restaurant, his eyes instantly finding mine as I approach. His smile is warm and familiar, filling me with a rush of affection. I quicken my pace to close the distance between us, eager to be enveloped in his arms once more.
“Hey there,” Leo greets me, his voice soft yet filled with unspoken promises. His hand reaches out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “You look stunning.”
My cheeks flush at the compliment, grateful for the dim lighting that masks my sudden embarrassment. Leo's charm has a way of making me feel like the only woman in the world.
“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a surge of happiness at being back in his presence. Without needing words, Leo offers me his arm, which I gladly take as we make our way inside the cozy restaurant.
The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with soft music playing in the background and flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the tables. We are led to a secluded corner booth where we can have privacy, and I can't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the thought of spending the evening wrapped up in conversation with Leo.
As we peruse the menu, exchanging light banter and sharing stories from our time apart, I find myself completely captivated by Leo's easy laughter and the way his eyes sparkle. The waiter comes by to take our orders, and after much deliberation, we settle on a selection of dishes to share.
The food emerges in a delicious array of flavors and textures, each bite a tantalizing experience that only serves to enhance the magic of the evening. Between shared appetizers and sips of wine, our connection deepens, growing stronger with every shared smile and knowing glance.
After paying the check, he tells me he have one more place he wants to go before taking me home.
Leo leads me out of the restaurant, his hand warm and reassuring in mine as we walk through the bustling streets. The night air is alive with the soft hum of laughter and distant music, a backdrop to the unspoken words passing between us.
We turn a corner, away from the main thoroughfare, and suddenly I find myself in a secluded meadow bathed in moonlight. The expanse of wildflowers under the starry sky is breathtaking, a sight straight out of a fairytale. Leo has orchestrated this moment perfectly, leading me to a blanket spread out on the soft grass.
As we settle down side by side on the blanket, Leo's gaze meets mine, his eyes reflecting the myriad stars above. In that moment, surrounded by nature's beauty and the serenade of crickets, he takes my hands in his.
“I brought you here because this place is as wondrous as you are to me,” Leo begins, his voice tender yet filled with a depth of emotion that makes my heart swell. “Being with you feels like dancing under the stars, every step a new discovery, every twirl a revelation.”
My breath hitches at his words, feeling the weight of his love wash over me like a gentle wave. I search his eyes for any hint of doubt or hesitation but find only sincerity and adoration staring back at me.
“I love you,” Leo whispers, his voice carrying across the meadow like a secret shared only between us and the night itself. “I love your laughter that fills my days with joy, your kindness that warms even the coldest nights. I love you in ways I never knew were possible.”
Without breaking eye contact, Leo slowly drops to one knee, the moonlight illuminating his features as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. My heart pounds, anticipation and joy swirling in a heady mix as he opens the box to reveal a glimmering diamond ring.
“Will you please make me the happiest man alive and marry me?” Leo's voice is filled with raw vulnerability, his love for me shining through every word. Tears wells up in my eyes as I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I nod, unable to find words to express the depth of my love for this man who has brought magic into my life. With trembling hands, he slips the ring onto my finger, a perfect fit that felt like destiny weaving us together.
As we stand up, embraced in each other's arms under the moonlit sky, I know that this is just the beginning of our shared adventure. The meadow whispers its blessings around us, carrying our laughter and promises into the night.
In Leo's arms, surrounded by nature's symphony and the twinkle of distant stars, Ihave found my home.