Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
LUKE
I couldn’t be more proud of Deidre than seeing her up on the stage tonight. She has amazed me to no end. Words cannot describe how I’m feeling about her tonight. The only, and most appropriate, word would be love .
The crowd flocks to her the moment she gets off the stage, and I’m happy to share her with them.
She clings to my arm, not wanting to be separated, even to shake someone’s hand or return their hug, but does anyway to be polite.
We’re questioned by many of the attendees about the photos of us shopping for condoms, and we simply smile and nod.
It doesn’t help when I see those very pictures flashing around from time to time on the big screens that are scattered around the large room.
The Press is loving Deidre and is quick to ask about our relationship and the changes to the app. Dei keeps things on the down low, but is more than willing to kiss me in front of them when they ask. I’m starting to become blind from all of the flashing lights.
No one asks her about future business ventures other than my father.
Anyone who isn’t immediate family or friends only asks or talks about Flirt and our relationship.
Many of the celebrities whom Dei has worked with over the past two years have come to support her.
Rox and her band kicked off the party before turning it over to the DJ.
Around one in the morning, Deidre and I find a quiet space out on a balcony that’s in the back part of the party floor. There’s a cool breeze that is paired with a cloudless night and an almost full moon.
“Congratulations, baby,” I say, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.
“Thanks.”
“The numbers look pretty good.”
“They look fucking awesome,” Dei scoffs sarcastically.
“Yeah. I think that you need to trust your instincts more often.”
“Me, too,” she agrees.
“I knew it would be good, but I didn’t expect the new user totals to jump to over three million in less than twenty-four hours.”
“Me either.”
I hold her closer. “When did you want to head out?”
“Soon. “I know that the party can last for another few hours, but I’m getting tired.”
I smile and nod, content with our temporary solitude.
Dei lets out a long breath, as if she’s releasing the final jitters from the night.
“Nervous about Monday?” I ask.
“No.”
“Good.”
We stand holding each other, her back to my chest, for a long while as our bodies sway a little to the music.
“You know…Mike still doesn’t know how to act around me,” I chuckle.
“He’ll get over it.”
“Hopefully.” I kiss the back of her head. “Can I ask you something, though?”
She turns to face me. “About what?”
“About how Mike would feel.”
“Feel about what? I don’t care how he feels. He’s not the one in this relationship.”
My hand reaches into my pocket as I lower onto one knee. “How would he feel about this?”
“You don’t want to know how I would feel about this?”
“I’m pretty sure I know how you feel,” I say, opening the box.
“Really? Well…I wouldn’t know.” She huffs. “I don’t know how?—”
“Deidre Marie Lawrence,” I interrupt.
“Do you really need to say my full name?”
“Do you really need to interrupt me?”
She gives me an unamused expression.
“I’ve loved you since the first time I kissed you.”
“Yes,” she blurts with a smile plastered on her face.
“Yes? I haven’t even asked?—”
Her mouth slams into mine.
My arm wraps around her as I guide us to stand. “Will you marry me?”
“Fuck yes!”