Chapter Thirty-Six
Gigi
M elonie and Audrey wave as I walk into Bostonia. We’re meeting for brunch before we go shopping. I need some tame clothes for next weekend. I want to make sure Marcus’ father has as little ammo as possible against me. Therefore, I need to look the part of a future CEO’s wife.
“Hey ladies!” I hug both of my friends before sitting down.
Audrey hands me a menu. “Mimosas are on the way.”
I set the menu on the table; I already know what I want. “Good. I’m going to need all the encouragement I can get to shop for boring clothes.”
Melonie laughs. “Why are you so worried about all this? I know you want to make your story believable, but you can still be yourself.”
I thank the server when they place my drink in front of me. “Marcus’s dad is so judgey. The more I try to fit in with his world, the easier all this is on Marcus.”
We place our orders and Audrey says, “I think it’s sweet you’re willing to help him like this. Things still good on the home front?”
I nod. “Really good. Ethel is actually warming up to him now. And Marcus is pretty much the best roommate I think I’ve ever had.”
“That’s good. Have you two set a date for the proposal or the wedding?”
“Not yet. But he did ask me to take a few days off next month. I bet he proposes then.”
Melonie looks at me. “He’s doing a surprise proposal? I figured you two would just set a date for it and plan it out like everything else.”
“I thought so too, but he’s being all secretive about it. He won’t discuss it with me or anything. We haven’t even been ring shopping yet.”
“Do you think he already bought a ring?”
I shrug. “I really don’t know, and I’m not going to ask.”
Melonie has a look of approval on her face. “Go Marcus.”
“What does that mean?”
“I just thought he would be completely methodical with this entire scheme. The fact that he’s putting in a little extra work on this is cute.”
“Maybe you’re cutting through that grumpy exterior he has.” Audrey smiles.
“He’s not that grumpy, you guys. Yeah, he’s quiet and straightforward, but he’s just a big softie inside.”
“He’s only a softie for you and Millie.” Melonie leans back in her chair as our food is delivered.
“No, he’s not. He would do anything for you two and your men, and you know that.”
Audrey picks up a piece of bacon. “He’s certainly there for all of us, but he would burn the world down for Millie, and I can’t imagine him planning a surprise proposal for anyone beside you, G.”
I poke at my French toast. “He’s just going through with a plan. It’s not that serious.”
Melonie cuts into her eggs. “Whatever he does for the proposal, make sure you stick to your plan, G.”
“I will, don’t worry.”