The Pirouette Series ~ A Star Crossed Wasteland

~Chapter 2~

That night, we all went to dinner together. Maria's boyfriend, Joe Cotela, joined us. His band was going on tour with us as one of the opening bands. He was super nice. I was sitting in between Travis and Kent at the table. The waiter came around getting drink orders first. When he finally got to me, he smiled at me. Both Travis and Kent gave him the eye. It was funny.

"Disaronno on the rocks and a water, please."

Travis ordered a coke and he kept going around the table. Reaching over, I put my hand on his thigh. Snaking his fingers through mine, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it. I looked over at him and smiled. He winked at me.

"How long has it been since you've seen each other," Joe asked us from across the table, since he and Maria were sitting directly across from us.

"Almost three weeks," Travis said. "Too long."

"Travis, I've never seen you in love before, brother. It looks good on you."

"I knew from the moment I laid my eyes on her."

"That's some pretty big words right there," Joe said.

"It's not like we haven't hit some stumbling blocks already," I said, looking over at him.

"Love isn't meant to be perfect," Joe replied.

"No, it's not. It just means you've found your person that you're willing to go through those ups and downs with."

"Like I am with this one," he said and touched Maria's arm.

She turned her head to look at him; "Joe?"

"What babe?"

"Where did that come from?"

"You know I feel that way about you."
I looked over at Travis and he looked at me.
"What are you saying?"

"Maria, I love you."

I put my hand on Travis' arm and looked at him.

"Is he doing what I think he's doing," I whispered to him.

"Maybe?"

"I love you back," she said, leaned over and kissed him.

"When you came back from the cruise and told me about Journey, the way you spoke about her, the light in your eyes told me everything I needed to know."

I looked at Travis. I was genuinely confused.

"Maria, this is the time. This is what I've been waiting for."

The entire table was quiet. He gently laid a small box on the table. Squeezing Travis' arm, I was so happy for her! Joe took her hand in his.

"Maria, marry me."

"Joe!"

"You want me to get on my knees?"

"No, oh my God, no. You don't have to do that! Yes!"

He grabbed the box, opened it, pulled the ring out and slid it on her shaking finger. Leaning in, he sweetly kissed her. It was so sweet. The waiter came back and started putting the drinks down. She was looking at the ring and at Joe.

"Let me see it," I said to her.

She held her hand out to me. It was a stunner. It was a square cut; looked to be at least a carat and a half. It was white gold.

"It's beautiful. Joe, you did good."

"Thank you," he said.

"Are you all ready to order," the waiter asked. "Looks like you just got proposed to?"
"Yes!"