Born to Ride

Chapter 24

Today is the day. I am planning an engagement dinner at this fancy place in the city, just like Bonnie would like. I didn't invite my parents nor my sister because I don't want them to stop me. I decided to call them after words. As I am heading out, I see Clover is in the living room drinking a cup of a coffee.
"Hey," She doesn't use cowboy this time.
"I thought you had left," I approach the sofa across the one she is sitting.
"I just wanted to say good bye to Arizona before heading out," She take sip of her coffee. "What about you? Hot date?"
I lean back before answering, "I getting married remember."
She looks away as if hesitating, "I want to show you something." She takes out a necklace with two rings and gives them to me. I take a look at them, I know what they are. I gave her these the day before she moved away. "I really care about you. I want things to be different to be different."
Looking at her eyes, I know she means it but it's to late. "Clover, I can't."
"I am not asking you to do anything. I just want-" I cut her off.
"It's too late. It doesn't change anything." I get up and leave. What does she expect? She wants me to drop everything for her. I can't. She wouldn't do it for me.

Before heading to the restaurant, I stop at Flynn's place. I tell him what I am going to do today. Dressed presentable I know he knew something was up. I have the ring ready, the flowers in the car and my mind is made up.
"Crazy." Is all he says and looks over at Taylor.
"What's crazy?"
"Austin, we can all see that you are into Clover not Bonnie." Flynn gets up to grab a drink before adding, "Plus, maybe you should know that Clover still has those rings."
"How do you know about that?" The rings she showed me today. I hate giving her that.
"Mona. I notice Clover wears them and I asked, Clover didn't say much but Mona explained."
"It seems like she has been waiting." He thinks about it.
"Waiting? Welll it's too late. I am marrying Bonnie." Everyone seems to be against the idea.
"I wouldn't do that." Taylor pitches in.
"Yeah, how so? I don't see you dating any one." I answer in an aggressive tone.
"Not now. But i did date someone. It started off as a bet. I dated this girl as a joke, but I ended up liking her. Before I knew it, I lost her to my best friend. She's married to him now. I could have been with her but pride got in the way. Now the person I want is with some else. The same thing happening to you."
"You're wrong," I leave before I have to hear more of that.

***

I arrive at the restaurant and I am already running late. Waiting outside the door, I take a deep breath. I better be doing the right thing for myself. As I about to go in, I stop as I hear Bonnie's conversation with her guests.
"I guess it paid off," one of her guests sounds very snobby.
"What?" Bonnie sounds offended.
"It paid off to cling on to him, till he plainly needed you."
"Look, Minny. I may not love him, but at least I have someone taking me out of this hole. Plus, he comes from a good family and has money. What more do I want? I just need to get out of here and not stay stuck here with you. I know everyone here feels the same. Why are you even raining on my parade?"
After hearing that, Arizona was right. I know what to do. Bonnie doesn't love me. I thought it would be alright if I didn't, but Bonnie doesn't either. I am sorry I used her but I can't marry her. I definitely can't marry her. She wants be with one who is financially stable and that is great but she is only marrying me to be comfortable. I take out my phone and walk out for the building. I dial Bonnie's phone, she picks ups, "Austin, Where are you?"
"Bonnie, I am sorry." I try to sound sorry after what I just heard.
"What? Why are you sorry? It doesn't matter, you're running late."
"I am sorry, I am not coming. Let's break up. I am not marrying you." I hang up before she can say anything.
My feet start to carry me. I need to tell Clover that I love her.