A Naughty Proposal♡💍

Chapter 9 : Disastrous Dinner

The next morning, Savannah have gone out for coffee. When she returns to her room, Lucas and Paxton are talking. She hides by the semi-open door to listen in.
Lucas: "What are you doing? You can't go through her things."
Paxton: "Like heck i can't."
She hears drawers opening and closing, and cupboard doors slamming. Her blood boils in anger, but she stays still. 
Lucas: "Listen, you have no reason to believe that Savannah stole Zia's ring. Zia could have left it anywhere."
Paxton: "Zia is far more responsible than that. And did you see the way Savannah was fawning over that diamond ring the other night."
Lucas: "How could she slide the ring right out of Zia's finger without her noticing?"
Paxton: "Who knows what tricks she's learned growing up on that side of the town."
Lucas: "That's ridiculous, Paxton."
Savannah can't take it anymore, she creeps inside quietly. They're still talking.
Paxton: "You said she was from Smithville? Well, my last maid was from Smithville and i caught her stealing my watch."
Sav: "That logic is insane."
Savannah makes her appearance known as the two men stare at you, momentarily surprised.
Lucas: "Savannah, how much of that did you heard?"
Sav: "Enough to know that you think I'm a thief. You think i could pull off some crazy sleight of hand like that? In any case you don't have any proof. I hope you realize how ridiculous this entire thing is."
Paxton: "Is it though? I mean, no offense, but Savannah... Clearly you've neven been exposed to the norms of high society before."
Sav: "Excuse me?"
Paxton: "Everything about you, from your demeanor to you table manners- it reeks of..."
Sav: "Get out of my room, Paxton."
Paxton: "Lucas is the one paying for the room. I'll leave if he..."
Lucas: "Get out of the room. Now."
Paxton leaves the room without protest.
Sav: "I can't believe you even let him inside our room."
Lucas: "I'm sorry. i didn't think he'd go off like that.
-"I also can't believe you didn't stick up for me."
-"When? Just now?"
-"Yes! He insulted me, my roots, and basically implied i was trash. I real boyfriend wouldn't have let him get away with that."
-"You're right, Savannah. I'm so sorry. Can you forgive me?"
-"I don't want to fight."
-"But you're right. It blows a hole in our story if i don't act like you boyfriend."
-"That, and it's insulting."
-"That too. Look, the ship is docking for the day and we can spend the day on land. I was planning to go hiking and i'd love for you to join me."
-"Hmmm..."
-"Or we can hang out at the bar or something. Up to you."
-"i'll think about it."
-"Okay. Why don't you get dressed and meet me downstairs. Then you can decide what you want to do."
Lucas heads downstairs. Savannah surveys her wardrobe for options. She finally chooses a cute red bra and jean shorts, the perfect outfit for summer, she also put on some earrings and a pretty neckless and she ties half of her hair. She thinks: "This is perfect. And exactly the kind of boost i needed." She heads downstairs to meet Lucas.

It's a beautiful day. 
Lucas: "So, Savannah, any thoughts on what to do today?"
-"I'd like to...It's too nice a day to be spending it cooped up on the ship."
-"Couldn't agree more."

Lucas takes her hand and leads her off the ship.
Sav: "It's nice to be on land again. I have a confession to make...This is my first time on boat."
-"What? Really?"
-"Let's talk more about you though. I feel like i barely know you."
-"Ask away."
-"Well, there is something i want to ask, but if you are not comfortable answering, I understand."
-"What do you want to know?"
-"It's about you and Zia...how did you guys meet up...what led to the break-up and..."
-"Whoa! Slow down with the questions!!"
-"Sorry...It's okay if you don't want to answer."
-"No, it's important for you to understand why we're here. Zia and I met during our sophomore year in a statistics class. She was the most beautiful girl i'd ever met. Even though we were young, we knew that we wanted to be together forever. So, on the day of our college graduation, i proposed."
-"Wow! Was that the right time to think about getting married?"
-"I guess not but that doesn't matter now. That day, i got down on one knee and asked her to marry me."
-"What did she say?"
Lucas takes a deep breath and sighs.
He says: "She refused because she was in love with someone else."
-"What! She was cheating on you?"
-"Yeah...and you know the worst part?"
-"What?"
-"She made it seem like it was no big deal; my love or heartbreak meant nothing to her."
-"That's awful. I'm so sorry Lucas."
-"Anyway it's all in the past now. Let me not ruin the mood by talking too much about it."

After spending some time relaxing, the two of them head back to the room.
Sav: "Do you want to have dinner at the restaurant tonight? Or stay in and call for room service?"
Lucas is preoccupied with him phone. 
Sav: "Hello! Earth to Lucas! Come in, Lucas!"
-"Sorry. I just got a message from Zia."
She didn't realize that Lucas and Zia were texting. She feel...a little jealous.
Sav: "What does she want?"
-"You sound jealous."
-"I'm not jealous. I just don't like her texting you."
-"She doesn't usually text me."
-"Well, what does she want?"
-"She wants us to meet her, and Paxton, for dinner."
-"Really? Do we have to?"
-"I mean...she's really insisting."
-"Zia and I don't get along and Paxton thinks i'm a thief. I really don't want to meet them."
-"i understand, but she seems pretty desperate."
-"I don't understand this. Why is she desperate to have dinner with us?"
 -"She and Paxton are fighting. She thinks having us tag along at dinner will...distract him or something. I feel like i need to help her out. Do you think you can bear an evening with the three of us?"
-"It's going to be difficult for me to sit with them. She's judging me. He's accusing me."
-"i promise not to let them fixate on you. And i'll find a way to make it up to you later."
-"Fine."
-"You're the best girlfriend ever."
Savannah starts to blush. Lucas catches his mistake.
Lucas: "you know what i mean."
Lucas blushes too.
Sav: "I should get dressed."
Lucas: "Good idea."
She wears a long slit to waist red dress which straps are crossed and have an opening on the belly. She got a pretty white purse, and put on amazing gold accessories, and long red heels.
She says: "Dinner might be terrible, but at least i look good."
Lucas: "I second that."
Savannah and Lucas head down to the restaurant.

Paxton and Zia already have a table. She expect them to wave you over, but they're mid-argument. She approach them cautiously. 
Zia: "It was stolen, Paxton. I'd never be so irresponsible."
Paxton: "Well, if i knew you were going to lose a 4 carat diamond ring, i would have gotten you a fake one."
Zia: "You really think i wouldn't spot a fake diamond from a mile away?"
Paxton: "You're so vain."
Zia: "And you're so..."
Lucas clears his throat :"Hello you two."
Sav: "Hello, Paxton. Zia."
The couple stares at her blankly.
She thinks :"Oh boy, this is going to be one awkward night."
The server approaches. It's Rhys again. 
Rhys: "Hi everyone. I'm Rhys. Can i get you started on some drinks?"
Zia: "Savannah, isn't this your friend?"
Sav: "Yes. Hi, Rhys. Filling in for your server friend again?"
Rhys: "Different server friend. Seems that there's a stomach bug working its way through the crew here."
Sav: "That's awful."
Rhys: "Don't worry. It's not coming from this restaurant."
Zia: "That's almost reassuring."
Rhys: "Right, so a Shirley Temple for Savannah. And what can i get for you, Sir?"
Lucas: "Club soda with lime, please."
Rhys: "coming up."
Lucas: "So, Savannah, what's going on with the server?"
Zia: "Ooh, you're in trouble."