Allegro con fuoco

LXIV

The bell dinged so loud it startled him. 
His feet had started dragging a while back, the enormity of what he was planning, of what he was risking looming over him. The ground seemed to hold him in place like it wasn't made of marble, but of glue instead.
Why was he trying this again? Wasn't it much simpler to just wait? Weeks? Months? Years? Do this in Australia, where it was safe? Where he knew everyone? 
But Eddy didn't want to wait. 
"Hello, can I help... Oh! Eddy!"
The man behind the counter smiled kindly as he looked him up and down subtly.
"Hi. Um. I have a question." Eddy managed.
"I hope there's nothing wrong with the ring?"
"No, no!" Eddy hastened. "I gave it to him yesterday. He loves it. It was perfect. I was just..."
He was just what? It was an idea that had driven him here, an idea based on the fact that this guy had understood. Had been kind. But what was he actually thinking, coming back here in jogging gear yet again? He took a deep breath. 
"I don't know. I was just wondering whether there was anywhere here, anyone... you know, anyone you know where we could have a... moment. I guess. To. You know."
This was without a doubt the least coordinated sentence he had ever spoken in his entire life, and to be honest after that jumble of words he wanted to crawl back out of the shop, run away and never look back. But then the guy smiled. 
"I think I know what you mean. Do you mind how? My brother is a Buddhist monk. His order believe in treating everyone equal. I think maybe you could go to their monastery and do a little ceremony for a blessing, if you'd want?"
Eddy couldn't stop his mouth from falling open. 
"Wow. That would be... amazing. We're not here for long though."
The man smiled that same kind smile again. 
"Let me call him."

He vanished for a long moment, leaving Eddy to contemplate a monk with a phone. How would that even work? They stuck it in some hidden compartment in an orange robe? His heart was pounding in his throat. What would the guy say? Yes? No? 
And if yes, what then? 
"Eddy. So." 
The guy was back with his kind smile and this time also a grin. 
"He said he would be very happy to speak a blessing over you both and your union. But he's going out of town tomorrow. It would have to be today. He could do three o-clock for instance."
Now Eddy's heart was pounding out of his chest, so loudly he was almost sure the guy would hear it. 
"To-today." he stammered. "Wow. Well. We're free."
"Brett doesn't know?"
"No." Eddy said. "He has no idea I'm here at all. That's why I'm always here in sports clothes. I want to surprise him. He's surprised me many times."
"Good. Good. By the way, my name is Lee. You must come to dinner with my family after."
Eddy blinked once, twice, before his mouth took over. 
"Lee. Why... why are you doing this for us?"
Lee took a step forward and put his hand on his shoulder. 
"You seem kind. We do good, without expecting in return. And in return we get abundance."
Another blink from Eddy.
"We... we're violinists. We could play the violin for you."
Now Lee's eyebrows raised up. 
"See what I mean, Eddy? You come to dinner, we celebrate. You play the violin for us. Abundance for us all. Shall I tell my brother three o clock is good?"
Something surged through Eddy as he nodded. 
"Yes. Very good. Thank you so much, Lee."