Roman Holiday

The Proposal

"Jess, will you marry me?"

Jess looked down at the man now on one knee in front of all her family and friends and realised that she couldn't think of anything in the world she would want to do less.

"No Graeme... I'm sorry" she saw the horror in his eyes and felt the disbelief emanating from the faces of her family – especially her parents. There was a collective gasp and Graeme stood up, visibly shaking and red faced.

"WHAT?" he said, sounding less shocked and sad and more outraged. "WHY?" he looked around at the crowd "After all this time? You've made a fool of me, of your parents, everyone. WHY?"

"Because... I don't love you Graeme, I used to but not any more. Not after I found out" she stood her ground and faced him, suddenly finding the courage of her convictions.

"Found out what?" he was less aggressive now, more scared. He had a dirty little secret and he knew now she knew it too.

"You were, and still are, sleeping with Penny." She turned and walked to the door. Graeme stood, face a picture of shame and torment. Penny on the other hand, had sunk to the floor and covered her face with her hands. Jess stopped at the door,

"She is - WAS - my best friend for Christ's sake Graeme. My BEST. FRIEND. You don't shit on your own doorstep. "  She glared at them both, mustering all the dignity she could. With a final snort of derision, she walked out of the room and into the night. She didn't wait to hear or see the commotion afterwards.

Two hours later, she had packed a bag and checked into a hotel. There was a flight to Rome in the morning and she would be on it. To hell with the expense, as a parting shot, she'd paid with Graeme's credit card. She knew he wouldn't challenge it, he wouldn't dare. Not with all the jewellery she'd seen on the statement. None of it had come her way – or indeed Penny's it would seem. Graeme was a player. 

Graeme was gone.