Grace's dream was a career in the fashion industry. But while she's finally pursuing that dream, her personal life remains a nightmare. Will she be able to escape an abusive relationship? And will she be able to find happiness and maybe true love?
"So he's taking you to the best restaurant in the city", says Andy.
"Yes".
"And he told you to wear something special", adds Bella.
"Yes".
"He's going to propose", they both say.
"He's not going to propose".
They've been pestering me about this dinner since I told them about it, just asking for advice about my outfit.
"Grace, what else could he be doing? It's not Valentine's Day or your birthday. It has to be a proposal".
But I just shake my head at Andy's words.
"You're not pregnant, are you?"
"No".
"Proposal then".
Rúben and I have talked about marriage already. A couple of months ago, I caught him looking at rings on his phone and we had a long conversation about the topic.
I assured him there is no one else I rather spend my life with. But also, that I'm not ready for that step.
We went out that day and bought matching bracelets that we know are a sort of promise ring. No one else needs to know that. But it makes it clear to me that he's not proposing tonight.
"I'll start looking at bridesmaid dresses anyway", says Bella.
"I'll look for a nice suit. And if he doesn't propose, I at least have a new nice suit".
My two best friends, ladies and gentlemen. I'm so lucky to have them in my life.
**
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"After you", says Rúben, opening the door for me.
"Thank you".
We are taken to our table and then Rúben orders wine for the both of us. I can't help but frown at that. He never drinks during the season.
"What's the occasion?", I ask, casually.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
So he's enjoying this. I'll get my payback later, then.
After a long look at the menu, we order our food and dinner goes as normally as any other dinner we've had before.
"Do you want dessert?"
"I want you to stop smiling like you're hiding my Christmas presents. Tell me what this dinner is about, please".
"After dessert".
He's so stubborn.
"I'm not hungry", I say.
"Let's go then".
**
"This isn't the way to my apartment. Or yours".
"I know that, Grace".
We stop in front of a house I've never been to.
"Where are we...".
And when I turn to face him, I get it. He's looking at me, a big smile on his face and holding a set of keys.
"Rúben...you didn't buy a house, did you?"
"Of course not. But I've spent the last month visiting houses and trying to find the one I thought you'd like and it's this one. They let me keep a spare set of keys so I could show it to you".
"Do you really want to move in with me?"
"Grace, you say it as if we practically didn't live together already", he laughs. "I'm always at your apartment and when I'm not there, you're at mine. And if you want us to stay in any of those two places, I'm happy to choose that. I just want to be with you. I don't care where it is".
I move closer to him so I can put my arms around his neck. "I want to be with you too. Always".
"And I thought a house would be a good idea for the future. I know you're not ready for other next steps but why not find now the place for when you are?"
Instead of answering, I just smile at him and kiss him.
"What do you say?"
"I say let's go and see what our future looks like".
