Toni sat at a small café table, sipping her coffee and watching the steady flow of pedestrians outside the window. The familiar clink of cups and murmur of conversation provided a comforting backdrop. She checked her phone again. Janet was running late, as usual.
Moments later, Janet burst through the door, her hair in a low ponytail and a concerned look on her face. "Come on T what's up I got a nail appointment in 2 hours". Janet rolled her eyes taking a seat. Toni sighed rolling her eyes.
Toni hesitated, unsure how to broach the subject. "I wanted to talk to you about something...Kenny" Toni said and Janet's expression softened. "What about Him" Janet asked sipping her latte.
"He's planning to propose to Sarah".
The words hung in the air between them. Janet sat her cup down. "If you wanna know how do I know, He told me J. He even asked help to pick out a ring".
Janet's face tightened and she leaned back in her chair. "This all seems very sudden. They've only known each other for a few months" she said "I know" Toni agreed.
"But he's serious about her. He thinks she's the one".
Janet shook her head in frustration. "I think he's trying to distract himself from everything that's happened between you guys" Janet said making Toni sigh. She knew exactly what Janet meant. The history she and Kenny shared was complicated, filled with moments of intense passion and painful heartbreak.
"Maybe" Toni admitted. "But he seems happy"
"But you're not. She's bout to walk down the aisle with your man". Janet said. " do you think he's really moved on?".
Though her own feelings were a tangled mess. She wanted to be happy for Kenny, but the thought of him not being with her stung. "It's not my place to say".
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A few days later Toni found herself standing outside a jewelry store, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Kenny was already inside examining a display case.
"Hey" he said, looking for a smile. Thanks for coming.
"Of course" Toni replied, forcing a smile on. "Let's find the perfect ring" .
They moved from case to case, Kenny pointing out different styles and asking for Toni's Opinion. She tried to focus on the task at hand, but her mind kept drifting. She couldn't help but remember the times Kenny had looked at her with the same intensity he now had directed at the rings.
"This one" Kenny said suddenly, stopping in front of a case with a sparkling solitaire diamond. " what do you think?".
Toni swallowed down hard. It was beautiful, and she could picture it on Sarah's finger. But the image was quickly replaced by a pang of jealousy. She pushed it aside, reminding herself that this was about Kenny's happiness.
"It's gorgeous" she said, her voice steady. "She'll love it".
Kenny smiled, a look of relief washing over his face. "I hope so. I'm really nervous about this".
"You'll do great," Toni assured him
"You know, I couldn't do this without you" he said taking a deep breath.
Toni's heart ached at the sincerity in his voice. She wanted to believe that she'd moved on, that she was happy for him. But the truth was more complicated. As they finalized the purchase, she couldn't shake the feeling that something important was slipping away. But Toni had to ask the question.
"Kenny? Do you think you might be moving a little fast? Are you for sure you want to do this? Marriage is a big step" Toni asked. She cared about Kenny's well being but she knew Kenny, he hasn't been with anyone for more than 6 months.
"No I don't think so. I'm ready. My parents were married for 45 years I have faith" Kenny said. he could sense something was wrong. "It's important to me that you know this decision isn't meant to undermine our past or make you feel uncomfortable. My relationship with Sarah feels right to me at this point in my life". Kenny reassured her. Toni couldn't help but give in as a tear slipped from her eye. "Toni? Did I say something wrong?" Kenny grabbed her hands. "No not at all. I'm really happy for you Ken." Toni smiled. Kenny wiped away her tears and brung her into his embrace.
