A Secret Love Affair

Chapter 15

Sienna disappointedly walked toward Andrew's car. A car she had been in hundreds of times and a car that at one point she looked forward to getting into but tonight all she could think about is what she had said to Paige.

Andrew quickly hung up his phone call and went around to open Sienna's door.

"After you" he said, giving Sienna a wink followed by his best boyish smile.

Sienna noticed how handsome Andrew looked, he had gotten a fresh haircut and he wore the knitted cardigan and navy blue chinos she had gotten him for his birthday. She took a seat in the car Andrew spent his entire high school career modifying. The car smelled like the Tom Ford cologne Andrew always wore. She pulled down the sunvisor and slid the cover off the mirror. She looked into the eyes staring back at her and she felt ashamed. She couldn't believe how much of a coward she was. She couldn't believe she had just spent all that time with Paige and she was now spending time with Andrew. When had she become this person?

Andrew put his hand on Sienna's thigh and began driving toward the restaurant. As he drove through town Sienna noticed all the familiar landmarks, nothing had changed but somehow everything seemed different. She felt Andrew's hand begin to slide up her thigh which snapped Sienna out of her thoughts. Andrew was going on about an internship he had landed while subtly making a move on her. Sienna grabbed his hand just when he was getting a bit too close for comfort, his fingers now inches away from an area that just a little over 24 hours ago had been Paige's.

"Have you been to La Vie French since they opened or is this your first time?" Sienna asked, hoping that conversation would get him to stop touching her.

"Never been. I heard we have to try the duck leg confit." Andrew confidently responded. He ran his hand through his hair, a habit he had developed from when his hair was longer. Sienna always preferred it long.

"Duck leg confit? Since when do you eat duck? Wait since when do you use the word confit?" Sienna asked, holding back a chuckle. Andrew had never been very cultured and he was the pickiest eater she had ever met.

"People grow, Sienna! I probably saw something on the food network about it or something." Andrew replied, sounding slightly defensive.

When Sienna and Andrew arrived at the French Bistro. Sienna was taken aback by the beauty of the place. Andrew had never done anything like this before and she didn't imagine him ever reaching this level of sophistication.

Sienna felt slightly uncomfortable but made an effort to relax. After a French onion soup served as an appetizer and Andrew persuading the waiter for a bottle of wine, the night seemed to take a turn. Sienna found herself enjoying herself and laughing with Andrew. They had always had a good relationship and even though his humor was a little obnoxious at times Andrew treated her well and he was a good guy.

Andrew spent a lot of time looking down on his phone but Sienna figured it was him talking to his dumb car club friends. His car was his hobby and she knew that he had probably gotten really into it since he had so much extra time on his hands with her not around as often.

"I'll be right back," Andrew said, giving Sienna's hand a squeeze. "I have to use the restroom." He whispered, getting up from the table and walking away.

Sienna took the opportunity to look through her phone. She had not heard a peep from Paige but she didn't expect any less. She did indeed worry that Paige was in a foreign city, hanging out on her own.

Will you please let me know you're ok? I didn't mean what I said. You have to understand I'm in a really awkward position. Of course you mean something to me, of course what happened meant something to me. I'll give you your space so you can cool off but I'm really hoping we can talk later tonight.

Sienna became slightly confused when she noticed the lights in the restaurant begin to dim. When she looked up she saw a nervous Andrew fumbling through his pocket standing in front of her. Andrew pulled out a black box and got down on one knee.

"Sienna, you've been by my side since we were in middle school. You've seen me grow into the man I am and hopefully you'll be by my side when I become the man I'm fully meant to be. I want to start a family with you and I want to grow old with you by my side. Will you do me the great honor of marrying me?" Andrew asked, he gave Sienna a nervous smile.

With the entire restaurant on their toes awaiting Sienna's response, Sienna began to internally panic. She couldn't marry Andrew but she also couldn't embarrass him in front of everybody. Maybe they could get engaged and be together for a while, maybe she could move back into town and rekindle some feelings.

"Yes, I'll marry you" Sienna blurted out, she felt herself begin to shake. She was dizzy and the moment when Andrew put the ring on her left finger was nothing but a haze. She could hear the restaurant customers clap in celebration of their engagement and felt Andrew plant an aggressive kiss on her. She just wasn't there, she was an outsider looking in.

What had she just agreed to?! What else was she supposed to say with everybody looking? She didn't want to embarrass Andrew and in their small town news traveled fast. The rejection of a public proposal would be the talk of the town tomorrow morning. Even though she wanted to run out of the restaurant, Sienna stuck it out the rest of the evening.

When Sienna and Andrew arrived at Sienna's home her parents and sisters were all waiting for them to arrive. As soon as the door opened her whole family clapped and began congratulating them. Sienna looked around the room in a panic searching for Paige, this was not how she wanted her to find out. The few minutes she had to interact were the longest few minutes of her life. She needed to get away, she had to see Paige.