What Twisted Webs We Weave

Does Your Husband Know

(Patrick's POV)

"Is this one of those restaurants with endless breadsticks?" I joked from across the small table.

Pete grinned. "We haven't gotten any yet. Should I call the waitress over and demand delicious butter rolls?"

"Please."

He probably would have actually done it just to make me laugh. But it was too late in the meal. Our waitress cleaned our dinner plates a few minutes ago. It was a delicious meal. A nice restaurant. Not a five star spot but definitely no Applebees. The windows were dark as if anyone in here was too exclusive a person to be gawked at in normal windows. The table cloths were a deep red color. Accented by the single red rose in the crystal glass between us.

Pete purchased a full bottle of champagne. And we made good use of it. The half empty bottle sat between us. Being the reason for constant giggles and sultry glances at each other.

"What's taking the dessert so long?" He strained his neck to look over my head.

"We're not in a rush." I finished the rest of my glass. Pete immediately reached over to fill it.

"Sorry for the wait."

As if she heard Pete's complaints, our waitress -Stephanie- arrived with two small plates. Carefully she sat down the sweets. We each ordered the same thing. Red velvet cupcakes surrounded by homemade ice cream. It looked amazingly prepared. I was glad Pete convinced me to order the dessert.

"This is such a small cupcake." I teased. Lifting it up with my thumb and forefinger.

Pete nodded in agreement. Breaking a piece off the top and popping it into his mouth. He hummed in appreciation. Motioning for me to taste it. It would be ridiculous to pinch at it. It was small enough to eat in one bite so that's what I did.

"No!" Pete yelled. Gaining the attention of close tables.

"What?" I managed through a mouth full of cake.

"Don't eat it like that!"

"Why?" The discomfort of talking with my mouth full was too much. And Pete seemed horrified at the idea of me eating the cupcake. So I spit it out into the plate. So much for my homemade ice cream. I lifted the glass of champagne Pete poured for me. Using the liquid to wash any remains of the sweet taste from my mouth. "Is something wrong with it?"

"No. It's just..." His eyes darted to my destroyed dessert.

I followed his gaze towards the plate. Frowning when I saw the glint of some sort of metal. I was surprised a place like this would allow a slip up like that. What the hell could it even be? I pushed the crumbs of the cupcake out of the way. Pitching the round edge between my fingers and lifting it up. The diamond glittered in the darkened light of the restaurant. A diamond? Why the hell- a diamond! A ring. A fucking diamond ring!

"What the-"

I dropped it from my fingers as if it were scolding hot. It hit the edge of the plate with a ringing clink. My head raced. Spinning in circles fast enough to make me pass out from dizziness. My breathing sped up dangerously. I was going to hyperventilate. I was going to fall out. I glanced up at Pete who was watching me with reserved amusement.

"What the hell, Pete?"

"Surprise?" His smile wobbled.

"Pete?"

"Okay." He reached across the table for the ring. I picked it up and planed it in his hand. Pete grimaced, using his napkin to clean the food and probably my saliva from it as he spoke. "I pictured this going way differently."