Five Feet Closer- Sequel to Five Feet Apart-

WILL

I told Stella I was going to have lunch with her dad, but that wasn't exactly the case.

I needed to ask him a question.

A very important question.

—-

I walk into Amy's Diner, anxiety clawing at my stomach. I inhale the warm air, and release Carbon Dioxide out of my new lungs. The trees will thank me in some way later.

"William!" I heard my name being called from across the room.

I turn to see Mr.Grant waving me over.

"You can do this, Will..." I breathe, giving myself a pep talk before making my way over to my girlfriend's father.

I clear my throat, extending my hand towards Mr.G. "Hey, Mr. Grant."

He stands up and shakes my hand. "Hey, Will. How have you been?" He sits down, me soon after.

"Um, I'm doing great!" I lie, speaking with too much enthusiasm.

Mr.Grant raises an eyebrow. "Well, that's good."

I mentally face palm. "How are you?"

"I'm good." Mr. Grant sips his coffee. "I ordered you one as well." He gestures to the cup of steaming liquid.

"Thank you."

"Anyway," Mr. Grant clears his throat. "You said you wanted to ask me something?"

Here it goes...

"I believe this is for you, Sir." Another voice cuts me off, and I turn to the young waitress. She winks at me, before placing the coffee infront of me.

I give her a half hearted smile. "Thank you."

She extends her hand. "I'm Summer."

I pause for a moment, stealing a glance at Mr. Grant. He smirked at me.

"Uh, I'm Will." I shake the brunette's hand to be polite.

I feel a piece of paper make its way into my palm. I frown, confused. I draw my hand back, inspecting the tiny slip.

Oh. She gave me her number.

"Bye." Summer winks at me again.

I turn to Mr.Grant. "Uh...okay then."

He laughs in response. "Well, she likes you."

I roll my eyes, laughing. "Oy."

"Anyway," Mr. Grant leans back in the booth. "You we're saying?"

The anxiety was back. My heart rate sped up, and I could feel my palms were wet with sweat.

Still, I kept my composure. "I wanted to talk to you about your daughter, Stella."

Mr.Grant crosses his arms. "What about her?"

I clear my throat. "When I envision my future, I envision your daughter in it. Your daughter is one of a kind, and she means the world to me. With your approval, I would like to marry her."

There it was. I said it. There's no going back now.

Without much reaction, Mr.Grant jumps right to the first question. "What are your income goals?"

"Real estate. I already have one house in my name, that I'm currently renting out to a family. My mom helped me get started with the first house, but I want to purchase more properties soon."

Mr,Grant nods. "And you are serious about my daughter?"

I couldn't hold back a smile, as I pictured my gorgeous girlfriend. "I love her."

"I can see that." Mr,Grant chuckles a bit. "Well, you have my full consent."

I smile like an idiot. "Thank you so much, Mr.Grant. I appreciate it."

"Sure," Mr.Grant stands up, shaking my hand again. "Now don't fuck up."

I pause for a moment, processing his words. Then, he slaps my shoulder, laughing.

"I'm playing around, Will. But seriously, don't break her heart. Because then I'll break you."

"Duly noted, Sir."

I was going to ask Stella Grant to marry me.

I'm nothing without her. I need her, as much as I fucking need oxygen. But the trees need me too, so I can give them Carbon Dioxide.

What the fuck am I sayin'?!

Dang, did I actually learn something in 7th grade science class? But why am I thinking about fucking trees now?

I have no idea.

I'm crazy.

Obviously.