Second Chances (Ricky + Nini)

chapter 43 - something in the summer wind

The third time, he didn't even ask her to marry him, he just casually asked if she was ready. They say the third time's the charm, but no such luck for Ricky. He was tempted to do something more public, like a proposal at a basketball game or something, but he didn't want her to feel pressured to say yes. Perhaps a remake of his proposal at central park? but he figured maybe that would bring back the bad memories since he broke it off a few months into their engagement. Why did he ever do such a stupid thing...

"I don't know what to do, man." Ricky said exasperatedly. "She doesn't trust me anymore. Maybe she doesn't want to marry me."

"Oh please. She's wanted to marry you since high school when you got her that stupid guitar."

"Hey! That guitar is not stupid! I used all my allowance to pay for it, and that was the best one I could afford at the time." Ricky said. "She's said no on three different occasions, Red."

"She also told you she didn't want you to leave her didn't she?" Red asked.

"Well. Yeah. A few times actually." Ricky said. "I think I scarred her for life leaving her at that park on our anniversary."

"Your new anniversary's coming up. Look, just talk to her about it... like ask her when she'd be ready and then propose."

"I don't know man."

"Or just try to propose again. Remind her why you're together. Remind her of the magic of second chances."

"I'll think about it." Ricky said.
____________

Nini and Bob walked into the apartment and nearly had a heart attack. All of her friends were in the living room, even Red, Ashlyn and the twins. The room was darkened and only one light in the middle was turned on.

"Nina Salazar-Roberts. Take a seat." Kourtney said dramatically.

"What the hell is going on here ?!" Nini said. "I almost dialed the cops."

"Take. A. Seat." Kourtney said. And Nini followed her orders, not wanting to be yelled at again.

"Wait. Where's Ricky? Is he okay?"

"Calm down. Your boy's fine. This.. is about... YOU." Kourtney shone the lamp towards Nini,
nearly blinding her.

"Okay. Tone it down, Kourt." Red said as Ashlyn turned on the living room lights. Kourtney pouted and took her own seat.

"Someone better tell me what's going on here cause I'm confused."

"She's not wrong." Red said. "This is about you, Neens."

"More specifically you and Ricky." EJ said.

"Even more specifically, how you keep saying No to Ricky's proposals." Gina added.

"They boy has proposed three times Nini!" Kourtney said frustrated.

"I thought you were against the whole Rini thing?" Nini raised her eyebrows.

"Honey, this is not about Kourtney. We already did an intervention for her and the Rini thing." Ashlyn said calmly rocking one of the twins in her arms. "Once again... This is about you. So don't change the subject."

"Guys, I appreciate the effort but I'm just not ready..." Nini said.

"Nobody's ready, babe." Gina said holding her hand. "Were you ready the last time he proposed?"

"Well.... No. But I knew that if he ever did ask me, I would say yes."

"And why are you saying No now?" Red asked. "I've watched this thing play out since middle school, Nini... Middle school... you and Ricky are meant to be together in any and every parallel or alternative universe."