The Setup 💕

Chapter 6

Matt is getting ready in his bathroom for his dinner date with Lillie to talk about their future together. On top of the bathroom counter laid a jewelry box. He picked up the box off the counter, holding it up and sticking out his hand as if he's going to give the box to someone. "Lillie, you are an incredible person. I respect and admire you and I got this gift, as a symbol of how much I feel about you." He said to himself as he held the box higher. "And how much I cherish you. And what a wonderful person you are. But it's not you, it's me. Oh yeah, that's good." Pleased with himself.

His front door buzzed. He walked out of the bathroom with the jewelry box in hand, into the living room and into his hallway to his front door. He looked into the peephole and panic As he slowly walked away from the door, trying not to make a sound. And picked up his phone off the coffee table and saw he had a missed text from Lillie.

Text Lillie to Matt:
Hey, I will be out of town for a few weeks, I'm helping out a friend with her project. I've tried calling you, but you must've been busy. Looks like we will have to reschedule tonight. I guess I'll give you a call later this week. Have a wonderful week.

Matt, relieved, smiled to himself. He deleted the message from Lillie and placed his phone back on the coffee table. The door's buzzer buzzed again. He went over to his favorite hiding place and hid the jewelry box behind his books on his bookshelf and rushed over to the door to open.

"Honey, what a lovely surprise this is." Matt said. "Hey sweetie. I was feeling lonely and thought I would surprise you." Said Donna as she kissed him on the lips. "And an incredible surprise it is. I was in the middle of making dinner. I would be honored if you joined me." Matt said as he closed the door with a smile.

Lillie and Will exited their hotel rooms. Will, still in his gray suit, placed his key card in the interior of his breast pocket. He hesitated when he saw Lillie again. As if he forgot what she looked like and how beautiful she is. Lillie closed her hotel door behind her. Will, failing, tried not to stare at Lillie's beautiful smooth back in her backless white dress as it flowed as she walked like a goddess. They continued to walk towards the elevator, then stopped when they reached them. Will pushed the down button. And stood side by side next to Lillie and placed his hands in his pockets.

"You look beautiful." He said as he slightly turned to her.
"Thanks." She smiled nervously. "I'm a little ill prepared. I thought Maureen was going to be here, she usually carries a small bag. Can you hold this?" She held up her key card. As he took the key card, he lightly brushed her hand. Causing them to feel the electricity between them. They both looked into each other's eyes. "Thanks." She whispered as she moved her eyes away from Will's eyes. "No worries." Will replied to Lillie as he placed her card in the flap pocket of his suit jacket.

The elevator door opened and Lillie entered first, then Will enter, more on edge than he was a second ago. Lillie and Will nervously exited the elevator. Emily, front desk manager, is in the front of the dining hall directing everyone to the outdoor dining area. Lillie and Will are greeted by a few hotel employees as they walked towards Emily. She greeted them with a smile.

"Good evening. Tonight's dinner will be served in the garden." She pointed in a direction. "Follow the arrows, it will lead you into the main garden area." She informed them.

"Thanks." Will and Lillie replied.

Lillie and Will followed the lighted arrows on the bushes. They reached the seating area, decorated with potted trees glowed with fairy lights, lanterns, and candles everywhere with a few lighted chandeliers hanging from above. Each table set with name tags, flowers, and candles. "Wow!" said Lillie. "I agree." Said Will. They reached an empty table with their names on it. Will pulled out a chair for Lillie. He waited for her to sit before he walked to the other side of the table and pulled out his chair to sit. A waitress walked over to their table and greeted them, holding a clipboard and with their menus.