By Chance

Chapter 7

7.

“So how’d it go?” Alyssa Asked once I got off the phone.

“How’d what go?” I said, my mind still reeling with Paul.

“The meeting, of course! You’re all smiles. I’m taking it went well?”

“Yeah it’s okay, I guess.”

“Don’t lie to me. You won the lottery, didn’t you?” She asked, raising her eyebrows.

“No, silly!” I laughed. “Paul’s back!”

It was time for lunch so I took the time to explain in great juicy detail who Paul is.  Lunch went by in a blur and I’m glad, I wish it was 7 already! For the rest of the afternoon, I won’t have anything to do but Alyssa made me stay just in case Mr. Monroe would call me for anything.

I unclasped the necklace Paul gave me and just looked at it in my hands. Its beauty never ceases to amaze me. I propped my elbows on my desk and looked at the back of the butterfly pendant. In the middle there was a small circle carved and at the center of it was a vertical line. I remembered the weird dreams I had about two people who look just like me and Paul. They were Carolanne and Daniel.

Carolanne received a necklace that looked just like mine from Daniel. Maybe the circle carved was actually a “C” and D” together. I shook my head and rested my arms on my desk. That’s impossible and there’s no way my dreams are real.

I found myself resting my head on my arms with the necklace still clutched in my right hand and I felt my consciousness drifting away into sleep.

*****

Daniel was sitting beside me and we were in our usual stools at Pastille’s. We would come here often and we can call every server’s name without looking at their name tags.  We already know all the movie posters on the wooden walls and we knew which buttons to press for our favorite songs in the jukebox. I’m sure Daniel knew our usual drinks and that’s why I was giving him a weird look as he perused the menu as if visiting the shop for the first time.

I still didn’t say anything when he ordered a bottle of champagne and two glasses instead of the usual juniper.

“Is it someone’s birthday? What are we celebrating?” I finally asked when the bottle arrived.

I couldn’t read his expression as he poured champagne into the glasses and handed me one.

“To us,” He said with a smile.

That easy smile he always gives me whenever I least expect it always tugs at my heart. I can’t help but smile back at him and touch my glass to his and take a sip. He has that twinkle in his eyes that lets me know I’m loved and that I’ll always be loved.

The dim lighting at the counter only made him look more handsome that he already is and I feel so lucky just to have this guy by my side. Sometimes when I’m with him, I secretly pinch myself just to know that it’s real and he’s not a dream that will vanish when I wake up.

“You’re my unicorn,” I told him and I felt a blush creeping in my cheeks.

“A what?” He chuckled.

“I never thought someone like you could exist outside my dreams.” 

He leaned in closer and took my hand and planted a kiss.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too.”

I don’t know how long we sat there looking into each other’s eyes. My hands were warm in his and everyone else in the shop and our champagne was forgotten. It was just the two of us.

I could have spent my whole life stuck in that moment but Daniel broke the silence and said words I won’t ever forget.

“I never imagined that it was possible to feel so strongly about any person. When I first saw you, I knew I couldn’t just let you go. When you came to my life, everything changed. I changed. You’re the reason why I wake up each morning. You’re the reason why I can smile and laugh. To be honest, I don’t think my life could go back to the way it was before you. I don’t even remember how I used to be because before you, there was nothing. All I know is, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

“Will you marry me?”