Tony dropped small kisses to the back of my neck as we stood. I sighed, snuggling my back more firmly into his chest.
We were at a small restaurant, waiting for a seat to open up so we could sit. It was a date that Gertrude and I had planned behind the boy's back. I meant to send her a smile, but then Tony's arms tightened around my waist and jerked my farther towards him. His lips on my neck stopped and I glanced up to see him glaring at something. I followed his gaze to a waiter, he had choppy blond hair and bright blue eyes.
I tried to think of a word for him. Attractive. It sounded wrong to associate anyone with that word except Tony.
"Stop it." I whispered at Tony, as he continued to glare at the waiter without a disruption. At my soft scolding he looked down into my eyes. Oh, his brown eyes. I loved them.
"He was staring at you, checking you out. I didn't like it." He said softly. Even his tone wasn't angry, he never had an angry tone at me.
I kissed his jaw," Tony, your arms are around me. How could I be any more obvious that I'm with you?" I asked, already knowing his answer.
"You could wear my ring." He said.
I sighed. Two weeks ago when I found him at the road. I told him I wasn't ready to tell everyone yet. He promised he was ok with it.
"Tony." I said.
A smile twitched at his lips," I will get that ring on your finger. Be ready for it." He replied.
We kissed briefly. And I heard a gag behind us. I shifted in Tony's arms to see Karsen, finger playfully in his mouth as he made a mocking face of disgust.
"You really gotta do that in a public place?" He teased, once he realized he had captured my attention. I stuck my tongue out at him. He and Gertrude had claimed the last seats in the waiting hall, and they were firmly together. His arm around her waist. Her dainty hand on his knee.
I hadn't minded. If we had sat, Tony would insist I sit in his lap. Which was awkward for me in public. He was all for public affection.
I was sure half of the town knew we were back together already. And a lot of people weren't happy about it. Including my father. Dad severely disliked Tony. I had confronted him about it, and we had come to an agreement. He didn't like it, but he wouldn't interfere. My mom was happy, she said she could tell something was different about Tony.
The whole Macy thing had fazed over. Tony came back to school. I was very surprised, he had dropped out Junior year. But with a little persuading I had got him to come back as a Senior and graduate. I think he mostly did it because he didn't like the boys at my school. Oh, he made it very clear to everyone that we were together. Carrying my books, sometimes me, to class. His arm was always around me, he was always touching me in some way, shape, or form.
And it didn't bother me. I loved him so much that I didn't care how much we were together. He had become my best friend.
Yeah we had little cat fights about how he wanted me to wear his ring, but he never so much as got a bad tone with me. And I couldn't ever imagine being scared of him.
I looked at my watch," Where are Julie and Bradley?" I asked.
They were always late. It seemed they spent more time together than Tony and I. We were neck and neck. I'm sure Tony and I won, but you could hardly tell.
Of course, they were always making out for some reason. That's probably why they were late.
Finally a pretty woman took us to our booth and gave us our menu's. Tony rested his head on mine, his arm coiling around my waist and scooting me until there was no space between us. I looked at the menu as he kissed my temple.
"Layla, you look heartbreakingly beautiful tonight." He said, playing with the silky bottom of my dress. I had worn a Navy blue dress, that was tight at the top with a sweet heart neckline, and ruffled down to my knees. (picture of Jessica Lowndes (Layla's actor) to the side in the dress)
I blushed slightly," Thank you." He nuzzled his face into my neck just as our server got here and spoke in a low husky voice," Hello, I'm Garrett, and I'll be taking care of you pretty ladies today."
Tony stiffened, looking up from my side to see him. It was the same boy as before. If itwas possible, Tony hugged me even closer to him, so we were flush from chest to foot side by side. Garrett smiled at me, and then, ver slowy and deliberatly, looked all the way down my body and back up before meeting my eyes again.
"Can I get you anything?" The double meanning was clear to everyone and Tony made a growling sound into my shoulder.
"You'll have the spahgetti, right baby?" He said through clenched teeth. Garrett's eyes were still locked on mine. I nodded mutely, not liking the glint in his eyes.
Garrett winked at me with a flirty smile and turned to everyone else. Tony still held me cloe. Half way through Karsen's order Julie ran rowdily into the resteraunt and jumped into Tony and I's lap. I giggled as she looked up at me with her big blue eyes, that rivaled Gertrude's, and crwled over to Tony's side.
"He's gonna kill me!" She whispered, shrinking into Tony's side. I was surpised, but after Tony and I had reunited, Julie had formed a very strong sibling- like bond with Tony. He threw his jacket over her hiding form and turned so he was blocking it.
Garret looking startled turned just as Bradley stormed into the resteraunt.
He came to our table, slamming his palm on the table top. His eyes sparkled with playful anger and mischief.
"Julie, I know you're over here somewhere. You better get your fine butt out from wherever your hiding and apologize." His eyes scanned us and his brow furrowed.
"I know I saw her come in here. Oh, by the way. I want the stake, medium rare. And my girl, who I know is over here, she wants the mushroom soup." Bradley said non chalantley to Garrett, assessing him before smirking, not feeling threatened.
Not that he should feel threatened, Bradley was gorgeous.
Garrett hurriely wrote it down and Karsen finally got done with his order. Garrett went off to get the food. Leaving Tony standin. He slid in next to Gertrude. Tony subtly shifted his position to keep Julie in cover.
I burst into laughter, thinking of what everyone thought of us. Six crazy teens, the elderies a few tables away gave me a snobbish glare.
"What did she do this time?" Gertrude asked in her singing voice. Bradley's eyes scanned the table again, seeking Julie's hiding place as annoyance covered his face.
Tony cleared his throat," I don't think that should be discussed at the table. There's only one thing a guy looks like that about."
Julie giggled from her hiding spot and Bradley became alert," Seriously, where is she?" He asked. We all said nothing and he groaned.
Just then Garrett came back and Tony tensed all over. Garrett set down the food at the appropriate places, leaving Julie's at the head of the table and turned to me," Are you sure you don't want something else?" He asked, sending a cofident smirk at Tony who huffed and stood up.
Garrett's eyes widened as Tony got up and stood outside the table.
"Tony, stop it! You're causing a scene," I hissed and he looked at me with love in his eyes.
"Good."
He held out his hand, I took it and he turned me so my whole body was facing him.
"Layla Clancy. I love you." He started, looking a little nervous.
Then he shook his head and got down on one knee. I blushed furiously, as gasps and aws filled the resturaunt.
"I love you so much, and I don't think I will every love anyone as much as I do you. I will take care of you and our family, and I will unconditionally stay with you forever. As many forevers as we can."
Tears welled up in my eyes. I had always imagined a grand proposal at a very grand place, but those few short sentences filled my heart, and I realized I didn't care if he just told me he loved me and stuck a ring on my finger.
"Yes." I sniffled. Julie popped out of her hiding spot and was smiling at us.
Tony grinned in relief and got the ring out of his pocket. He slid it on my finger and every cheered. He kissed me for a show and everone sighed.
After they returned to their meal, Tony stood and faced Garrett.
"Now, as her fiance. I must say, flirt with her again, and I will kill you very torturously slow."
Garrett mumbled something and then skittered away.
"Why did youhave the ring in you rpocket?" I asked, knowing he didn't plan proposing here.
He smiled at me," I've had it in my pocket every day since I proposed the first time.
I laughed," Oh yeah, I forgot you've done this before."
He looked sheepish," Last time was a little more elegant...." I stopped him by taking his face in both of my hands and giving him a short sweet kiss.
"It was perfect."