Cold Feet

RICK

I think of my parents a lot these days. They were both unfaithful to one another. I don’t know who was unfaithful first but it doesn’t really matter. They divorced and I spent my weekends with one or the other until I graduated and left for university. I watched them with different partners and came to believe that the institution of marriage is nothing but a lie. Why tie yourself to one person legally? I didn’t know what caused more damage, their infidelity or fighting in the divorce. Never mind the fact that they both tried to use me as a bargaining chip in the process.

After my experience I realized how many of my friends were in the same situation. It was then that I decided to become a divorce lawyer.

They say if you become a doctor or a teacher, you’ll always have work. People will always get sick and there will always be education right? Well you can add being a divorce lawyer to that as well. People will always get married and divorced. As a divorce lawyer, I will always have work.

I’ve always had relationships on the basis that my parents had after the divorce. Never stick around. Hit and run.

But my perceptions are beginning to change, I think.

After I run into Viola I’m wracked with guilt. I can’t stop thinking about her and it makes my guilt worse. I lie awake at nights looking at Christine. Her long beautiful hair spreads out on the pillow around her face and she looks so peaceful. I know how hard she works and the things she does for us. I’d be a fool to let her go.

I try to make an effort to push Viola out of my thoughts and decide it’s time for me to commit.

The next day I visit a jeweller and pick out a ring. It’s expensive but she deserves it. It’s classy. The diamond is not too big.

I book dinner for us at the Inn of the Seventh Ray. It’s considered as the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles and I think it’s perfect.

I tell Christine that I have booked dinner for us but she says she can’t make it so I reschedule for the next evening at seven. I tell her to wear something nice but not too formal. When I pick her up, she’s ready and waiting for me. She’s full of questions about what the occasion is and where we are going. I know she’ll know the restaurant immediately considering she’s a wedding planner so I don’t tell her.

pull in to the restaurant, Christine looks at me in

impressed, Rick. You found the most romantic restaurant in

it?” I ask feigning ignorance. “A friend suggested it. They said it’s a good place for a

your friends have excellent taste,” Christine says falling

door for her. She steps out of the car. She’s looking more beautiful than ever tonight, I think. She wears white strap sandals with heels and a body hugging spaghetti strap dress. Her hair is braided and pinned up on her head revealing her soft neck. All I want to do is kiss it. I take her hand and lead her inside. We are shown to our table which is outside under the stars. It’s a perfect evening and we can see some stars despite the glow of the city below us. Our

When I return I sneak up on

got a surprise for you,”

it?” she

I just couldn’t resist getting it for

“Yes,” she smiles.

out the necklace. I’ve threaded the ring onto it and

eyes,” I

her fingers. Then she realizes there’s something hanging on it and she takes it in her hand. She realizes it’s a ring and she covers her

“It’s beautiful!” she exclaims.

you marry me?”

idea that she’s considering her answer. Then she smiles and looks in my eyes. She throws her arms around my neck. “Yes!”

when we finally end our embrace, I undo the necklace, remove the ring and place it on her finger. She can’t stop looking

order dessert and another bottle of wine. We enjoy the rest of the evening

is quiet as I drive and I simply assume that she’s so happy and surprised, she doesn’t know what to say. I place my hand on her thigh and she takes it with