Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL AT BOOTH FOUR
Mateo proposed on a Tuesday.
At 2:15 in the morning.
At Booth Four.
I had just finished my shift.
Gary had retired from managing the diner while the investigation into his conduct continued.
Denise was now running nights.
She had insisted I stay for one last cup of coffee.
I walked toward Booth Four.
Mateo sat there.
Black coffee.
Cherry pie.
The usual.
I smiled.
“You're predictable.”
He looked up.
“Am I?”
“Painfully.”
He stood.
My smile faded.
“Mateo?”
He looked nervous.
That alone was enough to frighten me.
He took my hand.
“Harley Quinn.”
I laughed.
“Don't use my full name. It sounds like I'm in trouble.”
He smiled.
“You might be.”
Then he knelt.
My breath caught.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
“Harley,” he said, “you saved my life before you knew whether I deserved saving.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“You stood beside your sister when everything was falling apart.”
“You stood up to people who thought money made them untouchable.”
“And you taught me that courage isn't the absence of fear.”
His voice trembled.
“It's choosing to do the right thing while you're terrified.”
I covered my mouth.
Mateo smiled.
“I love you.”
He took a breath.
“Will you marry me?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He laughed.
“Really?”
I nodded again.
“Yes, Mateo.”
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Then stood and kissed me.
Behind the counter, Denise cheered.
The regulars applauded.
And someone shouted:
“FREE PIE!”
Mateo laughed.
“Put it on my tab.”
May you like
I kissed him again.
And for the first time, Booth Four felt like the beginning of something beautiful.
