Chapter 2: What a lovely boyfriend.

Laney

Ben’s such a gentleman.

I’m not sure how I got someone like him. He is so smart, and clever, and responsible. How did he end up dating someone like me? I don’t have a clue, but it’s crystal clear I’ve played a good hand with my cards, like Grandma says.

I can hardly believe he asked for my hand. It was so little conventional. There was no ring or anything like it. But there were his words. Words are the only thing that matters, like Grandma says. He asked me out.

Ben’s so charming.

I tried to finish my ice cream as fast as I could so we could go out for a walk on the street, and I could take his hand.

“You don’t have to worry about anything. Leave everything on my mom and Grandma’s hands, like I always do. You’ll see— they’ll surprise you.”

“Yeah… I don’t think that’s the main issue.”

“Is there an issue?” I asked.

He frowned his eyebrows.

Christ, there is a problem. What problem am I missing? Maybe it’s too hot in July and he is afraid of sweating all over his black suit with tie. Is he afraid of Dad telling him to join the family business all of the sudden? Did Grandma tell him something inappropriate about our honeymoon?

There are too many possibilities.

“None,” he laughs. “There is none.”

I sighed.

We ended up walking while holding hands.

Ben is often quiet while we walk down the street, but he is even more silent than usual. More than before. He could be thinking about our wedding, about my dress. He loves planning everything. I can not fault him for that.

“I’m taking you home,” he suggested.

What a gentleman.

I smiled at him.

“It won’t be necessary. I’m staying at Amelie’s tonight. We are going to sing at her karaoke room and then watch a movie marathon. There will definitely be rom-coms. Don’t you love them?”

“Oh…” he brushed his hair with his hand.

His hair is so pretty. It’s blonde, but not like mine. It’s almost white if I look closely. Beautiful.

“Do you want me to take you there?” he asked.

“No, it won’t be necessary. I’ll take a cab.”

“It’s getting late,” he insisted.

I like when he tries even harder to be a gentleman.

“It’s only ten, I’ll be fine,” I smiled at him.

“Right… text me when you get there, okay?”

“Okay,” I repeated and kissed him.

I like to touch his frowned eyebrows when I kiss him, till he relaxes.

Ben worries a lot about life, except when he’s in his comfort zone… work. I hope to be his comfort zone one day.

He raised his hand to call a cab and one showed up immediately. Holy City.