He had made all the arrangements. He could barely contain himself when he asked about her plans for Saturday. He was closing the club for the evening. He had the money for Falcone, but still needed her answer. "My birthday?" She was surprised he had remembered.
"Yes. I would like to take you out. You've done so much for the success of the club...I figured we could celebrate. After all, it is a special occasion."
He beamed with excitement, trying to conceal his anticipation of her answer. She paused, contemplating his offer. Each beat of silence increased his heartbeat. He was not a patient man by any means. How could she refuse him? What if she had made other plans? His confidence was starting to crumble as he felt his hands shake with the embarrassment of her rejection.
"Oswald-" she finally met his gaze, their eyes locked as he gathered his composure "-I'd love to." Overjoyed, he clasped her hands and exclaimed "Wonderful! I'll pick you up at 8."
His mother had tried in vain to force the family ring upon him, always encouraging him to make a bold move, a grand romantic gesture to win the young girl's heart. He had never taken her seriously until tonight. He replaced the cloudy yellow diamond with a brilliant piece of onyx that he knew was her favorite. The velvet box sank into his trouser pocket, a nervous pass of his fingers reminded him it was still there as he waited in the back seat of the car. He was ten minutes early, but punctuality was part of his principles. He would confess later that he loved watching her walk down those front steps of her apartment building. Eight on the dot the door swings open and she greets the night. Her blonde locks were casually caught in the curve of her shoulders, her dress was tight but not tawdry. Oswald smirked with delight at the color. A crimson red which matched his own dress shirt. He took it as a sign of fate and eagerly sprang to open the passenger door for her. He would have stepped out properly, but he was trying to maintain a degree of dignity in her presence. He didn't think his twisted knee could have supported him while he was devouring her visage.
"You look stunning" he stammered. She bowed her head as she climbed in back to join him, a slight flush danced across her cheek. "Thank you, Oswald." She rested her hand atop his own and gave a slight squeeze. It was then he had decided that this would be the night he would present the ring. Not as a gift, but a symbol of their solidarity, their tethered bond that only grew with each passing day.
Tonight she would either accept it or perish like the rest.