A/N: Chapter two is out! I've been writing like crazy today after watching the last episode ever of Breaking Bad. I don't want to spoil anything but it is seriously the best show in recent years. So sad that it has ended. Okay, I'm going to shut up now. Enjoy!
Lolly
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn.
Plenty More Fish in the Sea
Chapter Two (2)
Biviano's
It was half past six and I was getting ready for tonight. Mike and I made a tradition out of going to Biviano's Italian & Seafood Restaurant once every month for date night. I introduced him to this place for our one-month anniversary because it was my favorite restaurant in town. I used to come here all the time with my parents before they split.
I heard the sound of keys turning in the lock downstairs as I tilted my head towards the mirror to apply mascara, opening my mouth slightly.
"Mike, are you home?" I called out.
"Yes," he called back. I could hear him shuffling out of his work shoes and throwing the keys on the counter. "You almost ready?"
"Hang on, just a minute."
I quickly finished off my mascara and hopped into our master bedroom to the walk in closet. I fingered the clothes hanging on the rack thoughtfully. Was I in the mood for the blue satin dress with spaghetti straps or the low cut strapless black dress? I eventually decided on a modest but elegant red evening dress before grabbing a pair of gold heels and heading downstairs.
"You look fantastic, Bella," Mike smiled, his blond hair catching the light of the evening sun. He was still in his work clothes – a fitted black suit and the light blue silk tie that I had given him for his twenty-ninth birthday.
"Thanks, you're not so bad yourself," I wrapped my arms around his neck in greeting and planted a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. "How was work, honey?"
"It was fine. Thompson is been difficult as per usual."
"Not giving you too much trouble, is he?"
"The guy seriously needs to relax but I don't see how he can with Rachel keeping a tight leash on him."
"I almost feel sorry for him," I winked and pointed to myself. "Not everyone can have such a perfect girlfriend."
Mike chuckled, his face creasing gently. "No need to be so modest, Bella."
I laughed as I pulled him into a loose embrace. His hands rested on my waist while my hands moved up his strong back to the back of his head. I was lost in his sparkling blue eyes that were framed by long dark lashes. We had been together for a year but they catch me by surprise every time. He had the kind of look that girls kill themselves over. That or each other. I lowered my eyes I reached up on my tippy-toes and pressed my lips to his. Our kiss lingered for a mere moment before he pulled away and looked down, not catching my eyes.
"We have to get going," he said softly. "Wouldn't want to miss our dinner reservation."
The ride to the restaurant was fast. Traffic was pretty light for a Friday night.
The Biviano's sign at the front door was lit up with brilliant green and red lights. It was a fairly low-key little place compared to some of the other restaurants in town but it was cozy and intimate. Just the way I like it. Plus it served the most authentic Italian I have ever had. The small silver bells attached to the door jingled as Mike pulled it open for us and motioned for me to go in first. I flashed him a smile thank you.
"Eight o'clock reservation under Newton," Mike said as a pretty raven-haired server welcomed us in.
"This way please," she smiled pleasantly and ushered us to a quiet corner towards the left of the restaurant.
The server brought out a small basket of bread sticks after we were seated. I smoothed my napkin across my lap while Mike started browsing the menu, his eyes flickering from page to page.
"This place hasn't changed one bit since I was little," I mused as I picked up the other menu on the table.
"Mmm," Mike hummed in agreement.
"You've been a little quiet tonight."
"Have I? Just trying to decide what to order."
"How about the Dukkah Crusted Salmon Fillet?" I suggested, reading off the list. "It comes with roasted eggplant, red onion, and cumin potatoes. You love cumin potatoes."
"Actually, I think I'll go with the Calamarata tonight," he shrugged and set his menu down.
"Good choice. I'll have the spinach and ricotta ravioli," I smiled.
We made our orders with a bottle of Poggiotondo Chianti. Perhaps it was just my imagination but I could swear the server was giving Mike the eye as she was taking our orders. I laughed it off in my head. I almost felt apologetic to the girls who tried to flirt with my boyfriend. I couldn't blame them. Mike was a very attractive man.
Our meals arrived in a timely manner and we dug in. We talked about his work a little more and then my work before his face clouded over with a serious expression.
"Listen, Bella," he started. "There's something I have to talk to you about."
"I'm listening," I was starting to feel a little nervous.
"Bella, we've been together for some time now," Mike continued. "We've had our ups and downs and you are a wonderful person–"
"Will you hang on just a moment?" I held up index finger, suddenly very nervous. "Bathroom."
He looked startled but nodded as I excused myself and hurried to the ladies room. I could feel a flush creeping up to my face. My hands were shaking as I pulled out my phone to call Rosalie.
"Bella? What's up?"
"Oh my god, Rose," my voice was one pitch higher than usual. "I think Mike's about to propose!"
"Wait? What!" The excitement in her tone matched mine. "As in … right now?!"
I squealed. "Yes, he's outside in the restaurant right now. I'm calling you from the ladies."
"Wow, that's wonderful news," she exclaimed.
"I can't believe this is happening!"
"Has he got a ring?"
"I don't know! Probably? I was just so shocked so I came here before he could say anything."
"Breathe, Bella," Rosalie laughed. "What are you doing on the phone with me? Get out there and get engaged!"
"Oh, Rose, I think I'm going to faint."
"Deep breaths," Rosalie always knew what to say. I loved her for that.
"Okay, I'm going to go now. Just had to tell someone," I exhaled, wiping a sweaty palm on the side of my dress.
"I'm so happy for you! I'm going to give Alice a ring and tell her the good news. Call us afterwards, okay?"
I hung up the phone and took a few moments to steady myself and regain my composure by touching up on my lipstick. I was practically beaming when I exited the bathroom.
"You're back," Mike stated. He had barely touched anything on his plate since I left.
"So … where were we?" I enunciated carefully, pulling the chair out to sit down.
"Look, Bella. There is no easy way to put this so I'm just going to say it," he struggled to get the words out. "I don't think we're headed down the same path. I haven't exactly been happy lately."
Before I could react the words were out of his mouth.
"I want out."
Mike wants out of his one year relationship with Bella just when she thought he was going to propose. Bella is utterly blindsided. How will she react? What will Alice and Rosalie say? Review to find out!
