The Breakdown

Chapter 18-Sasha

Russ had enlisted Sasha in helping with the dinner. Not being a cook, she immediately called Kara for help. Kara recruited Azima and the three women began working on it. Mike had requested some sort of chocolate dessert, because that was Maddie's biggest craving. He wanted everything to be nice for her and had given Sasha his credit card to make it happen. Tom and Sasha had a nice outdoor kitchen and patio, so the decision was made to have the dinner there so Mike and Maddie would have privacy.

Maddie knew Mike was taking her for a dinner, but had no idea where or how. Azima had taken her to find a new dress and Sasha had ordered Mike to wear a suit. Mike had warned her that it might not go well, but Sasha hoped it would go perfectly. She was afraid Mike would be defeated if it didn't. Kara spent all day cooking. She'd made chicken breasts, stuffed with cheese, tomato and spinach, baked potatoes, salad and a chocolate lava cake with fruit. The patio was decorated with twinkly lights and flowers. At ten 'til six, Mike and Maddie showed up.

"I thought we were going to a restaurant?" Maddie said, with a disappointed tone.

"I wanted some privacy. We'll go to plenty of restaurants later." Mike promised her as he guided her towards the backyard. Maddie groaned, but then smiled when she saw the patio.

"This is nice." Maddie admitted. Mike pulled her chair out and helped her get comfortable. Just as Mike sat down, Sasha appeared.

"Welcome to Café Chandler. Some sweet tea?" Sasha asked as she filled the wine glasses with tea.

"Thank you." Maddie said.

"On the menu tonight is chicken breasts, stuffed with cheese, tomatoes and spinach, topped with a cream sauce, baked potatoes with all the toppings, a green salad, and last but not least, chocolate lava cake with a gnocchi top, served with berries." Sasha explained as she put a bread bowl in the middle of the table and walked back inside.

A few moments later, she took the food out and than watched as the couple talked. A few times, their body language alarmed her, but towards the end, she saw Mike kneel next to Maddie, talk to her for a few minutes and then put a ring on her finger. The couple began hugging and kissing at this point, so she knew Mike had proposed.

"You shouldn't watch them." Tom warned.

"Probably not, but its kind of fun to watch. Besides, I need to take the dessert out." Sasha said.

"Give them a few moments. Its their special time." Tom said. He was watching the scene play out, as much as she was. They both stepped away from the window to give the couple privacy. For Sasha, it was agonizing not to rush out and congratulate them, but Tom had been right, as much as she hated to admit it.