Chapter 20
"I need some advice," Brian said right off.
"Wait, with all the friends you have, you spend money on a long distance call just to ask me for advice?" Tina wondered.
"Considering this is about Bree, yeah."
"I figured you'd be the last person that needed advice about a woman." Tina couldn't help but chuckle a little
"Things aren't always what they appear. In my business, contrary to external beliefs, they're not always chasing after the short, lower card guys."
"Too bad, because you're a sweetie. So what do you need from me?"
"Well, you know Bree and I have been kind of drawn to each other for awhile…"
"That's an understatement of the year," Tina cut in.
"Yeah. Anyway, being we recently 'got together' of sorts, I've been doing some thinking, and I've been kind of wondering how Gary went about something like this."
"Oh my God, Brian. Are you indicating what I think you are?"
"Um….perhaps."
"This is incredible!" Tina was elated.
"So since I don't want to come across as a total dork and screw this up, any ideas?"
"Well, if your idea is proposing, my friend, scratch off the back booth of a truck stop in Cleveland off your list."
He began to laugh. "What?"
"That was how and when Gary popped the question, may he rest in peace," Tina answered.
"Jesus, I thought the guy was more creative."
"It was one of those spontaneous things, at least he tried to make it appear that way. Truth be told, he already had the ring and took her on that run with that purpose being part of the plan. While on that subject, you don't have to get her anything fancy; Briana isn't into anything elaborate. The one she got from Gary was only a quarter carat and you'd think he'd given her the Hope Diamond the way she acted at the time. By the way. she wears a seven."
"Wow, you just read my mind," Brian said. "But yes, definitely not a truck stop for the atmosphere."
"It was cute when she was twenty," Tina agreed. "In her early thirties after being widowed for two years, perhaps not so much, but I'm speaking from a woman's perspective."
"I have to agree. Now to find something better."
"Aren't you going back to Venice in a few days?"
"Sure, why?"
"Come on, use that rock between your ears, Bri. You're a smart guy; you can figure this out. Nice beaches, build a bonfire…."
"Tina, I swear to God, I am going to remember you in my will," he said brightly. "That is one kick ass idea!"
"That's a bit extreme, but glad I could be some help," Tina chuckled.
"Now let's hope the answer will be what we all expect."
"Bri, I have a very strong feeling it will be. For some reason, it would be pretty tough to say no to a guy like you about anything."