Chapter 5 Restaurant madness

They laughed, they jested, shared memories and stared at each other with mutual love. The ride was peaceful and friendly.

They stopped in front of the restaurant.

'The Grand Diner', it was so beautiful and elegant. A door man welcomed them in and the four of them strolled to the usher.

"Welcome to 'The Grand Diner'. Please your reservations?"

'Happy birthday Christina' in colourful balloons, rose as soon as they walked into the restaurant. Christina was in shock. She had not expected that. It was as though everyone in the restaurant had been expecting her.

The music changed to her favourite jam as the balloons were raised.

People at other tables clapped for the whole performance. It was all so magical.

"Charles, I thought that we wanted to keep it simple" Christina said but still unable to hide the glee in her voice.

"Me? I have no idea how all this happened" The mischievousness was thick in his voice.

Yet, he managed to sound so innocent and sweet.

"You didn't have to" once again her eyes misted.

"And if I didn't, I would not have seen this beautiful glimmer in your eyes"

The tears threatened again. Wet eyes but an ever so joyful heart.

"Thank you" Christina pulled him close by his lapels and kissed him.

Charles kissed right back. An ever so tender kiss.

Applause and whoops filled the room from the other diners.

Christina had forgotten that they had an audience and her cheeks reddened when she heard the applause.

Charles stood, ever so cocky and proud.

"It's my woman's birthday" He called out.

And everyone whooped again.

"She's hot" One guy said to the stern scowl of the woman he was with.

"No tumble for him today" Karen whispered to Grandma as they all walked to their table.

The two women batted their damp lashes trying to hold the threatening dams close.

"None at all" Grandma still managed to giggle like a little girl.

Of course, Grandma got in. All Charles had to do was slide a couple of notes to the complaining usher and suddenly there was a table for four.

"Here's your table sir, madams" The now genial usher brought them to their table.

"Thank you very much" Charles said, a wide smile on his face.

"I hope everyone is okay"

Karen shuffled in her seat and said, "we'll get comfortable"

"Your comfort is our pride here at the Grand Diner. Jerome here will take your orders"

Jerome shared four menus around the table and held a pad to take their orders.

They all ordered their meals and Charles ordered a chardonnay to go with it.

Grandma looked at Christina and smiled.

"Just a little time ago, you were just a baby. Now you're 25. I'm so happy. I just wished your mother was here to see what a success you've become"

"Awwn. Grandma you've cared for me through everything and I really appreciate all you've done. You really are the greatest Grandma to ever exist"

"To the greatest Grandma ever" Karen raised her glass.

"To the greatest Grandma ever" they all said and raised their glasses.

The tears spilled and a laughing Grandmother, with a satisfied heart, chuckled. She was so happy. All she wanted was for her bundle of joy to get happier each and every day.

"Stop it you!" Her cheeks reddened. But her heart leaped. "It's your day Christina, not mine"

"Everyday I'm alive and well is your day. You neglected yourself for me. I want you to always know that I'll always love you"

"And I'll always love you too"

They held hands and stared mistily into each other's eyes.

Jerome broke the trance and returned with their meals. He offered each person his meal.

"... and chicken with barbecue sauce for the beautiful black lady"

The oohs spread through all the lips at the table.

"Thank you, beautiful black man" Karen flirted right back.

"Enjoy your meals please"

Karen's eyes followed the waiter till he disappeared into the background.

"He's hot you know!" Grandma said

"Mmmhmm. A black sexy thang"

"Karen! You wanna get a room?"

"I could, you know!" Karen smacked her lips

The whole table burst into laughter.

"Those rubbery muscles on that black carpet of skin. So titillating"

"You know it's true love when she speaks poetry" Charles said and more laughter erupted.

"Well it's nothing like what you and Christina already have. You guys are so in love"

Charles looked at Christina. Her beautiful brown eyes smiled at him as he smiled at them.

"More than you all know. She's my everything, my beginning and hopefully she'll be the end" Charles said.

He'd decided to go on with what he had in mind, damn the consequences.

"That's like the thirtieth time I've heard this tonight. Hopefully it'll be true" Grandma observed.

"Don't mind her, Charles. She's always like that whenever a boy comes close to me"

"And she has every right to. Grandma, you're doing a great job"

"Thank you mister" Grandma replied and did a perfect southern accent.

Charles was there physically but his mind was lost on the mission ahead. His palms were sweaty and his heart was throbbing. He had to do this. The was no other path that he could see, no other way to follow. And he had to do it to the woman he loved.

"Sorry ladies, I have to quickly use the bathroom. Excuse me please" Charles excused himself.

"You okay?" Christina asked, worry in her eyes.

"Yeah! Sure! I'm good. I just wanna take a quick leak"

"Okay"

Christina watched him leave. She felt a little worried for him but she waved it off. He walked behind her and headed to the restroom.

He'd barely touched his food.

"Is he okay?" Grandma asked, also concerned

"Yes he is. Work is real tight these days. They're working on a new project and it' taking its toll"

"Okay. He's a really nice guy you know!"

There was suddenly murmurs all around and heads were swivelling towards the restroom.

"Ummm Christina?" Karen called, her mouth agape.

Christina turned around and her mouth was left in the same condition as Karen's.

Balloons that once said 'happy birthday Christina' now read, 'will you marry me?'

Christina was frozen as she watched Charles in his dark blue glided across the floor and knelt on one knee before her.

Goose bumps ran along her arm. She felt so nervous watching him kneel there. A knot stuck at the back of her throat and her heart swelled in her chest.

"My life was incomplete before I met you but you brought me a rhythm. I was focused on loving myself but loving you has been so much better. What I'm trying to ask is...will you...?"

"Yes, yes I'll marry you baby" Christina pulled him up and kissed him like her life depended on it.

Everyone stood up and gave this lovely couple a standing ovation. The cameras flashed as the hands clapped. It was all so much like a modern day fairy tale.

Finally Charles exhaled. He'd been on edge all along. His sweaty hands, thumping heart, lumpy throat all finally calmed down.

"I love you so much" Charles said and slid the ring onto her fingers.

"I love you right back" Christina said with a croaky voice.

"I told you we got married at 25. Our girl down and one to go" Grandma affirmed to and warned Karen all at once.

"Grandma I'm hoping that the sexy waiter comes to sweep me off my feet" Karen said and pouted.

Grandma was very happy and the tears of joy and sorrow glistened her eyelids. Happy for her baby girl and sad for the sudden end to her own love story. She had loved her husband so much.

After the meal, the Uber dropped Karen and Grandma at Christina's place.

"Be safe baby girl"

"Okay ma" Christina replied and kissed Grandma's cheeks.

"Take care of my baby okay?"

"I will, Grandma"

The SUV drove off with Charles and Christina, heading to Charles' place.

"I'm so happy" Grandma told Karen as they both stood there and watched the car speed off.

"Me too" Karen replied.

They both stood along the road until the SUV was no longer in sight then they went inside.

A new beginning, a fresh opportunity. Things will only get better going forward, Grandma and Karen prayed.