Outrageous Proposal

“My friend, Seth is in love with you.” Ben spoke with unmistakable certitude.

I looked at Ben like he has sprouted another head. “You must be pulling my leg. I can’t see how possible it is for Seth to be in love with me. He’s got to be the most arrogant, detestable and self-centered man on this planet. It’s impossible to stand him–except you, of course.”

Ben chuckled. “Well, I’m telling you. He’s my friend so I should know. He’s not the most romantic person, I know. Yet you better believe me. I know the signs.”

I rolled my eyes. “What signs? If I remember correctly, he just stashed my work yesterday and called it a piece of crap. If that’s what you call a sign, then I must say he must have pretty misguided ideas on how to approach a woman.”

“But tell me the truth, you’re also in love with him aren’t you?” he asked.

Before I had time to ponder and manage a reply to such outrageous accusation, we were interrupted by Seth himself.

“Suzanne! I need you in my office right now!” a booming voice echoed from the far end of the hall.

“Speaking of the devil.” I rolled my eyes and strode off to where Seth’s office stood. Upon my entrance, I found Seth standing up with his arms folded and his eyebrows knitted in an angry frown. He’s a picturesque of total indignation.

He launched into a lengthy tirade, like he usually does, upon seeing me. It’s an everyday occurrence and it would be odd if I survive a single day without it.

“This is unacceptable. Your incompetence to the job is making the company suffer. I just don’t know how it will get to you. Are you a total idiot? You’ve got to be the worst analyst I’ve ever had.”

That really did it. For some reason, whatever last thread of patience I’ve had left finally snapped. “You know what? If I’m such an idiot after all, then you have no use for me anymore. This is my last day.” I threw my ID on his table. “I could no longer work for someone who’s got no compassion on anything. I guess that would be asking too much from you.” With that I stormed out of his room like a bolt of lightning.

I walked all the way home like a madman. I broke into tears by the time I made it to my front door. I know it shouldn’t bother me but for some reason, crying seems to be the only reprieve I can resort to now. Seth’s words stung like venom and today is no exception. Until now, I never knew how much of his opinion of me mattered.

After an hour, I heard a knock on my doorstep. Upon opening, I found Seth astride by the door jamb. “What do you want?” I spat out. “I already handed in my ID and other stuff. Don’t worry, I’ll tender my resignation tomorrow morning.”

“We need to talk”, he replied calmly. He led himself into the room before I could even answer. “I didn’t expect you walking out on me awhile ago.”

I laughed sarcastically. “What do you expect? You expect me to stay after you almost imply that I’m a blundering idiot?”

“Look, I’m sorry.” He said with almost feigned earnestness. “I admit I got carried away.”

“Oh, really.” I mocked. “I appreciate the effort yet, that won’t do any good anyway. I’m still not coming back.”

“Look, I’m not asking you to come back,” he grumbled. “It’s hard for me to say this, believe me. But I want to offer you a proposal. The timing may not be perfect but I don’t have a choice.”

I looked at him in utter disbelief. “A business proposal?”

“No, a wedding proposal.” I almost keeled over. The wall I’m leaning on was the only thing preventing me from actually falling off my feet.

“I want you to marry me.” He said quietly. His eyes riveted mine in a piercing and arresting manner. My heart almost leaped. There’s no mistaking the sincerity of it.

“I know you hate me. I’m not really good with romantic gestures. I also can’t manage well since you’re my employee, well, now ex-employee–”

“You’re out of your mind!” I thundered, cutting him off. “How could you even want to marry me when almost ALL of the time you’re spitting on my face! Do you even know what you’re trying to put us into?”

“Well, I know what I want. I want you. That’s all I can say.” He smiled mockingly. In a sudden swift movement, he grabbed me and planted a soft kiss to my lips. He’s not a bad kisser at all. I almost have to catch my breath.

My head was spinning as everything started sinking in. Never in my life did I even anticipate being given such an outrageous proposal–much less by a man whom I despise and strangely like at the same time.

“What will happen if I accept your proposal?”

“You will live with me, of course. We’ll have a family. Isn’t that what every married couple do?”

I stared at him incredulously. “Are you sure? Do I really mean that much to you? Don’t you even want to get to know me first?”

He shrugged. “I’ve seen what I want. Does it matter?”

I shook my head. “You really are unbelievable.”

“I’m not a typical man. That’s who I am.”

I chuckled. “Ben’s right. You are in love with me.”

“That darn bastard ought to be a psychic,” he muttered and checked the time. “I still need to go back to that damn office.” Before leaving, he finally managed to say, “Anyway, tomorrow morning 9 o’clock at the Beatrice Chapel. Meet me there. I won’t take no for an answer. Might as well bring your resignation letter.”