CH IX

A/N: This chapter is going to be really short and sweet one. I have prolonged my writing for a while now due to work. So want to finish this story soon. Might be a cliche one. But do appreciate and thanks to all those who have already read it till here.

It's been 6 months we have been dating. Joe has been really sweet, coming to the club every Friday night and we would go to his house and spend the weekend together. I got to know a little bit about him, that his father was the one who was murdered and that he owned club PL.

Also that he was the one who suggested me for the job as well. It was a little hard for me to accept since I never liked recommendations, I wanted to be recognized for my talent and not coz of some one else's words. He reassured me they were quite impressed and the customers were also giving great reviews.

We spent our time together on the rides back home and sometimes I stayed back at his place. Our relationship had no name but we had progressed and deep in our hearts I guess we have accepted each other. We didn't need labels to prove to ourselves or others.

Joe had encouraged me to post my singing on youtube and I did. It was surprising to see the support and comments I was getting. Of course there were haters, without them we never can progress forward right. Most of them though were constructive, there were many destructive ones. My days were getting brighter and brighter with him by my side, some days I felt like giving up my dream and just enjoying life with him, but the thought of living off of him did not agree with me and I wanted to be independent.

It was another beautiful day and one more day to get closer to my dream. The crowd at the cafe was as usual, including the smiling face of my Joe who came to get his order. I could not wipe the smile on my face and everyone noticed it. I did not expect the news I got today.

I was almost done with my shift in Club Nevada, when I got the surprising call from Joe, as he never calls me during my work at this club. Raymond my boss had got pissed for taking personal calls during work.

"Hey Love, what u doing?""What do u think?" I giggled. I always felt on cloud 9 when I heard his voice and imagined those blue eyes looking at me."Hmm....let me see....entertaining all those bored workers with your beautiful voice?""you nailed it!....tadaaa....you have won yourself a date with meee.....where do u want to go tonight?"

There was a long pause and silence that made my heart miss a beat. Something felt odd, like he was hiding something from me.

"haha....not today darling. I have some great news for you. Can't wait for you to reach here and be done with your shift. Love you." His words felt forced, but it had the warmth. I didn't know how I felt about all this.

"Oh ok, will see you there then. Am almost done here just starting for PL now. see you love. Love you more."

"SYLVIA!!!" I was brought out of my daze by my screaming boss.

"How many times do I have to tell you no personal calls during work? This is the..."

"It was urgent Ray else I would never have taken it." Yes after working for so long here he allowed me to call him as Ray just as others did. Good for me I guess. Hearing my words he quietened down a little.

"Fine. But this is the last time. I do not take well to slacking got it."

"yes Boss!!" I mock saluted him and was off to get as fast as I could to were my love was waiting for me. I was eager to hear the news he had to tell me as well.

Was he going to propose to me, we have been dating for 6 months now, a girl can expect right. My excitement was uncontrollable and I could not contain myself with the thought of a proposal. how was he going to do it or where was he going to do it? Should I say yes immediately or should I stall a bit and make him nervous? Hmm am thinking let's play a bit huh, nah guess not, I am just going to jump him and say yes. Yes that sounds best. Maybe we can wait a year more to see were my dream takes me and if nothing or whatever be the result then we can get married, yes that's a good plan.

A family with him, us and our kids. Oh I had never asked him how many kids he would like or how big of a family he wanted. I guess we can talk about all that today or tomorrow, we still had time.

Reaching PL, I ran into his warm and inviting arms. I felt safe and loved, like nothing can hurt me, he would protect me.

"Hey so what is the great news you had for me?"

"Not now, you have to finish your job first. Let's meet after and then I will tell you."

"Awww...why can't you tell me now?...please Joe please tell me now....I can't control my excitement..please" cue the puppy dog eyes. He gave me a look that said you think it's going to work?

"Nope not happening my sweetheart Levi. Go and do your job first." He pecked my lips and pushed me off towards the changing rooms.

The happiness I felt within me could not be dampened by anything or anyone today. People looked at me weird, guess a smiling face was very rare in this club or earth after all. I could not wait for my shift to get over and be cuddled close to him.

The night flew through my mind and half the time I was in a daze. My mind was trying to throw all the different kind of settings or setup or places where he would take me and propose. why my heart was set that it was a proposal, I had no idea.

This is going to be the best night of my life.

I was almost done with my shift when suddenly one of the ladies of the bar called my name just before I got off the stage. I walked towards the bar questioning why I was being called.

"yes""This is for you." Saying this the bar lady handed me a box. It was grand and packaged in a beautiful silk bow. The box glinted in the light reflecting off of it.

"ummm, this is not mine sorry. I think you are mistaken."

"You are Sylvia the singer right." I confirmed her question with a nod, but could not understand who would be giving this gift to me.

"But,..."

"It's for you. A car is waiting for you outside in 10mins."

"What? Who?" She turned and got busy with the customers at the bar. I was baffled at who would purchase and gift such exquisite things to me. Could it be Joe? maybe it is him, who else would even look at me.

With that thought I calmed my nervous heart and went to change. Opening the box I was dazed at the beautiful gown inside. It was a simple, light lilac gown that would flow with your body. The material was light as a feather but yet beautiful. It felt like but it was not silk. I loved it and now I knew my thoughts were correct about his proposal and I was elated. The dress fit me perfectly. Touching myself with some light make-up, I left to embark on the journey awaiting me.

Walking out of PL, the wind whooshed into my dress billowing it everywhere. There was a cool breeze covered in the silver rays of the moonlight.The cool wind was helping me to calm down my nerves which were going haywire now. Standing before me was a black limousine waiting to take me away. The door opened just as I was about to walk towards it, and out stepped my handsome knight in shining black armor, my Joe. He was handsome and in this beautiful dark knight his blue eyes shone like blue sapphires. All I could do was take a harsh breath in, I felt very under dressed and not so fit to stand next to him.

"You look so breathtakingly beautiful today. Wow! am very lucky." Those words from his mouth put me out of the staring contest I was having with him.

"Thank you and you look very dashing and edible.." I giggled and ran into his open arms.

This was the place I wanted to be forever and ever, in his arms.

I was soon off with him to wherever he was taking me. I was ready to go with him to the end of the world. We soon reached a very simple but tastefully decorated restaurant. It was quaint and atop a hill overlooking the valley below. Blanketed by the beautiful night, feathery touches by the whispering cool breeze, under the light of the many million starred night sky, this place looked like a painting from a dream.

Joe pulled me back into his warm arms and kissed me on my temple causing my toes to curl and a warm current to flow to every nerve. I could not contain myself and pulled his face to my level and kissed him hard on his lips. I guess he was shocked at first, but soon he crushed me to himself and I could feel him everywhere. We could never get enough of each other. It was a feverish kiss and I had to break it off, which I sadly did. This was a public place after all.

Joe lead me into the restaurant, which was even more mesmerizing. It had a Chinese or Japanese touch to it, in that there were paper lanterns lit and hanging everywhere. This gave off a soft glow to the place and candle lights flickering in the wind added mystery. I loved it. It was our special place. I decided then that we would come here for every anniversary of ours, yes our place. Lost in my thoughts I had forgotten the handsome greek god beside me. I turned to look at him and found him staring at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just admiring the goddess infront of me." He was such a sweet talker. I gobbled up all the attention I got from him.

"hmm, so what's with all the setting and gown and all the secrecy? what's this great news?" He smirked at me and pulled me alongside him to our reserved seats on the balcony. I was awestruck with the view infront of me.

"Wow this place is so beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here, I love it so much." I hugged him tight and pecked his lips, though I wanted a searing hot kiss from him. He nervously rubbed his neck and smiled at me.

"I thought you didn't like this place that much or it was not that good. Glad you liked it." I smiled at how nervous he was and clasped our hands and took our seats.

"I don't like it Joe, I love it. I love it so so much, that this is where we should celebrate our every anniversary."

We enjoyed a good meal with each other, sharing our experiences of the day. Soon we were done and it was time for us to leave. Joe pulled me to a quiet corner outside the restaurant which I had not noticed earlier. There was a droopy blossom tree, it was not the seasonand so no blossoms were in bloom. But it was draped in twinkling lights and stood like a huge glittering umbrella from afar. There was seating for two there. We walked closer to it and stood watching the view for a few minutes. I could not hold my curiosity anymore.

"Would you finally tell me what the news is?"

"uh Levi you are so impatient, spoiling the mood for me. ok sit down please" and he made me sit on one of the chairs. I was watching him keenly as to what he was going to do next. He put his hands into his coat trying to retrieve an item. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears and was sure he could hear it too. This is was it the moment was finally here, the one I had been dreaming all day about. My excitement knew no bounds. His hand came out

"I..." I stopped looking at what he was holding. It was not what I had expected, a ring box, but an envelope. I was puzzled and looked to him.

"What? what did you think was going to happen?" I guess he thought about the whole situation, setting and it clicked him.

"Oh am sorry Levi. Sorry but the news is that you have got a recording contract and you have to travel to California" Although this was my dream and it was happening, I was not feeling all that happy. Somehow my heart was aching.

"Oh ok. That's good" was all I could muster out. It was like someone blew out the timid flame of joy within me.

"Come on don't be like that. This is all your efforts coming together finally to make your dream come true isn't it?"

"yes, yes you are right. It is. I am happy. yes" I chided myself as he was trying to make this moment very special for me and I was holding onto something I wanted.

He hugged me close and kissed my forehead. All my worries and sadness disappeared. In that moment I was content. Nothing more nothing less.

"You will come with me right, to California?" Joe was silent for a minute and blew out a breath. I broke out of his grip to look at his face, something was off.

"Sorry Levi, but I have to be here and look after the business. There are some important matters I have to deal with. I have prepared everything for you and the company will be taking care of your stay and such. Don't worry you will be well taken care of."

"That's not what I meant Joe. This is my first recording gig, I want you there with me. I want you by my side supporting me and encouraging me."

"You have no idea how much I too want to, but I can't delay these matters anymore, else I will be in deep waters."

"Ok I understand. But I will miss you so much Joe. So much. we will talk everyday ok?"

"ummm, that might not be possible but I will try to, since I will be busy wit...."

"are you hiding somehting from me? Is there something that you are not telling me?" I badgered him with my questions, he was taken aback by my behavior but I did not step back.

"No no it's all good. You just go and finish your recording and I will be waiting for you with open arms when you return." with that he kissed me. A kiss that made me forget every other thought or question I had.

My mind and body went numb with love and desire for him and his touch. This was a night etched into my memory forever. Our beautiful night when my dream started to bloom.