Chapter 40 - This Is It
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"Thank you for agreeing to accompany me, pretty lady," Brandon grinned as fetched me from my apartment for our date at Bellas.
"You're welcome, dear," I said with a laugh, Brandon and I weren't exactly the couple that called each other pet names like sweetpea, dumpling, honeybuns like other weird couples do. If we did, I feel as though I'd totally gag.
He helped me down the stairs and out onto the road where a fancy car sat, engine on by the curb.
"You brought the Lamborghini?" I asked as we approached the cobalt blue car.
"Yes, this one is brand new. It's the first time I'm driving it since they delivered it to my penthouse," He grinned as he gently caressed the car.
I rolled my eyes, "I like the color. It's a replica of your eyes," I said honestly.
Brandon laughed, "I'm sure. I also like the color,"
"Okay," I shrugged as he opened the door and helped me in.
He walked across the hood and got in the driver's seat. We drove out of the mini complex, and when we stopped at a red light I saw him drum his fingers nervously against the steering wheel. I studied his expression he looked happy but his shoulders were tense.
"Brandon?" I said snapping him out of his reverie.
"Hmm?" He responded looking at me absent-mindedly.
"You seem nervous. Are you okay?" I asked him.
"I'm fine Ashy," Brandon claimed as he wiped his forehead.
"Alright, the robot has been green and the car hasn't moved an inch!" I insisted pointing at the robot.
Brandon cursed before he slammed his foot down on the engine and the car flung itself forward the impact forced me back into the seat, as per usual my breathing began to constrict as the images around me began to become quite blurry.
I heard Brandon curse as he took a sharp right and then began to slow down. I glared at him as I placed a hand against my chest hoping to calm my erratically beating heart.
"That was uncalled for," I said.
He didn't respond and a few moments later, Brandon pulled his car into the parking lot - not literally - and then like the gentleman he was, he opened the door for me and helped me out.
"Brandon stop fidgeting, please. You've been at it the whole night!" I said as I watched him wrap and unwrap his napkin
"I.." He began.
"Is it business troubles? Nicholas or Hunter making your life hard? How are Hunter and Claire anyways? I left in such haste last week." I said.
Brandon smiled, "They're great. Claire sends her regards to you and no Nick nor Hunter has made my business life any more stressful than it already is," Brandon admitted.
"Well, that's good. I don't want you to be under useless stress. You already stress a lot. You realize that when you're older you're going to have more wrinkles than an average person?" I stated happily.
Brandon choked out a laugh, "Sure. I mean, do how many wrinkles I have really matter?" He asked.
I nodded, "Of course! Wrinkles appear on you when your skin loses its elasticity," I informed him.
"How do you know this?" Brandon asked me.
I smiled, "I went on a dinner date with a dermatologist once."
"Hmm. I thought it was Darren the whole time?"
"No. Darren and I took a one-week break from one another because we felt as though the relationship we shared was quite toxic. We decided to date other people and we did so I went out with Carlos three times." I told him.
"Carlos?" Brandon asked sounding slightly concerned, which made me laugh.
"The dermatologist," I said.
"Three times in a single week?"
"Yes," I laughed, "He had really good charisma I guess."
"And nice skin." Brandon laughed.
"I would hope so! He knows all the tips and secrets to keep your skin healthy and glowing."
"Oh, well that makes sense," Brandon said.
"Yeah." I said and we sat in a few moments of silence.
"Since you told me about the skin doctor and your damned FBI agent, I'll tell you about my few dates," Brandon said.
"If you want," I said, "Don't feel too pressured to," I added, quickly.
"I don't feel pressured to." Brandon said, "I was too busy wallowing in my depression to actually date."
"I heard that your father set you up," I told him.
"I assume this person that told you that didn't include that I stood them all up?" Brandon asked.
I nodded, "The person did."
"Great, now you know."
"Yeah, I do."
"I was thinking about something," Brandon said.
"Uh-oh!" I mocked him.
He rolled his eyes, "Anyways I was thinking you should quit your job at that boutique."
"I can't just do that! How in the world will I make money to go by?" I asked.
"Simple, you use mine," Brandon said.
"No!" I gasped, "I can't do that! I'm not a gold digger." I frowned.
"I know you aren't, that's why I love you. I just don't want to tire you out with working," Brandon said, shyly almost.
"I'm not getting tired out. I like it if I'm being honest. Darcy treats and pays me well and Lina and I have quality best friend time when no one is at the shop. I can't just leave that," I admitted.
"I see. It is your choice," Brandon accepted.
"Thank you," I said.
"For what? Allowing you to have a job and work? I'm not happy about it, but if it makes you happy I'll try to be more understanding when it comes to it."
"Cool. I do really like it and Lina and I hardly spend time together since you and Mel came back. I feel like I'm neglecting her," I admitted.
"Oh dear," Brandon said.
"'Oh dear indeed," I said.
Brandon and I remained quiet as we ate. When the dessert came, the smell made me salivate. It was tiramisu, an Italian dessert and it tasted like heaven.
I had taken my third bite when I felt something rock hard in the sponge cake. I immediately took it out my mouth, for the fear of choking, and gasped - it was a ring!
"What's this?" I gasped, "Maybe the chef lost it in here!" I began to panic when I saw Brandon kneeling beside me, holding another version of the same ring.
The ring he was holding was completely shiny and every time he moved it slightly, the ring glittered as I slapped hands around my mouth. I looked around and the entire restaurant had eyes on us, another man dressed in a suit had a video camera - most likely filming us.
"When I met you at the gala my company was throwing, I thought you were one of those girls who pretended to be sweet and innocent but in reality, they were after my fame and wealth. I was surprised that you never knew who I was and surprised that you didn't search the internet for me. You're different from all the other girls in this world because you don't force yourself to be with someone for their money or good looks but rather for the looks of their heart.
"You truly have a heart of gold. Ashley, you're probably the strongest girl I've ever met and you've endured a lot, I think that's an amazing and unique talent. You never give up and you tolerate a lot of my screw-ups - which I hope you won't have to deal with any longer. You've helped me change and become a better person. I changed - not because you wanted me to but because you inspired me to be better. After all, this being said, will you Ashley Hayes do the honor of being my wife?" He asked.
HE FINALLY ASKED HER! AAAAHHHHH!
Hey Guys,
Brandon did finally ask her! (FINALLY!) but will Ashley say yes? I mean I hope she does otherwise all Brandon's effort will be for nothing.
I hope you liked this chapter and hopefully I will have the next chapter out soon! I'm really excited for you to read it.
Don't forget to vote and comment and of course, I'll do my best to respond to all your comments.
Thanks for reading, see you next update!