text: “You’ll be alone for the rest of your life!” Todd departed from Natalie’s world with the slam of the front door. She gripped her forehead and attempted to scrub away the last 5 years of her existence. How had she ignored the red flags for this long? Todd wasn’t worth a moment more of her headspace. She evicted him with a final tear. Natalie Romance figured her ancestors had cursed themselves in the love department by continuing on with such a mushy last name. If she’d been born a “Jones” or “Carter”, maybe she would’ve stood a chance at finding her “happily-ever-after”. She tossed herself backwards, burying her face in the pillow. Why had she decided to break up with Todd on Christmas Eve? She would have to return his present. It wouldn’t be today though. She had 50 minutes before she had to be at work. What horrible timing this was, but it was his fault, not hers. The final straw had come when she had seen him flirting with what’s-her-name at the coffee shop yesterday morning! Not any ole coffee shop. NATALIE’S coffee shop. She didn’t actually own it, but the guy who did, Eric, joked she came in often enough to at least have stock in it. And this is something Todd ought to have known. He probably did it on purpose, to rub it in her face. So many red flags. She half-growled, half-screamed into her pillow. Enough! She jerked herself upright and threw open her closet door. A power suit. Yes, that’s what she needed to tackle this day. She would have the rest of the week off, so she’d invest everything she had into this work day. The apple red blouse had ribbing along the side, enhancing her fit figure. The pencil skirt had enough give to be respectable. The grey pumps offered her 5’2” height the boost it lacked. She refused to change her routine. Eric had been privy to the beginning of the end of her sad relationship, but he had her coffee. She would not cower from her favorite spot and friendly banter with Eric because of an insensitive ex-boyfriend. “What’s happen’, Natalin?” Eric’s beaming smile greeted her. Natalie chuckled under her breath. He had misheard her name the first time she had come here. She’d corrected him, but somehow it had stuck as their inside joke. “Nothing much, but make my regular a venti, please.” Her cheeks reddened ever so slightly. Her mind couldn’t revisit the subject so soon. “Don’t ask. Don’t bring it up.” She silently pleaded. Thankfully, Eric seemed to be a mind-reader and kept their conversation light and airy. She appreciated that about Eric. He had the ability to keep topics flowing without a hint of awkwardness. That was probably the reason he had been able to get her to open up to him on so many occasions. He knew almost everything about her by this point. Her ruminations were interrupted when he threw her a curveball. “Hey, listen, after you get off, you mind coming back around 7:00p.m.? It’s my night to run the leftover food to the shelter. I would love for you to join me! It never fails to bless me more than the hungry people, especially around the Christmas season.” “Oh, sure!” Eric’s contribution to the shelter was legendary throughout the town. It’s why Natalie had started coming in the first place. It touched her how much he gave to the needy. “I’ll catch ya later then!” Natalie hardly glanced up on her way to the newsstand. Her feet guided her without assistance, following her habitual path. Her journalistic nature would not allow her to enter the news building without taking a look at the competition’s headlines for the day. Banner had learned to expect her and kept a fresh paper to the side for her. She appreciated his thoughtful personality, especially on this unforgiving day of hers. “Natalie! You’re looking great! How ya doin’?” Banner’s call rang out above the commuters rushing around her. “I’m here, Banner. That’s about it. How are you?” Natalie smiled at the simple joy shining from his eyes. She had never seen him angry or frustrated. How refreshing he was! “Things are good! I closed on that office space! I’m hitting the big time!” She laughed. “You’re not gonna forget us little people once you’re rich and famous, right?” “Natalie, I could never forget you.” His features sobered so quickly, she had to blink twice at him to catch up. “In fact, I want to show you the new place. You want to stop by on your walk home? It’s right around the corner, and I could give you a tour!” Surprised though she was, she would never turn down Banner’s invite. His friendly compassion had soothed her on more than one occasion. “I would love to! As long as I’m done by 5:30, I should be good!” “Oh, got a ...um... hot date with Eric?” Banner’s eyes had clouded over, and Natalie could no longer see his inner beauty. What was this about? She drew in a deep breath. “No, actually, we’re no longer together.” The grin which stretched across Banner’s face shocked Natalie a little, but she ignored it. His gushing “see ya later!” followed her along the sidewalk. As she entered the front doors of the building, the receptionist called her name to pass along her messages. Natalie scanned them as she hurried to the elevators. She needed to talk to Anthony, her boss, before returning any calls. He had an annoying habit of forgetting time-off, and she wanted to remind him of her 5-day vacation starting tomorrow. Obliviously, Natalie entered the opening elevator doors, only to bowl over Roger. “Whoa! I’m so sorry!” She hastened to remove her hands from his well-formed chest, fingers tingling. Roger righted his dripping coffee cup. “Hey, it’s alright! I still got some left in the cup. I’ll survive.” He regarded her intently. “Usually, you’re gone when I leave for work, but you were home this morning. Are you ok? You look a little down.” Roger had been the first person Natalie had met upon moving into her apartment complex. He lived next door, and nothing seemed to get past him. Maybe it was because he was a photographer. “Thanks for asking, Roger.” Might as well rip the band aid off. He would notice the lack of Eric soon enough. She sighed. “Eric and I broke up.” “Well, it’s about time!” Roger exclaimed. Natalie gasped. “What??” “He was a jerk. He never remembered your birthday, and I sensed a passive aggressiveness to him that made me want to punch him in between the eyes.” Roger’s fists flexed. Natalie’s eyes rounded. It wasn’t the size of Roger’s body-builder biceps which caused her to take a step back but his overwhelming protectiveness which underlined every word he spoke. What a kind neighbor she had! “Thanks for that, Roger. It’s nice to be looked after.” “There’s more where that came from. I’ll see ya around, ok? I gotta bring more pictures to Anthony. He’s hired me full-time for y’all’s paper. That makes five contracts I've added to my portfolio this week alone! Business is soaring!” He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be around, Shorty.” Natalie worked to put indignation into her response. “Good for you, Goliath!” But a secret smile filled her face at his familiar farewell. The top floor opened to reveal Anthony’s receptionist who announced her via speakerphone. Anthony’s disembodied voice boomed back, telling her to enter. Before she could speak, Anthony took over. He hustled around to plant her in a leather seat in front of his massive oak desk. “Just the girl I wanted to see!“ Natalie brushed away the bristle forming from his egotistical greeting. “Morning, Anthony. I’m just here to...” He didn’t even pause. “Have I ever told you how much you mean to this company? We’re growing! We’re going places. I’m glad to have you by my side. When we take over The Generation newspaper in this town, I’m taking you with me. We’re going to be bigger than ever! There’s no stopping us now!” As Anthony took a breath, Natalie attempted to interrupt his flow, but it was hopeless. “Yes, but I’m only wanting to...” “Nothing’s holding me back. But, there is something you can assist me with... I have yet to establish myself as a traditional family man. I’ve come to realize the people of this town take that seriously. If I’m to advance up the ladder of fame and prominence, I'm gonna need to change a few things. This is where you come in.” His gaze halted her to stillness. Her inner monologue took up a chant. “Please, don’t. Please, don’t.” “I don’t want you by my side simply for the paper.“ He strung her along in suspense as he held her captive with his blue eyes. “I want you by me for life. Say you’ll do it. Say you’ll be my bride! Renown and prestige await you!” His self-satisfied smirk sickened her. She had to strategize. How to get out of this and keep her job? Anthony was a great boss, but a life partner? Absolutely not. He had never asked about her likes or dislikes. Every group outing for team building activities inevitably ended with Anthony being the center of attention. She couldn’t do it. A brilliant lightbulb pinged through her brain. “Anthony, I thought you knew... I’ve been trying to set you up with Betsy from accounting for months! She’s over the moon for you and has just the go-getter spirit which would support your endeavors. She’s got a squeaky-clean background. No skeletons for other press members to dig up. I hear her cooking is great too! A far cry better than my own! Betsy’s the one you want, sir!” Natalie hoped she was portraying innocence. “No way! Is that true? Betsy. Hmm.” He mulled it over as if it were a potential front-page runner. “I can see it. Good point, Natalie! Now, what are you still doing here? Don’t you have an article to write for me?” True to form, Anthony spun it around to appear like the idea had come from him. Natalie didn’t mind. The pressure was off her, and Betsy truly was infatuated with Anthony. Maybe, this was a perfect match! “I did want to remind you about my 5-day PTO starting tomorrow.” She slipped it in as she rose to exit. “Of course! Take all the time you need. I’ll send ya a wedding invite when the time comes.” He winked at her. Natalie stifled the urge to roll her eyes. Jumping back into the elevator, she mentally reviewed her lineup of eyewitness accounts which she had scheduled. An 80-year-old woman was coming in an hour to give her the scoop on a knitting scam. A seven-year-old was coming by with his mom around 11:00a.m. to share about his charity creation. Then at 2:00p.m., Wayne would be bringing his weekly predictions on the mayor’s race. She had told him more than once, he could just email her, but he never took her up on that. Their conversations tended to last an hour. She couldn’t understand her inability to resist the man. He always arrived with a small gift which never ceased to amaze her at the relativity of it. He brought her exactly what she needed without her even recognizing her desire for said object. A pencil sharpener for her desk made her life more convenient. A purse with a built-in phone charger prevented her from having to chase after outlets. She smiled and wondered what Wayne would bring today. Natalie’s non-stop responsibilities came to a screeching halt when two hands descended over her eyes. “Guess who!!” Her subconscious immediately recognized the deep bass. “Wayne! I know that’s you!” “Hey, Darlin’, so good to see you!” Wayne leaned over for a hug. “Got ya something!” Natalie chuckled. “Can’t wait ‘til the end of the interview today, huh?” “No,” Wayne’s somber answer caused her to focus on the square package in his grasp. “No, Natalie. I don’t think I can wait one more second.” Her heart beat at a staccato rate as she took the tiny box from him. She ripped the packaging off to reveal black velvet beneath. Natalie was dumbfounded. Wayne took it and flipped it open. The sparkling diamond arrested her attention. What was happening? He presented it to her. “Will you... marry me? I’ve...” “Wayne, stop!” She couldn’t let him continue. “I don’t understand where this is coming from. Are you aware I’ve been in a relationship for the past five years?” She couldn’t help the exasperation seeping into her voice. He had never genuinely talked to her about anything deep. He must think he understood her, but Wayne was completely off base. “But do you love that guy? I bet not. I’ve been right here, buying ya stuff, making you laugh. I’ve been a distraction, haven’t I? That guy isn’t me, so I know he isn’t the one for you! Give me a chance!” Wayne grabbed her hand. Natalie stuffed her annoyance and spoke gently. “The answer is no. I believe it would be best if you email me the predictions this time. We can both take a breather from this conversation.” She glanced around. Fortunately, no one had noticed. She didn’t wish to embarrass the man. Wayne lurched away, clutching the tiny, black box to his chest. “Alright, Darlin’, but I’ll be asking again. I don’t give up that easily.” “I’d really rather you didn’t.” Natalie said firmly. “We aren’t a good fit. I’ll email you about work-related stuff. That’s it. Bye, Wayne.” Her afternoon passed with a blurry speed, leaving her winded. How had she ended a relationship and received two proposals in the span of 8 hours? At least, she had the meeting with Banner. Spending time with a buddy would balance out her emotional distress. She left by 4:55p.m. and trotted toward Banner’s newsstand. Having closed up his shop, he proffered his arm and led her down the block and around a corner. “Here we are, my good lady.” Banner popped his keys in the lock and held the door for her. “Wow, this is fantastic! Thanks for giving me the chance at first glance!” She spun to get the full effect. However, the sight behind her paralyzed her. This could not be happening again. Was she dreaming? Banner was down on one knee, ring box in hand. “Natalie, I feel like I finally have something to offer you. With Todd out of the picture, I can begin to express my innermost feelings to you. I love you. Please, will you do me the honor of...” “No, no, no! Banner, please get up.” Natalie clutched her brow in horror. “I can’t lose you as a friend. I simply can’t take that today. You are a constant in my life, and I treasure your kindness. Don’t finish that proposal if you care about me at all. Keep searching for your dream girl.” Banner bowed his head for a moment. His eyes sparkled with unshed tears when he pierced her with his green-eyed stare. “Ok, Natalie. I’m crushed, but I’ll try to do what you say. I’ll look forward to seeing you after your vacation.” He never rose, but his defeated crouch remained in Natalie’s vision as she fled the premises. Her cheeks were wet when she reached Eric’s coffee shop. She scrubbed her face and knocked. He shouted a hello and jogged to the locked entrance. “Come on. I’m loading my car through the exit in the rear. You can help!” The lugging and tugging of packed food seemed so ordinary Natalie began to relax. Surely, her night would be boring. She needed boring right now. “That’ll do it!” Eric stepped aside as she tossed the last bag into his trunk, slamming it shut after her deposit. He pivoted towards her and ran his hands up and down her arms. “I appreciate you doing this with me. You know, Natalin, you deserve to be adored. I’ve been thinking... we’d make a great match. What say we get ourselves hitched? Something quick. Courthouse wedding sound good? I’d love for you to be my wife.” Natalie clung to his coat lapels out of pure survival instinct. What had become of her life? Should she accept? He treated her right and didn’t try to change her. But no, she couldn’t. She wanted more. She wanted sparks. “I’m sorry, Eric. I can’t. I’ve got to go.” She ran as if a fiery chariot pursued her. She was sobbing as she attempted to insert her key into her locked front door. Before she succeeded, another door opened behind her. She felt the electrical current which preceded Roger announcing himself. He simply placed his hands on her shoulders. “Allow me.” He took her keys and let her into her own apartment. “Come here.” He bundled her against him on the couch, wrapped in a huge, fluffy blanket. “Short stuff, I hate you like this. Tell me about it?” Her entire day spilled out between sobs. “And really, Roger, if I had dreamed of anyone proposing, it would’ve been you!” She sucked in a breath, fully realizing what she had confessed. She loved him. She saw it now. Why had she wasted so many years? He swallowed. She peered up at him in fear of his rejection. He cleared his throat. “Shorty, I’ve been carrying something around with me since before you began dating Todd. When you did, I tried to forget about my plan, but I couldn’t.” Holding her tight with one arm, he fished something from his pocket with the other. Natalie knew what it was before she saw it. This time, she would say yes with all her heart!