Chapter 23 - Anton

Walking up and down the length of the foyer, I had to see Mila. I wanted to ask Joyce to be my girlfriend. I wanted to make us somewhat official. But I didn’t know the first thing about relationships.

My entire life, I have devoted myself to my family. I’ve only ever had fleeting relationships with women. But Joyce was different. I had to do it right. If I was honest with myself, I feared she would reject me. I had to know what steps to take. The best way to approach this and Mila would know.

Walking through the house, I started searching for her. As I cleared floor by floor, my mind wandered back to all my quick relationships. Come to think of it, I had never been with one girl for more than a week.

I knew I was out of my league and my mind. My longest relationship, which lasted a week, was in high school. I had no clue what steps to take. I eventually spotted Mila on the third floor. She was talking to one of the maids.

“Mila,” I called out as I got closer. She turned and smiled at me. “Sorry, can I have a moment of your time?”

“Of course,” she replied. “Meet me in my office in five, okay?”

I nodded and headed to her office. She wasn’t there yet, so I walked up and down the hall until she arrived. “You look tense,” she said, entering the office and walking to her desk. “So, what happened that you need to see me?”

I sat down, feeling my heart beating in my throat. “I want to ask Joyce out officially.”

Mila smiled as she interrupted me. “That’s great, Anton. I think you make a good couple. You look happy together. So, how is that a problem?”

Sighing deeply, I felt my frustration building. “I think things are good, but I don’t want to mess it up by saying the wrong thing.” Rising from the chair, I walked to her window before continuing. “On top of that, I don’t know how to go about it. I have never had the need for proper antics.”

I turned swiftly as Mila started giggling. She looked at me with softness in her eyes as she spoke. “There are very few you can screw something like this up. It is basically impossible. My advice to you would be not to be like everyone else. Be yourself and do it your own way.”

Feeling grateful, I gave her a warm smile as I walked towards the door. “Thank you, Mila.”

“I didn’t say anything you didn’t already know. Just be you, Anton,” she replied before I left.

While wandering through the house and garden, I allowed my mind to take its own path. I considered everything I knew about her, weighed her likes and dislikes, and then concluded that she preferred simpler things in life.

With my mind made, I headed to the kitchen. I wanted to make her a special home-cooked meal. We would spend the evening in. I arranged with Alexandr to use the gazebo in the maze and the den afterward.

I was positive she would enjoy it more than any fancy date. With my plans floating around in my head, I smiled as they appeared to come together. I had a hop in my step and started humming as I went about preparing the ideal meal.

The kitchen staff raised their eyebrows at me as I collected the ingredients. Wanting to impress her with my culinary skills, I decided to make fried shrimp balls with a honey mayo dip for starters.

The main course would be steak bites, mashed potatoes, and a cheesy garlic sauce. Just thinking about it made my mouth water. Once I had these down, I had to pick a dessert. Seeing the staff's expressions made me wonder if I wasn’t taking it too far.

Shaking my head, I knew I wasn’t. I didn’t get many opportunities to show off my skills. Plus, I loved making three-course meals. I finally settled on a rich chocolate pudding topped with whipped cream, which I would pair with rose champagne.

I placed the bottle in the fridge and added a bottle of Pinot Noir just in case she didn’t like champagne. I was happy with my choices. I checked my watch and saw it was close to four, and I still wanted to add to the rose maze.

First, I went to the den. I placed wood on the firepit, ready to be lit. I laid out some blankets and pillows on the floor for a makeshift bed. I set the television to the right station and selected a movie I knew she would enjoy.

Heading out, I was ready to set up the table as the food was done. I added some scented candles to assist in setting the mood. Bringing out a player, I selected soft music for a romantic vibe.

Standing back, I studied the table. Picking some of the roses, I added the petals to the table and the grass around it. Mila had suggested I hang some soft lights to add to the romantic theme. Once that was done, I went back in and plated the food.

I didn’t want any interruptions, so I had the maids bring out the warmer trolley. I placed the main courses inside and witched it on. This would keep the food warm for us. I put the shrimp balls on the table and covered them with rounded steel lids.

The area was perfect. I lit the candles and headed in to fetch Joyce. I found her in the room on her laptop. “Joyce,” I said excitedly. She turned quickly, looking slightly guilty, as she slammed the laptop closed.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes, why were you looking for me?”

Ignoring the idea that she was up to something, I bowed, holding out my hand as I spoke. “I have something to show you.”

She took my hand but was a bit hesitant to walk with me. “I don’t bite. You know that,” I said, pulling her. “Unless you want me to,” I added, grinning at her. She laughed lightly as she followed willingly.

I led her out to the garden and headed through the maze. As soon as the gazebo came into view, she stopped. Her expression was one of wonder and worth all the hard work I had put in. Holding her hand and elbow, I ushered her to her seat. “Did you do all this?” she asked, looking around.

Smiling at her, I nodded. “Yes, I hope you like it.”

“It is so beautiful, and the food looks good.” Joyce raised her brows as she continued. She appeared slightly suspicious. “Did you also cook the food?”

Nodding again, I tried to look humble as I spoke. “I haven’t cooked in a long time, so please let me know if it’s not nice. Be honest.” Joyce laughed at my failed attempt to hide my abilities.

We ate the shrimp, and then I presented her with the main meal. “I have to say, you have outdone even the finest chefs tonight,” she complimented me. “Tell me more about your upbringing and life, if that’s okay?”

Nodding, I swallowed the bit I had in my mouth. “Well, let’s see. I was of smaller build than my two older brothers. This caused some issues growing up, I was picked on quite a bit. But then, as I grew, my mother took me under her wing and protected me. But this only lasted so long. I was a boy and had to become a man.”

“I’m sorry,” Joyce whispered.

Leaning forward, I took her hand as I continued. “No, don’t be. As you can see, I didn’t stay small.”

Joyce burst out laughing. Hearing her so happy made me smile. “I joined the Marines and came back the man my father wanted. How about you?”

She played with the food on her plate as she replied. “There’s not much to say. I kept my head down, done good in school and stayed out of trouble. Jax lived with us for about three years before the trouble started and my father just got stricter. Plain simple life.”

I watched as she finished her meal without another word. She appeared to be fumbling over her words.

By the time we got to dessert, she couldn’t stop talking about the amount of food I was giving her. “This was truly more than I should have eaten, but it was divine, thank you.”

Her eyes were sparkling as she sipped some champagne. I couldn’t help but watch her every move. I had outdone myself as the food was good, but hearing her laughter made my heart beat faster. I was so enthralled by her that I almost forgot why I did all of this.

“There is more,” I said, standing and holding out my hand. Joyce smiled as she took it, allowing me to lead her back inside. Opening the den door, I pulled her in and lit the fire.

“This is all so special,” she said as I started the movie. “Thank you for a lovely meal.”

Kissing her fingers, I wondered when I should ask and decided to wait until afterward. After the movie, we went back outside to finish the bottle of champagne.

I was about to open my mouth and finally ask when Joyce lifted her hand. “I think I know what’s happening here,” she said softly. “If I’m right, you did all of this to officially ask me out?”

She stared at me, waiting for a response. “Yes,” I replied nervously. My hands felt sweaty as the room suddenly became a sauna. “I want to do this the correct way,” I added.

Joyce smiled. “I appreciate this. I have to say, it’s the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me.” She paused and I felt my heart stop as I waited in anticipation for her to continue.

“Give me some time to think about it. With all we’ve been through, I’m not sure we’re a good match.” she finally said as she rose from the table. My mouth hung open in astonishment as I watched her walk out of the room. I just sat there stunned and unable to move.