"You have been ignoring your calls since last night. Is everything alright, honey?", My girlfriend asked.
"It's nothing dear, how about eating out tonight? I have a gift for you", I tried diverting her concern.
I understand her worries, she knew I was once a flirt.
"I hope some silly girls are not chasing him around", I could hear her thought.
"Babe, it's not what you think", I broke the silence in the room.
"I wasn't thinking anything, it is you who should speak if there is something", she replied.
"I am alright dear, I am just ignoring Gideon's calls", I tried easing her worries.
"Your business partners?", She asked.
"No, my friend from the past. I don't know who gave him my contact, he has been disturbing", I replied.
"I am done with the hair, do you like it?", running her fingers through the dreadlocks made me feel good.
"Yes, it looks great", I replied.
She went into the bedroom to clean herself and to the kitchen after.
Whirrrrr, I could hear the sound of the espresso machine from the kitchen.
"Hmmm, coffee", I said to myself as I lick my lips.
"This is for you", she gently gave me a cup of coffee.
With her gesture and the coffee, I could tell that she wanted to know more about the caller.
"James was my friend", I paused to sip from my coffee.
"We are not enemies though but I cut ties with him a long time ago"
"I know you hate holding grudges with people so why is he different?", she asked before sipping from her coffee.
My phone rang again and it infuriated me more.
"He accused me of trying to take his girlfriend because I helped her", I sighed and took another sip.
"You remember my childhood dreams of becoming a pilot? James saw the opportunity but he never shared it with me. He tried it but failed and I got to know months after".
"He left the country after graduation from university without telling me. What kind of friends does that?".
"To be fair, that's not how friends behave but you don't know why he is calling", She replied.
I was about to respond to her when my phone rang again and my girlfriend picked up.
"Hello buddy, please don't end the call. I am sorry about everything, I have not been a good friend truly but give me a chance to apologize", Gideon said immediately after my girlfriend picked up the call.
I didn't reply him.
"Please, answer him", she whispered and I couldn't resist her persuasion.
"It is okay. I am not your friend anymore and I have forgiven you", I replied.
"I want you to meet my family, I have missed you bro...".
"Don't push your luck, I don't want to see you", I cut in and ended the call.
I left the sitting room angrily and my girlfriend came to me a few minutes later.
"He wants you guys to meet at Alejandro's coffee house tonight", she said to me while waving my phone.
Around 6pm
"Aren't you going?", She tapped me after perfecting her makeup.
"I am not going anywhere", I replied.
"You promised me dinner outside and I choose this", she insisted.
"It is supposed to be a special one, a kind that will be remembered forever", I replied.
After pondering for a while, I got out of bed to freshen up and soon, we were out.
We had a silence competition throughout the trip and I called Gideon immediately after we arrived there. He came to receive us with a pretty little girl.
"What's your name, honey?", I asked the little angel as I pretended that Gideon was invisible.
"My name is Princess", the little girl answered.
I kissed her cheek and we walked in.
We met a woman and two kids who were older than Princess at the table.
"You must be Gideon's wife", I said as I approached her.
"Yes, I am. He has said a lot about you, it's nice meeting you", she replied.
Meeting his family made me very happy.
"Waiter", I called and told everyone to place their order.
While we were waiting for our orders, we talked about life generally.
"Can I speak to you outside?", Gideon cuts in during the random conversation.
"No, I don't intend to leave these beautiful faces", I replied.
He sighed and was quiet for a few seconds.
"Okay, I am sorry about everything. You are the only friend who endured my bad behavior while we were growing and I always messed up. I realized everything and wanted to apologize so that we can be friends again".
The waiter arrived with our orders and they were all surprised to see a big cake alongside the coffee and milkshake we ordered.
I didn't respond to him and just went sipping my coffee.
"Let it go, please", my girlfriend pleaded.
"Uncle George, please forgive my husband. He is deeply sorry", his wife pleaded as well.
"I forgave him a long time ago but didn't want to have anything to do with him", I replied them.
We were quiet again and I was browsing through our good days.
"It's okay, we are friends again", I finally broke the silence and I saw everyone's faces lighten up.
We shook hands and the smile on his face said it all.
"Thank you, honey", my girlfriend hugged me.
"The cake is for something special, I wanted it to be a grand event but this seems to be a perfect time".
They all focused on me as I brought out a ring from my pocket, and went on my knee.
"Will you marry me?", I asked my girlfriend.
She said yes with her tears and her response sent chills through my veins. We had fun till late at night and we all lived happily after.