The Ring - Lizzy K. (best book club books TXT) 📗

He removed the smooth velvet box from his jacket pocket and examined it carefully with his fingers. His palms were damp. He was nervous. He opened the box gently and peered inside, hoping the contents would calm him.

It didn’t.

He glanced at his watch. 8:17pm. Time stood still. His mouth was dry and his fingers danced on his knee. He felt someone watching him. Instinctively, he quickly returned the velvet box to his jacket pocket. “Would you like another, sir?” The waiter glanced at his empty cocktail glass.

“Please”, he nodded in response.

Her glass of Cabernet remained untouched.

She checked herself in the mirror and carefully smoothed out the wrinkles on her dress with her hands. They were shaking. She knew she had to end it. Her chest felt heavy and her legs were weak.

How does one say “I’m not in love with you anymore”?

She glanced once more in the mirror and reapplied her lipstick. Why did you wear red? It’s his favorite color

she thought. Immediately she wished she had worn something else. Anything else.

The bathroom door opened and she heard the piano from the dining hall filter in.

The waiter picked up the gentleman’s drink from the bartender and walked towards the table. The man no longer looked nervous as he had before. His body language had changed. He appeared defeated. His head down, with the small velvet box placed at the corner of the table, closed.

“Your drink, sir” the waiter said, putting the glass on the table.

“Stay…” the woman said awkwardly. “At least finish your cocktail”

He let out a soft sigh and wrapped his fingers around the glass. He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped and emptied the contents in his mouth.

Publication Date: 06-22-2012

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