"Strangers are friends waiting to happen." -Violetta Valentine
Hanson and Violetta make their way into the cafe. There is nothing quite remarkable about the establishment, in fact it did not even have a name, just a sign that said "Cafe" on top of the door.
As they stepped in they noticed it was empty, save for a waitress behind the counter and a cook back in the kitchen. The overall vibe of the establishment was somewhat nautical with navy memrobilia decorating the walls, the booths and counters made the look more like an old school diner. The waitress greets them and collects two menus before walking up to the pair.
"Welcome, my names Diane! I'll be your server." The middle aged waitress says enthusiastically as she leads the pair to a booth. They sit opposite of each other as Diane sets a menu in front of the two them.
"Can I get you two started with some drinks?" asks Diane.
"I'll have a coffee, black." Says Hanson.
"Do you serve milkshakes here?" asks Violetta.
"A milkshake? This early?" Hanson asks a bit puzzled and slightly amused.
"Oh hush" interrupts Diane "I say it's never too late or too early for a milkshake."
"I agree wholeheartedly. Strawberry please." says Violetta smiling.
"Hmph." Scoffs Hanson
The pair settle in their seats opposite and peer at the menu.
"So... What are you having?" Asks the awkward businessman.
"Well, the pancakes of course. You recommended them..." Responds the pretty stranger, clearly hiding amusement in her voice.
"Oh... Right... I did..." Responds the blushing gentleman.
In truth, this was his first time in this "Cafe". He didn't even know they served breakfast, let alone pancakes. The only he reason he mentioned them was because he was craving some. Not sure how to break the awkward silence he continues to look at his menu, pretending to read the specials, it was a decent sized menu for a cafe, more like a diner really.
While he was looking at the menu hoping to wait out the awkwardness, Violetta had other plans. She locked her gaze right at him piercing through any tension in the air. She was studying every subtle movement and expression the handsome man before her made. She tried to figure out what exactly was going on behind this man's eyes. She knew from his clothes and his watch that he definitely has enough money to afford much better things than some random girl off the street. While the man was forward with her, she noted how he stumbled over his words. In her experience, most corporate types like him tend to view women like playthings, that if you say the right words or flash the right amount of cash you win them for the night. The man in front of her was clearly lacking this male chauvinist confidence. She came to a split conclusion, either he was in the closet or he's a virgin. It didn't matter to her either way, she was getting free pancakes after all.
After what felt like an eternity, Diane the waitress finally returned to the pair with a tray topped with a plain white ceramic mug of piping hot coffee and an elegant milkshake glass filled to the brim with cold, pink, frothy liquid. She placed the drinks in front of their respective owners and pulls out a notepad.
"So, what will you two have this morning?"
"Pancakes." The pair reply simultaneously.
Violetta giggles while Hanson puts his hand over his face trying to hide his embarrassment.
Diane smiles wide, "Well aren't you two a pair of peas in a pod."
Violetta grins and then a mischievous thought crosses her mind, she reaches out and grabs the man's hand.
"My boyfriend and I have been dating so long we basically finish each other's sentences." Says Violetta in a teasing tone.
"Wait, no we're not..." Hanson stutters before stopping himself. He thinks for a moment, if he refutes her claim than he will have to admit the truth that he is having breakfast with a stranger. While there's nothing wrong with that, it is embarrassing at best and suspicious at worst. He could play along with the lie, but he doesn't like the idea being a narrative he can't control. If it's one thing his business seminars thought him was to always keep the upper hand.
"Not what, honey?" Violetta asks feigning innocence while batting her eyes at the man.
"Well..." Hanson says, trying to buy time to think of some way to control the situation. "I was waiting for a special moment, but I suppose this moment is as good as any..." Hanson leans forward and gets up from his seat, taking care to not let go of the lady's hand while doing so. He then carefully gets on one knee to the surprise of both women.
"Today, I don't want to just be your boyfriend, I want us to be, forever. So, Miss Violetta will you do me the greatest honor of marrying me?" Pleads the man putting on his best performance.