Page 48 of Staging Love
Her gaze settled on Jade, seated across from her, and as always, her heart filled with affection and love. After weeks of anticipation they had finally secured a reservation at this popular little gem. It had become something of a running joke between them, how difficult it had been to get a table, but now that they were here, Camilla knew it had been worth the wait.
"This has been even lovelier than I imagined," she said, twirling the red wine around in her glass. "I can't believe we finally made it here."
"I know. It feels a bit surreal, doesn't it? Three years late," Jade joked.
Camilla chuckled and blew her a kiss. This night was special in more ways than one. Not only were they finally experiencing their "first date" at the bistro they had fabricated in their original story, but it was also a rare moment of calm in their otherwise hectic lives. Between Camilla's demanding work schedule and Jade's grueling rehearsals for her latest play, finding time for just the two of them had been challenging.
"I've missed this," she admitted. "Just us, no distractions."
"Me too." Jade refilled their glasses, finishing their bottle. "These past few weeks have been intense. But worth it, I think."
"Oh, absolutely worth it. Jade, you were brilliant last night. Your performance was... I don't even have words. I'm so incredibly proud of you."
Jade smiled. "Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that. I’m always so nervous when you’re in the audience."
"I couldn't tell at all. You owned that stage. I couldn't take my eyes off you." She sat back when the waiter cleared their plates. The coq au vin was delicious and Camilla had finished her meal, but she noted Jade hadn’t seemed that hungry tonight.
"So, what does your week look like?” Jade asked. “Any exciting meetings or projects coming up?"
"Actually, I have a pretty important meeting tomorrow. I'm seeing Theresa."
Jade thanked the waiter who brought them the dessert menu and turned back to her. "Oh? What for?"
"I'm going to tell her the wedding is off. With only one and a half month to go, I can’t leave it any longer.”
Something flickered across Jade's face - an emotion Camilla couldn't quite place. It was gone in an instant,replaced by a small smile. "That's... that's good," she said. "Remember, it’s just Theresa. Robert and Lara are on our side. Theresa can’t do much harm and besides, she’ll be delighted to learn that the company is going to be under her control. There’s no way she’ll give you much grief."
“I know. I just want to get it over with.” Camilla studied the dessert menu. She didn’t think she could eat any more, but she was enjoying their evening so much, she wanted to stay a little longer. “I think I feel like crème brûlée. Do you want to share it? Maybe with an espresso?” She frowned when Jade suddenly stood up. "Hey, where are you going?"
"You'll see,” Jade said with a wink. “Just stay here, okay?"
Intrigued, Camilla watched as Jade made her way across the room to where the pianist was sitting. She shook his hand after he finished the song, and they exchanged a few words. Jade and the pianist seemed familiar, like they’d met before, and when Jade took his place on the stool, Camilla held her breath in anticipation.
Jade adjusted the microphone stand and fiddled around with it for a beat before her voice filled the room. "Good evening, everyone. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to sing a song for my beautiful girlfriend."
Camilla felt her cheeks warm as the remaining patrons turned to look at her. Her gaze was fixed on Jade though, as her fingers began to dance across the keys, playing a familiar melody that made her heart jump.
And then Jade began to sing, her voice clear and sweet, filling the bistro with the beautiful, nostalgic strains of "La Vie en Rose."
"Hold me close and hold me fast
The magic spell you cast
This is la vie en rose..."
Camilla choked up as she listened. Jade's voice was captivating, imbuing each word with such emotion that it resonated in her soul. The other patrons seemed equally moved, some swaying in their seats and wiping at their eyes.
"When you kiss me, heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en rose..."
The final notes of the song hung in the air for a moment before the bistro erupted in applause. Jade stood, taking a small bow, her eyes never leaving Camilla's. As she made her way back to their table, Camilla stood, ready to embrace her.
But Jade didn't step into her arms. Instead, to Camilla's utter shock, she reached into the pocket of her blazer and pulled out a small velvet box. Time seemed to slow as Jade sank down onto one knee, looking up at her.
"Camilla," she said, her hand trembling as she held out the box. "I know this might seem sudden, or maybe like it's just to help you with the company. But I want you to know that's not why I'm doing this. I've thought about this a lot, and the truth is, I would have asked you anyway. I could have asked you in a year, or in two years, or in three years, but what difference would it make? It just so happens that now is as good a time as any and I want the world for you."
