Engagement

This is a story about Frieda's sister Bobby and how she met her future husband.

The ring burned in Juan Migallon's pocket. He was nervous and thought everyone could read his mind. Of course only his mother Yadra knew what he was up to. She had helped him choose the ring.

It wasn't easy to convince Bobby, short for Roberta Eduarda Leandra Pianas, to leave her family behind and have dinner on St. Stephen's Day. They had been invited by Bobby's oldest sister Frieda and her husband Fin to celebrate Christmas in Seattle. Bobby and her three sisters were very close, but Bobby didn't see too much of them, because they had dispersed to different corners in the world, so it was difficult to separate them when they met.

Finally Bobby agreed.

Juan had booked a table at the Space Needle’s revolving restaurant.

The views were beautiful and the steaks delicious. Juan was a bit absent minded, because he felt even jitterier than before. Bobby was displeased about it and asked him outright if something was wrong. If she went out for dinner with Juan she expected total attention. Otherwise it was a waste of time in her opinion. She rarely did anything half measured, had high expectations on herself and others and was difficult to please.

Juan had met Bobby the first time, when he started working for her father Roberto. His own father Zymon thought it was better Juan left the family business, because Juan and his older brother Aaden constantly clashed about decisions. Since Aaden was going to overtake the company and disputes weren’t good to conduct business, Juan had to go. It hadn’t been easy for Zymon. He wanted the best for his younger son, so when he heard through the grapevine that his old friend Roberto Pianas was looking for a left hand man, he suggested Juan. Roberto met Juan and thought he would be a perfect fit to Bobby’s temperament and supportive when she took the helm.

At first Juan had his doubts Bobby would be suitable as a leader. Bobby was small and petite. She had short black hair and green eyes. It didn’t take him long to understand Bobby liked to wear the trousers – figuratively and literally. She had charisma, was hardworking and tough. She wasn’t very feminine, but she was warm and generous. There was immediately good chemistry between Juan and Bobby. He couldn’t put his fingers on it, but he found the whole package attractive. Bobby felt the same. They had some things in common, like their Colombian background and having three siblings. They shared the same taste in music, films and cuisine. They disliked mushrooms and shrimps. At work Juan and Bobby had the same goals. It didn’t matter for Juan that Bobby was his boss. She did listen to what he had to say and generally took on his advice. Bobby was a bit hot headed and impatient, while Juan thought before talking and didn’t mind to bide his time. They complemented each other and that made them a strong couple on and off the job.

Juan could hardly wait to settle the bill. The butterflies in his stomach had increased. It was crunch time. Dining at the restaurant included also free access to observation deck.

When they arrived at the top it was already dark and the lights of Seattle were twinkling below them. It was romantic. Bobby went to one of the windows immediately to stare out. Juan retrieved the box from his jacket. Bobby was still concentrating on the views. Juan cleared his throat. “Um, Roberta, we have been now together more than two and a half years and I really love you.” He sank to his knees, took Bobby’s left hand and asked: “Will you marry me?” Due to his nerves Juan was a bit clumsy and had problems opening the box. Finally he managed to pry it open. Bobby took the box from him and checked out the trilogy diamond ring. It must have cost a fortune. She still hadn’t given an answer or shown any emotion. “I chose it, because it reflects our past, present and future and its 24 karat gold.” “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” “So, will you marry me?” “Of course I will, dummy! It was about time. I thought you were never going to ask.” Bobby tried the ring on. It fit like a glove. Juan laughed. Part of it was relieve, because Bobby had said yes and the other part was amusement about Bobby being totally unromantic. Well, at least one of them was. Having expected more or less such a reaction, Juan wasn’t disappointed and thought Roberta appreciated his efforts. Later she told him she had enjoyed the evening and it had been very well planned and executed.

Bobby wore her ring with pride and got oos and ahhs when she showed it to her sisters and mother. Vanessa, who was a designer and working in Paris, immediately said she would create Bobby’s wedding dress and help her with the planning if Bobby wanted. Bobby was gracious and said she would happily accept any help she could get, because she wanted a traditional wedding with lots of guests. She wanted all members of his and her family present as well as their friends.

A year later the wedding took place in New York City.

©2015