I gestured toward the couch and we went to sit down. I sat at an angle so I could look at Marshall and he sat down looking at me. I couldn’t help but notice that he seemed nervous, even rubbing his palms on his pants.
“Becca, I’m so sorry for what you saw. I was a jackass to even have Jennifer get through my door when we no longer have a physical relationship and was just being a scared coward. It is unacceptable and I realize that.” I began to move my lips, but Marshall put his hand up, reminding me that he just wanted me to listen.
“I know that I’ve called you a friend and that is true. I value you greatly and consider your opinion golden, something that I don’t often do. These past weeks I’ve been really freaked out, wondering why I respond to you the way I do. I’m not used to it and everyone who knows me understands that I’ve committed to being a bachelor, a single guy—no tie downs or people to report to. It’s worked well for me too…until you came for the interview that day.”
“What changed then?” I asked.
Marshall grabbed my hand and squeezed it, but continued to talk. “Everything changed that day. I saw a beautiful and bright woman who actually didn’t want anything from me—not even a job. I’d never experienced such a response to being told off and stormed out on in my life before. I wasn’t able to get you out of my mind. That’s why I called Sophia to find out more about you and made sure that you came to Vegas with me. I thought I’d find something to dislike in you on that trip actually and make it easier to separate my emotions from what my brain dictates as the best thing for me to do. Unfortunately it didn’t work and I didn’t want to risk anything because I had no idea how you felt.”
“How do you think I feel?” I asked. I knew that was a tricky question, but I just wanted to gauge how well Marshall really had a grasp on me and what I was about on a personal level, not a sexual one.
“I could tell you had a heart of gold and wanted to help me in some way, make me your project. Truthfully, I didn’t think you’d give up on me and that gave me comfort since I was too cowardly to just tell you what I was feeling. When you quit and left yesterday it just rattled me, blew my mind. I couldn’t get anything done the rest of the day and I was beside myself. I haven’t felt such devastation in a long time…ever. It was as though a part of me had left me. It was in those moments when I realized that you were more to me than a lover and a friend.”
My heart started racing, wondering if Marshall was about to say what I thought he might. It sounded that way, but I wasn’t sure.”
“What am I to you exactly?”
“You represent the possibility of what I might have, assuming I don’t goof it up.”
“If that’s the case why did you leave earlier?”
“I clammed up and that’s why I came back. I have been out in my car for a few hours, only taking a break to go get the roses. I have never bought roses for anyone before, you know. You’re the first.”
“So, do you want me to be your girlfriend?” I asked. Marshall was pouring his heart out, but still beating around the bush. I couldn’t afford to be indirect or cowardly anymore myself.
“I’m afraid that term will freak me out and build up walls. What I want is for us to spend time together, explore each other’s minds and bodies, and see where the whole thing takes us. What do you say?”
“I can’t handle knowing that you could be with another woman at any given time. That’s not good for me,” I replied.
“It’ll be just you. I give my word. And, if I don’t think I can do that you’ll know before I do anything. That would only be right.”
I paused, thinking about what Marshall said. It actually made good sense, allowing us to see what we had without any expectations other than getting to know each other better. I was fully aware that I had my own obstacles and hurdles to overcome as well. Maybe we could do it together.
“Mr. Kent, I do believe that we have come to an agreement with our negotiations,” I said. I leaned in and gave Marshall a warm hug, glad to feel him in my arms again.
“Excellent, Ms. Rowland. Did I ever tell you how brilliant you are?”
“You’ve mentioned it,” I said.
“And I’ve meant every word of it,” Marshall said.
That night Marshall and I sat there talking, laughing, and having fun. It was a wonderful night and when he left that night I didn’t feel all alone. I felt like I’d opened up a new and exciting door in my life. I couldn’t wait to see where it took me.
Epilogue
I was sitting at a small café in Malibu waiting for Marshall to arrive. He was running late again and I smiled, knowing that he was taking care of some business before we met for lunch. I couldn’t help but wonder what he wanted to talk about and why he’d made me drive all the way to Malibu to do it. It seemed odd, but despite Marshall and me getting along so great there was still no denying just how quirky he was.
My phone buzzed and I saw a text message from Marshall. I hoped he hadn’t cancelled on me because I’d cancelled some other plans myself to meet him. He’d made it sound so urgent.
The text asked where I was and I responded that I was waiting at the café, but running low on patience for him to show up. I hit send and there was no response. A voice came from behind me, saying, “I better not keep you waiting any longer then.”
I snapped my head around and saw Marshall standing there. The sun was shining behind him and he looked absolutely scrumptious in his jeans and t-shirt.
“You startled me,” I said.
“I couldn’t help it. You’ve looked so beautiful sitting there.”
“You were watching me?”
“I was. Thanks for meeting me here. There’s something that I need to talk to you about.”
“Well sit down then,” I said. I had a bad feeling in my stomach. Marshall looked very serious, not at all the light-hearted and casual guy he’d been around me the past few weeks.
“Becca, this arrangement just isn’t working out for me,” he said rather bluntly.
I’ll admit, his words surprised me but I was determined to keep my composure. “Oh, I see. Is it too hard to be monogamous?”
“No, that’s rather easy. It’s just that…I don’t like having you as simply a lover and a friend. I want more of you…a lot more of you than I’ve a right to. Becca, I think I’d much prefer to have you for a wife above all things, if you’ll have me for a husband.” He got down on one knee, and said, “I want to have you by my side always and forever. I can’t imagine a life without you, Becca. You are the better part of me, the part that is my everything. Please say you will marry me.”