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LOTTIE

I’ve bought hi Was that a mistake?

IIt’s a plain band with a tiny diauy in the shop talked me into If Richard doesn’t like the diamond, he can always turn it round

Or not wear it at all Keep it on his nightstand or in a box or whatever

Or I could take it back and neverby theMen don’t get the greatest deal out of a proposal They have to set up the occasion, they have to get down on one knee, they have to ask the question, and they have to buy a ring And what do we have to do? Say “yes”

Or “no,” obviously

I wonder what proportion of e proposals end in a “yes” and what proportion end in a “no”? I open ht with Richard—then hastily close it again Idiot

“Sorry?” Richard glances up

“Nothing!” I beareat menu!”

I wonder if he’s bought a ring already I don’t mind, either way On the one hand, it’s fabulously romantic if he has On the other hand, it’s fabulously roether

It’s a in

I sipat a corner table overlooking the river It’s a new restaurant on the Strand, just up froe chandeliers and button-back chairs in pale gray It’s elegant but not showy The perfect place for a lunchti an understated bride-to-be white shirt, a print skirt, and have splashed out on stay-up stockings, just in case we decide to ces before But, then, I’ve never been proposed to before

Ooh, maybe he’s booked a room at the Savoy

No Richard’s not flash like that He’d never esture Nice lunch, yes; overpriced hotel room, no Which I respect

He’s looking nervous He’s fiddling with his cuffs and checking his phone and swirling the water round in his glass As he seeshim, he smiles too

“So”

“So”

It’s as though we’re speaking in code, skirting around the real issue I fiddle withis unbearable Why doesn’t he get it over with?