She finished the deposit, and walked to where Michael stood, watching Clarence. “Here’s the bank deposit.”
“Your hands are ice cold.” He said as he took the paperwork from her, his brows furrowed. “Maybe I should come with you.”
Heidi shook
her head. “No. I need to handle this myself.” She attempted a smile, which faltered. “I’ll be fine. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She headed to the back of the store, tugging the strings of her apron as she walked. I wish I could shake this dreadful feeling.
****
Clarence held her chair as she sat, her hands fisted in her lap.
“Relax, Heidi. You look very nervous.” He grinned and picked up his menu. “What would you like for dinner?”
Her stomach rolled. The thought of food made her gag. “I’m not hungry, actually. I had a rather big lunch.” She licked her lips as he stared at her over the menu. “But you go right ahead.”
“Ah, well. Maybe a cup of tea?”
“Yes. Thank you. Tea would be fine.”
After a few minutes of Clarence turning the pages of the menu, a waiter approached their table. “Good evening, ma’am, sir.”
Clarence set the menu down, and smiled at the man. “Good evening.” He turned to Heidi. “My dear, have you changed your mind? Do you still want only tea?”
Heidi glanced at the waiter. “Only tea.”
“I’ll have the steak.”
The waiter collected the two menus and left them.
“I believe we’re having a celebration dinner, my dear.” Clarence took a sip of water, and placed the heavy glass carefully on the white tablecloth.
“Clarence…” Heidi stopped when Clarence held up his hand.
“I know you want to set a wedding date, and I agree to a quick one. We can return to your room and collect your things when dinner is over.”
Heidi’s mouth dried up. She took a sip of water. “There won’t be any wedding, Clarence. I’ve told you before, and now I must be more emphatic.” She reached into her pocket, and withdrew her engagement ring, placed it on the table in front of him. “Our engagement is over.”
He threw his head back and laughed. Then he glared at her, his jaw tightened. “No, my dear.” He picked up the ring, and pulling her hand toward him, shoved it onto her finger. “Our engagement is not over.”
Heidi, tugged the ring off. “Yes it is. I don’t want to marry you. I won’t marry you.” She moved to leave when he slammed his hand over hers.
“Sit down, Heidi. You’re making a scene.”
She tugged her hand, but he held fast.
“Let go, Clarence.”
“I will release you as soon as you calm down, and assure me you don’t intend to move again.”
Panic seized her. He seemed too sure of himself. Smug. Again the feeling of him having wagered, and won, washed over her.
“Here you are, ma’am, sir.” The waiter had returned, and placed a dinner plate in front of Clarence, and a pot of tea in front of Heidi. With a flourish, he poured her tea. “Will there be anything else right now?”
“No, we’re fine. Thank you.” Clarence dismissed the man and picked up his knife and fork. Heidi watched him, her tea untouched, as he cut into his steak and brought the piece to his mouth. “Delicious. You really should reconsider, my dear. This is quite good.”
“I really want to go home now, Clarence.”