Page 119 of My Destiny

“You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

“Thank you,” she says, and if I’m not mistaken, the smile she reciprocates is a genuine one. Last night at dinner, all her movements concerning him seemed forced.

“I hope you two have a great night.”

Brooke hooks her arm through mine, and I can clearly see the love in her eyes as she looks up at me. “I still don’t know where he’s taking me, but I’m sure we will.”

“How comfortable are your shoes?” I ask, as we step into the lift.

“They’re fine, why?”

“We are going to start off our evening at the Bennelong restaurant in the Opera House, I’ve booked us a table for dinner. I can drive, or we can walk, whatever you prefer.”

“Oh, we’re starting at the Opera House, so there’s more than one component to our evening?”

“Nice try,” I say, chuckling.

“You’re no fun.”

“I’m plenty of fun,” I say. “You just wait until I get you back home and strip you out of that dress. Then you’ll see just how fun I can be.” She yelps when I slap her arse.

“I can’t wait.” Sometimes the depth of my feelings for her are so overwhelming they frighten me, but I refuse to let my mind go there tonight. “It isn’t far. Can we walk? It’s such a beautiful night.”

“Of course,” I say, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

All eyes are on Brooke as we walk hand-in-hand along the harbour-front. Surprisingly, it doesn’t make me feel jealous or insecure to see the desire in other male’s eyes as they ogle her. She’s changed me since she came into my life. My ex robbed me of my ability to trust when she betrayed me like she did, but things are different now. I feel proud to have Brooke on my arm, and I know with all certainty that she loves me just as much as I love her. I trust her implicitly.

Her eyes are everywhere when we enter the restaurant. “It’s so beautiful in here.” The high cathedral ceilings that create the shape of the opera house sail and the curved wooden beams that run parallel down each side make it a spectacular sight. The large triangular windows adorning three sides, giving us a panoramic view of Sydney’s beautiful harbour, only enhance the space.

“I have a reservation for two, under Cavanagh,” I say to the maître d.’

“This way, sir.”

“You’re so lucky you get to see this kind of view every day,” Brooke says to me, once we’re seated.

“You get the same view as me from the Penthouse.”

“I know, but you live there. Technically, I’m only staying with you.”

“Well, we could always rectify that.”

“What do you mean?” she asks, as the waitress lays the crisp white napkin across her lap.

“You could officially move in.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little early in our relationship to be making such a huge commitment?”

I try to hide my disappointment, since that wasn’t the reply I was hoping for. “Normally, I’d say yes, but things are different with you.” I shrug my shoulders. “When your heart knows, it just knows.” She reaches across the table and places her hand on top of mine. She smiles but says nothing. “Just think about it.” I leave it at that. I don’t want to do or say anything that’s going to ruin this night for her.

“I still can’t believe you got tickets to the ballet,” she says, beaming, as we enter the Joan Sutherland Theatre.

“Best seats in the house too.” I must remember to send some flowers to Claire as a thank you. We’re in private box seats, closest to the stage, and the view from here is better than I anticipated.

“I’ve wanted to see a real-life ballet performance since I was a little girl,” she says, sliding her arms around my waist and hugging me tight. “You have no idea what this means to me, Hot Stuff.” Although she’s smiling, I see tears brimming in her eyes when she looks up at me. Seeing her reaction means everything.

I take my seat, but Brooke remains standing as she grasps the rail and looks around the theatre. “It’s so beautiful in here.” Her eyes are wide, and the delight on her face reminds me of a small child in a candy store. It’s so endearing.

She finally takes her seat beside me, and I reach for her hand.