But this time before you run

 

"What did I do that was so wrong?" Ari didn't know anyone else to talk to but Pan. They met up at the milk tea place. Somehow, Jade didn't even know. She didn't ask where he was going. She was so wrapped up with the Tristan thing. She was on the phone with his sister.

"It's not you," Pan shrugged and sipped his Earl Grey. Funny, they both liked Earl Grey.

Ari sighed. "We were supposed to have this romantic night. I got her roses and everything." Ari told him.

"I never bought Rox roses." 

Pan was dead serious. Ari knew he was still hurt.

"How have you been?" 

"You know, just work." He nodded. He said Wade did most of the cooking. They got along. "I got my mom a box of chocolates."

"That's nice." Ari nodded. He then licked his dry lip. For some reason, It felt like he was starting over with Jade. "Do you think I should propose again?"

"No." Pan cracked up and took a sip of the cold brew. He didn't have the brown sugar pearls with his drink like Ari. "You gotta go the distance, bro."

Ari sighed. "I think she wanted to get married on Valentine's Day. God, I can't get it right."

"It's fine." Pan shrugged. "You two are tight. It'll  last."

"But..but why?" That was his doubt. He winced hard as if he had a lot to learn about Jade.

"Cause, you got more than sex. She genuinely likes you for being you," Pan told him.

"You think?" Oh, he didn't know. He couldn't help but worry.

"She's good to people. She's got friends too. Gotta respect that." Pan looked him in the eye. "Just don't take her for granted. Just get it over with. Marry her."

Ari just about choked on one of those sweet pearls. He nodded.

"Don't be an old fart like me." Pan was even lipped. "You better bring her home something good to eat."

Ari nodded. Yeah, first some Chinese from her favorite place, and then they'd find a place for a destination wedding on the Internet.