Deanna, unaware of the big plans everyone was making behind her back, decided to take advantage of a rare day off to pick up her two children early.
Just as she was about to leave work, she received a call from Julia.
"Deanna, what are you up to?"
"Not much, just about to leave work to pick up Gregory and Chloe. Why are you calling me out of the blue? Is something up?" Deanna asked curiously.
Considering it was a workday, Julia should have been busy working overtime according to her usual routine.
Julia's playful voice came through the phone. "Actually, nothing much. I just thought we haven't gone out for a meal and some fun in a while. Want to hang out?"
"Hang out? If I remember correctly, today is your workday," Deanna said, surprised.
Julia teased, "So what if it's a workday? Can't I take a break? Anyway, are you coming with me or not?"
Hearing this, Deanna couldn't refuse. She was also a bit worried about her friend's unusual behavior.
They agreed on a meeting place and hung up the phone.
Deanna didn't put her phone down immediately but dialed Lance's number instead.
Soon, Lance's gentle voice came through the line. "What's up?"
"Julia asked me out for dinner and maybe some fun tonight. I might be home late, and if something comes up, I might not come back at all," Deanna explained honestly.
Lance sensed something was off. "Wait, what do you mean by 'if something comes up' and 'might not come back'?"
Deanna clarified, "Julia sounded like she's dealing with something. If it's serious, I want to be there for her."
Over the past few years, Julia had been by her side during her toughest times, offering all kinds of support. If Julia was facing something now, Deanna wanted to be there for her too.
Lance paused for a few seconds before speaking slowly. "Alright, just let me know if you're not coming back."
"Okay, thank you, my fiancé," Deanna said playfully.
After exchanging a few more warm words, they ended the call.
Later that evening, Deanna arrived at the restaurant where she had agreed to meet Julia.
As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Julia waiting at the entrance and walked over with a smile. "Julia."
"You're here. Let's go inside; I've already reserved a private room."
Julia took Deanna's hand and led her into the restaurant.
Soon, they were seated in the private room.
After ordering, Deanna looked at Julia with concern in her eyes but didn't know how to start the conversation.
Julia noticed her gaze and looked back in confusion. "Why are you looking at me like that? Do you have something to say?"
Deanna didn't hesitate and asked directly. "Are you in a bad mood or is something wrong?"
"I'm not in a bad mood, and nothing's wrong. Why do you ask?" Julia found it strange.
Deanna blinked and said, "Because knowing you, on a workday like today, you'd usually be busy making money unless something's up."
Julia was momentarily speechless and forced a smile. "Really? I didn't realize."
Despite her words, she was thinking about how to steer the conversation towards her mission.
Yes, she had come to see Deanna with a purpose today.
She had accepted a favor from Lance and promised to help him plan a proposal that Deanna would love.
Unaware of this, Deanna nodded seriously. "Yes, so tell me honestly, is something bothering you?"
Julia saw no point in denying it and admitted it straightforwardly. "There is something that's been troubling me."
"What is it? Tell me, maybe I can help," Deanna asked eagerly.
Julia explained, "My company recently started collaborating with a wedding planning company. My supervisor asked me to come up with a proposal strategy. You know me; I've never even dated anyone. How could I write a proposal strategy? So I looked up some information online and submitted something basic. But my supervisor said it lacked creativity. That's why I skipped work today to relax."
As she spoke, an idea seemed to strike her, and she looked at Deanna expectantly.
"Dear, can you help me?"
Seeing her friend's pleading look, Deanna was puzzled. "How can I help you?"
Julia chuckled and said, "You and Mr. Mercer have announced your engagement. Mr. Mercer must have proposed to you, right? Tell me about the proposal; I could use it as inspiration."
Deanna was momentarily stunned as she remembered something.
It seemed that Lance hadn't actually proposed yet; she had just agreed to marry him.
Thinking of this, she shrugged helplessly. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that."