It was when the magic of the day was ending and they sat in Peter's car outside Jennifer's apartment that Peter put forward a suggestion hoping she would agree to his plans.
"Would you like a weekend away from the city say up in the mountains or a secret place? Pack a bag, just a few things." The words tumbled out. "That new car needs a long drive in the country to make that motor work. We'll head north where it's warmer and not so crowded."
Peter waited for an answer but there was none. "It'll do the car the world of good."
Slowly Jennifer shook her head.
"You really don't trust me, do you, Jennifer? After all this time, you still don't trust me so am I wasting my time loving you?" Peter looked surprised at his own vehemence as he walked around the car to assist Jennifer to her front door.
"On Friday, collect your car. I'll not annoy you anymore. I'll stay away. Why? Because again you have insulted me and frankly I don't like it.
"I have no idea what's in your pretty head but I sure don't like the lack of trust. Goodbye, Jennifer, I'll not worry you anymore. Find someone you can trust."
Peter turned and without looking back started towards the car. With squealing tires, he left.
The next morning Joe demanded to know what was wrong. "Yesterday you were all smiles and so happy but today, nobody dares look at you or they get their head ripped off. Peter, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. Just collect a car for pre-delivery from Jack next door. Put the best workers on it and you register it. The papers will be on the seat. I trust your driving. The others may flog it. It is for a special person who no longer wants me."
Quickly Peter turned away not wishing Joe to sense the true depth of his loss. The morning dragged and Peter stood in the doorway staring into space when a certain British Racing Green Mini made its way slowly past him into the furthest work bay.
Unable to cope, Peter wearily climbed the stairs and sat at the table, chin in hands staring at the blank wall.
The jangle of the phone startled him and Joe's animation alarmed Peter, "We've an irate new lady customer here, I've just sent her to you." Quickly, Joe hung up unwilling to listen to the explosion of Peter's colorful expletives.
Doing his best to hide his foul mood Peter opened the door in response to the timid knock.
"May I come in?" Jennifer look worried.
"Peter, sit down and listen to me please. You frighten me when you explode. You gave me no time to respond to your suggestion and it shocked me coming out of nowhere the way it did. I do trust you. I just had to decide what would happen if I... and you do rush me so."
"Jennifer, nothing will happen, nothing that you don't want to happen. I love you. Don't look so shaken, so surprised, I do love you and would do nothing intentionally to hurt you or to destroy any feelings you may have for me. I'm sorry for my impetuosity but I've had nothing to love in my whole life and my enthusiasm just carries me away.
"I speak without thinking. I've no ulterior motive in asking you away this weekend. I just thought it'd be a great opportunity for us to be together. That's all I could think about, believe me."
"Well..." Jennifer hesitated. "It sounds fun, but, Peter, please move slowly. You frighten me with your eagerness as though everything must happen yesterday. Please take our relationship slowly."
"Jennifer? Does this mean you'll come?" Peter couldn't believe her words.
Shyly, dropping her eyes, she whispered a faint, "Yes," before Peter swooped her up into his arms and kissed her until, breathless, she pushed herself free of him.
"Behave, Peter. You'd better wipe your face before leaving the office otherwise the workers may get the wrong impression. Could you drive me home as I have some packing to do tonight?"
There was a knock and Joe walked in, humming that Mozart tune. Peter noticed the lipstick on Joe's cheek and couldn't help himself.
"Joe, I've told you and told you, don't become familiar with our lady customers. I think you'd better get rid of that lipstick before your wife sees you."
"It was not my fault, boss. It's this impetuous young lady you brought here as a new customer. She demanded to see her car and when I showed it and explained what had been done and she saw her number plates on the front seat... well, the lipstick is the result."
"I'll speak to you later, Dad," Peter grinned, acknowledging Joe's age.
"If this young fellow of mine doesn't look after you and doesn't treat you with the utmost respect let me know. I have a big strap hanging behind the kitchen door." The reply was swift.
Jennifer hugged Joe, "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Now come on, Peter, take me home. I've such a lot to do."
Friday morning did not come quickly enough as Peter bounded to Jennifer's door to collect her luggage and to drive her to work. When it slowly began to open, Peter nearly tore it from its hinges.
"Steady on." Jennifer didn't struggle as Peter swept her up. "My dress is getting crushed and I have to be in court today."
"I'm so pleased to see you. You look beautiful. Here is something for your desk."
Thrusting a single red rose into her hand Peter wondered what she would think of his note. "Thank you for being you and a bigger thank you, for making me feel the way I do." He hoped she would understand.
"Oh, Peter, what a lovely rose and your note says so much. Thank you," Jennifer stood on tiptoe to lightly kiss him on the cheek. As Peter tried to grab her, she whirled away with a laugh, "Don't muck me up. I have to go to work. Come on."
At the workshop, during the afternoon Peter transferred two pieces of luggage to the Mini. As well, he loaded the CD player with music he had specially cut the previous night.
Even Joe noticed Peter's light heart. "You're in a good mood," he shouted across the noise. You've done nothing but whistle all day." At afternoon break, he continued his tease, "Is there something special in that tune?"
"Why?" The new apprentices were interested but too young to understand.
"Well..." Joe's chest swelled and he began singing the tune Peter had been whistling.
"You've a marvelous voice."
It became too much and Peter made it a duet.
The apprentice looked puzzled. "What's the song? I don't speak Italian."
Joe began to laugh and the wide grin showed what Peter had been thinking, "It's very rough English translation is 'Now my days of philandering are over.'
"Why are there two small suitcases in the boot, Peter?" His eyes twinkled. He knew, but as foreman, he wanted to tease the boss, "Off for the weekend with someone special, eh?"
Peter blushed furiously but his denials only brought more good-natured teasing. Not that Peter cared. He was too happy. Even the apprentice's comments when Peter appeared in a suit to ask Joe to lock up, did not break through his euphoria.
"My, you do look smart," Jennifer was surprised when he called at her office as she finished her day. "Those blue tones suit you. I feel under-dressed."
