I have always resented the way some people carry on loud cell phone conversations in a restaurant, but one night I witnessed the ultimate as I watched a young man proposing to his beautiful companion.

Picture this romantic Italian restaurant with candlelight, fresh flowers and a wonderful violinist moving from table to table setting the perfect mood in the perfect place for the perfect moment .

The young man reached across the table, took his loved one's hand in his and began what seemed to be a heart felt proposal of marriage. She gazed back at his with her earnest, love-drenched blue eyes.

It was all going so well, until . . .

Yes, you have already guessed! Her phone rang. It was one of those very loud, special cell phone rings that runs up and down the scale idiotically and captures the notice of everyone in the restaurant.

Without embarassment or apology, she let go of his hand and reached for her cell, which lay right alongside her salad plate.

"Yeah, hi! Who is this? Oh, Suzy, it's been such a long time. You won't believe what is happening here. Frank is with me and we're at this great restaurant and he's proposing to me!"

The young man waited patiently across the table while his bride to be chatted enthusiastically with her friend."

"The ring? I don't know yet. We haven't gotten that far."

Name of author withheld by request.

Submitted in April, 2001. Some stories are true, some fiction.

© JMcKenzie, all rights reserved.