I Am Tiramisu

15 years.
Today is our 15th wedding anniversary.

On the picture above is our actual wedding cake topper. It has a story of its own.
An authentic "Over the Threshold" figurine by Lladro, no less.

It has been sitting in our shelf for the past 15 years. But now it sits in it own special nook at my parents' house. We finally decided it was safer there with all other collectibles. Almost a month ago we transported it miles away.
An original Lladro. Production has been stopped for this one, which makes this a collector's item.

It's story. Many years ago, an upscale collector's shop opened in the mall where I used to work. The manager was a relative. I used to go every lunch break and closing time by the shop just to drool on this figurine. It cost an arm and a leg. Definitely way out of my league.
But I knew it would be perfect for my wedding cake. It was all I ever think of. But never talked about to anyone because it was, after all, just an impossible dream.
Until one day.

(Yes, I remember our exact conversation.)

I brought Joel along for my annual droolfest. It was the first time I saw the owner in the shop talking with the manager. The manager motioned me to come. We were introduced to the owner. Formalities. "I love everything in your shop", I said.
Him:"Thank you, dear. Do you have any favorite?"
Me:"Yes, almost everything.And the 'Over the Threshold' figurine."
Manager (injects):"They're getting married soon."
Him:"Buy it then."
Me:"It's way too expensive for me. I'm not rich."
Him:"Which one is it?"

The manager leads the owner to 'my' figurine.
Him:"I'll give you a discount."
Me:"I probably still would not be able to afford it sir, but thank you."
Him:"Do you like magic?"

(I knew he was a popular magician)
Me:"Yes sir!!!"
He then let Joel and me sit so he could show us some magic tricks. The manager squeezes my arm. I smiled at her, not understanding her gesture.
The magic show was fun. We were the only audience but our laughter could have frighteningly shaken all the display in the shop.

Him (owner, wrapping up the 'show'): "I cannot just give you the figurine you know."
Me:"I know sir, it's alright."
Him:"What I can do is give you 50% discount."
Me: (sad than ever)..."Thank you sir but that would still be expensive."

Owner looks at me hard:"Another 20% off on top of 50 (%)"

By this time I have lost all the power in my voice box.

Him:"How much money do you have in your wallet now?"
Me (knowing exactly how much coz it was payday):"P2,500 only sir."
Him:"Give me your P2,500. 70% discount. Pay me the rest in 2 months."

I officially went cold.

Him:"And you take your figurine home right now. Deal?"

Me:"Deal"

Of course I squeeled. Of course I jumped up and down like crazy. Of course I cried.
...before I said my 'thank yous'.

Thank You Boss for the wonderful 15 years.
We pray to be blessed with more.