Also, even if people in her family’s sphere could afford something ten times more expensive, that ring made a statement.
Peri’s ring hadn’t been chump change.
She’d picked it.
He remembered his mom’s mouth pinching when they were discussing it, and how he’d gone five K over what he thought he could afford in order to get it for her.
“It’s her engagement ring, Mom,” he’d said.
“She isn’t getting an engagement ring, she’s getting a husband. She’s entering into a marriage. That lasts a while. In other words, Rix, she has time. She can upgrade.”
He’d gone for it anyway, because it made Peri happy.
And it had been a whack he’d dumped on that ring.
Alex’s was a fuckuva lot better.
That said, this ring would be returned before the 30-day return period ended.
But in the time Alex had it, it’d make her happy.
He didn’t say anything during the fittings.
He waited until he and Chloe were walking out of the tailor’s shop toward their vehicles, Chloe babbling.
“They took forever to get here, and it’ll be a push, but he promised they’d be ready by the time you leave next Tuesday. I haven’t used him yet, but I have it on good authority he’s exceptionally skilled.”
“Woman, stop.”
She stopped two ways.
Talking, and halting, as he did the same.
“I can read labels, Coco,” he told her.
She didn’t even bother to look guilty. “I know you can, Rix.”
He jabbed a finger at the door to the tailor. “I just got fitted for a sports jacket, five shirts, two suits and a goddamn tuxedo.”
“I do believe I was there, advising the tailor as this happened,” she drawled.
“And you’re charging me two grand for what’s gotta be at least ten grand worth of shit,” he concluded.
“This is how it works,” she began as if she was talking to someone with a learning disability.
Rix sucked in breath in an effort to suck in patience.
“I am now an unwitting celebrity,” she continued. “You are now an unwitting celebrity. And you have to represent. And for Alex, you will.”
Shit.
Fuck.
For Alex, he would.
“I have a charity I run,” Chloe carried on. “And through the benevolent hand of God, the natural order of things has twisted, and now department stores, boutiques and designers wish to curry favor with me. I do not deny them that opportunity. So, I made a few calls and told them who I was dressing. They know in the next week you’re going to be photographed, copiously, and you’ll be doing it being all you are. Young, handsome and vital, with a beautiful woman at your side who hails from two of the most aristocratic bloodlines in two countries. They were falling all over themselves to send me free clothes, Rix. I accepted and selected what would suit you the best, and that was difficult, as you’re like Judge. A dream to dress. I wanted to put you in everything.”
He scowled at her.
She got back on target.
“En fin, it didn’t cost me a penny, but the time to make some phone calls.”
Well.
Shit.
Rix said nothing.
“That two thousand dollars,” she sniffed, “is your donation to Fabulous Foot Forward to compensate me for my time, my styling skills and having to put up with this conversation. Because I knew you’d hassle me if you thought I was covering you. Though, since that cat is out of the bag, I’ll note now, the amount of your donation is negotiable.”
“I just dropped eight grand on an upgrade of an engagement ring after Peri’s trade-in, since Alex isn’t gonna wear Peri’s ring.”
Her hair swayed as her head jerked.
“Fake ring, Coco,” he reminded her.
“Right,” she whispered.
“By the way”—he took her left hand and gave it a squeeze before releasing it—“congratulations. I don’t know whether to threaten you to make him happy, or I’ll kill you, or to threaten him to do the same thing.”
“You’re ridiculously wonderful,” she purred.
“Are we done?” he asked. “I have to get back to work.”
“We are.”
He bent and kissed her cheek then he got in his truck.
And it didn’t occur to him from start to finish of all that, she didn’t say happy birthday.
“I’m just running a little late, honey,” Alex spoke to him from his dash.
“It’s a birthday, baby. They happen every year. You don’t have to put much effort into it.”
Rix had learned something new.
A wash-and-go woman was where it was at.
That didn’t mean when Alex put some effort in, he didn’t appreciate it.
He really fucking did.
He just wanted to make sure she knew who she was was what he wanted.
“Five, ten minutes, tops. I’ve already called the restaurant. They know we’re going to be late.”
“It’s okay, take your time. I’m a couple minutes out. See you in a few.”
“See you, honey.”
They hung up.
After those couple of minutes of driving, he saw the globe string lights he’d draped off the side roof of her house as it slanted down the mountain. She had decent lighting, but that way, it was attractive, and every step was illuminated for her.