She smiled again, rushing over. “Which one?”
“The round one right there with all the diamonds around it,” I said, pointing.
“Beautiful choice. Now this band comes with either a two-and-a-half-, three-, or four-carat diamond in the center. ”
“You lost me,” I admitted.
“The size of the diamond. The center one for this band can accommodate any of the sizes I mentioned. ”
I contemplated her words, but still had no idea what they meant. “Can I see the difference in sizes? I have no idea how big or small that is. ”
“Of course, let’s go in the back. ”
She led me toward a private office in the back, the ring I picked out coming with us in a small white paper bag. “Please sit. ” she motioned to the black leather chair, and I sat down.
Elizabeth unfolded a black velvet ring holder and gently placed the diamond ring inside before unfolding another small envelope and pouring out three diamonds. She arranged them flawlessly on the velvet with her tweezers.
I sat back and admired them. “OK, I think she’d hate the four-carat one. That thing is enormous and would take up her entire hand. ”
I released a long breath, wanting to choose the right ring at the right size. I pulled at my shirt to relieve the pressure that raced through me. “What size do you like best with that band?”
“Honestly I think the three carats is divine. And the band itself is gorgeous. They complement each other beautifully. ”
I nodded in agreement. “I think you’re right. Let’s go with the three carats. ”
“Great!” She smiled. “One more question. Do you want this particular diamond, or would you like me to look for a better one?”
“What do you think?”
“Honestly?” She placed a black contraption against her eye as she examined the diamond. “I think it’s a beautiful diamond. I don’t see any inclusions, scratches, or marks in it. ”
“So it’s not a piece of crap, right??
??
She laughed uncomfortably, clearly stunned by my language. “No, sir. Definitely not. We don’t carry any crap in our store. ”
“Great. Then I’ll take it. ”
Strength
Cassie
I told Melissa I didn’t want to talk on the drive back from LAX. I leaned my head against her car’s passenger window and closed my eyes part of the time, and watched the palm trees fly by the rest. When I walked through the door of our old apartment, relief filtered through every weight-induced crack in my bones. The pressure I endured living in New York had become such a constant companion that I’d stopped being aware of the heaviness that bore down on me.
I looked over my shoulder at Melissa and took a long, deep breath, filling my lungs before virtually crumpling on the couch.
“Can we talk now?” she asked, tossing me a bottle of water from the fridge.
I stared at her, wanting to confess everything, but not really knowing where to start. “It’s just a relief to be away from everything and everyone. I had no idea how stressed out I was until I wasn’t there. You know?” I buried my head in my hands.
“I have something for you,” Melissa smiled before disappearing into her room.
My eyes crinkled as I wondered what she could possibly have for me. She didn’t even know I was flying out before last night. She reappeared with a small, red mesh bag in her hand and sat down next to me.
“I was going to mail it to you, but now I don’t have to. Open it,” her bright blue eyes danced as she watched me.
I pulled at the satin strings and poured the contents of the tiny bag into my hand. A brass ball chain holding an old silver key appeared. Confused, but still liking the concept, I eyed my best friend, “It’s cool. Did you get one for you too?”