“I wanted to pull you away from work and spend some time with you.” I took a bite of my burger.
“Then I’m glad you did.” He reached over and took my hand, sending a shiver up my spine.
There was a calm, quiet between us now. We didn’t worry the way we used to, not until now, while my fears rose up and his eyes passed through me. I focused on my food, and finished as much as I could while he took his time. He was silently urging me to open up.
When I finished my food, he got a box, and we went our separate ways. I drove down to Dori’s office, and he went back to work. The full magnitude of what was happening didn’t hit me until Dori stepped back to admire her work.
She held up a mirror for me to see. I was wrapped in a shining mosaic of woven amethyst and pearls. “It’s beautiful,” I said.
She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her phone to snap a picture before I could protest. “There, now you’re a model.”
“But…”
“I’m not putting you in a magazine,” she said. “I wanted to capture the moment.”
“Thank you, Dori.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” She walked around her desk to duck down and pull out a pair of shoes. They were sparkling lavender, simple pumps with diamonds resting on the buckle.
“No, no, no, no.”
She lifted one foot and slipped it on. Then she moved to the other. I pulled it away.
“No,” I said.
“They’re gorgeous, and it’s the only thing I have to go with the outfit.”
I pursed my lips. “Fine.” I threw up my hands.
“There.” She slipped it on and stepped back. “You look amazing.”
“Are you coming to the gala?” I asked.
“I’m sending love.” She reached into her desk and pulled out a white envelope.
“Thank you so much.” I hugged her and ran out into the limo waiting outside.
Jake was still getting ready, so we stopped by the house to pick him up. He waited with his hands folded in front, holding a white corsage. When he got in, he leaned in and kissed me. Then he looked me up and down and shook his head. “That is going to be so fun to rip off.”
“This,” I lifted my dress to show him the diamond buckles, “is unacceptable.”
“It wasn’t my idea, I swear.”
“No? You’ve been sneaking these diamonds in. Don’t think I didn’t notice that handbag.”
“You won’t let me give you anything.”
“No, I won’t.”
“You make me charge you rent.”
“Because no man will ever support me. I will support myself.”
“I’ll respect that, but can’t you give a little. What about something small, like a car?”
“I like my car.”
“It’s 30 years old.”