Chapter Eighteen
The door to the store jingles, snapping me out of my daydream.
I was thinking about the woman outside our house. I saw her again this morning. She was just standing out there, her top half visible above the wooden fence at the front. I watched her for a few minutes as she stood there, looking at the house. At one point she seemed to be looking directly into the kitchen where I was, so I hid.
Maybe she’s a Celeste super fan? That’s the most obvious explanation. I should probably warn Celeste. But there’s another idea that’s been playing around the corners of my mind, about who she could be. What if she’s my prediction number five?
‘Hi Micah!’ I greet my customer warmly as they let themselves in, shivering from the late October winds outside. ‘Your ring is ready!’
‘Yay!’ Micah replies, taking off their hat. ‘I can’t wait to see it.’
Micah ordered a simple but really stunning flush bezel solitaire with the most beautiful diamond at its centre. I’ve been waiting for them to collect it all week.
I pull out the box and do the reveal. Micah gasps and moves closer to inspect the result. ‘It’s beautiful!’ they declare and I beam with pride. ‘I can’t believe you grew that diamond in a lab! Micah adds, breathless now as they reverently remove the ring from its silk-lined box.
‘It’s pretty mind-blowing, isn’t it?’ I agree.
We’ve been considering using lab-grown diamonds for a while now, and this was something like a test case. Even though we guarantee ethical practices when it comes to our mined stones, if we start using more lab-grown stones, it could free Dad up a bit more to be at home.
Anyway, Micah is an environmentalist and their partner Nicky works for a conservation charity, so it was especially important we got it right for this ring. As well as a lab-grown diamond, the band is made from recycled gold.
‘I love it,’ Micah gushes. ‘Thank you so much for your help with it.’ They look up, smiling. ‘And with all your advice for the proposal. You’ve been such a lifesaver. I can’t believe Nicky answered the phone when you called them the other day. And I really can’t believe you were able to think on the spot like that! I’m useless at that kind of thing!’
‘Ha!’ I laugh at the memory and the fear that pooled in my stomach when I realized it wasn’t Micah who had answered my call. I pretended to be ringing from their dentist with a reminder that it was time for a check-up.
‘They weren’t suspicious?’ I double-check.
‘Not at all!’ Micah laughs. ‘I’m so excited to propose – they’re going to be so annoyed I got to do it first!’ They laugh again and I join in.
‘Let’s hope Nicky’s not so annoyed that they actually say no…’ I grin.
Micah grimaces. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Fingers crossed!’
‘I’m a million per cent certain it’s going to be amazing,’ I declare confidently. I swear, so much of this job is about cheerleading the proposer and supporting them through this process. It’s yet another part of my role the job description definitely doesn’t cover.
After helping Joey with his proposal a few weeks ago, I was more than ready when Micah came into the store wanting advice as well. It’s really reinforced how many of our clients want this kind of help – I know I’m right about the engagement concierge idea. If only my mother would listen.
‘Celeste is here!’ My mother walks in literally announcing her own arrival.
‘Oh my god,’ Micah breathes out, way more impressed by this reality TV presenter than by the new engagement ring.
Celeste tinkles prettily as she sweeps around the room, pretending to review the stock, but really it’s just because my mother’s life is a catwalk.
‘I can’t believe Celeste Bretherton is here!’ Micah says under their breath. ‘I didn’t think she actually worked here!’
‘She rarely does,’ I murmur but Micah is too starstruck to hear me.
‘Would it be awkward to get an autograph?’ Micah turns to me, looking desperate and excited.
‘She’d love it,’ I confirm and then call over. ‘Mum? Come meet Micah.’
‘Celeste Bretherton is your mum?’ Micah looks horrified and enchanted all at once. ‘I had no idea, oh my god.’ I can see their brain whirring and whizzing through every interaction we’ve ever had with the benefit of this new information.
Celeste sweeps across the room, smiling widely and magnanimously at the fan awaiting her blessing.
‘Mum, say hi to Micah,’ I say and Celeste offers up a hand which – for a second – I honestly think Micah will kiss.
‘It’s so amazing to meet you!’ they choke out, eyes welling up. ‘I absolutely love Engage! My partner and I have watched every series, like, five times over.’
‘Oh darling, thank you!’ Celeste says in her ‘Kind to Fans’ Voice.
They exchange niceties for a few minutes before Celeste professionally extracts herself – but not before taking forty or fifty selfies with Micah.
A weepy Micah leaves at last, almost forgetting the ring they came in for, and I wish them luck with the proposal. They look at me blankly, Nicky clearly the last thing on their mind. This is the effect my mother has on people. It’s part impressive, part exhausting.
On their way out, Micah nearly bowls Zach over.
‘Celeste Bretherton is in there,’ they stage-whisper in Zach’s face and he nods seriously.
‘Wow,’ he deadpans, as Micah leaves. He turns to me. ‘Ready?’ I nod excitedly, grabbing my bag and coat.
‘Good luck!’ Toni shouts across the room as we head out, ready for our bona fide adventure.
This evening, my customer Joey Addiman is proposing to his partner Hannah, and Zach and I are heading to the hotel to drop off the engagement ring. Obviously it would’ve been easier for Joey to just collect it ahead of time – as we did point out – but he kept saying Hannah was suspicious and he couldn’t risk having it at their flat. The plan is to be in reception as the couple check in, watching to make sure he collects it from our pre-arranged drop-off point. It’s proper spy stuff.
‘Ohhh,’ I moan as we climb into Zach’s car. ‘I wish we’d bought two matching briefcases for the swap, like the spies have in the movies? That would’ve been cool!’
He nods. ‘But then we would’ve needed a park bench to do the hand-off. And I didn’t bring any sunglasses. You can’t do a briefcase swap without a park bench and dark glasses.’
‘Very true,’ I agree seriously.
We pull up at the hotel and I find I’m more jumpy than I’d expected. ‘Where are you going to park?’ I ask anxiously and Zach glances over at me, amused. ‘In the hotel car park, if that’s acceptable?’
‘But what if Hannah recognizes your car?’ I worry out loud.
‘That is a concern,’ Zach nods sagely. ‘If she’d ever met either of us or seen my car in her life.’
‘Right, right!’ I remember.
‘But we could park several streets away?’ he offers. ‘On the off chance she sees my car and decides to contact her many friends at MI5…’ He glances over. ‘I’m just assuming this woman has MI5 contacts.’
‘I’m sure she does,’ I nod. ‘Who doesn’t?’
‘And asks those contacts to trace my number plate. And then she might google me and see I’m a designer and then she might—’
‘All right! All right,’ I laugh. ‘I get it, I’ll calm down. Just keep your eye out for park benches and briefcases, OK?’
‘OK,’ he laughs, too, as we head into the foyer.
It’s a beautiful old hotel. One of those that feels intimate, despite its high ceilings and low chandeliers. It’s got the air of being freshly done and sleek, but also ancient and steeped in tradition. In other words, it’s suuuuuper romantic.
Zach and I head towards reception, scanning the room. ‘Where’s the plant pot Joey wanted us to drop it into?’ he frowns.
‘Damn,’ I mutter. ‘He said it was right next to the desk, but there’s nothing. They must’ve moved things around since his recce last week.’
‘Crap!’ I breathe hard, checking the huge clock that takes up half of one wall behind the check-in desks.
‘It’s fine,’ Zach says soothingly. ‘We’re really early, we’ve got time to figure this out. Let’s sit down.’ He gestures at the bar area in the corner of the lobby and we head over.
‘I don’t think we can give it to the staff,’ I say, heart in my stomach. ‘I don’t trust them – they’ll just hand it over in front of Hannah.’
‘Let’s get a drink,’ Zach ignores me, studying the cocktail menu. ‘There’s something here called a Fuzzy Navel.’
‘Sounds horrendous,’ I gag slightly. ‘What’s in it?’
‘Peach Schnapps and orange juice.’
I make a face. ‘Sounds like something I would’ve come up with as a teenager.’
Zach waves at the barman. ‘Two Fuzzy Navels please!’ I laugh at his excitement, then remember what we’re here for.
‘What should we do about Joey’s ring?’ I ask, my brow furrowed.
‘Don’t worry about that!’ he waves his hand happily. ‘We can see the entrance clearly from here. We’ll find a way to hand it over once he gets here.’
Our drinks arrive and I take in his tattoo sleeve as he takes a sip. There’s a bird flying through clouds, as a sun fights to break through. It’s kind of hypnotizing.
‘How many do you have?’ I ask before I can help myself. He glances over and sees me studying his arm.
‘About fifty.’
‘That many?’ I am amazed. ‘Doesn’t it hurt?’
‘Not really,’ he shrugs, then smiles. ‘At least, that’s what you’re meant to say.’ He laughs. ‘Some of them really hurt. I have one on my armpit that killed. Even the tattoo artist told me to get it together.’ He glances over, his eyes scanning me. ‘Do you have any?’
‘I have such a low pain threshold,’ I admit, shaking my head. ‘I’m too much of a wimp.’
‘I don’t believe that,’ he says nicely.
I take a swig of my Fuzzy Navel and immediately regret it. It’s sickly sweet.
‘Yuck,’ I declare and he nods.
‘Disgusting, isn’t it?’ He takes a longer sip, smacking his lips joyfully.
‘Did you design them all?’ I ask, still fascinated. He nods, looking halfway between bashful and proud. ‘They’re beautiful,’ I breathe, instinctively reaching to touch the bird on his arm, and then remembering myself. ‘What else do you have?’
He looks down, thinking for a minute. ‘There are a few more birds, a dragonfly, a lot of flowers. I’ve got sunflowers on my other arm.’ He twists on his stool to show me the distinctive spiky petals covering his bicep. He flexes it and the sunflower moves like it’s alive. ‘I like nature,’ he continues. ‘Which I know is a bit middle-aged of me, but I’ve always loved being outside. So I have a lot of animals and wildlife. I have a butterfly on my sternum. They’re supposed to symbolize transformation and growth. It reminds me to keep trying to be a better person.’
‘Do you need to be a better person?’ I ask teasingly and he regards me seriously.
‘Of course.’ His tone is serious. ‘I think it’s really important that we keep an eye on ourselves. It’s too easy – especially as we get older – to decide we are who we are, and that people should just accept us. Obviously I’m not talking about physical flaws or stuff we can’t change. I just mean, I’ve known a lot of people who refuse to ever be introspective. They say, “I’m too old to change now, like it or lump it!” as some kind of excuse to be an arsehole! We can all change. None of us ever have to stop growing.’
‘That’s very wise,’ I say quietly, thinking about the things I want to change about myself. ‘I can’t see any in colour, are there any?’
He pauses, before giving me a small smile. ‘Just one.’ I blush as he slowly lifts his shirt up. My breath catches in my chest as I glimpse toned muscle.
‘Shit,’ he drops the shirt and my stomach clenches with disappointment. ‘It’s them!’ He gestures towards the door, where Joey has just walked in, a pretty woman at his side. Hannah! I’d almost forgotten why we’re here. As they approach check-in, I see Joey’s eyes widen with panic as he takes in a distinct lack of plants.
‘Damn, what are we going to do?’ Zach asks desperately.
‘You were the one telling me not to worry!’ I scold, downing my drink in one.
‘That was before I realized how much there was to worry about.’ He regards my empty glass admiringly. ‘So… any ideas?’
‘I’m going to live in the moment,’ I mutter to myself.
‘Huh?’ he frowns.
‘Never mind,’ I say breezily. ‘Come with me!’ I slip my hand into his and, channelling every spy movie I’ve ever seen, cross the foyer with confidence. ‘Joey!’ I call out happily when I get closer to the couple. He turns in surprise, paling almost indiscernibly when he sees me and Zach approach. ‘Dude!’ I add, ‘I haven’t seen you in forever! How are things?’
‘Er, good,’ he chokes out, no idea what I’m doing.
‘You must be Hannah,’ I say smiling, turning to her and offering my hand. ‘Joey and I used to work together a million years ago. I’m Ginny, this is my husband, Zach.’ Hannah smiles back politely. ‘Well,’ I say grandly. ‘I won’t interrupt, I can see you’re checking in. I just wanted to say hi.’ At this, I reach to give Joey a hug. ‘So nice to see you! We should have a catch-up with all the old gang sometime.’ He nods dumbly as I add brightly, ‘Have a lovely time! It’s a beautiful hotel, we’ve had a great time.’ I glance at Zach who is watching me with a smile.
‘We really have,’ he agrees, still looking at me.
As we walk away, Zach squeezes my hand. ‘What the hell just happened?’ he hisses and I grin up at him.
‘I put the ring in Joey’s jacket pocket,’ I explain. Zach snorts at this, sneaking a glance back at the soon-to-be-engaged pair. They’re at the front desk now and Joey shoots us a look, subtly patting his pocket and giving a discreet thumbs-up. He is radiating excitement and relief.
Zach drops my hand as we leave the building, and I’m too buzzy with the thrill of our first experience as real, proper engagement spies to notice how cold my hand feels without it.