Chapter 114
Walking to the grocery store in River North for what’s likely the last time, I feel sentimental, taking in the storefronts and the energy of the streets I’ve known for years. At the same time, I’m looking forward to moving in with Dani and building a new chapter in Wicker Park.
Spotting a jewelry store, I impulsively decide to go inside. With us living together, getting engaged is the next obvious step. I want it. I want her to be my fiancée.
“Lucky me,” a flamboyant man says, approaching. I chuckle. Gay men have been hitting on me a lot since I got buff. “What brings you in?”
“I’m starting to think about engagement rings.”
“Love is in the air!” He nearly sings. “Tell me about your partner.”
“She is smart, funny, gorgeous, sassy, adventurous … The most important part of my life.”
He nods, smiling. “You’ve nailed that better than most of the guys who come in here. I’m excited for you both. Could I see a photo of her—something that makes you think, that’s her. And I’d like to see her coloring.”
Scrolling through my phone, I find a photo from her birthday. She’s laughing; her whole face lit up, wearing that leather skirt. I hand over the phone.
“I think this girl wants a ring that is bold and unapologetic,” he comments.
“Yeah, exactly.”
“Let me grab a few things from the safe. The kind of thing we’re talking about isn’t on display,” he says, stepping away. Then he turns around. “Six to seven figures—is that within your price range?”
I nod, surprised at how well this guy can read a situation.