Chapter 13 #2
“It’s a bit big,” she says. “And we don’t have time to size anything….”
“Quite right.” I look around.
Jewel-encrusted, she said. Easy enough.
“You know, it’s unfortunate I’ve been unable to find work, since it would help us relocate to Paris. I never knew how badly I would miss it.” I sigh and look down. “Especially since…” I shake my head and look away. “I’m sorry, my love. We won’t talk about your diagnosis here.”
“Don’t be silly,” she says. “There’s no shame in it, now, is there?” She turns with a small smile to the woman. “I’ve been diagnosed with an incurable illness. My husband spoils me something terrible as a result. What can I do?”
“She deserves it,” I say warmly, as the man comes back with a large box. “So sorry, sir, we no longer carry the rose gold variation, but may I interest you in platinum?”
“I’m afraid not, as my wife doesn’t handle that type of metal well. She has sensitive skin and can only wear certain metals. Could we try on a few varieties to see if she reacts? We will know right away.”
“Well, the store policy is only two pieces out at a time,” the man begins, when the woman interrupts him.
“But for today, we will make an exception.” She reaches over and pats my shoulder. “What else can I get you?”
Within ten minutes, I’ve got them hanging onto my every word as I tell them about my work and how I got started, while I’m trying bracelet after bracelet on Nicolette.
“And what’s that one there?” I ask, pointing to a shelf at the very back of the store.
“The jewelry box?”
“Yes. Do you have anything other than black?”
They both turn, and I casually slip the smallest empty velvet box from the counter into my pocket. The old man at the back of the store turns to us. I wonder if I haven’t given him enough credit.
“Are you being serviced?” he asks.
“Not yet,” Nicolette says under her breath. “But he will be tonight.” To him, she smiles broadly. “We are but they stepped out to help us find a variation. Maybe you can help? I saw this stunning set online… do you have any freshwater pearls?”
She’s still wearing the ring. I take her hand in mine and slowly slip it off her finger into the palm of my hand, then take a second ring in my right hand and place it back on the velvet just as the other two return. At a casual glance, nothing’s out of place. Each velvet cushion holds a ring.
“I just got the most stunning shipment in,” the older man says. “Let me get those for you.”
The ruby ring sits nestled in my pocket. One of the other diamond bracelet’s back on her wrist.
“Look at how brilliant that is,” I say to her. “Have you decided what you’ll wear?”
“Sadly, not this,” she says, lifting her wrist to me. “That is so expensive.”
“You’re worth it, love. And you know how rare diamonds like that are. These are no factory-manufactured diamonds, but naturally mined. Can you confirm that they are conflict-free?” I ask the woman.
The woman smiles at me. “Absolutely, and we have the certification attesting to that. You’re very proficient at this, sir,” she begins.
“Thank you.”
“If only we could relocate,” Nicolette sighs. “You have to understand how much I would love that.”
I strike up a conversation with the woman and the older man comes over. “You’re quite knowledgeable, aren’t you?”
I nod and continue the conversation. “And you’re looking for a job in Paris?”
“I am. My wife’s doctor is nearby. It would enable us to continue in such a way that, even though her condition is incurable, she could still be the epitome of health.” I turn to her. “My love, have you decided to buy?”
She holds up everything. “All of this, please.”
I grin when they ring it up. She’s exactly one euro over budget.
“We’re in need of another knowledgeable sales associate,” the older man says. “We’d love to interview you.”
“That would be an honor.”
We don’t leave right away so we don’t draw suspicion, even though I have the tennis bracelet in one pocket and the ring in another. “I’ll call you as soon as possible, sir.”
We spend a little more time by the watches and examine a few luxury pieces.
“Manny,” the woman says with a frown. “Have you seen the ruby ring I took out? I swear it was right there.”
“Oh, you brought it to the back,” Nicolette says brightly. “On the velvet pillow. I saw you.”
“Did I?” The woman leaves and goes looking for it.
I lean in and whisper in Nicolette’s ear, “We’re going to walk toward the wall. When we do, I want you to pretend to swoon.”
“Not hard with a husband as hot as you.”
“Flirt later. Work now.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Do you have your belongings?” I ask Nicolette as the man is still looking for the necklace and pearls.
“I do. Henrique, I… I feel faint,” Nicolette says to me.
“Let’s get you back to the hotel, love.” I turn to face the older man. “Thank you so much for the job offer. I will be in touch at the first opportunity.”
“Henrique—”
Nicolette places her hand on her forehead. She actually looks pale. “I can’t—”
She falls backward expertly. I catch her and in so doing, hit the fire alarm behind her back so it looks as if it were an accident. A siren blares.
“Oh my goodness! Are you okay?”
“I’ll have to take her home right away,” I say as lights flash and the siren wails. We open the door and head out straight into the street. Thunder crackles as rain pours from the sky.
Fuck.
As soon as we round the corner, we ditch the disguises and I call a ride. We duck into a shop doorway to take cover from the rain, but it’s a hopeless cause.
I reach for her hand and place the tennis bracelet and ring into her palm.
“Job offer. Tennis bracelet. Ring.” She goes up on her toes to kiss my cheek, which right then and there makes it all worth it. “Mission accomplished.”
“My mission was accomplished, too,” she says triumphantly, holding the bag of jewelry up.
“Good girl. You did very well.”
“Why thank you.”
As our ride comes around the corner, sirens cut through the sound of pouring rain. I glance at her to see if she’ll panic, but she stays calm and collected. They pull up to the store and come to a stop as the driver opens our door.
I let Nicolette in first, then follow suit behind her.
No one pursues us.
“We’ve pulled off our first practice.”
Nicolette holds up one of the necklaces she bought and places it around the bare skin at her neck.
“Gorgeous.” I kiss her again. “And the jewelry isn’t half bad, either. But we’ve got to get ready for the wedding. It’s in an hour, and we look like a pair of drowned rats.”
“Dammit. Can you turn the car heater up?”
I ask the driver to dial up the heat. Nicolette bends over and threads her fingers through her hair, moving it from side to side to dry it. “I can get ready in ten minutes. You?”
I bend my head beside hers and shake off the rain drops. “Same.”
“You look like a puppy shaking off after a bath.”
My growl in response makes her cover her mouth with her hand and giggle.
She thinks she’s going back in two days.
I have two more days to win her over.
“Alright,” she says. She looks excited and energized after our success. “That was… alright, invigorating. I wouldn’t make a habit of it or anything, but I am so ready for our next plan. You?”
I draw her onto my lap and kiss each cheek. First one, then the other, before I brush my lips against hers.
“I am absolutely ready for the next plan.”