Chapter 15
Troy knows that Klara is considering his proposition that she move in with him. He knows that she is leaning toward agreeing. But she is taking far too long.
He pushes through the front doors of Tiffany it’s a symbol of what she means to him.
It is the only engagement ring Klara will ever have in her life. He wants her to have something special.
“How much is this?” he asks.
Elvie consults a tablet that has been discreetly resting on the counter before her. “That particular ring has excellent cut and clarity. It is…” A pause. “Fifty-eight thousand dollars.”
“Jesus,” Troy says. It’s just a whisper. An exhalation.
“We offer financing,” Elvie adds quickly. “Interest-free. You can pay for the ring over the course of a year.”
Troy sighs. It’s a sound of resignation. He wants the ring, and Elvie knows it. He considers his salary, his monthly expenses. He has quite a bit in savings, his bonuses over the last few years. He can make it work, even with the much larger expenses he has planned.
He has to make it work. He suddenly, fiercely understands that he needs this ring. That Klara needs this ring. That it will draw her more securely to him.
She is classy and intelligent, perhaps more traditional and cautious than she, an enlightened and educated young woman, might seem.
Once this ring is on her finger, surely she will move in with him.
They will marry. They will move to a house with a yard.
They will have the baby Klara thinks she doesn’t want.
This ring is the next step in their perfect life together.
Troy hands the ring back to Elvie. “Perfect,” he says. “I’ll take it.”