Patrick pulls on a pair of white gloves and looks at me with a patient smile. He’s the consummate professional. He’s worked at Violette, the jewelry company my father bought inthe eighties, for over two decades. It was one of his first purchases. The brand is legendary, and the little green boxes have become synonymous with diamond-studded gifts.
“She’ll be here soon,” I tell him.
I have no clue if it’s true.
In the three days I’ve known her, she’s made a point of keeping me waiting. I’m pretty sure she does it to annoy me, which means if I show her that she succeeds, she’ll keep doing it.
I need to lock down the emotions instead.
Good thing I’ve had years of practice. I should head out to one of the underground clubs in the area soon. A few rounds there always sets my head back on straight.
I busy myself by opening the double French doors that overlook the lake. The view is as close to perfect as it can be. It’s a hot day. It’s late June, and even though we’re in the north of Italy, the sun shines most days. It’ll get even hotter. August is usually the worst.
The lake looks calm. It’s not very wide, from this angle, but it’s deep. One of the deepest in Europe. I’ll be as placid as its surface, regardless of what taunts she throws my way.
Steps echo over the stone floor.
I lean against the open French door like I have all the time in the world, like I’ve enjoyed this little break she’s given me.
Paige walks into the room.
She’s in a deep blue dress that falls all the way to the floor, with only thin straps over her shoulders. Her hair is loose around her, gleaming like gold. Her eyes find me.
I smile at her. It’s a practiced, charming expression. “Paige, meet Mr. Patrick Meyer. Patrick, this is my new wife, Paige.”
Patrick steps around the table and removes the white glove of his right hand to extend it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Montclair.”
“Ms. Wilde,” she says with a wide smile. “I’m sorry, but Ihaven’t taken his name. It’s really nice to meet you. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” She glances at me. I didn’t tell her we’d have company.
Maybe that’s the key to ensure she will be on time. She might have more care for people who aren’t me.
“It was my pleasure,” Patrick says. “And Ms. Wilde it is. I understand that you’re looking for an engagement ring and wedding bands.”
“I am, yes,” she says. It would look strange if we didn’t wear them.
Paige steps up to the table and scans the rings.
“I’ve brought an array of cuts and sizes,” Patrick says. He looks over at me. I can tell he’s sensing the mood—not a particularly happy one.
“Thank you.”
He steps toward the open doors. “Please take your time looking them over and trying them on,” he says. “I’ll wait out here if you have any questions.”
“I appreciate it,” I tell him. And I add in Italian that there are refreshments outside for him, and to check in if he needs anything. He disappears, and I turn back to find Paige standing with her arms crossed, looking at all the rings.
“See anything you like?” I turn over the wedding band on my own finger. “I found mine.”
Her teeth dig into her full lower lip as she looks them over. “I’m not sure this is necessary.”
“You work in PR, don’t you?” I ask. “Not wearing rings will be noticed.”
“I hate that you’re right.” She runs a finger along the edge of a velvet tray. “These are huge. Did he bring the largest diamonds ever found?”
“Probably.” I reach for one of the engagement rings. It’s a pear-shaped diamond with excellent clarity. I turn it over and watch as the stone catches the light. Jewelry has never been my specialty. “This one, then. Simple. Large.”
“It’senormous.”
“Yes.”
