RAGE SHOP
Alessio
I promised Leo we’d share lunch in the hotel’s movie theater if he wouldn’t mind a detour to the jewelry store where I need to pick up the gifts I want his governess to wear this evening. Since Leo approves of Lake, he tags along happily.
When we walk into the store, the staff offers me champagne and snacks, which I refuse in favor of speeding up the jewelry selection.
Behind the counter, the manager with blond hair perfectly sleeked on one side, gives me a winning smile, his green eyes practically turning into dollar signs. He loves money, and Val’s money loves him back, so my money is a Christmas bonus for him.
“Mr. Angelini, what a nice surprise,” Pavle says as he makes his way toward me. He air-kisses me, once on each cheek.
We make small talk for a minute, and I ask about his mother. Pavle’s father died when he was a boy.
“She’s doing well, thank you. Not finding retirement as exciting as work, but with a broken leg, one must rest.”
“Send her my best.” I loop the ropes of the royal blue bags holding the jewelry boxes around my finger and am turning to leave when a large, shiny diamond catches my eye. I approach the showcase on the wall to take a closer look.
Pavle follows but doesn’t smother me with an annoying sales pitch. He gives me a moment to admire the diamond that reflects the light ever so perfectly. Like his mother before him, Pavle has a knack for designing pieces of jewelry that people stop to admire.
When I hesitate, he starts the pitch. “A very rare piece I’m taking to a king for a showing today.”
“Which king?”
He tells me, and because I’m familiar with the tastes of this king, I know this diamond isn’t to be missed.
“You’re going to meet the king in person?” I ask.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do you think he’ll buy it?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know he was getting married again.”
“He’s not, sir. His wife had a baby.”
When my phone pings with a message, I step away. Twenty minutes ago, I texted Lake asking about her day. When she didn’t reply, I got a bit itchy under my skin and followed her, casually, before entering the jewelry shop and going about my business. I found her sitting on the bench instead of shopping. That was when I sent her a text:
How’s my fav pet doing?
Fine. BTW, when you call me a pet, which pet do you have in mind?
With a simple nod at Pavle, I step away from the showcase.
I have no preference…as long you’re the pet.
;)
I can be any pet I want to be?
Yes.
A dog?
Puppy sounds better.
You DO have a preference.
