“Sure. Show me.”
He leads me to a quiet room and brings out a glossy catalogue as an associate serves a glass of champagne. “Here you are, sir.”
I flip through the pages casually while sipping the excellent Dom. Everything’s pretty, but nothing screams,I am what Bobbi deserves.
Is Sebastian Jewelry really going to be my best option? I could wear a fake moustache…
Or maybe something custom made would be better. Masako Hayashi does great work, although she’s probably booked until next year. But she owes Dad a favor, and I could probably cash that in. He’ll say yes if there’s a possibility of getting a grandbaby out of the deal…
And then, suddenly,there it is. Brilliant blood-red rubies, each stone surrounded by clear diamonds, the whole thing set in platinum. The red stone in the center is round like the burning sun, marquis-cut diamonds surrounding it. The necklace is big enough to make a bold, feminine statement, but not so big that it’s vulgar. I can see it around Bobbi’s neck, how it will glitter and enhance her already incredible beauty.
“This. This is the one.”
“Ah. An exceptional choice.” Albert looks at the picture. “It’s currently in our store in Tokyo, but it can be overnighted for you.”
“Do it.” I hand him my black AmEx.
“Very good, sir.” He gives me his most reassuring smile.
I sign off on the purchase agreement for the necklace and the credit card slip, then hear a familiar voice.
“Wow.”
Bobbi?!My heart does a little samba, her voice music to my soul.
“It’s so pretty.”
She must be here to buy something sparkly to cheer herself up. What perfect timing. I can feel a grin start to spread over my face. I should go see whatever it is that she’s looking at and spoil her.
“Just the piece for a romantic proposal,” says a conspiratorial female voice.
Awhat? I get up, convinced the sales clerk must’ve misspoken. Through the doorway to the adjoining private room, I can see Bobbi standing over a display. The lighting in the store is designed to showcase the precious stones, but it’s Bobbi who shines the brightest, her silken hair spilling over her shoulders and her beautiful eyes on some bauble in front of her. She isn’t wearing any makeup, but her cheeks are rosy and her lips soft, so she doesn’t need to. Her small smile widens, and the impact hits me like a wrecking ball.
My pulse flutters. Something warm and sweet and infinitely soft starts to fill my heart. Bobbi doesn’t seem to notice me, her focus on the gleaming stone in front of her.
“Yup,” she says to the salesperson, tucking a stand of hair behind an ear. “Super romantic.”
Chapter Thirteen
Bobbi
As I drive home from Ivy’s place, my mind keeps going over what Yuna said. Although I wasn’t sure about this whole manifest-via-the-perfect-engagement-ring idea at first, the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. I haven’t had much success so far with the romantic aspect of my future, and I don’t want to live without a vision. No way I’m waking up one day to realize I’ve been living a life I never wanted for myself.
Bobbi’s Sweet Things became a reality when I visualized it, meditated on it constantly and then finally manifested it. Of course, there was a lot of hard work as well, but I was thinking about different recipes all the time, baking whenever I had the chance. I haven’t put nearly as much effort into the family part of my dream, so of course I’m attracting all the wrong men.
So when Peery Diamonds comes into view, I park my Tacoma and go inside the glitzy jewelry retailers. Talk about manifestation—I never thought I’d have the chance to walk into this store, but suddenly here I am.
Every square inch of the store exudes affluence and luxury. Even the music is beautiful, some classical thing Yuna and Ivy would instantly recognize—and probably be able to play without any preparation.
A pretty brunette glides over to me. “Welcome to Peery Diamonds.” Her voice is professionally friendly. “My name is Jessica. Can I be of assistance today?” She peers up at me. Even in pumps, she’s a lot shorter.
“Yeah. I’m looking for a ring.”
“Any particular occasion?”
“It’s for a proposal.”
Her amber eyes glitter with good will. “Oh, how romantic! I’m so happy for you.”
