“That one.” I point down at the glass directly on top of a ring that looks to be made from wood and epoxy or resin. The moment I see it, I know it’s perfect for Evan.
“This is taking too long,” Griffin grumbles into the phone.
“Hold your horses. It’s been like two minutes,” I mutter distractedly while the man hands me the ring. I turn it to the light and see it is in fact wood, and there’s a break leaving a space that’s been filled with resin in a way that makes it look like the ocean.
“Pardon?” the jeweler asks.
“I’m sorry, not you. Impatient.” I motion to the phone. “I would like this but…do you have something I can write on?” The man walks toward a cash register then returns with a notepad. “Perfect.” I jot down the word ‘big’ on the paper. It’s only now I realize I have no idea what size Evan’s or Griffin’s fingers are.
“For Mr. Winters?” the man inquires hesitantly.
“How did you know that?” I step back.
He tilts his head like he’s rethinking allowing me in his store. “Unless it’s for another gentleman, perhaps Mr. Stone?”
“How the heck?” I’m a little freaked out. Then it dawns on me—he can smell them. “Oh.” I look down, unable to meet his gaze. “Yes, it’s for Mr. Winters,” I answer him.
“What’s happening?” Griffin’s tone is hard.
“Everything is fine. I just need a few more minutes, I’m almost done.”
“These are custom made by a local” —I jerk the phone down and bury it against my chest in an effort to keep Griffin from hearing what he’s saying— “artisan. I can see what we have in stock.”
Placing the phone back against my ear, I say, “Good, thank you.” The man heads to the back of the store, and I whisper, “It’s so weird that everyone knows I’m with you guys before I even say anything,” into the phone while looking through the rest of the cases.
“Are you done now?” Griffin ignores my comment.
“No.” I make a loop around, and near the corner, there’s a section of jewelry that seems to be a little more mismatched. There are a few pendants and rings among bracelets, and even a few earrings. I slow down when something black catches my eye. Near the back is a small tray of rings. It almost looks like estate jewelry, or even costume stuff. I see a black ring. It looks jagged with several irregular facets all around the band.
I kneel down to get a better look, and the man comes out of the back with a velvet lined box in his hands. “These are what we have, but we can order something if none of them are what you’re looking for.”
I pop up, and he places a box holding several rings similar to the one I picked out before me. I look for the largest one and nab it, hooking it over my thumb. There’s tons of room to spare. I can only hope it will fit. If not, we’ll come back and get Evan measured for one—that is if he’s willing to wear it. After examining it and making sure the colors and feel are the same, I nod. “This one, and may I see that?” He hovers his hand over several different trays until he gets to the one I’m interested in. “Yes,” I say quickly.
I reach for the black ring as soon as he places the tray near the other box. Upon closer inspection, I can see gray or white swirls that almost make the ring look like it’s made of smoke. “What is this?” I murmur.
“Carbon fiber,” the jeweler answers. I slip this one on my thumb too. It’s not as large, but there’s definitely some wiggle room. “Do you have more of these?”
“I’m afraid that’s the only one I have.”
I picture Griffin’s hands and all the rings he already wears, most are silver metal. This one would stand out, not to mention it just feels like him. “I would like this one too.” I don’t think to ask how much they are, that’s what credit cards are for.
The man puts the tray away and moves the box to the back counter before taking his time and packaging everything up. I start to shuffle my feet and have to change what ear the phone is on. “I’m about done, can I hang up now?”
“No,” Griffin snaps quickly.
“Geez, grumpy. If you’re not nice, I won’t give you your present,” I singsong.
“I’m about to come hunt your ass down,” he threatens.
“I don’t need the bag, thank you,” I chirp to the jeweler when he turns around to look at me. His eyes are wide as he darts a quick glance at the door. It makes me think he heard Griffin speak through the phone.
I grab the two boxes, shove them in my purse, and issue another, “Thanks,” over my shoulder while heading to the door. “No need to ruin the surprise now. I’m coming.”
Griffin presses his thumb against the screen the moment I round the corner. Evan’s shoulders relax as he tries to look casual, but I think he was almost as anxious as Griffin. Heck, it was probably Griffin who made him anxious.
“I’m ready.” I look at my phone before putting it away. “I told you it wouldn’t be long, under fifteen minutes.” I’m pretty proud I was able to get both of them rings that feel perfect for each of them in that short amount of time.
“Too long,” Griffin grumbles under his breath.
