Harlan cleared his throat and glared at Savannah. “We’d like to look at some jewelry. For Christmas.”
“I’m happy to help. What can I show you?”
“Bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings,” Harlan said. “That sort of thing. I want her to have a choice.”
“Nothing outrageously expensive,” Savannah put in.
“Ignore her,” Harlan told Cindy. “Don’t worry about the price.”
Savannah started to argue, but after another scowl from Harlan she subsided. Soon, Cindy was pulling out every sparkly, shiny piece of jewelry in the store.
“What kind of stones do you like?” Harlan asked her. “Diamonds?”
“Of course. Most women do. But you don’t have to—”
“What other kind of stones?” Harlan interrupted. “What’s your birthstone?”
“Sapphire. But Harlan, sapphires are expensive. Let’s look at something else.”
“What about these bracelets?” Harlan asked, looking at a tray of sapphire and diamond bracelets.
Cindy took out the velvet tray and placed it on the counter.
Harlan was looking at her expectantly. “Those are pretty,” she said, giving up and pointing at a thin band of sapphires and diamonds.
“Those are kind of small,” Harlan said. “Are you sure you like that one?”
It went on from there with Savannah looking at and trying on bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings of every gemstone in the store. Finally she said, “Stop. You’re making me dizzy. If you expect me to pick a favorite, I can’t.”
“That’s okay,” Harlan said. “I know what you like now.” He turned to Cindy. “I’ll be back in tomorrow.”
“I’ll look forward to it,” Cindy said, beaming.
Chapter Nineteen
The Secret Santa lunch for the Women of Whiskey River Service Organization went off almost without a flaw. Savannah had given a gift certificate to Tips, Tops, & Toes to a woman who was new in town. She didn’t know her very well but what she did know, she liked.
