FREEDOM! Heading home to shower! Still on for tonight?
Nick
Hell yeah! Can’t wait to see you.
Julie
So much same!
I read his message and smile as I practically run home.
When I reach my door, there’s a large white box with an orange ribbon waiting on my porch. No delivery label, just my name in handwriting I don’t recognize.
Julie
My heart races as I carry it inside. I set it on my kitchen counter and carefully open it, parting orange tissue paper to reveal the most beautiful burnt-orange silk dress I’ve ever seen. Underneath is a velvet jewelry box.
With shaking hands, I open it. Diamond earrings shaped like tiny pumpkins catch the light, along with a matching pendant. They’re from Calloway Diamonds, which is the most exclusive jeweler in the world. These must have cost a fortune.
I find the card and open it.
The way you light up about fall deserves proper appreciation. They sparkle just like you.
Happy autumn, Little Red. Hope this is your best one yet. Can’t wait to see you sparkle tonight.
—Nick
I stare at the gifts.This is too much.
My phone rings. It’s Nick.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi. I can’t accept this.”
“And why not?”
“They’re too expensive. This is supposed to be fake and?—”
“Jules”—his voice softens—“I think our definitions ofexpensiveare much different. And there is nothing about how I feel when I see you happy that’s fake. It’s a real gift, not one encouraged by fake-dating standards.”
“This probably costs more than my mortgage.”
“But you’re smiling. I can hear it,” he says.
He’s right. I am.
“In the grand scheme of things, it’s just money. It comes and goes. Let me spoil you if I want.”
“Okay, but no more expensive gifts.”
“Define expensive. A million dollars? Two? Babe, I could spend a billion on you right now and not even notice.”
“Nick!”
“See you soon, Little Red.”
He ends the call before I can say anything else.
