Her fingers shake as she picks up the ring. “It’s sixty-seven thousand dollars,” she whispers, as if she doesn’t want anyone to hear.
I raise my voice. “Sixty-seven thousand dollars. I see. Are you permitted to accept tips?”
Her face goes bright red. “Yes, we can.” She says, matching my volume.
“Great, make it an even seventy thousand and the excess can be for your tip.”
She squeals in excitement, in probably not the most professional manner, but her happiness is infectious. Now I’m starting to feel bad for the woman behind. Not bad enough though. The one working with me quickly rings the purchase up and puts it into an ornate case, which I have to tell her to change to a regular flip-top one. I don’t want to get caught up trying to open a box that doesn’t want to budge. I hand her my black card so she can put the purchase through and I swear I see her nearly swoon when it quickly comes back approved.
She thanks me profusely for the tip and for being a customer after she brings out some paperwork for a warranty and insurance that she is adamant I fill out. That way if it’s ever lost or damaged I can be covered.
I take the paperwork and the ring and slip it into my pocket. As I make my way to the door, I turn to look at the woman across. She still looks ashamed, but at least now she can bear to make eye contact with me.
“Next time I come back, remember me. Maybe you’ll have something I need.” It’s only to assuage some of her guilt. I know my face comes as a shock to a lot of people. I can afford to give her a second chance.
“Yes, sir, absolutely. You have a great day.” She pipes up and I walk out of the jewelry store feeling like I truly accomplished something. Now just to get home and ask my wife if she wants to marry me.
***
I’m not even nervous on the ride home. I’m not sure if it’s because we are already married or because of how sure I am of how much Brenna cares for me. Honestly, I’m more anxious about getting home and making sure she’s feeling better.
The second I walk in the house, a chill I haven’t felt in weeks slams into me.
The shadows are deeper. The walls creaking with whispers I’ve been able to put out of my mind. Something is wrong.
“Brenna?” I call out. If she’s sleeping I’ll apologize, but right now I just need to make sure she’s okay.
I rush to her room and she’s laying in bed. She sits up on the opposite side so her back is to me.
“Brenna?” I call to her again, softer. The entire room is devoid of light. She doesn’t even have the drapes open so the sunlight can come in. Maybe she has a headache.
“What?” she snaps at me, her tone laced with venom.
“What’s wrong? You’re not well.”
“I’m perfectly fucking fine.”
“You don’t seem fine.” I take a few more steps in the room, trying to get a good look at her.
“I’m telling you I am. Now what do you want?” she questions. The chill seems to be coming from her. I know it’s impossible, but I don’t ever remember her being so cold to me.
I’m hoping this ring in my pocket will thaw her out.
“I wanted to give you something. Something I should’ve given you a while ago.” I reach into my pocket and, with a courage I’m scrambling to come up with, present her with the ring.
She looks at the ring, tilts her head, laughs, and then looks up into my eyes. The fire I thought the color of the diamonds emulated scorches in her gaze.
“A fucking engagement ring? You truly are out of your mind, Cormac. This isn’t a real damn marriage. This is a business deal. I’ve already got this shackle of a wedding band on my finger, there’s no way I’m letting you add a bigger one. Get that away from me.”
My heart drops to my feet.
This isn’t how I thought she’d react. Maybe I should’ve been more nervous about doing this for her. I thought we were on the same page. I thought the feelings were mutual.
“Brenna, what is wrong? What did I do?” I ask, scouring my memory for a reason for her to be acting this way to me.
“You exist. That’s what you did wrong. You’re a cold, heartless savage who is holding me here against my will and I won’t pretend it’s anything else. I won’t fake it for you or for my father. You are my problem.” She hisses and gets to her feet to stalk toward me.
I’ve been in burning rooms, have had guns pointed at me, but not once have I ever felt the panic I feel now with her coming in my direction. When my back hits the wall I have no choice but to stand my ground.
