Page 33 of Under Pressure

Blue stared at a silver wedding band that was intricately carved and sat on a navy suede pillow inside the window of a jewelry shop. It had no large diamond in it, but every inch of it sparkled. It was the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen.

She was careful to keep a neutral expression as she glanced up at Sean and shrugged a shoulder. “Sure.”

He smirked down at her, showing the dimples she loved, but said nothing.

“What?” She pulled her chin back.

“You have no poker face; you know that right?” he asked.

She shoved his shoulder and marched off, even as a smile started spreading over her face. “I so have a poker face.”

He caught up to her, wrapping his arms around her middle as they continued down the path of the strip mall. Sean had taken her to dinner at her favorite Italian restaurant in Tampafor her birthday. “You don’t, but it’s good that I know what kind of ring you like. One day I’ll need to.”

Warmth washed over her from head to toe. It was ridiculous to be thinking about such things. They’d only been dating six months, and they were way too young. But she could picture a life with him. Which after years of picturing no life, no future, just a dull, gray blur, felt miraculous. But no.

“Stop,” she said, placing her hands over his where he held her about the waist as they waddled down the path, past unsuspecting victims of their PDA. “We’re too young for that kind of talk.”

He kissed her on her temple and nuzzled into her neck. “My grandparents got married when my grandpa was nineteen and my grandma was eighteen.” He breathed in deep, and let out a groan. “You smell so good.”

He loved the smell of her rosemary and tea tree oil soap, shampoo, and conditioner. She’d once caught him trying to nibble on a corner of her bar of soap in her bathroom. He’d instantly regretted that move and tried to spit it out, and Blue had just about died laughing.

That night, Dad had told her Sean was okay by him.

“It’s just soap,” she giggled.

“Best. Soap. Ever. Mmmm.”

A knock sounded on the wall next to the changing room she was in, and she jerked back in surprise and wrapped Jonah’s ring tight in the palm of her hand.

“Bluebell?” came a familiar voice from behind the curtain. “It’s Winnie Rees. I live over at The Palms. I’ve stopped in multiple times for different items. Do you remember me?”

Blue did remember her. Winnie was this cute little old lady, who loved lacy fabrics and had purchased a couple bolts from her. Blue didn’t normally sell fabric, she purchased it for herself so she could make items to stock the store with. She had tworacks of handmade products and the rest she ordered in. But one day Winnie had seen the fabrics and one of the projects she was working on, and the two had got talking.

“Yes,” Blue squeaked.

Winnie pulled the limoncello curtain back, and Blue quickly wiped at her eyes with the back of her hand. Winnie stood there in a floral print dress in fall colors of rusty orange, cornflower blue, brown, and a pale pink that was almost skinned toned on white fabric. The cut, design, and look of it were so spectacular, Blue was sure Winnie had made it herself, with a defined waistline, collared neck, and capped sleeves. You just didn’t get that kind of stitchwork from most stores. Winnie gave her a sympathetic look. “Are you all right dear?”

Blue nodded. “I love your dress.”

Behind Winnie, there was another woman. Tall, in white chinos, and a flowy black button-up with the collar up, large turquoise jewelry, and of all things, moccasins. Both women wore simple wedding bands.

“You’re both so stylish,” Blue said, then burst into tears again. She didn’t know why she was crying now. This whole thing was ridiculous. She clenched the massive rock Jonah had given her in her fist, feeling it cut into her palm. “I’m s-sorry. I d-don’t—” She hiccuped. “—know why I’m crying.”

The women glanced at one another, then stepped inside the changing room with her, closing the curtain behind them.

Winnie patted her back. “It’s all right, dear. You can cry all you want.”

The tall one pulled a couple of Kleenex’s from her handbag and handed them to her.

Blue took them with a loud sigh and dabbed at her eyes. “This isn’t very professional of me.”

“It’s very human of you,” the tall lady said. “My name’s Polly by the way.”

Blue forced a smile. “Good to meet you.”

“You know our Sean?” Winnie asked.

Our Sean.Crap, he did live in Diamond Cove. Or did he? Maybe he just visited this kindly older lady on the weekends. For some reason . . . Ah! Another tear slipped out and down her face, and Blue took deep breaths so she wouldn’t dissolve into tears again. She had to get a grip. It’d been almost ten years! Not to mention, she was clearly startling these women who appeared to be friends with her ex. She nodded. “We dated in college for a bit. I’m not crying because of h-him.” Her voice broke. “I’ve just had a weird day, and I think it’s that time of month, you know? He lives here?”

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