Page 43 of Date with Destiny

Maybe she’s a Celeste super fan? That’s the most obvious explanation. I should probably warn Celeste. But there’s another idea that’s been playing around the corners of my mind, about who she could be. What if she’s my prediction number five?

‘Hi Micah!’ I greet my customer warmly as they let themselves in, shivering from the late October winds outside. ‘Your ring is ready!’

‘Yay!’ Micah replies, taking off their hat. ‘I can’t wait to see it.’

Micah ordered a simple but really stunning flush bezel solitaire with the most beautiful diamond at its centre. I’ve been waiting for them to collect it all week.

I pull out the box and do the reveal. Micah gasps and moves closer to inspect the result. ‘It’s beautiful!’ they declare and I beam with pride. ‘I can’t believe you grew that diamond in a lab! Micah adds, breathless now as they reverently remove the ring from its silk-lined box.

‘It’s pretty mind-blowing, isn’t it?’ I agree.

We’ve been considering using lab-grown diamonds for a while now, and this was something like a test case. Even though we guarantee ethical practices when it comes to our mined stones, if we start using more lab-grown stones, it could free Dad up a bit more to be at home.

Anyway, Micah is an environmentalist and their partner Nicky works for a conservation charity, so it was especially important we got it right for this ring. As well as a lab-grown diamond, the band is made from recycled gold.

‘I love it,’ Micah gushes. ‘Thank yousomuch for your help with it.’ They look up, smiling. ‘And with all your advice for the proposal. You’ve been such a lifesaver. I can’t believe Nicky answered the phone when you called them the other day. And Ireallycan’t believe you were able to think on the spot like that! I’m useless at that kind of thing!’

‘Ha!’ I laugh at the memory and the fear that pooled in my stomach when I realized it wasn’t Micah who had answered my call. I pretended to be ringing from their dentist with a reminder that it was time for a check-up.

‘They weren’t suspicious?’ I double-check.

‘Not at all!’ Micah laughs. ‘I’m so excited to propose – they’re going to be so annoyed I got to do it first!’ They laugh again and I join in.

‘Let’s hope Nicky’s notsoannoyed that they actually say no…’ I grin.

Micah grimaces. ‘I hadn’t thought of that. Fingers crossed!’

‘I’m a million per cent certain it’s going to be amazing,’ I declare confidently. I swear, so much of this job is about cheerleading the proposer and supporting them through this process. It’s yet another part of my role the job description definitely doesn’t cover.

After helping Joey with his proposal a few weeks ago, I was more than ready when Micah came into the store wanting advice as well. It’s really reinforced how many of our clients want this kind of help – IknowI’m right about the engagement concierge idea. If only my mother would listen.

‘Celeste is here!’ My mother walks in literally announcing her own arrival.

‘Oh my god,’ Micah breathes out, way more impressed by this reality TV presenter than by the new engagement ring.

Celeste tinkles prettily as she sweeps around the room, pretending to review the stock, but really it’s just because my mother’s life is a catwalk.

‘I can’t believe Celeste Bretherton is here!’ Micah says under their breath. ‘I didn’t think sheactuallyworked here!’

‘She rarely does,’ I murmur but Micah is too starstruck to hear me.

‘Would it be awkward to get an autograph?’ Micah turns to me, looking desperate and excited.

‘She’d love it,’ I confirm and then call over. ‘Mum? Come meet Micah.’

‘Celeste Bretherton is yourmum?’ Micah looks horrified and enchanted all at once. ‘I had no idea, oh mygod.’ I can see their brain whirring and whizzing through every interaction we’ve ever had with the benefit of this new information.

Celeste sweeps across the room, smiling widely and magnanimously at the fan awaiting her blessing.

‘Mum, say hi to Micah,’ I say and Celeste offers up a hand which – for a second – I honestly think Micah will kiss.

‘It’sso amazingto meet you!’ they choke out, eyes welling up. ‘I absolutely loveEngage!My partner and I have watched every series, like, five times over.’

‘Oh darling, thank you!’ Celeste says in her ‘Kind to Fans’ Voice.

They exchange niceties for a few minutes before Celeste professionally extracts herself – but not before taking forty or fifty selfies with Micah.

A weepy Micah leaves at last, almost forgetting the ring they came in for, and I wish them luck with the proposal. They look at me blankly, Nicky clearly the last thing on their mind. This is the effect my mother has on people. It’s part impressive, part exhausting.

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