Page 73 of Evidence of Secrets

Laura’s walk took her in the opposite direction of Salt & Sea, away from the Riverwalk. Most of the shops in this area were geared towards tourists. She was heading to the more affluent side of town.

Any other time it would be fun to window-shop, but not today. For some reason, Laura was acutely aware of the smell of gasoline, the sounds of horns blaring, the weight of the air and people talking. Were they looking at her? Did they sense she was a failure?

Bah, what did she care? Nothing ventured, nothing gained, her mother used to say. At least she did her best. She always tried to do her best. Sometimes it wasn’t enough.

Laura arrived at the brightly painted two-story glass-front jewelry store. A guard opened the door for her. She walked in and looked around. Several customers in the store tried on or looked at the jewelry.

“Can I help you?” A tall, slender salesperson slid up to her side, wearing enough bling almost to blind her. Probably a perk of working here. You got to wear the jewelry.

“I’m looking for Mr. Lipton. I called yesterday,” she said.

“Oh.”Yes, sweetie, there goes your commission. Laura sure wasn’t buying.

“He’s in the back. Why don’t you stand by the counter, and I’ll get him.” The salesperson walked back and behind a light wood wall cabinet. The overhead lights shone down on the rings and necklaces, creating a sparkly wonderland.

“Hello? Are you Laura Clark?” A sixty-ish white-haired man came toward her.

She nodded.

“I’m Harvey Lipton. Why don’t we go to my office? You can show me what you have.”

Laura followed him to a back office.

“Have a seat. Can I get you some water?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

Mr. Lipton sat behind an ornate cherry desk, cleared of papers. “Let me see the ring. You said it was white gold, with sapphire, and diamonds, right?”

“Yes.” Laura twisted the ring off her finger and handed it to him.

His eyes widened. He looked at her. “It’s old.”

Laura nodded.

“It’s beautiful. Can you wait here while I check it out?”

“Yes.” Laura leaned back in the chair and twisted her hands.

“Momma, Momma, can I try on Grammy’s ring? Pleeease.”

Her mother smiled. “It’s getting late, but you’ve been a good girl. Get ready for bed, and I’ll get it.”

She hurried to get into her PJs. Momma didn’t let her touch the ring very often. It was valuable.

Her mother came in and sat on her bed. “Put out your hand, princess.”

It was a game they played. Laura was the princess who loved jewelry.

“It’s so big and shiny. Tell me again about Grammy and Gramps.”

Her mother sighed. “It was a long time ago when Gramps’s parents moved to Georgia. When Gramp married Grammy, his mother gave him this engagement ring. It’s been passed on to me, and I’ll pass it on to you.”

She twisted her hand left and right, the ring making circles on her finger. “It’s so pretty.”

“It is. And it’s special. There isn’t much I can leave you but the history and love this ring has brought to our family. Treasure it, sweetheart.”

“I will, Momma.” Her mother kissed her goodnight.

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