Page 117 of My Solemn Vow
It’s thirty minutes of trying on rings and sets, Galina pulling cut diamonds out of trays from the back, before she and Valor seem content with my reactions, which I wasn’t aware were giving so much away.
“Alright, I’ll get this on order.” Galina is beaming when she herself, not her assistant, lets us out the door again.
The sun was setting when we entered the store, and with the short days of winter, we’re only illuminated by the streetlamps.
I look at my ring in the glint of artificial light before looking up at Valor. “You didn’t have to replace this one. It’s beautiful.”
“It’s not and it’s been bugging me.” Valor laughs while wrapping an arm around me.
He leads me down the block past the parking garage to a fine dining restaurant.
The maître d' immediately leads us to a table toward the back, away from the bustling door leading to the kitchen.
“Do I even want to know how much this costs? I know what Gregorio spends on gifts for Francesca, but I have a feeling what you bought is more.” I wince.
“Why are you uncomfortable with me spending money on you?” Valor counters.
“Why did this turn into an interrogation?” I push back.
He smiles at me. “About the same time you seemed to get weird about money. Though I’ve recently come to understand how much you have.”
“Okay, could I buy this ring?” I keep my voice quiet as our waiter brings over wine and an appetizer. In confusion, I look at Valor and the plate.
“I know it’s gross when men order for women, but this is the special tasting course, and it’s allegedly an amazing experience. I’ve wanted to try it for a while, and it’s a ‘meal for two’ type of thing.” He runs a hand across the back of his neck. “Forgive me?”
I nod. “Forgiven, but answer the question.”
“If you liquidated your assets and it wasn’t already paid for, you could buy your ring,” Valor answers. “Why are you uncomfortable with me spending money on you?”
My spine stiffens, and I try to relax, but there’s no way to say this without sounding ungrateful. I try anyway. “Until recently, things had been extremely tense between us, and in some cases,I wasn’t sure you believed me or trusted me with everything that’s going on.”
“I like you. I trust you.” Valor nods with each statement. He draws a deep breath in through his nose but doesn’t say more.
“I like you and trust you too,” I tell him, but my heart is screamingI love you, and I want you to love me too.
51
VALOR
THE MESSAGE
I read it again.
I read it another time.
It doesn’t make sense.
Neil:
We’re headed to your house. Be there in an hour.
Antonella betrayed us. Bringing proof.
Kerrianne isn’t safe with her. None of us are.
Dad:
It doesn’t look good, Valor. I’m sorry.
