Page 57 of Things We Fake
“When it’s real, yeah.”
“Reality is what you make of it.”
Closing the argument with that enigmatic statement, I steered her closer to a section where a sea of rings sparkled behind spotless glass, adorned with countless gems of all shapes and colors.
She tried to act casual, but I could sense she was uncomfortable. It was one thing to talk about buying expensive jewelry, and another thing to actually be here in this store. I knew her well enough now to recognize that faraway look—the one that meant she was calculating every cost, every implication.
I needed her to relax, but it was hard to explain this to her when I didn’t know what it was either. It was just instinct that guided me. Something about putting a ring on her finger simply felt right.
She turned to me, her eyes filled with distress. “Cam, I can’t let you spend so much money on this. I can’t find a reasonable justification for it.”
I tilted her chin gently, looking her straight in the eyes. “Please let me buy a ring for you, Susanne. Whatever happens, we decided we will be friends. I want you to have something from me.”
“I already have the hat.”
“The hat will just sit in its box. A ring is something you can always wear. Besides, your parents will demand to see it in less than two hours. Everyone will, so let’s pick something you love.”
Seeing she was not convinced, I pulled out my secret weapon. “Britt will die of envy when she sees you wearing an exquisite ring I bought for you.”
That did it. Her ears pricked and she lifted her eyes to meet mine. It was small, it was petty, but hey, we were both human. The thought of pissing off Britt was too irresistible.
“We’re not even married and you already know how to push my buttons,” she muttered.
“I’ll take this as a yes.” I squeezed her hand. “Now, what kind of ring would you like?”
“Can I help you?” The sales manager had no doubt observed us discretely and knew this was his queue to step in.
He wore a charcoal suit that would probably be better suited for an undertaker than a salesperson. His name tag read, Stuart Albright, Assistant Manager.
I slipped an arm around Sue’s shoulders, in case she changed her mind and tried to escape. “Yes, Stuart. Myfiancée and I are looking for an engagement ring. Something elegant and unique, just like her.”
“We don’t have to decide right now,” Sue said quickly. “We’re just browsing.”
I didn’t budge. “If we find something my fiancée loves, we’ll buy it straight away.”
I felt Sue stiffening beside me. Stuart, ever the professional, gave no indication he’d noticed her reluctance. He probably took it for pre-wedding jitters or thought she was some Bridezilla chasing an elusive notion of perfection. He gestured toward a gleaming case filled with engagement rings of every style imaginable.
“Of course. May I ask, Miss, are you partial to diamonds, or would you like to consider a colored gemstone?”
Sue hesitated, her voice shaky. “Um, I’m not sure.”
Stuart’s keen eyes studied her, no doubt calculating the price of everything she was wearing and assessing her personal style in the blink of an eye. “Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds are growing increasingly popular.”
I gazed down at her, rubbing her shoulders gently. “How about a sapphire? I know you like blue.”
“I do.”
Stuart smiled, reaching into the display. “A wonderful choice. Sapphires are not only timeless but also perfect for everyday wear. Let me show you a few designs.”
Sue took off her grandmother’s ring and gave it to me to hold it. I looked down at the small band, warm from Sue’s body heat. Fifty years of love and hardship, a lifetime of stories and pain and inside jokes held by thistiny circle and the small amethyst. It was fascinating and humbling. What would become of the ring I bought Sue in fifty years?
Stuart placed a few rings on a velvet tray in front of us, giving polished summaries as she tried them on. The first was classic—a simple band with a round sapphire, very princess bride. Pretty, but too traditional. The next one was a vintage pear-cut, which was stunning, but too ornate for Sue’s taste.
And then he brought out the third—a deep-blue sapphire flanked by two diamonds, set in a slender white gold band that gleamed with quiet elegance.
Sue slipped it on and forgot to breathe.
“This ring is part of our Legacy Collection,” Stuart said primly. “The center sapphire is two carats and sourced from Sri Lanka, known for producing some of the finest sapphires in the world. The two side diamonds are round brilliant cuts, a combined half carat, and perfectly balanced to complement the sapphire’s deep blue hue. The band’s simple design ensures the stones remain the focal point.”
