19th December 2006 4.30 PM
Jack ran his fingers through his dark brown hair as he released a frustrated sigh. He had been standing in front of the jewelry counter for the last half hour trying to determine what to gift to his long time girlfriend. Gwen was his first serious relationship and he wanted to do it right. Wilf, his godfather, said a man can't go wrong with buying his woman jewelry; however, standing in White Jewellery in Canada Square, he felt the overwhelming urge to just give her the money to buy her own Christmas present. That would probably not end well.
The door opened, emitting a small jingle from the bell decorating it. A much younger man than Jack, from his features he was at the most in his early twenties, entered wrapped in a thick, dark grey coat. Jack instantly noticed how handsome the man was with pale skin, a small curve at the tip of the nose that fit with his face, and brilliant blue eyes that met his own blue-grey ones for a split second before the young man turned to the cavalier sales associate that had thus far proved futile in assisting him in making a selection. Jack hastily turned to the closest glass container to prevent himself from gawking at the stranger. It displayed an array of silver-banded diamond rings that resembled engagement rings. He shuttered at the thought.
"Ah, Mr. Jones, good to see you." The sales associate Lance called out digging in a drawer by the register. "I have it right here."
"Pleasure." the younger man replied quietly. Jack detected a hint of sarcasm from the stoic man in an accent he couldn't quite place.
Lance, the sales associate, pulled out a large red velvet box about the size of his palm and handed it over to the younger man. "You have exquisite taste."
"I try my best, sir." The young Mr. Jones answered carefully tucking the box away in his pocket. This time Jack picked up the very unmistakable Welsh accent. Jack quivered. He always had a thing for the beautiful Welsh vowels. It was what attracted him to Gwen in the first place. From the corner of his eye, he caught the young Welshman watching him quizzically.
Turning to Lance, the young man asked, "Is he alright?"
"Ah, poor sod. He's been in here almost an hour looking for something for his girlfriend."
"Perhaps he needs help." There was definitely a trace of belligerence in his tone. The sales associate waved his hand indicating that if Mr. Jones felt the customer needed help, he should oblige. Jack almost burst out with laughter at the eye-roll from the younger man.
"Sir, would you like some help?" he questioned as he joined Jack at the counter bending over to match Jack's stance.
"Yes, yes. I would." Jack was grateful this young man had taken pity on his obvious lack of knowledge in this department.
"Your girlfriend, what is she like?"
"High maintenance to be frank." he replied straightening up, the younger man doing so as well. He had no idea why he felt compelled to tell this man everything he wanted to know. "She has to meddle in everything, but her heart's in the right place. She is down-to-earth most of the time. Sometimes she like to embellish. I don't know. I really just want to get something nice."
"Well Frank," he deadpanned, "I think what you need is a bracelet or watch." Jack couldn't help himself, he broke into a smile.
"Yes, a watch. A watch would do fine. Maybe it'll be incentive for her to show up on time." The younger man smirked. It was captivating.
"I suggest one of these," He said indicating to another class case with feminine watches. "They're simple sterling silver bands with a coloured face inlaid with diamonds. A bit costly but not overly. It makes a fine gift for partners."
For some reason the word partner threw him. Jack blinked a few times to compose himself. "Money's not a problem...I think the green one will do."
"Excellent choice." The Welshman pulled out his mobile and glanced at the exterior window before replacing it back in his coat pocket. "I must be going. Good luck with your present."
"Thanks for the help, Jones was it?"
He gave a small nod before turning on his heel gracefully and exiting the shop. Jack was stunned to say the least. For the first time, he met a handsome face and didn't introduce himself or even get a first name. He didn't make an ass out of himself by leering and making innuendo. He wanted to believe that he was finally ready for commitment with Gwen but somehow he was sure that wasn't it. It had something to do with the young Welshman.
He shook his head as he handed the money over to Lance. It did not do to dwell on the random encounters with a stranger. Most likely he'd never see the man again.
He completed his purchase. Slipping the palm-sized red velvet box into his long grey coat pocket, he exited the store wondering what he was going to do next. He had plenty of time to explore London further before he needed to check in with Gwen back at home in Cardiff.