Sharon was ultimately grateful that everything seemed to have gone back to its normal state in the office. For weeks there was a feeling of trepidation, that she would once again be confronted about the night of the 23rd or worse caught in the false statements she made during the interview.
Each day she prepared herself for the inevitable enquiry, but none came. She partially remembered Taylor and the others coming into her office, but it was a hazy memory and she dismissed it as a horrible dream. When she woke up, she was alone with Andy in her office, he held a glass of water to her lips. He said she had been out since her meeting with Taylor and the other officers handling the murder and diamond theft case.
That was the last time he had been particularly sweet and accommodating. In the week that followed he had been a bit distant, which puzzled Sharon, yet, gave aa sense of relief. She needed the space lest Taylor and others were keeping a scrupulous eye on them, but she must admit she had missed Andy terribly. She saw him everyday at work. He was civil but she missed his usual thoughtful, caring ways.
She lay awake at night, thinking how she could somehow make it up to Andy. Perhaps she had been truly unfair and inconsiderate of his feelings for her when all he did was always for her well-being. As though an answered prayer, she noticed the moonlight from her bedroom window shining on the velvet box on her dresser.
She scrambled out of bed in excitement and opened the velvet box.
Oh, Andy. How could I have forgotten?
She held the ring in her hand as though it was the most precious thing in the word. Tears glistened her eyes as she kissed the heart-shaped emerald ring she gave her that night of Aug 23rd. She had not worn it and he had not forced her but now she wanted to.
"They remind me of your eyes," he whispered just before he planted a chaste kiss on her lips.
Sharon didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was so drunk she thought she was imagining his words but now she was certain. It all came back.
"Wear it when you're good and ready to tell the world you love me."
It was a perfect fit on her slim ring finger. I would wear it proudly so Andy would know how I feel about him. I may not be able to show it all the time, but the ring would be a constant reminder that my heart belonged to him.
She smiled contentedly. It's like a secret code between us. And for the first time in weeks, she slept like a baby.