ICE-
"So what are you doing now?" she asked as she was packing up her purse and powering down the computer.
"I have a meeting that came up, very last minute, it's probably going to make me late." He spoke as he entered the store.
"Really? If I had known that I wouldn't have packed up my stuff."
"No I sent the car ahead for you. I'll just have to meet you there."
"I can wait you know, meet you at the office and we can go together?"
"Nonsense! We've had this planned, go get dressed and I'll be there." He entered the store and began looking at the cases. The two attendants were stunned at how casual the man in the expensive Italian suit was while on the phone. The older sales attendant then closed the store while the young billionaire browsed.
"I know duty calls." She sighed.
"Look If I'm later than you ordering that appetizer you always get than you can pick the destination for the next date. The sky's the limit."
"Really?"
"Absolutely."
"Alright, take your time then." She smiled.
He laughed. "Look I've gotta go that call's waiting."
"Alright, really take your time."
"Love you too" he sassed and then hung up the phone.
"Good afternoon sir." The older gentleman spoke.
Oliver glanced at his name tag as he put his phone into his inside pocket.
"Edward is it?"
"Yes sir."
"Let's cut the formalities shall we? I think I may be spending a ridiculous amount of money here today. With that being said I'd also appreciate the utmost in discretion." He spoke looking at the other sales attendant who was just staring. Actually she was practically salivating. "I would really hate to read about any of this in any of those rags out on the news stands. Are you following me?" he spoke while looking at the phone in the girls hand.
"Laney!" he yelled and immediately ushered the girl to the back of the store. Oliver looked at all the cases and just wasn't quite finding what he was looking for.
"Sorry about that Sir. She's new and young and well impressionable."
"I do understand and please it's Oliver."
"Thank you sir now how may I help you?"
"You married Edward?" he spoke looking at the displays in front of him.
"35 years and counting."
"Wonderful,! Congratulations."
"She is the light of my life. We have 3 wonderful sons." He smiled thinking about his kids.
"Wow sounds like a handful."
"There were moments definitely, but I'm sure you don't want to talk about my family…"
"That's such an unfortunate misnomer. I've been in big business for a long time and to me the most important part of a good working relationship is getting to know the people that you work with."
"I meant no…"
"Please don't apologize, look Edward, I like you, you're local." He smiled. "If I can find what I'm looking for here? You have a customer for life."
"Obviously she is very special, tell me about her."
"Special?" Oliver shook his head. "Doesn't even begin to describe her." He turned to the man. "I think she's remarkable. She has such a huge heart, and smart? Wow is she smart. She makes me rethink MY education most days," he laughed, "and beautiful? She's absolutely exquisite; a one of a kind beauty. She's never cared for the flashy or the over stated, even though I think she deserves it."
"What a lucky man you are." He thought thinking of his wife. "When I proposed to my wife I was just out of the Navy and barely had a nickel to my name. Those first years were rough but were they ever worth it."
"She's a lucky woman indeed." Oliver smiled at the look on his face. "I of course want to get her the ring and maybe something else? These pieces are all beautiful but not her."
"I understand sir, right this way." The gentlemen escorted Oliver to the back. He led him into a small locked room. "These pieces are for my special clients." He smiled. He unlocked a drawer and revealed some very antique looking rings. Some with diamonds, some with emeralds, and then one, it was the one; a platinum band with a modestly sized diamond encircled by small emeralds.
"That's it right there." Oliver spoke, picking up the ring and looking at it. It was even in her size "do you have earrings to match?"
"Is the Pope Catholic?" the man teased. He went to another drawer and pulled out a pair of tear drop emerald diamond earrings.
"I think that's perfect." He smiled. The salesman smiled and put the jewelry into boxes. He then led Oliver back into the store and he was glancing when down when he saw a small diamond heart with gold arrow pendant. He smiled, "and I'll take that too." He found a nice gold chain for it and boxed that item as well. Oliver handed over his Platinum Card. When the transaction was completed Oliver put all 3 boxes in his jacket pocket. He looked at his watch and laughed.
"Sir?"
"I made a promise" he grinned, "Well, our next date? Anywhere in the world, I'm late."
"My apologies sir you should never keep a lady waiting."
"Don't I know it." Oliver smiled.
"Edward I thank you for your time, here" he spoke reaching into his pocket for his wallet. to put his card away. He grabbed a business card, one of his personal ones and some cash. "Do you have a business card by the way?"
"Absolutely sir" he spoke reaching into his own pocket and pulling out a business card.
"Good," Oliver gave him one of his cards and two crisp one hundred dollar bills, then shook his hand.
"Oh that's not necessary."
"Take her out on the town on me." He smiled and winked and left the store. The man watched the enigmatic billionaire walk down the street already on the phone.
He picked up his phone and called his wife.
"Dear, get dressed, we're going out tonight." He smiled. ……..