He pulled onto the freeway, intending on going directly home. How dare Mel be so domineering? He shuddered, wondering if their marriage was going to be based on the same principals. He certainly hoped not. But he refused to let the thought cloud his mind. Instead he forced himself to relax and realized almost immediately that it was best to do as Mel wanted. He wouldn't have been at all surprised if Mel were to go to great lengths to call Bergdorf's to verify that he had indeed contacted this Bryon person. It was a thought that disturbed him to no end; the thought that someone he loved and cared about enough to ask for her hand in marriage had so little faith in him.
He needed to go somewhere to clear his head. Home was the most obvious and ideal choice, but he didn't want to risk an argument (that would surely ensue if Mel were to find out that he hadn't done as she'd asked (or rather, demanded). The only option left was to pay a visit to this Bergdorf's Jewelry store that she had spoken so highly of.
It was located on busy Fifth Avenue on a prominent corner and the outside of the building seemed to stand out among the many other stores that lined the street. Even the marquee of the famous Fifth Avenue Theatre; situated diagonally across from Bergdorf's, seemed to pale in comparison to the facade of the expansive jeweler.
Annoyed at the feeling of cowardliness, he parked his car, paid the meter and walked the few steps to the store. Inside the store was by all accounts magnificent. He was greeted immediately by a tall dark-haired man, about his father's age. But Niles was fairly certain that this man was not the man he needed to speak with. And sure enough, the man introduced himself as Roger.
After explaining to Roger that he was newly engaged, Niles was led to a large glass counter where he was greeted with a smile by a man who looked to be a bit older than he. And Niles sighed with relief when he saw the man's name tag;
Bryon.
"Bryon, Thank God."
Bryon's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"
"I-I'm sorry. I was just-I'm so glad to see you." Niles stammered. He felt completely ridiculous but to his credit, Bryon seemed flattered.
"Well, Mr.…"
Niles extended his hand. "Crane. Niles Crane. Dr. Niles Crane, actually."
The two men shook hands. "Pleased to meet you, Dr. Crane. How can I help you?"
Niles smiled. "Well, I've just gotten engaged and I need to purchase an engagement ring and a wedding ring set for my fiancé and myself."
"May I offer my sincere congratulations, Dr. Crane?" Bryon said. "When is the big day?"
"Thank you, but we… um… We haven't decided yet." Niles said. "Things are still in the planning stages." That much was true.
Bryon pointed to a glass case filled with more wedding rings than Niles had ever seen in his life. The selection was absolutely mind-boggling. How would he possibly choose?
And then, as if by fate, Mel's words came rushing back to him. He told Bryon exactly what his bride-to-be wanted and within seconds, Bryon reached into the display case, and removed a ring that fit Mel's specifications perfectly.
"How do you like this one?"
Niles stared at the wedding ring in awe. It was absolutely stunning. Rows and rows of tiny diamonds in a cross setting. It was exactly what Mel had requested. And it was perfect. "I'll take it."
"Excellent. What kind of engagement setting would you prefer?"
Niles looked at each ring that Bryon handed him, choosing one that most closely matched the wedding ring he picked out for Mel.
"Very good." Bryon nodded in approval. As annoyed as Niles had been with Mel at the airport, he had to admit that when it came to choosing a jeweler, she had exquisite taste. He made a mental note to tell her so and he vowed to tell her the moment that she picked up the phone that evening.
He could hardly wait to call her.