Marcus was doing inventory in the back when he heard the bell over the door jangle cheerfully. Marcus emerged from the stockroom and took his place at the counter. "Can I help you ma'am?" Marcus said, even as he took a cloth from under the counter and polish the glass.
"Yes, I'm looking for a piece of jewelry," said a soft voice.
"What kind of jewelry ma'am? Ring? Bracelet? Necklace?
"Just a plain gold necklace for this," said the woman put in a beautiful ring on the counter. The ring was a man's class ring with a thick, gold band.
"Hm, beautiful workmanship," Marcus said as he examined the ring still not looking directly at the woman. "It's a class ring with a sapphire in the middle. Do you want a thin gold necklace or a thick one?"
"What do you recommend sir?" asked the woman.
"Well thin gold necklaces tend to break at the drop of a hat," Marcus explained by rote. "All you would have to do is catch it on something and not realize it and it would break. 24 karat gold is a soft metal, so it's easy to break. Only when gold is mixed with some other metal is it not so soft. Thick gold necklaces on the other hand don't necessarily have to be mixed with other metals as they are harder to break, but it's also more expensive than the thin gold ones. If you're willing to pay the price then I would recommend a thick gold necklace that would go to just above your breasts."
"How much for a thick gold chain?" asked the woman.
Marcus looked up into the woman's face for the first time something he had yet to do and tried to contain his reaction. The first thing he noticed was the woman had long dark hair. The next thing he noticed was the refined cheekbones the stubborn chin and finally the dark brown eyes the same shade as his own.
Marcus quoted a price that was far less than he usually charged but this woman was his mate so he wasn't about to charge her full price.
"That seems a rather low price," the woman noted.
"They're on sale ma'am," Marcus told her. He didn't tell the woman that he had put them on sale for her and they'd go back to full price after she left.
"Well, this is my lucky day then," the woman said after studying Marcus with a curiously raised eyebrow.
The woman handed over her credit card after Marcus had handed her a thick gold necklace from under the counter. The necklace came in a very nice box that was rectangular.
"This necklace is 24 karat gold," Marcus informed her as he ran a credit card through the register. "It is as pure as you can get, though that doesn't mean that isn't a small amount of other metal mixed in.
"That is so interesting," the woman said seeming genuinely fascinated with what was Marcus was saying.
"I'm glad you think so," Marcus smiled. "I'm Marcus Hotchner by the way, your friendly jewelry store owner."
"Emily Prentiss," Emily introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Emily," Marcus smiled charmingly. "So is that for yourself?"
"Curious are you?" Emily asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, it's not every day a woman comes in to buy a chain for a man's ring. I don't mean to pry, but my curiosity just got the better of me," Marcus offered with a charming grin.
"True," Emily acknowledged. "It belonged to my brother actually."
"Belonged?" Marcus asked Emily noticing she used the past tense.
"He died recently," Emily said not going details.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stir up hard memories," Marcus sincerely apologized.
"You had no way of knowing," Emily said. "I kept this as a memento of my brother."
"I'm sure it's hard to lose family," Marcus told Emily.
"You talk like you've never lost anyone," Emily said cocking her head in curiosity.
"I have lost some friends," Marcus backpedaled, "just not in the family."
He really needed to watch himself and what he said, as it was clear that his mate was intelligent and caught his gaffe.
"So none of your family has died," Emily said and Marcus nodded.
"Your parents are still alive?" Emily asked.
"They are," Marcus agreed not telling Emily why they were. That they were immortal and had been alive for centuries. "Also, none of my siblings has died."
"You are so lucky that there have been no major deaths in your family," Emily said enviously.
"Who knows what the future will bring though," Marcus shrugged.
"True that," Emily agreed.
"So Miss Emily, I hate to bother you in your grief, but how about a date?" Marcus asked.
"You hate to bother me and yet you're still asking me out?" Emily asked with a raised eyebrow in skepticism.
"Yes, I know it's a bit contradictory," Marcus admitted. "But I'll probably never see you again and I really, really like you. Normally, I'd move a bit slower."
"A point," Emily admitted, also being very attracted at this handsome man with dark red hair and brown eyes. His eyes were the color of chocolate the dark not the milk and he also had a slight stubble like he hadn't shaved this morning. That stubble made him even more attractive in Emily's opinion.
"So what about it?" Marcus inquired.
"Why is a handsome man like you who is obviously financially solvent not married?" Emily asked instead of answering.
"I just haven't met the right woman yet," Marcus told her not explaining the reason for this. "No offense, but a lot of women can be very difficult. They can be greedy for one thing and make demands instead of just asking. So many women just want more, more, more like greedy children instead of just being happy with what they have."
Emily simply laughed and it was clear she hadn't taken offense.
"I agree with you women can be difficult," Emily said dissing her own gender. "My mother, for insistence was a very difficult woman. She died several years ago and as mean as it is, I'm glad she's gone. She was the bane of her children's existence. Men are the same in a lot of ways."
"I'm sorry about your mother, even though it doesn't appear she was much of one and yes, men can be just as difficult in a different way. They can be just as greedy as a woman and a lot of times want to be the breadwinner, even in this day and age. Even today, some men still want to suppress a woman's free will. They want them to be good little housewives and look after the children and not have any job outside the home."
"You would think that in this century men would've accepted the fact that a woman is just as capable as they are and sometimes more so," Emily said. "It's obvious to me that you were raised right if the way you talk is any indication."
"My parents have a very harmonious relationship," Marcus said. "My mother runs an antique business that's been in her family for generations. She does quite well."
"What about your father?" Emily asked when Marcus didn't continue.
"Oh he's a businessman," Marcus explained. "Both my parents are quite wealthy and helped me get started."
"It's nice to know your parents supported you, as so many parents do not support their child in their choice for career," Emily said.
"You sound like you're speaking from experience," Marcus said.
"Oh I am," Emily said. "I once told my mother that I wanted to be a famous ballet dancer and she practically went ballistic. I believe I was only 10 or so at the time. I took ballet lessons when I was younger and I was quite good if I do say so myself. It was just a childhood dream, one that faded once I had some maturity, but my mother acted like it was the end of the world that I wanted to go and be a ballet dancer instead of going into a more serious career. She ranted and raved for quite awhile that her daughter was not going to become a slut. I could still hear her even after I'd left the room."
"Your mother thought you would've become some sort of slut just because you wanted to be a famous ballet dancer," Marcus said disbelief.
"Well, ballet dancers do have a certain reputation as being slutty," Emily shrugged. "Even if it's only a few they can ruin the reputation for ballet dancers everywhere. Centuries ago ballet was considered for the cream of society just like the opera. If you were wealthy then you went to see things like Swan Lake or any other ballet so you could be seen not necessarily because you enjoyed it. Things sure have changed."
"That's true," Marcus agreed, "but things can't stay the same no matter how much you want them to. Ballet has never been my thing, but that doesn't mean I don't know that it used to be for the ultrawealthy. Just like the opera used to be for the cream of society and now it's for everyone and you don't have to go dressed in formalwear. You can go in jeans and a t-shirt. Standards have loosened up a lot."
"That's the truth," Emily agreed, enjoying talking to this intelligent, handsome man.
"So about that date," Marcus mentioned, as several customers came in the front door, which meant Emily would leave and he'd never be able to find her here in Fort Worth Texas.
"OK," Emily finally agreed causing Marcus to light up in relief. "I can see you're busy so here's my number we can discuss that date after you close."
Emily wrote down her number on the pad of paper that Marcus put on the counter along with a pen, even as he dealt with his customers with his usual efficiency.
"I'll call about seven," Marcus told her, as he watched her leave after she nodded.
~~~Marcus and Emily~~~
Months later
Marcus whistled cheerfully, as he locked up his shop looking forward to his date with Emily. He couldn't believe he had finally met his mate, but he should've known it would happen eventually as so many of his family had met their's. Both the Rossis and the Hotchners had been extremely blessed. It wasn't too long ago that his cousin Ambrose had met his mate in the gorgeous Penelope Garcia. That had happened only about 50 years ago, which wasn't long at all for a mortal or immortal alike.
The two of them had been dating for months now and they got along great from the first. That they did wasn't surprising since mates shared a lot of similarities and personality things like ethics and morals. His parents as well as his aunt and uncle had been very happy for him when he told them that he had met his mate.
Marcus's outlook on life had brightened considerably ever since he had met the lovely Emily Prentiss.
Marcus was soon back at his apartment and his link immediately rung as if somebody knew he was home. The truth was though that he got home at the same time every day and his family knew that. He was a man of routine, not spontaneousness. That might be changing in the very near future though and he wouldn't mind that at all, as his life had gotten rather staid. In other words, boring.
"How's it going with Emily son?" Aaron asked, as soon as Marcus had answered.
"Fine, dad," Marcus said. "I think it's about time we told her."
Marcus didn't say what it was time for since they were on a link call and they could be eavesdropped on. There was no reason for anybody to eavesdrop on them, but it didn't hurt to be cautious
"Well, it has been over six months," Aaron agreed.
"So it's way past time that I introduce her to you and mom and Aunt Jazz and Uncle Dave," Marcus said.
"Are you coming here or are we coming to you?" Aaron asked.
"I'll ask Emily and see what she thinks," Marcus decided.
"That's a good idea son. Try to convince her to come out here if you can," Aaron said.
Aaron didn't say so, but this way they could explain everything to Emily in their own home. They'd have complete privacy. Also, Jazz wouldn't have to transport the desert to Fort Worth, either that or go to the trouble of making something in Marcus's kitchen. Marcus's kitchen was spacious and state of the art, as he had every possible cooking tool. Marcus could cook with the best of him much like his mother and most of the rest of his family but since he was a bachelor that was a good thing. Being able to cook prevented him from having to eat out for every meal and also saved him a ton of money not that that really mattered to him.
"Let us know as soon as you can about whether you're coming here or were coming there so we can make arrangements," Aaron told his son.
"I will," Marcus promised before his father signed off.
His parents were living in Reno in Nevada along with the Rossis. Reno was still the center of tourism in Nevada, even in this century and also a city of gambling much like Las Vegas. They were two of the most popular destinations for tourists who wanted to gamble. Of course, if you wanted to go off planet there was always Omega. Omega had become the gambling capital for those that didn't want to stay on planet Earth.
Marcus had actually been a few times, but not since he had met Emily. Marcus was perfectly happy to stay here in Fort Worth on planet Earth so long as Emily was here.
Marcus fixed himself a meal quickly and enjoyed it sitting in his recliner watching a basketball game. Basketball was still the number one sport here on earth as his popularity had never faded. Baseball was also still popular as well as most of the sports.
His condo was fairly large especially for one person, but Marcus liked his space and didn't want to be crammed into a small apartment or condo. He could certainly afford a lot of luxury as not only did his jewelry store do really well he also had a trust fund.
Marcus thought about how to suggest that it was time for her to meet his parents. He hoped she responded well to the suggestion, but one never know with Emily, as she was a spitfire something he loved.
He wouldn't want someone that he could walk all over as that wouldn't be very satisfying especially for centuries.
Easter was upcoming, as it was nearly April and while that wasn't a major holiday for most people it was still time for family to gather. It was a holiday based off of Jesus's resurrection on the third day. While it wasn't always on the same day it took place in April or occasionally on the last day of the previous month.
Easter would be a good time to introduce Emily to his family his parents and godparents at least.
~~~Marcus and Emily~~~
"So what do you think about meeting my family?" Marcus asked Emily the next day.
"That sounds really nice," Emily said. Her tone was sincere. "I'm actually surprised I haven't met them before now as you talk about them so affectionately."
"They don't live here in Fort Worth, which is why you haven't met them," Marcus explained.
"Oh, where do they live?" Emily asked in obvious curiosity.
"In Reno Nevada," Marcus explained.
"Oh that's rather interesting," Emily said. "I've heard of it, of course. It's a tourist destination, that has a lot of gambling just like Las Vegas it's sister city. It's known for its theater, it's gambling, it's food and it's sites."
"We can stay for a few days if you want. See some of the sites," Marcus said.
"That's a great idea, as I've never been to Reno or Nevada at all," Emily said. "I'll have to get the time off work, but I can do that."
"I'll have to let my assistant take over the shop for a few days, but like you said it's doable," Marcus said.
"You must really trust your assistant to not steal from you while you're gone," Emily said. "I mean you sell high-quality things worth a lot of money."
"My assistant is my cousin and I know where my cousin lives," Marcus explained with a laugh. "There's no way that Gina would steal from me as her parents would likely kill her and my mother and father are her godparents. Unlike a lot of people, Gina is honest and she's always willing to help me out when needed."
"That's really nice," Emily said now knowing she didn't have to be jealous of Gina Rossi who she had met briefly at Marcus's place of business, as she came in for her shift. Gina was really beautiful with her dark hair and dark eyes and what looked like a tan. She was slimly attractive and a little bit over average height.
"See there's no reason to be jealous of Gina," Marcus teased her. "I could never think of her romantically, as we grew up together. She and my sister were and are great friends."
"I was never jealous," Emily scoffed totally lying.
Marcus knew differently as he had seen the brief look of jealousy cross Emily's face when she had come in for her shift. He said nothing however, figuring that was the better part of valor. Why make Emily mad at him by pointing out that she had a indeed been jealous of Gina.
"So when do you want to go and visit my parents?" Marcus asked Emily.
"Anytime really is good," Emily said seeming glad to get off the subject of Gina.
"What about next week?" Marcus suggested knowing that would give his aunt plenty of time to come up with a fantastic dessert.
"That's fine with me I can arrange my leave sometime in the next couple of days. How do you want to stay for a week or two weeks?" Emily asked.
"Two weeks is good if you can get that much time off," Marcus said. "I haven't seen my parents in awhile or my aunt and uncle."
"The parents of your cousin Gina," Emily inquired and Marcus nodded. "They both live in Reno?" Emily asked.
Marcus said, "Yes, they do. That's where they raised their families."
Marcus didn't add for this generation, because he hadn't grown up in Reno, but in Chicago."
"I'm looking forward to meeting your parents," Emily told Marcus sincerely.
"They are looking forward to meeting you, as I've told them all about you," Marcus assured her.
"So you mentioned siblings. How many do you have," Emily asked curiously.
"I have three," Marcus told her. "Two brothers, one sister."
"You only have one more than I have. You know about my brother that died, but I also have a sister who is very much alive."
"I would love to meet your sister sometime, since she's the only family you have left," Marcus said.
"Oh, you will eventually," Emily said. "I told her all about you and she's eager to meet you."
"Just like my siblings are eager to meet you," Marcus said. "So what kind of dessert is your favorite?"
"Why do you ask?" Emily asked curiously.
"Because my aunt is a baker and she always does some type of dessert for these type of meetings. If I tell her what your favorite dessert is she'll do it just for you," Marcus explained.
"That's really nice of your aunt," Emily said. "As for my favorite anything with chocolate is good."
"I love chocolate to and so does most of my family, so you'll fit right in," Marcus laughed. "I know she'll come up with something spectacular."
"I can hardly wait," Emily said now relishing her visit to Marcus's parents as well as godparents even more.
The two continued to talk for sometime before Emily left to arrange her leave from work and Marcus to arrange for Gina to take over for however long they were gone.
~~~Marcus and Emily~~~