When she finished, Blake witnessed her statement. Then they took it over to Sergeant Porter, who seemed grateful for the distraction from his meal.
“I’m on a diet. My wife and I are trying to shed some pounds before we travel to Mexico. She really wants to hike up the Mayan steps, so…” He gestured to the soup.
“You won’t regret it,” Blake said. “I know someone who went there. If you’re a history buff, there’s plenty to see. You’ll really enjoy yourselves. That soup smells…interesting, though.”
“You think so? I think it tastes like cardboard, but I’ll never say it to my wife. She’d put me in the doghouse with Spiff, and he’s too big to share anything. He’s a real mutt, but he’s our baby.”
“You’re a dog person, then?” Blake asked, making conversation as the officer finished his part of the paperwork.
“Something like that,” the sergeant said. “We can’t have children, so we figured we’d get a dog instead.”
Stacey found it endearing how they had accepted the situation, sharing the struggle with his wife and finding joy despite their personal difficulties. And here he is, on a diet so they can travel together. Chivalry wasn’t dead, after all. It could still be found in unlikely places, like local precincts and jewelry stores.
“Have a good evening, you two,” the sergeant said as he stacked the paperwork together.
Stacey felt a presence behind her, and she jumped when Lori appeared.
“I brought the tape,” Lori said. “I had to wait until the store closed. It’s officially been the longest day ever, and I had to get the surveillance guy to make a copy for their records. According to him, the thieves wore hooded masks.”
The atmosphere of the room changed, and the mood continued to sour as Lori continued, explaining all the challenges she’d faced that day to Blake, mostly, but she included the others, her icy gaze sliding over each of them in turn.
“Perhaps you’d like to tell me where I need to take this tape,” she said to Sergeant Porter. “I’m going to be late for my Pilates class and I’m trying to focus on something today other than the robbery.”
Sergeant Porter managed to remain professional. “You’ll need to go to the front desk and file this A-38 form. After that, you’re all set for now. Make sure you include your case file number. I’ll note it down for you.” Sergeant Porter searched for a pen.
“I plan on watching the entire security tape, but I surely hope I don’t have to be the one to sleuth out who broke into my store. You’re the police, not me…oh, for goodness sake.” Lori snatched the paper from the sergeant’s hand and walked briskly in the direction of the front desk with her heels clacking on the polished floor. She didn’t say any goodbyes or thank yous to anyone, not even Blake. It was like watching a movie villain drawn into real life.
Blake muttered something in Lori’s direction. It didn’t sound good. Turning back to the officer, he said, “Sorry about all that. Do you need anything else from us?”
“No, you’re good. It’s pretty mundane, but everything has to be in writing. You know how it is.”
“I understand. And have fun in Mexico.”
“Oh, we will. I think I’m going to buy one of those sombrero hats while we’re down there. Wearing a big hat might make me look thinner.”
They didn’t see Lori at the front desk. She must have submitted the form with lightning speed before dashing out the door.
“Thanks for helping us out,” Blake said.
Stacey turned her head. “Happy to. The people at the station seem nice.”
“I think so too.” For a moment, they just looked at each other. His dark eyes seemed softer, as though they liked looking her way, and she found herself holding her breath, wondering what he might say next.
Finally, he said, “I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Lori’s not going to be at work, so we can have a relaxed day. I can give you more training if we’re not too busy.”
Stacey nodded, dismissing her disappointment again. “Sounds great.” She held her hand out to hail a cab. “Do you need a cab too?”
“No, thanks. I’ll walk from here. See you later.”
A cab pulled up with a screech. After glancing back one more time, she got in. The traffic went by in a rush of color and noise. Could he really regard Lori the way he did while being married to her? But how could Lori stand having him for a partner if he wasn’t “hers”?
She felt like her heart was being pulled in two directions, between what was likely and what she hoped for, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before the two collided. She knew she could just ask Jinese, but she was afraid to hear the answer. That, or the chance of Jinese telling Blake all about it. She’d have trouble coming into work the next day if that happened.
The last thing I need is false hope. As much as she hated to admit it, it was better not to know than to think Blake was available…only to discover she was wrong.
Chapter Six
Later that evening, Tiffany chided herself for her fancies. The whole thing was probably all in her head, a silly dream. A one-sided crush.
Out of the silence, her cell phone rang. It was Tiffany, calling after work like she often did. Stacey answered it, glad to have a distraction.
“Hey, stranger,” Stacey said.
Tiffany’s voice sounded tired, but still upbeat. “Hey, you. How are things?”
“Not too bad. I just got back from the police station.”
“So, they finally caught you.”
“Oh stop. Not like that. I was there with Blake filling out paperwork on the robbery.”
“I hope they catch whoever it was and recover some of the stolen stuff. That’s awful that it happened.”
“Pretty much. Blake’s taking it well, though. As good as he can be. How was work today?”
“Stressful. I must have walked the equivalent of a marathon across five floors. There are a lot of patients right now. If I didn’t know better, I’d say everyone is eating badly and falling off ladders.”
“Not all of them. I just met a guy who’s on a diet with his wife. He seems to be doing fine. He was eating some soup that tasted like cardboard.”
“Sounds a little like hospital food. But never mind that. Tell me about you. How is the new job coming?”
“It’s…coming,” Stacey said.
“What happened to all the progress you’ve been telling me about?”
“It’s not really about the job. Well, it is, but more than that.” She sighed. “I might have a crush on Blake.”
“Well, that’s obvious. You’ve brought him up every time we’ve talked for a while.”
Well, that was anticlimactic, Stacey thought. “I know I’ve been talking a lot about him, but I don’t think I’ve admitted it yet.” Not even to myself.
“You sound down about it. What’s the big deal? Is he married or something?”
“That’s the thing. I’m not sure. The other owner has the same last name, but they don’t act like a couple. She’s a…” She stopped before she said something harsh. “She’s a really different type from him. They argue about their business, and he makes comments about her attitude behind her back. They don’t really get along. And he doesn’t have a wedding ring on his finger, though maybe he’s getting it cleaned or something.”
“Okay, so maybe they aren’t married. Maybe they’re related.”
“That’s what I’ve been wondering.”
“He’s a nice guy. You don’t meet that many nice guys in the city these days. He makes me laugh. I try not to think about him too often, but it’s not always easy.”
“He sounds great, but just be careful. You haven’t known him all that long, and he is still your boss and all.”
Stacey sipped her glass of wine. She didn’t often drink wine, but when she did, she indulged. “Yeah, true. I’ll keep it in mind. Why am I always such a sucker for men with dark eyes?”
“Dark eyes? Uh oh. Now I know we’ve lost you.”
“It’s tru
e. That’s my thing. It’s not easy having a thing.”
It sounded like Tiffany shrugged on her end. “We all do. Some of them are more helpful than others, though. Well, if he’s married, you can’t do anything about it. I know that’s not super helpful, but some things we just can’t change.”
“If he’s available, then you need to find out what he’s thinking. Has he made any moves or shown that he likes you?”
“It’s hard to tell. You know I’m bad at knowing when a guy is flirting with me. I just know when we talk, he makes me feel…special. Important.”
Tiffany was quiet for a moment. “You need to find out if he’s married or not before you put any more mental energy into this. Maybe you don’t have to come out and ask him. I could stalk his social media for you if you want.”
“No. I already looked online,” Stacey said. “His accounts are private, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to add or friend him just yet. It feels like prying. And I haven’t looked for Lori, just in case she can see who’s visited her account. I don’t think that’s possible, but I don’t want to risk it.”
“You make her sound like a honey badger. No wonder he said stuff about her when she’s not around. Maybe when you’re at work next, you could just say something like, ‘Hey hot-stuff, are you married? Because I want to be with you and have all of your babies.’ Problem solved. You can thank me later.”
Stacey laughed. “Thanks for the tip. Maybe I’ll try that. Then immediately disconnect my phone number and move to another country.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
By the time the call ended, Stacey felt better. Nothing really had changed, though, but at least she’d had a laugh. Her cat was already on her bed, sprawled out as if to claim both sides.
“Harrison, nobody can ever replace you. You’re the top guy in my life.”
The cat flicked his tail against the bedspread. He looked back at her as if he wasn’t impressed.
Chapter Seven
Stacey made sure she left her apartment earlier the next day, her walk to work accompanied by the click of her heels against the pavement. She still wasn’t quite sure about her gameplan, but one thing was clear—if he was happily, or even unhappily married, then that was that. She would respect the situation and bury her feelings forever.
Sure enough, she reached the store ten minutes early. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the newly-installed glass door open, confident he’d be there already. The curtain opened, and he walked through it, showing off a classy sports coat and slacks. She had to give it to him, he had a great sense of fashion.
“Good morning,” he said. “How are you?”
“Oh, fine. I slept pretty well.”
“I have something I want to show you today. They’re a new batch of sapphires, expertly cut from a small manufacturer in France. They’re one of the new online partners I’ve brought on recently, and it’ll be great for the store.”
Stacey’s eyes lit up as she listened to him. She loved sapphires, partly because of the color and partly because they were her birthstone. She’d always thought herself lucky to have such a vibrant stone for her month.
The sapphires were in section seven, right next to where the robbery had taken place, but the glaziers had done such a good job that she could hardly believe it was the same spot. Soon, they stood at the display of a wide range of rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. He stopped suddenly, and she found herself closer to him than she intended. His aftershave has a spicy scent to it.
“My birthday is in September, so I’m pretty familiar with sapphires,” she said, trying to fill the gap in conversation.
Blake turned the key to the display case lock and opened the swinging door. “Mine’s in March. We’re six months apart on the other end of the year.”
“There you go. Spring and fall.”
“You know what they say, opposites…”
What? Attract? Is that what you were about to say? She didn’t finish his sentence for him, and neither did he. He slipped the key back into his pocket.
For a moment, neither spoke. Then he looked down, seemingly past the sapphires as he said, “Actually, I have something to confess.”
Stacey’s eyes flew toward him, her mind whirring at what he could mean. Was this a good confession or a bad one?
“Your birth month—I already knew it. I remember it from processing your new hire paperwork. It’s partly why I wanted to show you the sapphires. I thought you’d like them and be able to relate with customers about them.”
Relief flooded her body. She’d jumped to conclusions too hard. “I do. I’m glad you showed me.”
“Which is your favorite?”
“I like this necklace. It’s not as elaborate as the others, but the craftsmanship is beautiful.”
Blake reached inside and picked it up. “Here. Can you lift up your hair for me?”
“Blake, I don’t think I should,” Stacey said, taking a step back. “It’s too expensive to even be out of the cabinet. Everything in this section is.”
“Consider it a new way to display our inventory. You can keep it on until the end of your shift, then I’ll put it back in the case. Here, let me help you clasp it.”
Reluctantly, Stacey lifted her hair, and Blake’s hands went around her front. He moved deliberately as he secured the clasp, his calm contrasting with the rapid beating of her heart. She felt the faintest wisps of his breath on the back of her neck, and it was all she could do to keep from turning around while he stood so near.
He stepped back, admiring his handiwork. “You look beautiful,” he said. “These pieces won’t last long, I’m sure.”
She felt like a queen. She was wearing a very expensive necklace. It was the most trusting gesture anyone had extended her in a long time. “Thank you. I’ll make sure it stays safe.”
“I know you will,” he said.
A customer walked in when he said, “Your turn. Work your magic.”
“Hi there. I’m Stacey. How may I help you today?”
The woman was tall and slim, wearing a raincoat, even though it had been dry for the last hour. “I’m looking for a new bracelet.”
“I can certainly help you with that. Did you have a type or style in mind?”
“I like white gold, but I’ll take a look at what you’ve got. What do you recommend?”
“We received a collection last month that might be of interest. If you’ll allow me to show you.”
They moved to that particular display case, and Stacey started the process of having the customer try on a handful of different pieces. The first two didn’t elicit much of a reaction, but the third piece seemed to hold her attention. Even after trying on a fourth and fifth piece, she went back to the third.
“It already fits you well,” Stacey said. “Look at how it rests against your wrist and catches the light. With something like this, it would be hard not to notice at your next dinner party or gathering.”
The customer looked up as if that was exactly what she was thinking. “You know, I’m not usually this impulsive, but I’ll take it. And I know exactly which friend I’m going to show first.”
Stacey held in her excitement as she rang up the purchase, being careful to press the right buttons. This would be the absolute worst time to mess something up. The woman left with the bracelet on, without even taking a box or bag for it. The moment they were alone, Stacey turned to Blake.
“Oh my God. Did you see that? I sold my first piece!”
“You did great,” he said. “She had no choice but to buy from you. What a natural.”
She found more enjoyment from his praise than from the accomplishment itself. She knew she had to be blushing.
“Thanks, Blake. I appreciate it. It helps when I have a great teacher.”
“If that necklace had anything to do with it, that means I’ll be draping jewelry on you until you glow like a chandelier. Maybe it’s your good luck charm.”
“It just might be
. I won’t turn down wearing it.”
That day was turning out to be the best that year, especially considering the company in the room. Sure, he wasn’t asking her to go on vacation with him yet, but he still smiled at her like she was the only woman in the city.
Minutes later, his voice carried from the back. “Stacey, did Lori mention to you what these new display cases are for?”
Stacey joined him. “No, she didn’t. I was hoping you knew. They’re even nicer than the ones we have on the floor.”
“You’re right. She and I have already had many discussions on this. She wants to cram more display cases on the showroom floor, and I think that would make it too crowded. Bumping up against a bunch of people is an easy turn-off.”
“You mean she bought them without you knowing?”
He ran a finger along his jaw. “It seems so. I’m going to have a talk with her later. I haven’t checked our inventory system yet, but I hope she hasn’t already purchased the merchandise for it too.”
“If it helps, it wasn’t there yesterday when I left.”
“There’s nothing to do about it until I talk to Lori later. For now, we’ll leave it where it is, and I need to check the system. The insurance is going to take weeks to pay out what we lost,” he muttered. “And yet she spends more money without asking or talking about it. She’ll never understand how to run this business.”
Stacey could see how he’d be upset. She would too in his situation. From the looks of things, Lori had gone on a spending spree. She mainly hoped the added loot wouldn’t encourage a second robbery.
For over an hour, Stacey tried to keep the situation out of her mind. Customers filtered in and out without much fanfare. It was turning into a rather mundane day until Lori arrived. She made a beeline for the office.
“Who moved these cases?” Lori asked, loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Stacey?”
All That Glitters Page 4