Supersonic

by Anouschka Zagorski

  “Isn’t that where the designer shops are?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Well, because I was thinking I may have a look at watches. They may be cheaper in Switzerland, and they are tax free.”

  “Right. Maybe. I don’t really know anything about watches.”

  “You know, for example Omega - the James Bond watch.” He did that Godfather voice again.

  I laughed. “Of course - what else! Sure, if you want. Maybe after lunch if we have time.”

  We walked across the Pont des Bergues, across the Place du Rhône and found the little bistro on the Place de la Fusterie. Once we were shown to a table by the window, where we could have a view of the square, Jacob ordered two glasses of champagne.

  “Champagne?” I enquired.

  “Why not? I feel like celebrating,” he declared.

  “Celebrating what?”

  “You and me, and everything.”

  I smiled. “That’s sweet. Actually, I don’t ever need a reason to drink champagne.”

  Lunch was rather uneventful because we were both busy on our blackberrys and just interrupted typing or reading once in a while to take a bite of the delicious food or a sip of the champagne.

  After lunch we left the square and turned right into the Rue du Rhône. I spotted the Omega shop on the left, as well as Louis Vuitton next to it. I said nothing at all as we stepped inside Omega and were greeted enthusiastically by an attractive female sales assistant. Jacob asked to see a selection of the Seamaster range. When she returned with a tray on which three watches were displayed, he tried each of them on whilst negotiating a discount. Then he turned to me.

  “What do you think? I mean - it’s a lot of money. I have never spent that much on a watch, but it’s tax free - and she is giving me some extras.”

  “You deserve it, darling. You make good money but you don’t really spend any - I think you should buy it.”

  “You are probably right.” He inhaled deeply. He signalled to the sales assistant, who had stepped away discreetly, and nodded his agreement.

  When we left the shop, Jacob proudly holding a little Omega bag containing his old watch, the new one gleaming on his wrist, he hesitated. “And now?”

  I automatically turned my head to the left towards the Louis Vuitton store. He followed my movement, misread it and grinned. “Now what a coincidence - there is Cartier! Well, let’s go.”

  I held my breath in surprise. “Really?”

  “Yes.” He took my arm and led me to the boutique. I hardly noticed the window display at Louis Vuitton when we passed by. The doorman at Cartier greeted us cheerfully when he opened the door.

  “Bonjour madame, monsieur. Est-ce que je peux vous aider?” An elegant lady approached us inside.

  “Hello. Yes. We would like to look at engagement rings.” Jacob stated resolutely.

  My jaw dropped. I turned to stare at him. He smiled nonchalantly and ignored me.

  “Of course, with pleasure! May I say congratulations?” The lady beamed at us enthusiastically.

  “Not quite yet,” Jacob replied smugly.

  She led us to a small desk and asked us to take a seat while she left to get a selection of diamond rings. I was too stunned to say anything. Jacob just sat there and grinned.

  She returned with a small black velvet tray containing three solitaire rings and held it out to me.

  “Oooh. They are gorgeous.” I carefully touched the biggest one in awe.

  “Why don’t you try these on for size? Then I can bring you more,” the sales assistant suggested.

  I slowly put one of the rings on my right ring finger. Jacob picked up the ring with the largest stone and looked at the small price tag. He gave a slight cough. “Forty thousand - that is a little outside my price range,” he explained to her with a charming smile.

  “Pas de problème!” She replied with enthusiasm as if he had just said the opposite. “How is the size?” she asked me.

  “This one is good. But can I ask - do you have the ring with the double C?” I remembered the beautiful (and not so expensive) ring I had seen with Patricia in the Frankfurt Cartier boutique.

  “Ah, oui! I will get it for you.” She got up, walked to a cabinet, took out a ring with her gloved hand and came back, placing the ring on the tray sitting on the table.

  It was not the one I had seen before. This one was larger, rounder, in shiny white gold, had more diamonds and was just perfect - not a ring I would buy for myself but also not a typical boring solitaire engagement ring. I put it on my finger and stretched out my hand. It fitted perfectly. I looked at Jacob and smiled at him. He smiled back at me.

  “How much is it?” he asked her.

  “In Euro - I think about five thousand seven hundred but I can check,” she replied.

  “We’ll take it.”

  “Fantastique! I will prepare everything and my colleague will bring you some champagne in the meantime!” She took the ring from me, discreetly accepted the credit card Jacob handed to her and walked away to the back room.

  “Jacob, are you sure? I mean - I didn’t think you would actually buy something. I thought we were just looking!” I exclaimed truthfully.

  He laughed and slightly shook his wrist with the new Omega watch. “I am obviously having an uncharacteristic fit of generosity, but yes. I am sure. Actually, I have never been more sure about something.”

  Tears of joy welled up in my eyes. I swallowed hard and gratefully accepted the glass of champagne the sales assistant offered us. For once I was speechless.

  * * *

  That evening and the entire next day at the conference was a blur. I took part in meetings, sat in conference rooms listening to other people and even gave a talk myself. Jacob was in the first row of the audience, beaming with pride and all I could think of was: he bought a ring. An engagement ring! For me!!! I felt so elated, I wasn’t even pondering on when he would give it to me, and what that would entail - a marriage proposal. If I was a man, I’d be terrified to do that. Not so much because of what it means, more because you only have one moment to get it right, to say the right words, not to sound corny, to do it in a dignified, romantic but not cringe-worthy way.

  On our last morning in Geneva we decided to skip the final sessions of the conference and instead have breakfast in bed in my hotel room.

  “This is such luxury - croissants in bed with you, no kids, no office!” I stretched my arms joyfully.

  “Actually, we’ve made a bit of a mess - and you’ve got some crumbs in the corner of your mouth - wait.” Jacob leaned over and tenderly kissed the crumbs off my lips. “There you go, now that’s better.” He contemplated me for a moment. “Uhm. I think I’m going to go to my room to take a shower - do you mind? I’ll be back soon.”

  I suspected he wanted to go to the toilet discreetly. “Of course not, I’ll get up soon as well.” When he had closed the door behind him I snuggled into the duvet and decided to have another little snooze before getting up to prepare for our departure. I must have dozed off because the next thing I heard was Jacob’s voice.

  “Chloé, darling, are you asleep?”

  “Mhmm. Five minutes more please,” I mumbled, leaving my eyes closed.

  He stroked my hair. “Darling, do you want to be my wife?”

  “Of course - what?” I tore my eyes open.

  He was lying next to me in his bathrobe, his hair still wet from the shower, and holding the red Cartier box in his hand. The lid was open, the ring sparkling inside. I jumped up.

  “Oh my god! Yes! Yes, of course!” I hugged him, laughing happily.

  He chuckled. “Well then let me put the ring on your finger.” He took it out of the box and carefully slid it over my right ring finger. I stretched out my hand and admired it.

  �
�It’s so beautiful, Jacob! It’s the most beautiful and valuable thing anyone has ever given to me.”

  “And it is so you. I’m very happy.”

  “And I’m going to make you even happier!” I exclaimed and threw myself at him so that he lost balance. We kissed and I fumbled with the belt of his robe, desperate to make love to my future husband. I finally felt I could let down all my defences, allow myself to be protected and guided by him, the man to whom I belonged. Within minutes I felt like a train was slowly approaching inside my body, starting at my feet and then driving with an explosion through my brain.

  * * *

  At Geneva airport we had some time to spend before we could board the plane. Jacob took out his blackberry and scrolled through it.

  “Darling, can you not put that thing away for once?” I asked.

  “Honey, I am looking at dates.”

  “At dates? For what?”

  “Uhm - for our wedding? Remember? This morning?” He held up my right hand with the sparkling diamond ring.

  “Uh, yeah, but already? I’m just trying to get over the fact that I am actually engaged!”

  “Haha, very funny. Now look - I thought that last weekend in June would be perfect because that’s when the school holidays start and then we can go on a family honeymoon with the kids.”

  I took out my diary and checked the dates.

  “A filofax? I thought nobody uses these anymore,” Jacob remarked with amusement.

  “It’s not a filofax! It’s a Louis Vuitton agenda with a filofax calendar inside!” I corrected him. “Anyway! That weekend is less than four months’ away!”

  “Chloé. You and I have done zillions of transaction closings before - this will be like another one, getting all the required documents and papers and things organised!”

  I laughed. “OK, persuaded. Sounds feasible but you’ll have to take the lead on the paperwork so I can concentrate on the fun stuff like dresses and make-up.”

  “Done!” He grinned with satisfaction. “I can’t wait for you to be my wife. We’ll be the power couple.”

  “Ahem, yes. Now I better tell my bridesmaids - Isabella and Patricia.”

  “We’ll tell the kids together when we pick them up at Jasmin’s.” Jasmin was Jacob’s ex-wife and Antonio’s mother. Their marriage had only lasted a couple of years. Shortly after their separation she met Martin whom she married, immediately after the divorce from Jacob had been finalised. Jasmin and Jacob were on good terms. Jacob was often at their house, not just to see Antonio but also to coo over the little daughter Jasmin and Martin had together. He had taken the girls and me there on several afternoons.

  “Perhaps I should tell the girls separately when we are back in our own home?”

  He frowned. “We’re all effectively a family already anyway, so what’s the problem?”

  “I don’t want to put them on the spot. They might feel pressured or confused.”

  “You should give Jasmin some credit. After all she has had a couple of days to bond with them.”

  “I guess.” Jasmin adored my girls. In the absence of any alternative childcare, I had accepted her offer to look after them whilst Jacob and I were in Geneva. I was curious to see how she would react to the news. She was cool and I liked her but you never really knew.

  I picked up my mobile and texted Isabella and Patricia.

  Big news from Geneva - Jacob proposed! Planning a summer wedding on June 21! Save the date! C. xx

  Isabella’s reply was instant.

  Congratulations! So excited! Promise you go wedding dress shopping with me!!! xxx

  Patricia followed.

  Wow - That’s quick! Don’t think I can be there - I’m invited to go to the South of France with a friend, leaving that day. P xxx

  I couldn’t believe she really meant that.

  Can you not leave one day later? It’s my wedding and I need you to be there :)

  Apparently she did.

  Then I may not be able to go at all. Sorry!!

  I knew Patricia had liked Hugo a lot and had not yet met Jacob properly but I had counted on her support. Well, I wasn’t going to let my big day be spoiled by anybody. I sent a message to Alexia who texted me back straightaway.

  I am so happy for you Chloé! Of course we will be there!!

  I was touched. I reminded myself that the two people who had been there for me most when Hugo left were Isabella and Alexia. So I replied.

  Thank you! Will you be my bridesmaid??

  Her reply was instant.

  Yes! And I will organise a hen night for you that you will not forget! ;)

  I closed my phone with a satisfied smile.

  * * *

  “Hello you two! Welcome back!” Jasmin greeted us, holding the door open.

  “Mummy, Mummy!” Marie and Noëlle jumped up from the sofa and ran towards me when I entered the open living area. A board game was spread out on the coffee table, which Antonio and Martin were bent over and now looked up from. Some cartoon was showing on TV in the background. Antonio’s little sister was standing up in her playpen and rattling at the bar so that her mother would pick her up again.

  “Mhmm, I’ve missed you!” I kneeled down, hugging them both at the same time and burying my face in their hair.

  “So, how was the conference? How was Geneva? You’re probably exhausted. Do you want coffee?” Martin got up and made space for Jacob to sit next to his son.

  “Come here, my little Antonino!” Jacob gave Antonio a cuddle.

  “Get off, Daddy!” Antonio giggled, pretending not to like it - that was their ritual.

  “Actually, we had a great time,” Jacob answered Martin’s question. “Girls, Antonio, we have something we want to tell you.”

  I took the girls by the hand and led them to the sofa. Jacob winked at me encouragingly. He took Marie on his lap, one arm still around Antonio. I sat on the edge of the coffee table, hugging Noëlle from behind. We waited and I looked at Jacob, who drew a deep breath.

  “So - I have asked your mum to marry me. Is that OK with you, girls?”

  “And is that ok with you?” I held my hand out to Antonio.

  Antonio took it and beamed. “Yeah! That’s really cool!”

  The girls nodded. “Okay,” little Marie said.

  “We’ll be a real family?” Noëlle asked hopefully.

  “Yes, a real family,” Jacob replied.

  “Oh my god! That’s wonderful! Congratulations!” Jasmin had been watching us discreetly from the back of the room. She came over and hugged me, and then Jacob. She seemed genuinely pleased.

  “Excellent! Congratulations! No coffee then, I gather - I’ll get some champagne!” Martin declared and disappeared into the kitchen, returning shortly thereafter holding a tray with four glasses and a bottle of champagne. He placed the tray on the dining table and opened the cork with a loud pop.

  “Just as well we haven’t opened that yet - It’s as if we had known we would need it for a special occasion!” Jasmin joked. “Now, Chloé. Did Jacob you get a ring?”

  “Yes - here it is! It’s from Cartier.” I proudly held out my right hand.

  She took me aside and examined the ring. “That’s gorgeous!”

  “You know, I never got such a nice engagement ring from Jacob. He was, of course, a poor student then!” She winked at me with a smile. “However, I would have bet on him still being too stingy to spend that much money on a ring! Chloé, I really think you have cracked Jacob. I have never seen him so happy and relaxed and nice!”

  “But he is nice!”

  “Yes, of course he’s a nice guy! But, as long as I have known him, he has always found it hard to show his true feelings. You seem to have brought out his soft side.”

  “I hope so
. I know what you mean, and that’s certainly the Jacob as I knew him, before we got together - cracking sarcastic jokes, holding people at a distance, but he is lovely with me. He seems to love me just the way I am. I hope you don’t mind me saying that.”

  “Oh no, no! Please don’t misunderstand me! I’m glad we’re not together anymore! It was a disaster, for both of us! I am very happy with Martin of course.” She squeezed my arm in a reassuring manner.

  I was relieved. I looked over at my fiancé, huddled with all three children and talking and laughing with them. I knew it was the right thing to do.

  * * *

  When I entered the office, the next Monday, I felt as if my right hand had doubled in size and the ring was screaming look at me! I was able to contain myself for a few hours then went to see Jessica in her office. She looked up from her papers with panic in her face when I opened the door.

  “Oh thank god it’s only you, Chloé.” She breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought it would be Dolores - she’s on my back to get this out at lunchtime.” She pointed at the pages strewn over her desk.

  I giggled as she was referring to the nickname she had given Tracey. “In that case I’ll come back later.”

  “No, no - it’s fine. I’m nearly done. So how was Geneva?”

  I grinned and approached her desk, holding out my right hand. She understood immediately.

  “Ooooh wow, Chloé! Jacob proposed?” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

  I nodded. “Yes. We got this at Cartier in Geneva. It was quite spontaneous.”

  “That’s so lovely! I am so happy for you!” She jumped up from her chair and hugged me.

  “What’s going on?” Tracey stood in the door, frowning.

  “Chloé and Jacob got engaged, isn’t that great?” Jessica announced gaily.

  Tracey looked at my hand. Her face took on a crimson colour. “Really? Are you quite sure?”

  “Uhm - yes?” I was confused.

  “I see. Well, if you are sure. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you, Tracey,” I replied nicely. Not even Tracey could spoil my happy mood. Then I noticed her shoes. They were light green pumps with green piping and a little green bow. They looked quirky but quite cool. “These are very nice shoes!”