Finding Rory

Chapter 45: Flirting with Engagement

Tristan and Abby walked into James Allen, a prominent Hartford jeweler that specializes in wedding and engagement rings. Tristan moved toward the jewelry displays as a saleswoman walked over to meet him. She stepped in front of Tristan and looked him up and down appraisingly.

"Welcome to James Allen. May I help you?" the saleswoman, whose nametag said Allison, asked.

"Yes, Allison. I'm looking for an engagement ring," Tristan replied.

"Of course, sir. I'd be more than happy to help you with anything you need," she replied huskily as she reached over and laid her hand on Tristan's arm. Tristan looked at her hand and laughed - it seemed that some things never changed. "Come right this way, Mister..." she finished questioningly.

"Mr. Dugrey," Tristan replied as he and Abby followed Allison. He saw the realization flash in her eyes and sighed. This was one of the many things he loved about Rory - she didn't care about his money.

"Well, right this way, Mr. Dugrey," Allison said with a wink. Tristan noticed the extra sway in her hips and laughed when he saw Abby roll her eyes in disgust. "Do you know what you're looking for?"

"No, not exactly. I hadn't planned on proposing quite so soon, so I haven't looked at rings until now," Tristan admitted.

"Oh, you poor dear. Did she give you an ultimatum?" Allison asked with a pout.

"No, nothing like that. I just didn't expect her to be ready to get married yet, but it appears that she is. I've known she was the one for quite some time; I just needed to find her and convince her," Tristan replied as he looked at the rings in the case. "What about this one, Abby?" Tristan pointed to a platinum and diamond solitaire, but Abby wrinkled her nose and shook her head.

"No, it's too plain. I know she doesn't like anything flashy or gaudy, but she needs something special," Abby replied. "What about something like this?" she asked as she pointed to a yellow gold pave cathedral ring.

"No, she never wears yellow gold." Tristan looked through the cases and then stopped in his tracks. "Abby, come here." Abby walked toward him and he turned to Allison. "I'd like to see this one, please."

"Certainly, Mr. Dugrey," Allison replied as she opened the case. She took out the ring and handed it to Tristan.

Tristan took the ring and smiled as he looked at it. It was a platinum ring with a split band that was encrusted with diamonds. In the center of the ring was a flawless two-carat cushion cut diamond. "It's perfect," he whispered. He turned to Abby and held it out. "You and Rory are about the same size - try it on so I can get an idea of whether or not it will look too big on her hand. She's so petite, and I don't want her to feel like it's too much."

Abby slipped off her wedding ring and slid the ring onto her finger and held it out to Tristan. "I think it's perfect - she'll love it," Abby said as she admired the ring.

"Okay, we'll take it," Tristan replied with a smile.

"Do you happen to know what the lucky lady's ring size is, Mr. Dugrey?" Allison asked.

"Actually, I do. I did a little snooping while we were moving her things. She wears a six and a half. When can you have this ready to pick up? I'd like to propose soon."

"We can have it ready to pick up by Saturday. Would you like me to call you, Mr. Dugrey?" Allison asked as she batted her eyelashes.

Tristan laughed, but Abby was done with Allison's flirting. "No, he would not like you to call him. You can write up this sale and be thankful that I'm not complaining to your boss about your blatant flirting. Then you can call me when the ring is ready and I'll come pick it up!" Abby huffed.

"Of course, I didn't mean..." Allison trailed off.

"Save it, Allison. I know exactly what you meant. Now, unless you want me to make a scene you will help my brother and finish this sale without hitting on him again," Abby demanded.

"Of course, ma'am. My apologies," Allison stammered. "Would you like anything engraved inside the band, sir?"

"Yes, I would like it to say "To our forever." Is that possible?"

"Certainly. Let me just write this up and we'll get you out of here." Allison returned a couple of minutes later with the sales ticket and slid it across the counter to Tristan. "Your total is at the bottom, Mr. Dugrey."

Tristan took out his wallet and handed over his American Express Black Card without even looking at the total. Allison swiped his card and then returned it to him as she handed him the receipt for his signature. He quickly signed the receipt and sales ticket and turned to leave.

"Thank you for your help, Allison. Abby will be by to pick up the ring when you call to let her know it's ready," he said before walking off.

He escorted Abby back to his car and helped her into the passenger seat before getting into the driver's side.

"I swear, Tristan. You didn't even stop that woman from flirting with you," Abby complained.

"I'm used to it, Abby, and honestly, knowing that I've still got it is nice. I would never let anything happen, though. I'm a red-blooded male, but I'm not an idiot. You don't ever have to worry about me cheating on Rory," he insisted.

"God help me, Tristan. Your nephew is just like you were. He's only eleven and we already have girls calling the house for him!"

"Well, I could always give him a few tips if you'd like - help him out, you know," Tristan chuckled.

Abby reached over and hit him playfully. "God, the last thing he needs is tips from the self-proclaimed King of Chilton."

"Hey, I got my Mary didn't I?" Tristan replied with a laugh.