Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 83171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“I’ll take it.”
He lifts his eyebrows. “Just like that?”
“You expect me to haggle?”
“Most people do.”
“Well, I’m in a hurry.” My gaze falls on a black pearl choker in one of the inside display cases.
Skye’s neck was made for a choker, and this one won’t be a collar.
“How much is that one?” I ask. “The black pearl.”
“Those are premium cultured pearls from Japan, hand-knotted with a platinum clasp.”
“Right. How much?”
“Three thousand five hundred.”
“Would it make you feel better if I asked you to throw that in with the diamond purchase?”
“I can take two hundred off the pearls, sir.”
“Sold.” I pull out my wallet.
…
I leave the Diamond District with my purchases, ready to head back to my Manhattan office, when an idea strikes me. I don’t want to wait to give Skye the pearl choker. I want her to have it today. No service will get it to her that quickly, so I click a photo of the piece and place a call to my Boston jeweler.
“Donald,” I say into the phone, “Braden Black.”
“Hello, Mr. Black. What can I do for you?”
“I’m texting you a photo of a black pearl choker. Take a look at it. Do you have something similar in stock?”
I wait a few minutes while he checks the photo.
“I have a lovely one from Akimoto Designs. The pearls are slightly smaller, but it’s a fifteen-inch choker much like your photo.”
“Excellent. Charge it to me, and I want it delivered this afternoon in plain brown paper. Put a handwritten note in an envelope on the package. Got it?”
“Yes, of course. What would you like the note to say?”
I ponder his question for a few seconds. “I’ll text it to you. That way you have it in writing.”
“Good enough. And the address?”
“It’s going to Skye Manning. I’ll text the particulars.”
“Very good, Mr. Black. Thank you for your business.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks, Donald.”
I end the call and quickly text him Skye’s address.
I sigh. For the note.
I start a text. Erase it and start another.
Fuck it. Why not just get straight to the point?
This will go beautifully with your black dress. Wear your hair up and paint your lips red. Bloodred. I’ll pick you up at six.
As I walk out of the district, a tiny masquerade shop catches my eye. In the display case is a striking black mask, satin with black feathers and a large crystal jewel fanning out from one side.
It was made for Skye. I don’t know when she’ll have the chance to wear it, but within two seconds, I’m in the store making the purchase. The salesperson wraps it for me and then nods to a display of plain masks.
“You get one of those for free with your purchase.”
“Oh?” I take a quick look. They’re simple masks in various colors. No embellishments, just a covering for the eyes.
I have no plans to take Skye to a masquerade, but if I do, I’ll need a mask as well. I choose the black one.
An hour later, my phone dings with a text. From Skye.
I love the pearls, Braden. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome, I text back succinctly.
But there’s so much more I want to say.
…
I’m in and out of meetings for the next twenty-four hours. Finally free, and eating takeout at my New York residence, my phone buzzes.
It’s a Boston number, but one I don’t recognize.
“Black,” I say.
“Hi…uh…Braden?”
“Yes? Who’s this.”
“Tessa Logan. Skye’s friend.”
My heart punches my sternum. “Is Skye all right?”
“Oh, yeah. She’s fine.”
I sigh in relief. “Good,” I say, hoping I sound nonchalant. “How did you get this number, Tessa?”
“Well…I kind of kiped Skye’s phone for a minute, found it, and memorized it.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I have one of those minds for numbers. You know?”
Not really, but I don’t say so. I’m not sure what to make of Tessa calling me. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Actually, there is. Skye and I went to the local pet shelter tonight. I adopted a dog. Anyway, Skye saw this little puppy. She was so sweet and lonely, and she adored Skye and Skye adored her. But you know Skye’s place doesn’t allow pets. Skye was just beside herself about the whole thing. She asked me to adopt the puppy, but I had already picked out a dog. That’s why we were there, to pick her up.”
“I see.”
“I told her to call you, but she wouldn’t.”
“Why?”
“Well…I thought…if you could adopt the puppy and keep her until Skye has a better place, maybe…”
“Tessa—”
“She was nearly in tears when we left.”
Crying? Skye was crying? My heart becomes a cannonball in my chest.
I say nothing.
“Are you there?” Tessa finally asks.
“I’m here.”
“I guess it was pretty out of line to call you,” she says. “Skye was just so sad to leave that poor puppy there. She can’t be more than about ten weeks old, probably missing her mother something awful.”