Page 88 of It Must Be Love

I missed my nephew, and I hated that I couldn't see him except if I allowed my brother to use me. I didn't mind babysitting Magnus—but my I deserved to be respected.

That became very obvious when we saw them in Back Bay one Sunday afternoon. April had brought with it all the wonderful things about spring, and we were walking down Newbury Street when we bumped into Nolan, Kara, and Magnus, who was in a pram.

Amias had dragged me to a jewelry store window, wanting to know what my style was.

"My style is paste, Amias. Jewelry that I buy at Marshalls."

"Is that a jewelry store?"

"God, you're such a snob."

"What?"

"It's a retail outlet store. Where do you shop? Never mind, I don't even want to know."

"Is it diamonds?" Amias coaxed.

"Why do you want to know?" I demanded as he pulled me closer and kissed the side of my head.

"Rubies?"

"Amias?"

"Sapphires. I know."

"I like pearls. Okay?"

"Like big strands of pearls or—"

"Dangling pearl earrings." I flicked mine so he could see.

"They're nice."

"They cost me fifteen dollars compared to those here that cost fifteen thousand. My god, why would anyone spend that kind of money on stupid jewelry."

"How much money would be right then?" he asked me.

"Fifteen dollars. You want to buy me jewelry, that's your budget."

"You're so fucking stubborn, Naya."

I took his hand, dragged him away from the store.

"Hey, Amias," Nolan cried out excitedly.

"So nice to see you, Amias; it's been so long," Kara cooed. "You missed our party last week. Nolan said you couldn't make it."

They both looked at me and just nodded and then turned their attention to Amias. "Nolan, Kara."

I immediately crouched to the pram. "Hey, little man."

Magnus waved a hand, and Kara moved the pram away from me. "Like you care," she looked suspiciously at Amias and me. "Nolan even asked you to spend time with Magnus and you said no."

I stepped away, shocked, and hurt. Amias wrapped an arm around me.

"What are you two doing together?" Nolan demanded.

"Well just now I was trying to find out what the hell kind of jewelry Naya likes so I could buy the right ring when I ask her to marry me, but so far no go. She refuses to tell me what stone she likes."

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