Page 113 of Misconception (Unrequited 2)

I’m in the city, Smalls. Can we meet for coffee? I have some time this morning. I want to give you something for the bambino.

Seeing my ex was the last thing I wanted, but he’d bug me all day if I didn’t reply. Plus, I had a hard time turning down a gift for Simone, even if it was from Devon. So far, she owned four frilly outfits and a kickass glider. The poor thing needed some possessions of her own.

I texted him I’d meet him in an hour, then Mac and I were off. At my insistence, we walked. I’d spent the last three days with Jenna in her small office at her recording studio, working and planning. I wasn’t used to sitting still for so long, and I needed to move.

“How are you, Craig?”

He peered down at me briefly, then continued scanning our surroundings. There were paparazzi parked in their usual spot, but they didn’t pay attention to me. There were several famous people who lived in our building, so Mo wasn’t their only target. We’d never gone anywhere together, so our relationship was still safely under the radar.

I didn’t anticipate that lasting long, though, and I was okay with that.

“I’m well, Ms. Ashwood. And yourself?”

I laid my hand on my bump. Well, it could hardly be called a bump now. It was more of a mountain in the middle of my torso. “I’m well also. I have to go to work after this, so the fresh air is awfully nice. How’s your wife?”

“She’s also well.”

I laughed. “Good talk, Craig. As always.”

Soon, we arrived at our destination. Mac held the door for me, allowing me to enter first.

“Are you buying jewelry, Ms. Ashwood? We should have taken the car if we’re going to be carrying something of great value.”

I wrinkled my nose at him. “Relax. I am buying jewelry, but no diamonds will be harmed in the process.”

Zeke Stein, the owner of the store, came toward me with a small box in each hand. “Michaela, my darling, come look at what I have for you.”

I’d found this place through Rosa. Zeke had made her and Ansel’s wedding rings, and my brother brought her here on every anniversary to choose another piece of jewelry.

I sat down at Zeke’s desk at the back of the store while Mac hovered over me. Zeke popped the lids of both boxes, and my eyes widened. Each held a hammered platinum band. Mine was thin and feminine, while Mo’s was three times the width. They were a matching set, which Zeke had made for us after my first visit a week ago.

“They’re perfect.”

He pushed the box with my band in it toward me. “Try it on. Make sure it fits.”

I started to reach for it, but hesitated. “Would it be weird if I let him be the first one to put it on me?”

Zeke gave me an indulgent smile. “No, of course not. Many of my clients are sentimental in that way. If the fit isn’t perfect, you can bring it back to me and I’ll fix you up.”

I turned to Mac and canted my head toward Mo’s ring. “Do you think he’ll like it?”

He studied the ring for a long moment, then nodded. “I’m certain he will.”

“Good. Ring me up, Zeke.” I snorted at my own pun, but sadly, I was the only one.

Mac insisted on carrying the rings for me, and once we were out on the sidewalk, I began walking toward the coffee shop where I would be meeting Devon.

“So, you might be wondering what that was about,” I started.

“I’m not.”

“Craig, please. I feel your curiosity burning through me.”

“That might be something you should talk to your doctor about.”

I snorted in surprise. “You make jokes?”

“Sometimes.”

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