Page 65 of Love to Hate You

The associate’s eyes light up. “I think I may have the perfect ring for you. Hold on one minute,” he says and disappears into the backroom.

“More than just a diamond, huh?” Tanner asks. “Bro, do you have any idea how much ‘just a diamond’ at Cartier is going to cost you?”

“I don’t care. If it’s the right ring, I’ll pay anything.”

When the sales associate returns with a small velvet box, I lean over the glass counter and watch as he lifts the lid to reveal a diamond with rubies set on either side of it.

“Fiery rubies for the woman with the fire you love,” he says.

My heart speeds up a beat as I reach for the ring and pull it out of the box. It’s stunning and I turn it beneath the lights which cause the gems to sparkle brilliantly. “It’s perfect,” I say in a low voice. When I glance up at Tanner, he’s grinning from ear to ear.

“It really is,” he agrees.

“I’ll take it,” I tell the associate.

“Do you know her ring size? We can have it sized for her and then you can pick it up-”

“No time,” I say. “I need it now.”

After paying and putting a huge dent on my credit card, we leave the store. It’s worth it, though. As long as Charlie agrees to be my wife, every cent and then some was well-spent.

“You’re going to do it now?” Tanner asks.

“Yeah. Wish me luck,” I say, suddenly sweating.

“You’re gonna be fine, Nash. She’s going to say yes and the two of you will live happily ever after.”

“Let’s hope so,” I say.

Tanner and I slap hands on each other’s back and before I think too hard about it, I grab my brother and hug him. “Thank you, Tanner. I missed your dumb ass.” My voice chokes up.

My younger brother returns the embrace, and we pat each other on the back some more. “Any time, bro,” he says in a gruff tone. “And right back at ‘ya. It’s been lonely without all your bitching.”

I burst out laughing.

“Now go get your girl,” he tells me. “I’ll catch a taxi.”

“You sure?”

“Go!”

“Okay!” I wave and jog over to my car. On the ride over to Charlie’s apartment, my nerves kick in hardcore. I never thought I’d be in this position any time soon– hell, ever– and I feel a little sick. What if she says no? After everything I said the other night, I deserve to be kicked to the curb.

Even though doubt plagues me, I hurry up to her apartment and knock. When she doesn’t answer, I knock harder.Shit.Maybe she isn’t home? I wanted to catch her by surprise but, at this point, I need to see her as soon as possible. I pull my phone out and call her. No answer.

“Dammit,” I swear and hang up. Where the hell is she?

Behind me, I hear a door open and glance over my shoulder to see her older neighbor coming out with a small dog.

“She’s not home,” the woman says.

I turn around, slipping my phone back in my pocket. “Do you know where she is?” I ask.

“She said something about spending the day away from the city.”

As the woman walks away, I drop my head back and wonder where the hell Charlie went. She could’ve gone anywhere and there’s no way to ever know. I suppose I could sit here and wait. Keep calling her cell and maybe she’ll finally pick up.

Out of the blue, our previous conversation floats through my head.

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