“Would you like me to take out these necklaces, so you can look at them more closely?” the lovely saleswoman asked in a melodic tone.
“How much is the ruby necklace?” Cindy suddenly responded, fixing on that one. The warmth of the rubies made her feel warm and alive.
The saleswoman gave Cindy a price which was startling. But Cindy seldom purchased jewelry for herself, wasn’t familiar with what a necklace like this would cost.
“It’s beautiful,” Cindy murmured, drawn to it.
“I’ll take it out, so you can hold it,” the woman said, pleased.
Cindy wanted to stop her, but also suddenly wanted to hold the necklace in her hands.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Cindy cradled the necklace in her hands. Holding it gave her a sense of aliveness and power and it would go beautifully with her black dress tomorrow. But the price was certainly high.
“This necklace has been one of our favorites,” the saleswoman spoke softly. “We actually have a few more on order. I believe this is the last one we have in stock.”
Cindy wanted to say, “I’ll take it,” but held back.
Suddenly she felt someone come up behind her and looked at the necklace over her shoulder.
Before Cindy could turn around, a male voice said, “Take it.”
Cindy spun around, Mattheus was standing there.
“Take it,” Mattheus repeated softly. “It’s a gift from me - almost as beautiful as you are.”
“What are you doing here?” Cindy was jolted, the last thing she’d expected was to see Mattheus here.
“I was looking for you,” he replied softly, “and actually, the head of room service was in the elevator with you when you came down. I happened to run into him and asked if he might have known where you were; he mentioned you got off on the mezzanine.”
The saleswoman smiled. “How charming.”
Cindy was touched, not only that Mattheus had been looking for her, but by his generous offer.
“You chose the perfect necklace,” Mattheus continued. “I want you to have it, truly.”
“So, shall I wrap it up then?” the saleswoman asked.
“Definitely,” Mattheus nodded, “wrap it up.”
Cindy looked over at him, her eyes suddenly filling with tears. “Are you sure, Mattheus?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Mattheus murmured. “How about you? Are you sure?”
Cindy suddenly felt nervous. “Sure of what?”
“Sure that you love that necklace,” Mattheus quickly replied, “that it’s the one you really want?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful, thank you,” Cindy said softly. “I’ll always love it, and I’ll wear it at Beggio’s party tonight.”
“You’ll be the brightest spot there,” said Mattheus. “I’m grateful you’ve allowed me to get it for you. It means as much to me as it does to you.”
*
Cindy returned to her room with the necklace, and Mattheus took off to speak to some people who knew the hotel owner he was meeting with that night. Mattheus wanted to know everything he could about Beggio’s hedge fund and network. And, he had to find out whether Frank was involved somehow.
Cindy sat down and opened the box the necklace was in and stared at it for a long time. This was the first gift Mattheus have given her, and it was all she could have possibly hoped for. It had happened so naturally and casually that Cindy felt flustered. She knew that when Mattheus had said he was sure, he was talking about more than the necklace. He’d also asked her if she were sure. Cindy felt upset that she couldn’t have answered more directly, given him the assurance he wanted. Was he asking if she sure that he was the one she wanted to live her life with? It was a haunting question to consider right after her sister had been killed.
Cindy took the necklace out, put in on now, and felt its intense energy and beauty flow through her body. As it did, she couldn’t help feel that Ann had been somehow involved with this, too. Was it possible that Ann’s spirit was here with all of them now guiding the events that were happening? Ann had always wanted Cindy to take care of herself, buy beautiful clothing and jewelry. Cindy usually resisted, only did it when Ann was around. Cindy smiled a little as she raised her hand to the rubies at her neck. Ann would certainly have loved this necklace, she would be thrilled that it belonged to Cindy now.
*