Page 113 of The October Arrangement

“Nothing for me,” I said.

“Are you sure you don’t need a drink?” My father looked at me.

“No. I’m fine.”

“You look nervous,” he said.

“I’m not nervous, Dad.”

Roberto sat across from us. “I’ve been doing this for twenty-eight years. They’re all nervous.” He smiled.

“Thank you, Roberto,” my father said.

I shot him a look and shook my head. Roberto opened a black velvet tray. “I’ve gathered a few different styles for you to look at. Do you have any idea what your girlfriend would like?”

My father laughed.

“You’re being incredibly helpful.” I glanced at him.

“You brought me here because you don’t know what you’re doing. I, on the other hand, have successfully purchased two engagement rings in my life.”

“Let’s start with what you know about her,” Roberto said.

“Her name is Bella.”

My father looked at me. “For fuck’s sake, Simon.”

“What?”

“He means, what kind of jewelry does she like?”

“I know that.”

“Do you?” His brow arched.

“Would you shut the hell up?” I said.

Roberto laughed. “Let me see if I can make this easier for you. Do you have a picture of Bella?”

“Yes,” I said.

“May I see it?”

I pulled out my phone and brought up a picture of Bella from the night at the charity event.

“My, she’s beautiful,” Roberto said. “Lucky man.”

“I know.” I smiled. “And thank you.”

He studied her picture. “I’d say platinum and emerald cut. There are two options here. I can go pull more.”

I picked up one of the emerald-cut rings and examined it. It was beautiful.

“That one is a three and a half carat, flawless diamond. It’s one of our best.”

“It’s nice,” I said.

“Try not to sound so excited,” my father said.