“That second one seemed to have worked,” I said.“Frances mentioned he’s in Ardmont, trying to reestablish himself.He signed over Charlie’s guardianship in exchange for one hundred thousand dollars.”
“Ugh.He’s a piece of shit.”
I nodded and continued to the next case to check for anything else new since our last visit.Since there wasn’t, I returned to the necklace and asked to try it on.
Miranda weighed the pros and cons of the piece with me.
“You know you can afford it,” she said finally.“Just get it.”
“It’s not about affording it.It’s about giving it a good home like it deserves.This designer’s work is meant to be seen, not stored away.And I’m not sure I’ll be able to wear it often enough to give it the love it deserves.”
Miranda pretended to dab tears from the corner of her eyes.
“You have such a good heart, Sophia.If any of your jewelry adoptions need more love and attention, send them to Aunty Miranda.”
The clerk laughed again, and I rolled my eyes at Miranda.
“You’re going to have enough to take care of,” I said.
She grinned and leaned a hip on the counter as she gave me her full attention.
“I promise to take great care of your babies too.When’s the next fitting?I’m dying to see them.”
“In a few weeks.”
“Weeks?”she said with a whine.
“I need more space, which is why you’re with me today.”
She made a dismissive sound.“I’ve seen where you live.There’s plenty of space.”
“And distraction.I need workspace.”
She smirked.“Does the new Mr.know you’re running away?Getting cold feet for the joining ceremony.”
I looked at the clerk.
“Can you go check on her order, please?”
The clerk nodded, and Miranda chuckled, already pulling out her phone.
“Text him and no dresses,” I said.
She pouted and tucked the phone away.
“He would have paid well for that tip.”
“You mean lie.I’m fully committed to forever with Konni, and he knows it.He also knows I need space, which is why we’re looking at the Southside building today, somewhere where he can’t drop in and interrupt my work hourly.”
She sighed and tapped her fingers on the glass case, likely brainstorming another way to shake Konni down for cash.
“Have you bought the baby a welcome gift yet?”I asked to distract her.
Before she could answer, the clerk returned with another woman, carrying an ornate silver tray—the small box on its surface as handcrafted as the custom jewelry inside.
Miranda let out an excited squeal, her fast cash scheme completely forgotten.
The woman set the tray on the case, wearing the white gloves Miranda had insisted on so no one but the mysterious designer had touched the piece.Zellon catered to enough snooty rich people that they hadn’t even blinked at the request when Miranda had placed the order.
