“Who’s up there with you?” Nathan asked.
“It’s Konrad and Roz back to visit,” Konrad said. “We were trying to find Morgaine, but the girls aren’t here.”
“I know, they’re Christmas shopping.”
By now, Nathan had found the one spot where he could look up through the stairwell and make eye contact with the trio leaning over the third-floor railing.
Sly’s eyes grew wide. “Christmas shopping? Like, for us?”
Nathan grinned. “Well, yeah. It’s not like they buy gifts for each other at this time of year.”
“Shit,” Sly muttered. “I didn’t get her anything. And tomorrow is the winter solstice. That’s the holiday they celebrate. It’s called Yule. If we’re getting gifts for our holiday, we should reciprocate for theirs.”
Roz spoke up. “You know what, Sly, you should go get something for her while there’s still time. We can always visit Merry and the baby until you get back.”
He thought it over and agreed. “Okay, I wouldn’t just run out on you, but this is important. What should I get her?”
Roz tipped her head and tapped her bottom lip, as if she were giving it some thought. “Hmmm…. What do you give a woman you want to marry? Oh, I know!” She waggled her third finger onher left hand. The pretty little marquis diamond sparkled in the light from the sconces.
“A ring? Really? It’s that simple?”
Roz smirked. “If you can afford it, you’ll never have an easier, no-brainer gift to buy.”
Only Slycouldn’tafford it. The visitors had called Merry and were welcomed up into the penthouse, so Sly was on his own to figure this out.
Nathan waited at the bottom of the stairs, and he jogged down to talk to him.
“How do you know they went Christmas shopping?”
“Gwyneth stopped by and asked me all of my sizes, so I guess I’m getting clothes.”
“Did you buy her anything yet?”
“Yes. She has pierced ears, so I got her a pair of earrings.”
“Hmmm…” Unfortunately, Morgaine had about seven piercings, so Sly didn’t know how to handle that. Would he have to buy three and a half pairs of earrings? And, with what? Would she want something he got with his charm, good looks, and powers of mesmerism?
Sly shook his head. “I have to think of something else. Got any other ideas?”
“I thought Roz told you what to get.”
Sly hung his head. “I know. A ring. I can’t afford anything, much less a ring. I haven’t begun tutoring yet, but I dropped off some flyers around the colleges. If only I had another couple of weeks. Do you know when they’re planning to do this?”
“You can borrow some money from me. I have a bunch saved, just in case I get evicted.”
In case he gets evicted?Who thinks about that when saving money? Oh, yeah. He was talking to Nathan, Mr. doom and gloom.
“I’m sorry, Nate. I couldn’t take your money. Not that you’ll be getting evicted or anything. It’s just that to me, it would seem likeyou’rebuying Morgaine’s ring.”
“But I’m not marrying her.”
Sly chuckled, trying to picture the unlikely pair. “No, you’re not, so I should be the one to buy her a gift.”
Nathan clapped him on the back. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, buddy. But I doubt Morgaine is the type to expect a big, fancy diamond ring. You could probably get away with a thin, silver band.”
Ha. Silver. I might burn my fingers on it. And she might too if I turn her.Then, it was as if a light bulb lit up over Sly’s head. Of course! “You’re right. She’s not the type to care about expensive material things. I know just what to get.”
“Good. Glad I could be of help.”
