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Sighing, I slowly nodded. I figured things were finally making sense until she told me her plan. When Joyce suggested I go with her back to the rehab center so they could do blood work and that I would need close monitoring while they weaned me off the meds — the room turned upside down.
"Joyce, no! I can't go back there. I have to help Chase with the grant or they won't get it. My whole family's and many friends' lives are hanging in the balance. I just can't do that to them!"
Joyce took my hands and gazed straight into my eyes, "Those are all noble reasons, but I think that if we take our time and you're willing to work with me on this, maybe there is a way for you to have it all. Let's just see what the tests say first."
I hugged her and managed to smile, grateful for her unwavering faith in me. I felt strengthened and determined more than ever to fight for my dream. "So, what do I tell Chase? I mean, he will be calling me later, and I don't want him to know until... until we get the test results. I'm just too exhausted to have to deal with him. Is that wrong for me to feel that way?"
"No, Meagan. You're feeling overwhelmed. Didn't you say he was having an emergency at work and wouldn't be home until late?"
"Yes, and for some reason, I think he wasn't telling me the whole story. He's protecting me from more stress about the grant or the case. Or maybe something terrible has happened. Oh, God, someone else has been killed!" I sank to the couch and covered my face with my hands.
"Meagan, your hands are shaking. Let me drive you to the center. I'll handle things with Chase for now. He seems like an understanding guy. I saw how he looked at you during your session with Dr. Blackburn. Now, let's get some things together so we can get started back to La Jolla."
I nodded, feeling a wave of hope shifting inside me but also sadness simultaneously. A part of me thought I was taking one step forward and two steps backward. "Are you sure you will call Chase? I don't want him to worry."
"Of course, I will."
Chapter Seventeen
Chase
Waving goodbye, I glanced into the rearview mirror and watched Meagan walk up the guest house steps. Then my eyes caught on her Mustang. Should I put it in storage at my place or leave it here? Puzzled, I deliberated over this conundrum for a few moments longer. Then, tucking the notion away in the recesses of my brain, I decided to wait and talk it over with Guy before bringing it up to Megs.
After quickly looking at my dashboard clock, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to grab an extra cup of coffee before heading to work. As I was leaving the Coffee Shop's drive-through and, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the jewelry store where I'd bought her earrings many moons ago. Taking a sip from my hot brew, I parked near its entrance and strolled inside.
The salesperson recognized me immediately and asked what I was looking for. Scanning the case full of sparkling diamond rings, I asked if he remembered the earrings I had bought a few years ago. He was quick to reply, "Of course... Harry Winston, princess cut."
"Uh, you have a great memory... and that sounds about right."
"How can I help you today, Mr. Stratford?" He purred.
"What engagement rings do you have to match the earrings? I mean, uh, Harry Winston and, of course, with the princess cut?" As he pointed, my sight followed and landed upon a brilliant diamond embedded in an exquisite gold band.
"This is one of our most popular designer sets, and it would look perfect with the earrings you already have."
I thought about it briefly before saying, "I've changed my mind. I want something unique." So, he brought out a wedding set that had an iridescent finish.
I shook my head. "What about something with a platinum band? Something really unique. On second thought, it doesn't have to match the earrings since they are gold... I think?"
"Oh, yes, but the earrings were definitely not just gold. They were rose gold."
My eyes fell upon a platinum set with a brilliant center diamond and intricate detailing. "That's the one," I said, my voice gruff and commanding. The salesperson smiled and nodded.
"Great choice, Mr. Stratford. That would look beautiful on your lady's finger."
"Can I put it on layaway... or whatever you call it?"
"Layaway, sir?" He scowled.
"Yes, I'm not sure yet where I'm going with... well, uh, a proposal. Our lives have been a whirlwind lately."
"If I could make a suggestion, why not purchase this remarkable diamond ring now since it may not be available the next time you visit?"
"What if I decide not to? You know, things fall through….”
He shrugged. "Of course, I will refund your payment."
"Alright then." I nodded, handed him my credit card, and chuckled to myself, watching his hands flutter. He gathered the ring and made a big show of tagging it before rushing into a private room and quickly returning. "Here's your receipt and your claim ticket. Your ring is secure in our safe. When you're ready to move forward, we can always order the matching wedding ring to make it a legendary set."
