Page 36 of He Has Game (Boston Brawlers Hockey)
“What kind of things?” Vivvie asks. We both look at her. She sounds uncharacteristically suspicious and I would laugh because my Vivvie is learning, becoming worldly and suspicious of people. But it’s not really funny because I’m suspicious too and I’m afraid of Ham’s answer.
“There’s a minimum purchase price.”
Holding in the string of swears because we’re in the room with the jeweler and because Vivvie turns white, I take a deep breath, reminding myself I can afford it.
“Why don’t you take a look?” I say to Vivvie and give her a gentle shove in the direction of the showcase. When she turns to me with that panicked look, I try to reassure her.
“It’ll be fine. Whatever you like. Let me have a word with Ham.”
She nods and even though she’s reluctant, she’s a trouper and turns a smile on the jeweler as she takes a seat in front of a box of fucking big-ass diamond rings.
“What the fuck, Ham? When were you going to mention this detail?”
“You didn’t give me a lot of time to work with. What’s the big deal? You have money and she’s the woman of your dreams, right?”
Fuck. That’s when I know he knows.
“You’re a fucking bastard, you know that? This isn’t funny.” I say this because he’s grinning and trying not to laugh.
“You want to carry off this charade—and believe me I’m all for it because I don’t want to see you traded any more than you do—then you better get over there and act like a proper fiancé.”
Joining Vivvie at the counter, I’m impressed. She’s a smart girl and doesn’t take much time to choose a tasteful two carat marquis cut diamond solitaire. It’s set in platinum because that’s all they’re showing us, but she claims she has to have gold. We both know gold is less expensive and I almost find myself arguing with her to go for the platinum, but she glares at me and insists she prefers yellow gold. So I shut up and question my sanity.
The entire cab ride back to her apartment, she stares at the ring, because of course it happens to fit her perfectly. The jeweler was good. He says he’ll send me the bill and I don’t ask how much it is. Because I really fucking don’t want to know.
