A Semi-Precious Christmas (5 page)

A yawn escaped and I winced at the sudden stab of pain in my cheekbone. I shifted in my seat and appraised the man next to me. Might as well take a risk. I needed help and I needed it now. “Thanks for the offer. I'm promoting you to assistant manager, starting today.”

His eyes stayed on the road, but I caught the right side of a grin. “Really? I'd love it. In fact, I've already had a couple of ideas.”

The tension clutching my shoulders began to ease as we discussed how to handle the current situation. Would Uncle Marty approve?

Todd opened the store, flipped on the lights, and offered to make a pot of strong coffee. He made a couple of calls and help was on the way. His thoughtful expertise was really impressing me. How nice to have a guy who didn't mind doing the mundane.

A sharp knock banged at the back door. I jumped out of my chair and sent it skidding into the wall.

Calmly, Todd retrieved my chair and patted my shoulder. “That will be my brother, Bryce. We'll move out the damaged jewelry cases. Miralee's on her way. Emma's coming in mid-morning. Coffee should be ready soon. Hang in there.”

Soon after, coffee in hand, I sorted through the chaos on Uncle Marty's desk. Before I made much headway, Miralee arrived toting warm blueberry muffins.

“Morning, Miralee.” I grabbed a plump muffin—just what I needed to go with the industrial strength brew Todd had concocted. “After you have a cup of coffee and a muffin, can you help me with inventory out on the floor? I'm hoping the criminals didn't make off with as much jewelry as I remember.”

Another knock sounded on the back door.

This time I reacted better.

Todd stuck his head in the office. “The backorder of gold necklaces and earrings is here. I called them to see if was possible to have the order delivered today, and
voila
.” He bowed like a symphony conductor. Todd was really stepping up.

I opened the safe and found more stock that hadn't yet been priced and displayed. It was turning out to be a good day.

Amee breezed in to check on me, thus finding a dandy excuse to flirt with Bryce. They were cute together. Maybe this time he'd take the hint and ask her out.

At one o'clock, I borrowed Todd's car and met Martha Malone, our insurance agent. She said she'd personally make sure we received a check before Christmas, if possible. Good thing, because cash flow was already tight. We'd expected record sales and planned to use the extra money to replenish the depleted coffers and hand out Christmas bonuses. I'd have to figure out some way to put more than an I.O.U. in everybody's paycheck.

Back at the office, I called Todd in. “Do you want to try handling today's estate auction? I know you've been to a few with Uncle Marty. I'll bet you'd be good at finding just the right pieces.”

“Sure. Bryce and I are just about done with clean-up. I've been studying the list of items that are up for sale. Just in case. I hoped you'd ask.”

Why hadn't I thought of promoting him before? I didn't have to do everything myself. Miralee knocked softly. “Emma and I finished straightening, polishing, and organizing. The only thing left is a good vacuuming, at least until we get the new jewelry logged in. Can I get you anything? You look beat.”

“I've had enough coffee to float a battleship. We have any peppermint tea left?”

“Sorry. Emma just swiped the last teabag.”

“I seem to recall we had some peach green tea. And are there any cookies?” I glanced at the clock. Four already? Yep. Teatime. The British had the right idea.

“We always have plenty. No one but you will drink the stuff. As to cookies, I yanked the last box out of Todd's greedy hands this morning.”

“He can get his own. Maybe we should buy more lemon cookies. Todd won't touch 'em.”

“Where are those girls selling cookies when you need them, huh?” Miralee left and came back with the coveted cookies and a fresh mug of tea.

“Miralee, how long have you worked for Keaton's?”

“Four years.”

“Are you happy here?”

“Peri, this is a wonderful place to work.” She hung her head. “It's just…”

I patted the chair next to me. “What's on your mind?”

“I'd like to do more. You know. Be more than a sales clerk. After watching you and Marty for the last few years, I'd like to become a gemologist.”

“You want to take classes and go through the GIA certification process?” Now that was a surprise. Savvy, hardworking Miralee could talk a nervous, prospective groom into buying precisely the right engagement ring, and was a joy to be around. Why hadn't I known about this secret wish? “It's a lot of work, but if you want to tackle it, why, not? We'll set it up.”

What else didn't I know around here?

Miralee stomped out a little happy dance. “Thanks, Peri.” She started out of the office but then stopped. “Any news on Marty? I added his name to the prayer chain at my church.”

“Thanks. I've been doing a lot of praying, too. Uncle Marty was still sleeping when I popped in earlier, but his vitals were good. The doctors expect him to wake soon. We're all hoping there's no permanent damage.”

Miralee's eyes misted and she gave me a quick hug before she left.

While sipping my tea, I paid some bills, balanced the petty cash box, and finished the bank reconciliation. We would need more money coming in, and soon.

I pushed my chair back and savored the last cookie. It was time to call it a day. I grabbed the stack of bank statements and shoved them back in the safe. Good thing the thugs hadn't had time to loot that, too. Dozens of loose stones sparkled, jewelry awaited repair, and more cash than I expected sat in the lock box. Best of all, Uncle Marty had kept back select pieces from Miss Margaret's collection.

As I straightened the contents, something glittery caught my eye. My favorite pair of earrings! Uncle Marty had promised to tighten the screw backs when he had time. I pulled out the clear plastic sleeve that held them—a colorful springtime bouquet of flowers intricately rendered in tiny tesserae and vermeil—French for high karat gold over silver. I held one of the delicate pieces to the light. I wasn't sure where Uncle Marty had found the time, but they were perfect once again.

When Miss Margaret had presented them to me for my birthday, she'd told me stories of the summer she'd toured Italy and how she'd brought home anything that gave her joy. The wonderful antique micro-mosaic earrings were worth thousands. It had been hard for me to accept such a lavish gift.

“I can't think of anyone one who would appreciate them more.” Miss Margaret had smiled then. “It would mean so much to me to know they were going to a good home instead of sitting in a box. Take them and enjoy.” Her words had held such love. Miss Margaret had died the following week.

I tipped the work of art onto my palm. The delicate flowers reminded me of her—grace, thoughtfulness, and elegance. I felt beautiful every time I wore them. I slipped the earrings into a Keaton's jewelry box and placed them in the inside pocket of my jacket.

Emma knocked and poked her head in. “You have a visitor.”

Cold chills raised gooseflesh on my arms.

Chris marched into the room, face beaming. He looked so good. Had it been only a scant few hours since we'd been together?

My pulse spiked. I lowered my eyes, my inhibitions slipping. What the heck? With as much poise as I could muster, I strolled across the room and threw my arms around him.

He hugged back, and we stood there leaning into each other.

I filled my lungs with his manly scent.

He chuckled deep in his throat, tickling my ear. “Whoa, good to see you, too. Even Magpie doesn't give me such a warm welcome.” His strength flooded me with warmth.

Perhaps I'd overdone it. I eased back, and we looked into each other's eyes. I was giddy with wonder, and his wide eyes told me maybe he was, too. His gaze slid down to my mouth. Was kissing on his mind? It was certainly on mine.

“Hey.” We broke contact, but he ran a finger across my bottom lip. “Hey,” he repeated, voice low and throaty. “Uh, Amee sent me to get you. Your Uncle Marty's awake, and he's asking for you.”

9

With gusto, Uncle Marty shoveled lime-green Jell-O into his mouth. “What? You've never seen a man enjoy his gelatin before?”

I raced toward him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Good to see you still have your sense of humor. How's the head?”

“Hurts like the dickens but still attached. Who's this?” Uncle Marty pointed at the handsome man still standing by the door.

I motioned Chris in. “Uncle Marty, meet my new friend, Chris Lane.”

Uncle Marty rolled his eyes. “Friend, huh? Well, ‘friend,' come on over and let me shake your hand. Amee's been filling me in on what's happened the last couple days, and I understand you're the reason my niece and I are alive and well.”

Chris stepped forward and the two shook hands. “I'm not sure about that, sir, but God put me in the right place at the right time.” He glanced at me and broke into a grin. “Peri was very brave.”

I snorted. “Hardly.”

Amee bounced into the room and plunked down in the corner chair. She kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs. “Did Uncle Marty tell you he wants me to come live with him for a while? Just until he's all better, of course.”

Uncle Marty pushed away his half-empty gelatin container. “No, Amee dear, what we discussed was you moving back in permanently so you can get serious about your schooling. It's time you stop shilly-shallying around and buckle down. How can you go to school, and work, and study all at the same time? I have plenty of room. You don't need to spend money for rent.”

“And I said I'd give the issue serious consideration.”

Amee had Uncle Marty actually thinking her moving in was his idea.

I pulled up a chair next to the bed. “There will be no quarreling today, all right? Has the doctor been in?”

Amee started to speak, but Uncle Marty interrupted. “Yes, and he says I'm as healthy as a horse…an old, decrepit horse…but still a horse.”

I grabbed Uncle Marty's hand.

He squeezed back with more strength than I expected. He looked infinitely better without tubes sticking out of his mouth or nose. “Any idea when you get to go home?”

“Depends on whether or not I have home care. If we can arrange something quick—and I'm hoping that something is Amee—I can get outta here in a couple of days.”

“All right, already. I'll move in. Will that make you happy?”

He winked at Amee, eyes twinkling. “Yes. And since you're both here, I have some ideas I want to kick around.”

Chris started to leave the room, but Uncle Marty called him back. “No need to leave, young man. What I have to say is no secret.”

Uh-oh. This would be important. Uncle Marty's expression grew serious—a rare occurrence. Would he talk about the store? In the short time I'd had the reins, had I overstepped my bounds?

Chris rested his hands on my shoulders. His unruffled presence settled me.

“What's up?” I studied the man who'd been like a father to me. I sure hoped I wouldn't have to backtrack with Todd and Miralee.

“I've been pondering the joys of retirement for a while. Scaling back, you know? But after this mess, I'm thinking I want to make a clean break. Hang up the gloves. Maybe write a book on the ecstasy of golfing, or take a Caribbean cruise. I might even check out the charms of Florida—my friends rhapsodize on the many virtues of the Gulf Coast.”

Uncle Marty retiring? He was too young. What would I do without him? Who would run the store? Would he sell it? “Uncle Marty, are you sure? Maybe when you're feeling better you'll change your mind.”

“Yeah.” Amee chimed in. “You've spent years making Keaton's the best jewelry store in the area. You wouldn't sell it to a perfect stranger, would you?”

Uncle Marty shook his head. “Good heavens, no. I want Peri to take it over.”

I think my jaw hit the floor. I picked it back up. “What? Uncle Marty, it's too much for me to manage on my own.”

“Honey, we'll work it out. Todd and Miralee could do more. They're good people.”

I nodded. “I promoted Todd to assistant manager today, and Miralee wants to pursue her gemologist degree.” I chewed on my thumb and remembered I'd promised to quit that. “Still, the last time I looked, my mattress was woefully empty of funds. Plus, I'd need to…”

“Peri, don't worry so much. You've been managing the store for years. Just didn't know it.”

“I'm sure she can do it, too. This lady's tough.” I looked over my shoulder to see a big grin plastered on Chris's face.

Amee started singing the song about Christian soldiers marching onward and my cheeks flushed so hot it was a wonder my makeup didn't melt off.

Uncle Marty yawned wide, his eyelids drooping. It was time to leave.

“How about we let you rest up? We'll check on you later.”

“Rest? All I've been doing is resting. But I'll let you go if you bring back a cheeseburger when you return. Extra pickles.” He winked at Chris. “You come back, too, young man.” Uncle Marty chuckled as we filed out of the room. Despite his bravado, he really did need some quiet time. His eyes closed before we'd even reached the door.

~*~

With Chris's hand on the small of my back, we rode the elevator to the main floor, and ambled outside. I wanted to ask what he was doing for the rest of the day, but suddenly shy, I kept silent.

He seemed reflective as well. He opened his car door and helped me in, walked to the other side and slid into the driver's seat.

And there we sat.

He reached over and clasped my hand. “I'd love to spend the rest of the day with you, but I've got to get to work. I've used more than my share of time off in the last couple of days. I'm taking Jennifer's shift this evening.” Chris's hangdog expression looked forlorn.