Running Home to You (The Running Series) by Suzanne Sweeney Page A

girlfriend.  Something elegant, perhaps.  I'd really like to find something special," he tells Stephanie.
    "Certainly, sir.  What type of jewelry does your girlfriend typically wear?  White gold, yellow gold, silver, diamonds?" she asks.  Her eyes haven't left Evan's face.  She's playing with her hair and biting her lip, completely ignoring my existence.
    "I'm not sure.  Why don't you ask her," he suggests, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close.
    "Oh, I didn't realize.  I, um, thought, she was.  I, uh, yes.  Well, then, I'm sorry, dear, what's your name?" she stutters.
    "Juliette," I reply.  Now I'm determined to allow Evan to buy me a pair of earrings tonight, if for no other reason than just to prove a point to this woman.
    "What a lovely name.  Okay, Juliette, let's see what we can find for you tonight."  She takes out a few trays of sparking studs earrings in every jewel known to man.  But Evan insists on something more dramatic.  "Well, if it's drama you're looking for, sir, then there's only one choice.  Diamond teardrop earrings." 
    She takes out a single box of the most exquisite pair of earrings.  She removes them from the box and hands one to me.  "These earrings were designed by Elsa Peretti and feature pavé diamonds set in pure platinum."  The earrings are stunning.  I hold them up to my ear and look in the small mirror Stephanie placed on the counter.
    "Oh, Evan, they're gorgeous.  But when would I need to wear something so extravagant?  Maybe we can find something a little simpler.  Something I would be able to wear to work."
    "Juliette, you have the Soft Opening coming up in just two days.  And don't forget, we're going to the ESPYs this summer.  Simple's not going to cut in on the red carpet," he insists.  Evan hasn't even asked how much they cost.  "They look beautiful on you, baby.  The only question is whether or not you like them."
    "Like them?  Of course I like them.  What girl wouldn't absolutely love them?"  I do love them, but I hate the idea of Evan spending what must be a small fortune on something so insignificant.
    "That's it, then.  We're done here.  Stephanie, would you wrap them up for us, please."  He hands her his Visa Black Card. 
    "Certainly.  I'll be right back, Mister," she looks down at the name on the card, and her eyes immediately dart up to Evan, and then back down at the card again, "Mac.  I mean McGuire.  Mr. Big Mac.  Mr. McGuire, just give me a ... okay ... I'll be right back."  Evan is unfazed by what just happened.  Another day in the life of a celebrity, I suppose.
    While we wait, Evan takes my hand, and together, we wander around the store exploring the displays.  Evan stops for a moment and admires some of the men's watches.  It's a great opportunity for me to find out a little more about his taste in gifts.  I doubt I'll be able to go shopping for him here at Tiffany's anytime soon, but if things go well at the restaurant, maybe that day will come sooner rather than later. 
    The next counter is a little different than the others.  It's slightly lower and has several plush chairs arranged in sets of two in front of the counter.  They must be there for customers, and for a moment, the significance of it is lost on me.  It's not until I am right there staring at the display that I realize where we are - we've stumbled upon the wedding and engagement ring display.
    I don’t know how to react.  We’ve never discussed marriage.  I don’t want to appear overly enthusiastic, and I also don’t want to seem disinterested.  Perhaps avoidance is the best approach.   "I think Stephanie's done now.  Let's go." 
    Evan senses my discomfort and decides to torture me, just a little.  "There's no rush, Juliette.  We have all night.  Care to look around a little more?" he asks.
    "I'd love to, Evan, but if we want to get home by midnight, we better get a move on," I try to reason.
    "Well, it's a good thing I got us a room for