Page 92 of Five Gold Rings

‘Rose gold, I think. I did some research on the internet.’

‘Excellent choice. And what about stones? Would you like to go traditional with diamonds or something a little different?’

He looks at me, panicked, the option of choice looking completely overwhelming to him. He has a little notebook with him where he’s very neatly written down the findings of all his research.

‘I should have brought her along, right? I just want to get this perfect, but I also wanted to surprise her,’ he says, his shoulders slumped.

‘It’s a common problem with engagement rings, don’t worry. What’s your name, sir?’

‘Ed.’

‘Well, I’m Eve. Lovely to meet you. Tell me about your girlfriend, Ed.’

‘So… her name is Mia. We met at work. We’re both teachers. You know I don’t think she’d go traditional, she’d like something bright, bold…’

‘What does she teach?’ I ask.

‘English. She’s a big Shakespeare fan.’

‘Well, we could look at getting something engraved with a quote, perhaps? We have a few really lovely vintage pieces. We can also design something together based on what you think she’ll like.’

‘Really?’

‘It should be perfect and reflect who she is. Tell me more about Mia.’

‘She’s hilarious, kind, smart, the sort of woman who just helps everything make a bit more sense. My best friend really.’ I like how talking about Mia puts him at ease, completely.

‘What colour eyes does she have?’

‘Blue.’

‘Then maybe a sapphire? They represent honesty, purity, and traditionally are supposed to bring good fortune to a marriage.’ I show him an example of a vintage one in a cabinet and his eyes light up.

‘Or perhaps a more modern piece. This one is made of virgin gold – it has a unique raw texture.’

He freezes, biting his lip, not knowing what to say. His gaze shifts to my left hand. ‘Your ring is stunning. May I?’ he asks. I put my hand out on the counter.

‘Is that an emerald?’

‘It is.’

‘And that shape is quite unique,’ he notices.

‘It’s called a pear cut.’

‘The thin gold bands look like lots of different rings.’

‘Oh, yes… It’s supposed to represent five different rings. It’s called a stacked ring.’

‘Your fiancé obviously put a lot of thought into it.’ I look down at it. He did. Though I suspect there was an older couple in the building who may have given him a hand. ‘Does he have a name?’

‘Joe.’

‘And what does he do?’

‘He’s in medical school,’ I say proudly.

‘Wow. How did he propose?’ he asks. ‘I bet he went with the grand gesture. Restaurant? Did he skywrite it? Hire a boat? Any tips?’