No Longer Alone

Chapter Fourteen

*Alex's POV*

    I was rather proud of myself getting Damian to take the first steps towards looking into this lady that had actually caught his notice.  I remembered all too clearly the number that Sabine had done to him, she was a master of acting loving in public, and had a heart colder than an artic snowstorm.  She had cornered me at a dinner party that had been hosted by his parents for a select group of people, and while he had been talking to his parents, had followed me as I had gone outside to cool off for a moment.   He had followed her concerned and heard her explaining that she only wanted him for the power but despised what she saw as his cold nature, that if it wasn't for his money she wouldn't have looked twice at him, and because of that he wouldn't be hurt if we had a little fun on the side. That had been three years ago, and while our friendship hadn't suffered any, he had lost interest in anything that didn't involve work or his parents, the walls he had placed around him had grown larger as he almost never let anyone get a look at the real him anymore.

    Getting a chance to put the chipmunk trying to be a woman in her place had been mildly entertaining, and judging from the look of suppressed humor in Jen's eyes it was a well placed hit.  The chipmunk retreated to a corner doing that horrendous pouty thing that some women try with their lower lip that just makes them look like they got stung in the lip by a wasp...or maybe she was just annoying and that was her natural look.  I focused back on Jen and Damian ready to see what we could find.

    "So glad you took me up on that offer, and a  pleasure to see you both again.  What can I help you find today?"  Jen smoothly transitioned into talking with us, she was smiling widely, looking between us after shaking hands with us. 

    "Well it appears we are in need of a few things each, I would love to see some of what you have in men's fashion currently, maybe something that will help the leeches of the world understand I am off the market."  I continued the little haughty display I had started with, tossing a slight wink to Jen.  "After all, there is a rather remarkable lady that I met recently that has made quite the impact on me."

        Damian's hands flex a little at this and I can almost catch a tick in his eye, while Jen watches us both carefully, before smiling again, somehow I think she has already figured out what I am up to and may be an ally that I wasn't expecting.

    "Of course, I think I have just the piece for you.  If I can have you walk this way with me?"  Jen nods towards a case at one side of the store, while Damian wanders over to the watches at another case.  I follow her over and she unlocks a case with a smirk, pulling out a black ring with a line of silver through it, and another ring similar to the first, but with black shining stones instead of the silver inlay.

       While looking at the rings I pull out my phone, opening a notepad and typing while making it look like I was about to take a picture, holding it at an angle where Jen could see it.

    I see her eyes quickly scan the message.

    "Well there is a chance that this might be the right style, but I am not sure size is right, do you mind waiting one moment while I get my sizing rings?"  I nod and watch her head to the back, reaching for her phone, while I eye the two different rings.  To be honest, I was actually interested in the black and silver ring, but I wasn't as keen on the stones, I tend to prefer brighter colors myself, and wasn't fully sure why she brought this one out yet.

    Jen returned from the back with her tools, holding my hand for a moment before trying one of the rings on my hand, a slight bit of pressure as it went past the last knuckle to fit comfortably after that.  She smiled slightly and nodded a bit.

    "Well this is the correct size for the pressed diamond and silver embedded ring here," she paused and tapped the other ring I was holding, "for this one with the inset black diamonds we would have to wait for it to be sized.  Or we can continue to look for a bit, which would be fine as well, I'm not expecting any appointments for a while, and I'm sure she will be understanding if it takes time."  It's then I remember her commenting to Nicole about a certain type of diamond but I wasn't fully paying attention to what type.  I notice the chipmunk starting to act up and edge towards Damian, and nod a touch.

    "Hmmm....well I am going to have to think a moment, can you by any chance assist Damian with finding a watch for his father?"  Jen notices the same thing I do and strolls over towards Damian starts chatting with him about different watches, but also about the type of person his father is, interests, hobbies, and more.  The slight chill that had been following him eased and his eyes warmed a touch talking about his family.  As she askes more he mentions also talks a touch about his mother and her tastes, and how he will need to find something for her as well.  I move closer to listen and get a better view out the window for the next part of this show to arrive, hoping that I understood what she was saying.

    It was impressive with watching her working with Damian, because she was actually picking out items for his parents that were excellent choices, she wasn't trying to sell him on pieces that were more expensive, she was focused on watching Damian's expressions and would pause at pieces based on reactions.  She really was impressive and quick.  She had found a watch that would be a perfect present, well made and classic, but not over the top and gaudy.  Looking up I  saw a rather beat up looking buick pull up near the store, and it seemed Jen was able to convince her friend to show up.  I catch Jen's eye and look to the window, and she catches sight of her friend and grins. Turning her attention towards Damian again, she looks at another case and smiles, the gears in her head evidently running full steam.

    "I believe you said you were interested in something for your mother as well?  I do have some rather lovely sets over here that you might be interested in."  She walks away from the window and doors, pulling Damian's attention that way as I turn back to the rings, starting my own plan.