Two months later…
Jeannie Hall polished the glass display case. The diamond wedding bands sparkled, shooting rainbow reflections on the ceiling and walls of her jewelry store. Tulips bursting out of large white vases filled the air with floral scents, making Jeannie ready for spring. Not that the Texas winters were harsh, but she longed for the customers in love hoping to pop the question or design a stunning engagement ring. Their excitement rejuvenated her belief in a happily ever after.
The bell on the door jangled as a brunette woman strolled in. Wearing a Versace ribbon dress Jeannie had seen on a runway show, the woman looked like she stepped out of Glamour magazine, tall and thin with cascading blonde curls surrounding a blemish-free face. Even the woman’s purse and shoes were Versace. Obviously, she had money to spend. Jeannie’s favorite type of customer.
“Welcome to Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Please let me know if you’d like to see anything.”
The woman raised her eyebrow as she perused the cases. She looked familiar. Trying to place her nagged Jeannie like a sore tooth.
The woman tapped her long fingernails on the glass, but her focus was on Jeannie.
Uncomfortable under the scrutiny but eager for a sale, she strolled over to the case. “Can I show you something? These necklaces were designed by Lee Banks, the renowned jewelry designer, and have been worn on the red carpets by some of the most famous actresses this season. He’s an old friend who developed this line exclusively for my store.”
“No thanks. I’m more interested in diamonds.” The woman’s shark grin never reached her dead eyes.
“Our diamonds are over here.” Jeannie led her toward the rear of the store. “Are you looking for a necklace, ring, or earrings?”
“You don’t remember me, do you, little Jean?”
Her snide tone grated on Jeannie’s nerves. She examined the woman again. “You look familiar—but no. I can’t place you. Where did we meet? Are you a former customer?” She racked her brain, trying to recall the brunette.
“A customer…sorta. Maybe this will jog your memory.” The woman swung her arm, flashing a diamond bracelet.
The bracelet clicked in her mind, and she recalled helping Clinton pick it out. Her stomach plummeted as the events of her “almost” wedding day flew through her mind. Her happiness faltered.
“I can see you’ve realized who I am.” Her shark grin firmly in place, the woman whispered, “I’m Clinton’s wife…not you.”
Taking a deep breath, Jeannie let it blow out slowly between her lips. Today was the day she’d dreaded. She was finally face-to-face with the woman who had stolen her dream. “Congratulations.” She forced the words out between tightly closed teeth. “I read in the tabloids about the wedding. Funny how closely your dress resembled my own. So, other than gloating, what brings you in today?”
“You’re being very calm for someone who lost the love of her life,” she sneered.
“I’ve come to realize Clinton couldn’t have loved me if he married you when I was unavailable for a few hours.” She raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. “Again—can I help you with a purchase?”
“Have you really forgotten Clinton’s kisses? His shy laughter? Or are you putting up a front for me?” Susan pointed to Jeannie’s bare finger. “It’s obvious there’s no one else in your life. Maybe you’re still pining for my husband.”
Susan clearly had no plans to make a purchase. No longer playing nice, Jeannie gritted her teeth. “My love life isn’t any of your business. If you aren’t here to shop, why are you here?”
Susan straightened her shoulders and glared. “Don’t get all snippy with me.”
Jeannie refused to rise to the bait, and silence lingered until it became uncomfortable. She had learned to use not talking to her advantage and had all day to wait.
“Grrr,” the woman growled. “Someone has been spreading gossip to the tabloids about Clinton’s and my marriage. They hinted at having photos and proof dispelling the story of our romance. With the Emmys coming up, they promised big breaking news.”
“And what does this have to do with me?” Jeannie sighed. She could guess what the Botoxed socialite thought. “You can’t believe I’d have anything to do with this? It’d bring to light my night in jail and being left at the altar.” She stomped her foot. “Stupid people,” she muttered.
Susan threw up her arms. “Of course, it’s you who’s leaking the information. You are trying to hurt Clinton because he loves me more than you. Who else would benefit from it?”
“Oh, maybe the person who told the police I was a terrorist? It’s obvious Clinton has a stalker trying to make his life miserable.”
Susan leaned in. Her fetid breath blew over Jeannie’s face. Red splotches dotted her face. Was she about to have a seizure?
“You stupid woman. Clinton doesn’t have a stalker. He’s loved by the public. Award-winning actor and all. But he never wanted you. He strung you along because he didn’t know how to tell you what a pathetic mouse you were. If you come near Clinton again, I’m going to make sure you never see daylight again. Go back to your little hole, mousie.”
Jeannie slapped her across the face. A red haze of anger clouded her thinking. She longed to do more than slap her. If she had her druthers, blood would flow.
Susan cupped her cheek. Her eyes widened. “I’ll sue you for that. No one will shop here again.”
Jeannie’s stomach dropped. Then she recalled what prefaced her anger. “Don’t worry, Susan. I have the whole incident on video. Jewelry stores have the state of the art security. Sue me and my lawyer will share the video with the tabloids. I’m sure Clinton’s PR people would love the publicity,” she sneered, daring the evil woman to go for it.
Jeannie would have loved to take this video to the celebrity tabloids, but a fondness for Clinton prevented her. However, Susan needn’t know that. And the video would be a wonderful bargaining chip—keeping the witch out of her life.
“Fine. Have it your way.” She tugged the lapels of her designer suit tight and headed for the door. At the entrance, she turned. “But while you are sleeping alone tonight, remember I’ll be snuggling up in my husband’s arms…a place I stole from you.” She stomped out, bell smacking against the glass as she slammed the door.
Jeannie took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. Rubbing her trembling palms against her legs, she closed her eyes and counted down from five, trying to let the anger go. She couldn’t remember a time she’d been this angry, not even when she was in jail. While she’d been upset that night, it was more out of frustration. At least now she knew the truth. The problem had been with her. She wasn’t good enough for him.
Susan had always treated her as if she was a repulsive bug to be squashed. Jeannie had chalked it up to a fear about job security—not a desire to take her place.
The bell rang again. Startled, Jeannie jumped, feeling foolish when she saw a young woman pushing a stroller into the store. With a friendly smile, Jeannie stepped out from behind the display.
“Welcome to Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Please look around and let me know if I can show you anything.”
“Thank you,” the woman declared. “I’m looking for a charm bracelet.”
Jeannie swept her arm toward the left-side case. “Right this way. We carry a large selection, but if we don’t have what you are looking for, I can order it.”
Her heart rate back to normal, Jeannie peeked into the stroller and giggled at the little blonde cherub with a pink bow taped into her hair. “Your daughter is adorable. How old is she?”
“She’s only four months.” She peered into the case, biting her lip. “I wanted to get my mother something special to mark Julia’s birth. A charm bracelet seemed like a perfect idea.”
Jeannie pulled out a tray. “These are our white gold charm bracelets. I’m so glad you came in.”