Green Stone Ring Read online

  James grinned and didn’t go any further with his comments.

  “You’ve got the Gaspen holiday party handled?”

  “I can do,” James said. “They’re just a bunch of nerdy engineers, not a problem.”

  Gini looked up when she heard Gaspen and engineering. That was the company Franco had gone to work for out of college. She felt a funny feeling inside. The word cheating immediately popped in her head. Why was she cheating on her husband? Maybe because she knew Ric loved her, or maybe because she knew Franco did not. If he did, he’d be the one sitting at the breakfast bar smiling at her. Or it could be as simple as that she didn’t care, because no one loved her, not even herself, and she just wanted someone, anyone, to give her attention and affection, as Ric was doing.

  Well, not anyone, she thought with a little smile. Ric was pretty special.

  Franco sighed when he read the email message Gini had sent him almost two weeks earlier. How he longed to be with her and the family—his family. He missed them all so much.

  When he started working in China, he had no idea how difficult it was going to be working with the government. The longer he was there, the more difficult it was. And getting the parts for the project had become a nightmare. They were ordered, confirmed, and then never showed up. He was on the third round to get two crucial parts. The project was continually delayed. He should be home by now. He planned on being in Boston for Christmas, a surprise for Gini. He couldn’t tell her because he didn’t want to disappoint her if he had to change his plans.

  He started to answer her message. When he finished, he would send it back in the morning with the supplier who had brought them food. It would have to be handwritten. Luca would put it in an email. He’d try to call her when he could. Another issue Franco had not anticipated—no internet, no cell phone service, no way to contact the outside world. The area he worked was rural and not yet set up for modern communication. There were plans in the works, but who knew when they would actually be put in place.

  He had decided to start his own business, thinking he would have more control over his work hours. He was disappointed, he’d admit, that Gini didn’t want to stay with him in China. The work was challenging, and he took great satisfaction in helping people. He knew she had the same desire, but she complained there was nothing there for her to do. She could have nurtured the children or been a teacher. There was so much to do here to help people, to learn and experience. He had thought for sure they could make it work. But he could tell she wanted to leave, though even in her misery, she didn’t once ask him to give up his company and go home. He had to respect that and respect her wish to do what she wanted. Partners, they were partners in marriage, and compromise was a big part of that union. But he missed her, missed her sweet smile, the way she looked at him as if he were a god, her hero. And although he knew he did not deserve such praise, he cherished his Gini and adored her love and devotion. His life would be nothing without her.

  Once he was done with the project, he would rethink his future. Being away from the woman he loved was wearing on him. If he thought he could leave, he would. But there was too much going on, and he absolutely had to be there or lose a lot of money. Gini understood his work was important.

  When Ric left, Gini gathered her PET, wireless monitor, and business bag. She sat on the couch and prepared to start working on organizing her files for Michael.

  After working for a while, she laid her head back on the couch. She looked at the small box on the fireplace, walked over and opened it, and took the ring out. Why was she constantly drawn to that unusual stone ring? Maybe it reminded her of the innocence she had when Franco gave it to her. His story of finding the stone and how he felt about her had moved her, and she’d never forgotten. She put the ring on her finger and went back to the couch. The ring needed to go into her bedroom and be put somewhere where she would not be reminded of it. It needed to be put away so she wouldn’t think of Franco. She twirled it a few times. He had made his choice not to be active in their marriage, to be the one far away out of sight. The ring must also be placed in a faraway place. Gini sighed. She would put it in her room when she went to bed.

  Ric returned after midnight to pick up his business bag and clothes. She was asleep on the couch. Her arm was off the cushion and down to the floor; her PET lay on the rug. He went over and picked up the tablet. The green stone flashed a bright reflection from the overhead light. The ring had special meaning to her. It was more important than her wedding ring. He thought it was her conscience—it was Franco, the barrier between them.

  There may be a proverb “All’s fair in love and war,” but hurting his best friend, breaking his trust, and going behind his back wasn’t fair to Love itself. Was he willing to ruin three lives, end a deep friendship, end a marriage? Was he okay with any of that?

  He didn’t know what to think. He wasn’t prepared to be in such a situation, had never thought of his life as entering such territory. Maybe whatever was meant to be was meant to be. He loved her like he’d loved no other. Did he have to give that up when Franco was nowhere in sight? Did Franco love her—truly love her? How could he? It was obvious he didn’t—not in the way Ric defined love—because of his neglect and her unhappiness. Ric was the right man for her now, he was sure.

  Staring at her sleeping, he was trying to come to terms with what was happening.

  “Sweets.” He gently shook her. “You need to go to bed.”

  “Ric!” She was startled and suddenly sat up. “What time is it?”

  “Twelve-thirty.”

  She tried to get her eyes open.

  “Come on.” He took her hand and leaned down to carry her into the bedroom.

  “No,” she said pushing at his hands. “Give me a minute.”

  He waited.

  “Ric, I want you to stay here tonight. Will you stay?”

  He kissed her on the cheek and went to the closet to hang up his coat. “I’ll stay.”

  She quickly took off the ring and put it back in the box and then went into the bedroom. He met her at the bedroom door and put his arm around her.

  Ric convinced Gini to go to Lazy Daze Spa with him Saturday morning. They each walked into the salon holding a cup of hot liquid; his coffee, hers hot chocolate from the specialty coffee shop. The manager put them next to each other in pedicure chairs. Each plugged into their music and enjoyed the hand and foot treatment. Next, they had their eyebrows threaded and then a face massage. The whole experience couldn’t have been more relaxing. Lastly, Ric had his hair trimmed. She had a hair appointment for later in the afternoon at her salon for a special party style.

  When they got back, Ric got ready for the bridesmaids’ luncheon at the hotel. He walked out into the living room ready to go.

  “An ascot!” Gini exclaimed.

  “It’s a Scottish family.” He was wearing a cutaway coat and gray striped pants.

  She threw her arms around him. “I love you,” she said happily. “I love how you dress. I love your life.”

  He hugged her tight. She said she loved him. Did she really mean she was in love with him, as he was with her?

  That night they dressed together in her bathroom. She slipped off her robe. He was fastening his black cummerbund and could see her reflection in the mirror. She had on a black lace push-up bra that barely covered the tops of her breasts, and a matching thong. She turned around, unzipped the garment bag protecting her dress, took it out, and put it on the floor. Then stepped into the gown. Her rounded fair-skinned butt cheeks were all he could see. His body began to quiver. Trying to tie his bow tie was nearly impossible; he could only fumble with it.

  “Ric,” she said pulling the dress up. “Will you please zip me?”

  She walked over to him and bent her head forward. He managed to get the zipper up.

  Gini took a long chain from the vanity and put it over her head. The necklace had a large antique pendant on it. She picked up another long chain and put it on with the
pendant, this time hanging it down her back. It reached to just above her bottom. She went and stood in the middle of the floor.

  The dress was a green, crushed-velvet fabric. The tops of the long sleeves were puffed at the shoulders and then fell straight and tight to her arms down to her hands. The bodice was fitted with a high, stand-up collar ringed with lace. At the waist, the dress flared to a full circular skirt to the floor. Gini twirled around, smiling. The bottom lifted, and with a wavy motion, the beautiful fabric floated through the air. The lifting of the skirt showed off her lace-up high-heeled vintage-look shoes.

  She stopped and, with a glowing face, said, “Isn’t this dress fantastic—divine?”

  Her hair was piled up curls on the back of her head with soft curls all around her face and one batch of long locks down her back.

  Ric’s body yearned for hers. When he walked over, she saw the passion in his eyes. He grabbed the side of her face, wrapping his fingers around the back of her head.

  “The hair—”

  He leaned forward.

  “Don’t mess up my lip—” she started to say.

  He planted a deep, feeling kiss on her lips. She could feel his body trembling.

  “Sweets,” he whispered. He kissed her again, then quickly stepped back, grabbed his coat on a hanger and moved toward the door.

  “I have to get out of here,” he said hastily.

  Gini stood looking in the mirror. Slowly she walked to it. She opened her evening bag on the vanity and pulled out a lipstick tube. What was she doing? He was getting way too serious. She took her finger across her lips. The feeling of his passion was still there. She rolled the stick out and retouched the shiny dark red color.

  After putting a pair of long dangle earrings on her ears, she took her small handbag and went out of the bedroom. Ric was wiping the top of his top hat. He was complete in noble style in his black tux with tails. He folded the top hat back down flat.

  “Are you ready?” he asked, avoiding looking at her.

  “Yes.” She could see he was still a bit flustered.

  “Which coat do you want?”

  “My fur one.”

  “Which one?”

  “I’ll get it.”

  She pulled the coat out of the closet and handed it to him. Their eyes met. She smiled a slight smile. He had that look again. He leaned toward her. She put her finger on his lips.

  “No,” she said gently. “You’ll mess up my lipstick.”

  He flashed a bright smile. “Are you sure you don’t want to just go back to the bedroom?”

  “Later.”

  Chapter 11 – Joy to the World

  Ric drove up to valet parking. Others were arriving in limos and cars. As the ladies and gentlemen stepped out of the vehicles dressed in period dress, Gini could imagine being back in the nineteenth century, horse-drawn carriages all lined up to deposit their guests at the fancy affair. When the valet opened the door, Ric stepped out, opened his top hat and properly placed it on his head. He walked around the car to Gini and took her arm. She stuck her hands in her fur muff hand warmer.

  They entered the Kennedy Library and Museum Glass Pavilion. The grand hall was massive and impressive. The 115-foot glass structure looked out over the harbor; the lights of the city twinkled all around. Gini loved that room.

  The hall was full of people chatting; there were small bar areas stationed around the room, and tables of hot, tasty hors d’oeuvres. After they had checked their coats, they were immediately separated. Gini talked to mostly politicians about politics, and Ric was with the well-known social society of Boston.

  She heard ladies laughing. When she turned to look, she saw Ms. Quinley with five other older ladies. Elaina was settling a red Santa’s hat with white fur on her head. All of them were having a great time moving the headpiece in different positions. Ms. Quinley saw Gini looking at them and walked over to her.

  “What a beautiful Santa hat. Is that real fur?” Gini asked.

  “Nope. It’s the fake stuff.”

  Charles walked to Elaina’s side. As the three stood talking, more and more people gathered; Victor and Maria, Michael and Brenda, then Ric joined the group. One of the photographers came over and started snapping pictures. Elaina took the hat from her head and gently placed it on Gini’s. With the two ladies’ cheeks touching and both smiling broadly, the camera flashed off a picture.

  As the evening ended, people started to leave. Gini reached up to take the hat off and give it back to Ms. Quinley.

  “Ms. Anderson, please, I want you to keep it. It will go well with your costume tomorrow at the children’s event.”

  “Thank you. This has been a wonderful evening. It was good to see you and Mr. Schmitt again.”

  As Gini and Ric were walking out of the door, he put his arm around her, and she snuggled in close to him. Then he leaned down and kissed her.

  “Victor!” Maria said when she saw the action. “Virginia Anderson!”

  He looked at her. “What about her?”

  “That’s Ric’s girl.” She pointed to the two walking out of the door still arm in arm.

  When they got to the condo, Ric hugged her tight, and then led her to the bedroom. “Santa’s little helper,” he said.

  She laid the Santa hat on the breakfast bar.

  The next morning Ric was looking at his PET, drinking a cup of coffee. Gini, with sleepy eyes, walked up next to him.

  He put his arm around her and gently kissed her on the cheek. “You made the society page big time.”

  “I did?”

  On his screen was a collage of pictures. The most prominent in the front was Gini in the Santa hat and Ms. Quinley, both with big, wide smiles. Another larger one was of their group: the two ladies in the middle, Michael between Gini and Brenda, Victor next to Mr. Schmitt, and Ric on the end by Maria.

  The title of the collection was, “Power People of Boston.”

  “Great,” she said. “On the front page.”

  “Look how adorable your dimples are.”

  She scrunched her nose and gave him a look, then walked to the stove to put on some water. “What a fun night. Ric, I swear, you know everyone.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, it seems everyone knows Ms. Virginia Anderson.” He looked at his watch. “I need to get going to the brunch.”

  He got up and kissed her. “See you at the arena.”

  “I’m glad you’re going to be there. Those happy little faces, you’ll see, they are just precious.”

  He kissed her again.

  After he had left, she looked at her computer. There was an email from Franco’s office. No, not Franco, not now, she thought. She closed the computer screen and pushed it back out of the way. With one hand on top of the other, she lay her forehead down on top. She wouldn’t be attending all these parties if he were here. She was having so much fun, alive again. She sat up—or would she? She had been invited to most of them over the last couple of years but chose not to go alone. She never thought of Franco as a party man; could he dance? She couldn’t help but smile when she thought of floating around the dance floor; she never thought Ric was so fun-loving, either. Things were getting too complicated. She needed to stop being with Ric; it was wrong.

  She lifted the screen and started to read:

  Mrs. Legotti, this is Luca, Franco’s assistant. He sent a message back with our food supplier for you. At first, I was going to type it but decided just to take a picture of it and attach. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. Luca.

  Gini was once again angered by the fact that their personal emails were probably being read by several people. She ran her finger along the edge of the screen for a few seconds and then clicked on the attachment:

  Babe, here I am writing another message from far away. When you wrote of your holiday with your family, it warmed my heart. I remembered all the great festivities in the Anderson house. I look forward to being with everyone in the future. Please, give a kiss to Mama fro
m me.

  The project just keeps going on and on. I won’t bore you with details, but when we are done with this one, things will need to change before we start the next. Stay warm in Boston, and save me some Christmas candy. Love you.

  Before the next one. Would he ever come home? She didn’t know if she was angry, or sad because she missed him. She closed the computer and went into the bedroom to get ready.

  On her way out, she walked to the box on the mantel and took out the ring, slipped it on and then grabbed the hat before going out the door.

  The basketball arena was bustling with people. Gini was always impressed with the grandeur of the event: a tall, beautifully decorated tree, colorful presents scattered around underneath, the rocking chair for Mrs. Claus, and a large armchair for Santa himself. It made her feel so good inside, filling her with Christmas spirit. Since she had been alone the past years, she never put up a tree.

  She went back to the locker rooms and changed into her red dress and white boots. She carefully pulled the red hat at a perfect tilt on her head. When she walked onto the hardwood floor of the open space, she heard a loud, “Ho, ho, ho, Ms. Anderson, my favorite helper.”

  Gini had probably known in years past who Santa was, but today she immediately recognized him as Randall Cooper. And then the familiar face of Betty dressed as Mrs. Claus.

  Randall walked to her and gave her a strong hug. “Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas.”

  Gini pulled back smiling. “This is my favorite holiday event. Merry Christmas to you… you both.”

  Within the hour, families started arriving, and the gift-giving began. It was well orchestrated; the families were given numbers. As their numbers were called, they would get in a line. One of the assistants would bring the gift to Gini. Each child was given an opportunity to sit with Santa and talk, then a picture was taken, and she handed them the gift. She smiled brightly when the fourth gift was delivered to her by Ric.

  Randall’s jovial laugh filled the room with love and laughter. The kids all loved him.