Green Stone Ring Read online

  Oh right, the report can find civilization, but not his personal writing. That man! Will he ever change? she thought as she gritted her teeth.

  More later, babe. Love, Franco.

  Following the personal message were several paragraphs with all the details about his company and his many inventions that were either patented or patent pending.

  Not even a how are you, what are you doing, when can I call you or see you? Or how about, I miss you, Gini, so much. I’m done, she thought, just done. “I’m not even going to respond, or maybe I will next year or the year after that,” she said out loud as she turned off her PET screen.

  She walked back into her bedroom to make sure she was still put together nicely. When she had approved her appearance in the mirror and started toward the coat closet, she noticed the ring with the green stone on her makeup table. Even though she thought she shouldn’t—she went over to the table, picked up the ring, and slipped it on her left ring finger. She twisted it around, admiring the shiny stone. Mixed feelings rose up in her—sweet memories, vulnerability—anger. She almost took it off, but after one last look at her hand, she left it on. Why couldn’t he find just a few minutes to contact her more often? He was in the driver’s seat since she never knew how to contact him.

  That’s the way he likes it, she thought. Well, I don’t like it at all. Why did I ever think this would work?

  What if I were hurt or ill? How would he even know? Maybe I’ll just change my name and move to Europe. What would he do then? Would he try to find me, or just go on digging his stupid wells?

  She needed to leave and stop thinking about her and Franco. All it did was frustrate her and, lately, make her mad. But she still loved him—always.

  The hotel on Long Wharf was just a short walk. The cold, damp wind blew up against her face. She wasn’t worried about her hair, for the dark brown curls were pulled back into a fancy French twist fastened with jeweled combs. Her long bangs were straightened and swept behind each ear, tucked tightly in place.

  She arrived at the front door of the hotel at the same time as Michael Fredrick, her old friend from the campaign offices when they were in college.

  Michael leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Perfect timing. You should have called me. I would have picked you up.”

  “Oh, thanks. I had a ride but passed it up to read an email. I enjoyed the walk even in the cold.”

  He took her arm in his, and they walked in the turning door after the valet gave him his ticket. “You’ll be my date tonight.”

  She knew that he’d had a crush on her for years, but he was a happily married man with two darling daughters. She thought he was a nice guy and a good friend. They had frequently talked the past few months about him running for a city council seat in the election in about twelve months. He had asked Gini to consult, or even better, be his campaign manager. She hadn’t given him an answer either way.

  She had been invited to the Westcott Gala every year for the past few years but had never been able to make it, mainly because she didn’t want to go alone. The year before, she had planned to go with Catherine, who was staying with Gini and just raved about what a great night out it was. But the day before, she had come down with the flu, and Catherine went by herself.

  The two walked into the lavishly decorated hall full of chatting people. As she took her coat off, she caught Ric’s eye. He was up on the balcony overlooking the room, about to speak to the guests. When he saw Michael helping her, Ric wondered why she was with him. Where was his wife, Brenda? He was sure her name was on the list. When he had checked the guest list—delighted to see Gini’s name—he had had Carol, his event coordinator, seat both Gini and the Fredricks at his table.

  Gini was dressed in a dark wine-red gown with long sleeves that came to a point over the back of her delicate hands. The dress flowed beautifully over her full breasts, hugged her shapely hips, and reached all the way to the floor, just covering the four-inch stilettos. Even with the high heels, she didn’t quite reach Michael’s shoulder. He put his hand on her back and led her into the room to mingle with the crowd.

  She was just as beautiful as Ric remembered. Gee, he thought to himself, how long has it been?

  “Hey, Santini, you’re on,” Ric heard from behind him.

  “Thanks, James.”

  He walked over to the microphone, peering down on the guests, and in a strong, welcoming voice said, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.”

  Gini quickly turned when she heard the voice, immediately recognizing it. She looked at Catherine. “Ric Santini?”

  “Yeah, do you know him?”

  She nodded as Ric continued speaking. “I trust you are all having a good time. I must say you’re looking lovely and handsome on this fabulous night. Please, enjoy your cocktails while you look over all the wonderful items we have up for auction. I know each of you has your eye on the one thing you just have to have, and for that reason, you must keep bidding until you have conquered the treasured item.” He spoke with a dramatic tone and waved his hands and arms about.

  “Seriously, I just wanted to welcome you all and tell you a little before nine you will be alerted the bidding will close. At nine o’clock, you’ll be escorted into our dining room, where you will dine like kings and queens. Enjoy yourselves and have a good chat. You will be hearing from me again later.”

  Everyone began to talk again after a brief applause. Ric, trying to get Gini’s attention, saw she was immediately acknowledged by Clifford Jones, a reporter for the Boston Globe. Clifford had stepped into Gini’s view of Ric as he spoke. She thought he looked especially good in his black tux.

  The evening passed quickly, and Ric kept his eye on Gini. He wanted to talk to her but was constantly detained by people he knew in the crowd and meeting potential new clients. They would have time to talk when they all sat down to eat. He chuckled every time he found Gini and saw Michael stuck to her like glue—a schoolboy with a mad crush.

  Not that he didn’t understand. Gini was one of those women any man would be happy to spend time with—lovely, feminine, kind—he’d always thought so, even though she’d been with another guy since the day he met her. He’d always felt happy that he could appreciate her as a woman as well as a friend without it being a problem.

  Carol stepped up to the microphone and announced there were only five minutes left in the silent auction, and invited everyone to please make their way to the dining room behind the auction items. At those words, the heavy velvet drapes hanging from the ceiling gracefully parted, and the elegant doors of the dining room opened to welcome the guests. Everyone started to walk slowly toward the back.

  Ric watched Gini as she stopped at a small cloisonné box on the auction table. She wrote in a number, signed her name, and proceeded to the dining area.

  Michael had found the seating chart and saw that Ric, Catherine, Gini, and he were all seated at table one. When he found the table, the name cards had Ric sitting between Catherine and Gini. Michael was next to Catherine. He quickly took his name card before any of the others at the table had arrived, and put it next to Gini’s, moving the card to that seat over next to Catherine. He hurried to Gini’s side and whispered in her ear he had found their table and she should follow him. She excused herself from the person she was talking to and went with him.

  Ric almost laughed out loud when he saw the name cards had been switched. This had split Randall Cooper and his wife, Betty. Ric knew they wouldn’t care. The former mayor and his wife would be more than glad to visit with anyone. And he knew Randall was a big fan of Catherine White, so he would appreciate talking to her. Also at the table were the honored guests, Senator and Mrs. Westcott. Carol had had Michael’s wife’s place setting removed so there wouldn’t be an empty spot at the table. Ric once again marveled at how efficient and organized his team was.

  Gini was escorted to the table on Michael’s arm.

  Catherine approached her seat. “Where’s your lovely wife?” she
asked.

  “Our trusty babysitter became ill today and canceled. Brenda didn’t feel she could have a good time tonight worrying about a new babysitter. So she opted to stay home.”

  “That’s too bad. It would have been great to see her again. Please, say hello to her from me.”

  “I will.” Michael nodded as he answered, and pulled out a chair for Gini and one for Catherine.

  Ric was the last to join the table. He shook each man’s hand and placed a kiss on the cheek of each lady as he greeted her by name. Gini was the last. As he approached, she rose from her chair, and he wrapped his arms completely around her, and they embraced. After a few long seconds, he pulled back and kissed her on the cheek. Their eyes met, and Ric smiled.

  “Wow!” Randall said in his loud voice. “That was a meaningful hug there.”

  Ric laughed as he held Gini’s chair for her to be seated again. “Randall, Gini and I go way back. Believe it or not, we went to high school together in Sacramento.”

  “No kidding! Couldn’t have been too way back. Miss…” He paused to look at the name cards. “You look to be just out of school.”

  Gini blushed a little and looked down at her plate for a minute.

  Randall recognized her name on the seating card. “Ms. Anderson, of course, sorry for the snide remark. And Catherine, how are you both doing?”

  They both indicated they were fine.

  “High school classmates, huh?” he went on. “In Sacramento—that’s a long way from here.”

  “It is.” Ric settled in his chair. “And we both went to college in the Boston area, so we have been friends for a long time. This is the first time I’ve seen you, Gini, in I’d guess two years and a half, maybe three years.”

  “More like four.”

  “So I think that justifies a good hug, don’t you think, Randall?”

  “Well, sure,” he said with a jovial laugh. “I’d think you could justify a good hug anytime with that pretty little lady.”

  Randall sat back, and his big rounded belly jumped as he chuckled. He stretched back and put his arms on the back of the chairs of the two ladies sitting on either side of him. “Really, I could hug all the pretty ladies at this table tonight, including my lovely wife sitting way over there.”

  “Now, Randy, hush up a bit,” Betty said. “This is a formal affair. Use your inside voice and manners, please.” She kissed her fingertips and blew the kiss over to him.

  Randall sat back properly in his chair. “Sorry, darlin’. Didn’t mean to make a scene. I’ll behave.”

  Michael realized he had split the husband and wife team. He looked over at Ric. Ric smiled and raised one eyebrow as if saying: I know what you did. Michael mouthed to him, “Sorry.”

  There was no need to formally introduce anyone at the table. Gini knew everyone from past meetings or gatherings. It amazed her that Ric knew so many politicians; they were in the same political circles. Why hadn’t their paths crossed before now? It was all very curious to her.

  Gini, indeed, felt like royalty. The room was filled with soft, beautiful music provided by a five-piece string orchestra, set up in a small area in the front of the room. The windows were draped with a plush dark red velvet fabric that stretched from floor to ceiling. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling in the middle of the large room. It reflected tiny spots of light around as the muted ceiling lights and the room candles hit each crystal. All the tables were elaborately decorated with candles, low arrangements of flowers, and delicate, ornate fine china. Surrounding the plates were arrays of forks, knives, and spoons, all sterling silver; and three different sizes of leaded, crystal-stemmed glasses; and one champagne flute.

  As many courses were served, Gini quietly listened to the conversations around the table. One major topic was the polls for Victor’s re-election. The pundits were trying to predict the winners of the upcoming election. Most polls were showing great numbers. Another topic was the excellent work Catherine and Gini were doing through Catherine’s lobbying firm. They were fighting hard for children’s rights to equal health care, especially underprivileged children. They were lobbying both on the Hill in Massachusetts, Gini’s territory, and in Washington, DC. All at the table could see the pride in Catherine’s face as she talked about how she bent the ears of anyone and everyone for the cause. Often during the discussion, she looked to Gini for approval of a statement, or to acknowledge the endless hours Gini spent on the issues.

  Michael chimed in about wanting to run for city government. All gave him encouragement and told him he would be a good addition because he was young, energetic, and smart. They were judging his abilities by what they had read or seen on the news about his big wins in the courtroom. He was at the top of his profession in legal skills, and as a speaker, he was both convincing and interesting. They all wished him luck and offered assistance if he needed it. Michael was almost gleeful as he counted the potential endorsements around the table. Several times during the lengthy chat on the subject, he lightly tapped Gini on the arm with his thumb as his arm was constantly on the back of her chair. Maybe with all the assurance, she would seriously consider being his campaign manager.

  Every once in a while, Ric would move toward Gini and lightly rub against her shoulder. He was a physically affectionate person, always had been, with both men and women, so he didn’t think it was a big deal. And yet… Each time, they would look at each other. It was so good to see her again. They had been so close for so many years and then, with life’s challenges after school, they had slowly lost contact with each other. Michael was aware of the glances.

  Gini was happy to see her old friend. She might have made more of an attempt to attend had she known Ric was to be the MC of the fancy gala. And Catherine didn’t know they knew each other, so she never mentioned him.

  Ric didn’t always sit among the guests at the events he organized. In fact, he usually worked along with the service people behind the scenes to see that the evening ran smoothly. But Victor always insisted he join the party and sit at the head table. It wasn’t only an honor for Ric, but a great treat to be a guest. He knew Carol and James would have the whole affair running like a well-oiled machine.

  The dinner plates cleared from the table was Ric’s cue to go to the podium and speak to the crowd again. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention. Once again, I’d like to welcome you and thank you all for coming. Your generous donations to our honored guest are greatly appreciated. Without your continued support, his job would be a lot more difficult. I hope you have enjoyed the meal so far and will stay, as the bar will be open until two.

  “If you won the bid on an item in the auction, you’ll be notified by phone or email. Arrangements will be made to collect your contribution, and for the delivery of the item.

  “So with all the business taken care of, I would like you to give recognition to our great senator from the state of Massachusetts, Victor Westcott.”

  The room filled with applause as Victor approached the podium. He grabbed Ric by the shoulder, and the two shared a hearty handshake.

  Victor pulled him back to the mic. “I just want to say Greystone Entertainment can throw a great party thanks to its owner, Riccardo Santini. Don’t you all agree?”

  Again, the clapping filled the room.

  “Thank you, Ric,” he said as the room calmed, “for making this such a great event.”

  Gini thought about the comment. Ric owned a company?

  The two shook hands again, and Ric made his way back to his table as Victor started speaking.

  “I wouldn’t be here tonight enjoying this great evening without all of your help and support.” He pointed his fingers, sweeping the room in front of him.

  “We have a few distinguished guests sitting at my table. The beautiful and convincing Ms. Catherine White, and her equally able assistant, Ms. Virginia Anderson… Michael Fredrick, the exciting new lawyer on the scene. Don’t be too surprised if he’s standing at a podium at an event
just like this in the near future… The always entertaining former mayor, Randall Cooper, and his lovely wife, Betty… And, of course, my lifelong partner, best friend, and the most beautiful woman in my world, my wife, Maria.”

  As they were introduced, each stood, and there was applause. Maria threw Victor a kiss as she teared up at the special introduction. Gini was glad Victor introduced Catherine first, so she knew to stand. And Michael was thrilled at the notoriety and the mention of his entry into the political arena. Michael was the last to sit, taking full advantage of the opportunity to get his face seen and recognized.

  Ric held the chair for Gini as each took their seats.

  Gini leaned over to him. “That was unexpected. You should have warned me.”

  He smiled and put his hand on top of hers. “I didn’t know he was going to introduce the table,” he whispered. “You did fine!”

  He was surprised at her shyness. She had always been so outgoing when she was young. And he knew she spoke in front of hundreds of people in her campaign for children. He looked at her curiously. His hand remained on top of hers as he squeezed it a bit. But then Victor made a profound statement, and everyone clapped, and the hands parted.

  As Victor continued, Ric noticed she was wearing the beautiful green stone ring. He remembered the story of how Franco had found the stone somewhere in China, and that there was some amusingly worded statement made when he presented the ring to Gini.

  “I guess Franco isn’t here in the States,” he whispered.

  She shook her head.

  “In China?”

  She looked at him like he shouldn’t be talking and nodded as she puckered her lips—“shh.”

  He smiled, put his hand on top of hers again, patting it, and looked at Victor. She gently pulled her hand out and laid it in her lap.