“Ah, my favorite couple. Zee one who is so much in love.” Sal, their aging waiter, bowed, bringing a smile to Meri’s face. Mark would have to tip even more generously than usual. While they waited for their food, Mark asked about her plans for her jewelry going forward. “I’m going to follow through with what we talked about before. Keep polishing my collection so it’s better than ever, ready to show in the spring.” Mark took a drink from his water glass and nodded his approval. “Even though it didn’t work out this year, you have to stay positive. You never know what will happen later.” “I hope so.” The shadow of self-doubt in her eyes made his gut twist. He’d wanted so badly to be the one to give her her first big break. But who could blame her for being insecure? She still thought he was just a Harrington’s buyer. Good thing he hadn’t ordered wine with lunch, because the temptation to tell her about his vision for the future of the stores—and her line—might’ve been too much.
