Chapter 13

  When she walked into the shop, Alberto smiled. And as Tina approached the counter he extended his hand for a firm shake.

“Buon giorno miss,” Alberto’s smile grew. I’m glad you have decided to visit again. Always brightens up the morning to see a beautiful lady like you.

Tina’s face felt a little flush, she smiled and said warmly. “Buon giorno, I’m happy to be able to visit. It’s very nice to see you again.” He let go of her hand and stepped back from the counter.

“Now, tell me he said in his hearty voice. What brings you here this morning?”

 Tina looked down into the case in front of her. She let her eyes explore the contents. And then with sadness she looked up at Alberto. He noticed the frown that quickly appeared on her face. It reminded him of his daughter and his heart sank.

“I thoughtTina paused. I hoped I’d findshe paused again.”

 “This,” he said beaming. He sat the small green box on the counter.

 The expression changed again on her face quickly. “Yes, she sighed. The diamonds and emeralds glistened as Tina reached to pick it up. “Yes, she said again. I’m so glad you still have it.”

“I knew you would return for it dear, Alberto’s pride sparkled like the ring. I could see it in your eyes the day you came in here, he said. I knew when the time was right you would come for it.”

“The time is right, Tina boasted. She looked at Alberto with great joy. The time is right she repeated. Tears swam in her warm brown eyes and she kindly said to him, I’ll take it please.”

 “This will bring you and your love good luck, he said. There is happiness in each stone. He ran his thick fingers across them. The band, he said is continuous like never ending love. How wonderful love is, it can endure all things. Alberto looked at Tina a serious expression took over. I have something else for you, he said. Because I am a romantic myself, he patted his chest. I wish to give you a gift. Alberto went in back and after a few minutes returned with a small green velvet box. Go ahead open it, he said. It won’t bite. They both laughed as Tina opened the box.

“Oh my, she gasped. Her eyes grew. It’s beautiful she took the wide sliver band imbedded with diamonds and emeralds from its case. It’s a perfect match.” Tina looked at him with disbelief.

“As you are a perfect match for your lover I suspect.”

 “Alberto I can’t accept this. It is way too generous of you.”

 “You must he said. When you are given a gift you must accept it. But, I want you to remember something, he began. A gift is always wonderful to receive, but there is no better feeling than to give. You are about to give something more than just the ring. You’re giving your heart to someone. He reached for Tina’s hand. Never expect too much in return, but know that its there. Your love will continue to grow. Expectations is never apart of loving someone. His advice ran warm through Tina. She took it in and welcomed it. “You will love and know what it’s like to be loved. There is no greater gift. So, cherish it, tend to it and it will blossom. I promise you.” He patted her hand and let go.  

Tina smiled and took Alberto’s hand again, grazie she said, grazie. “I don’t know what else to say.” She gripped tighter leaned in and kissed his cheek. You have been so kind. She looked back at the ring and shook her head. “I will tend to it and I will cherish it, I promise.”

“Okay he said his eyes misty. I trust you will.” Alberto’s face was flushed.

Tina picked up the bag he put the rings in and headed to the door. “Grazie,” she said again to Alberto. “I’ll be around again to see you sometime.” She smiled as he gave her a wink. “Ciao.”

“I’ll be waiting, he said. Ciao.”

 The rest will be posted Christmas Eve….thanx betteplz