Stroke of Sapphire

by N. J. Walters

  The bakery was busy with people grabbing a coffee and some sinful treat, but most were taking their order to go, hurrying in and out on their way to work. Only a few other tables were occupied. Sapphire settled at her favorite table in the corner near the window. She loved people-watching. Sometimes she got her best ideas for her jewelry designs from something or someone she saw passing by.

  Today, she paid no attention to the hustle and bustle she usually enjoyed, her mind completely occupied by Jake Knight. She went over and over everything he’d said last night. She didn’t doubt his honesty, only his reasoning. She also didn’t like the fact he’d made a decision about her life, one that was really hers to make. He truly believed he’d hurt her with his physical demands that first night and had done what he’d thought was best for her.

  But if that was the case, what had changed to make him think a relationship between them was possible? Could both of them change enough to make things work? Was that even realistic or would one or both of them just end up miserable?

  And then there was the question of Jake’s dark side, his need to control things in the bedroom. What did that really mean? And was she ready to know the answer? So many questions and no easy answers.

  A few minutes later, a flash of color outside the window caught her eye. Her sister was striding down the street toward the bakery. There was no missing Topaz with her bold gold jacket and black pencil skirt and heels that topped her out at over six feet. Her black hair was short and sassy, her expression all business. Her sister drew people’s eyes wherever she went. They also got out of her way.

  Sapphire had tucked away her worries and was smiling by the time Topaz entered the bakery and made her way across the room. “Sorry I’m late. I got…detained.” The way she said it left Sapphire no doubt that it was her soon-to-be husband who had detained her. Topaz had a lovely glow to her cheeks that Sapphire didn’t think all came from the crisp morning air.

  “No problem. I haven’t been here long.”

  Topaz dropped her oversized bag onto an empty chair before taking her seat. She flicked open the button on her jacket to reveal a black camisole trimmed with lace. Her sister always looked so put together.

  Sapphire glanced down at her jeans, low-heeled leather boots and the blue cashmere sweater she wore. She was comfortable, but no one would ever accuse her of being a fashion icon. The only area where she was a fashion leader was when it came to accessories. Already this morning, she’d had one woman ask her where she got the hammered silver bracelet that adorned her wrist. She was always happy to direct potential customers to Sisters’ Jewels.

  “I got you a coffee and an éclair.”

  Topaz raised an eyebrow before picking up the chocolaty treat and taking a bite. “What’s the occasion?” she asked after she enjoyed the first taste.

  Sapphire shrugged. “Mostly because I felt like one.”

  Topaz frowned and wiped her hands on a paper napkin. “What’s wrong? And don’t say nothing. You’ve been saying that for weeks and I’ve let you. But no more.”

  Sapphire shrugged, not quite sure where to begin. Usually she and her sister shared everything, but it wasn’t so easy with Jake and John being brothers. She didn’t want to put Topaz in the middle of her problems with Jake.

  Topaz reached out and touched her hand. “Whatever it is, I’m on your side.”

  Tears pricked Sapphire’s eyes, but she managed a slight smile. “I know. I’ve just been going through some stuff, but I’m mostly over it now.”

  “Does that mean you’re going to dump most of the clothes you’ve bought lately?”

  Sapphire sat up straighter and bristled with annoyance. “You don’t like them? I thought you’d like the fact I was taking more interest in clothes.”

  “Oh, sweetie, I would if I thought it was making you happy.” Topaz leaned her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands. “You’ve seemed determined, driven almost, but not happy.”

  Sapphire sighed and rubbed her forehead, hoping the coffee and chocolate would help stave off the threatening headache forming behind her eyes. “Yeah, well, it was an experiment, but you’ll be pleased to know I’m done with it.” As soon as she got home, she would be bagging up all her latest purchases and hauling them down to the local consignment store. No more trying to be something she wasn’t.

  “I’m glad if you are. But, Sapphire, you haven’t been happy, not in a while now. Emerald called me last night to ask if anything was wrong. You haven’t called her in a week and she hasn’t been able to get hold of you.”

  And now she was feeling guilty. Yes, she’d been avoiding both her older sisters, mostly because she didn’t know what to say to them. She didn’t want to talk about Jake with either of them. Her emotions were too volatile.

  “I’ve been busy.” Great, now she sounded defensive.

  Topaz sipped her coffee, her eyes filled with concern. “Just know I’m here for you whenever you want to talk.”

  The knot in her stomach lessened somewhat. “I know. And thanks.” She could always depend on her sisters. “I’m just not ready yet.”

  “Fair enough.” Topaz set her cup back on the table. “Now what have you got for me?”

  More than ready to drop the subject of her personal life, Sapphire dug into the oversized leather purse she used instead of a briefcase and pulled out a folder. Her personal life might have been in turmoil for the past weeks, but not her professional one. She drew out the sketches she’d been working on and handed them to her sister. They were extremely different for her, the jewelry more industrial, more masculine, instead of her trademark feminine.

  “I know we’re doing Emerald’s ‘farmhouse seasons’ line over the next year.” Her sister had designed some beautiful pastoral scenes for their trademark journals, stationery, greeting cards, scarves and accessories. They’d have four lines in the next year, starting with the summer line. Each season would have new pieces. It was an ambitious and exciting undertaking.

  It was Sapphire’s job to design and create the jewelry to go with the line. “You’ve already seen the pieces I’ve planned to go with that line.” She’d created floral pins and jeweled bracelets that looked like clusters of wildflowers. Necklaces, anklets, chokers, hair clips and rings as well. It was all very feminine and beautiful.

  This new line she’d been playing with was edgier than anything she’d ever done for Sisters’ Jewels. If Topaz didn’t think it was right for the boutique, she might try to shop it around to some other retailers. She’d already done one mass-produced line for a major department store and it had done so well they’d come looking for more designs. She was still considering her options.

  Topaz studied each design carefully before shuffling the page to the next one. Sapphire hadn’t felt this nervous about her work in years. It was the one part of her life where she’d always been confident. But this was such a departure for her.

  She might kid herself, but she knew Jake was the inspiration for the line. He was so masculine and tough and urban. She’d been drawn to make jewelry pieces that reflected his strength and solidity and that meant industrial, but with a twist. Instead of just using silver as she usually did, she’d used copper and brass and stainless steel as well.

  Sapphire reached into her tote and pulled out a sample bracelet. “This is one of the designs. I haven’t had time to try all of them yet.” And she probably should have waited until she’d had a prototype of everything, but she’d been so excited about the new work she’d had to show it to someone.

  Topaz set down the designs and took the bracelet. It was made with links of brass, copper and stainless steel, woven together in an intricate design. Topaz slipped on the cuff and studied it.

  “Well?” Sapphire couldn’t wait any longer.

  “It’s very different for you,” Topaz began.

  Sapphire bit her bottom lip and tried not to let her disappointment show. “You don’t like it.”

  Topaz shook her head. “No, I don
’t.” Sapphire’s stomach plummeted, but her sister wasn’t done yet. “I don’t like it. I love it.”

  The corners of Sapphire’s mouth turned upward into a huge grin. “You do?”

  “How could I not? It’s incredible.” She gestured to the stack of designs. “They all are.”

  Sapphire sat back, picked up her éclair and took a huge bite, savoring the creamy filling and dark, rich chocolate. Then she had a sip of coffee to wash it all down. “I’m so glad you love them.”

  “I really do.”

  But Sapphire could hear something else in her sister’s voice and some of her jubilation faded. “But?”

  “But I’m not sure it’s right for Sisters’ Jewels. We’ve made our reputation on being feminine and soft and colorful.”

  Her excitement came crashing down. “Oh. Well, that’s okay.” And it really was. They’d decided from the beginning what they’d wanted the vision for the boutique to be and they’d kept to it, becoming very successful.

  Topaz lifted her arm and let the light catch the gleaming copper. “The way I see it, we have two options. The first one is that you offer these designs to someone else.” She lowered her arm and smiled at Sapphire. “I know your first independent line has sold well enough that they want another one from you.”

  “How did you know?” They’d only contacted her a week ago.

  Topaz laughed. “I have my sources. In this case it was the accessories buyer who called the store looking for you. She was so excited about the prospect of having you do another line for them, she couldn’t quite rein herself in.”

  “What’s the other option?” Sapphire was curious to know what her sister had in mind. She sipped her coffee, which had cooled considerably.

  “There’s a stock room we don’t really use much near the back of the store. I’ve been thinking about cleaning it out and knocking down a wall to create more space. Originally, I’d thought about simply expanding our existing stock, but we could use it to try more edgy designs. We could simply remove the door, widen the opening and design it more like the customer is stepping into another space. Above it, we could put a sign that says ‘Sisters’ Jewels Urban’, or something like that. I could talk to Emerald about doing some designs that would match the jewelry. We’re talking a year and a half down the road, maybe two, in order to do the renovations and give you and Emerald time to complete all the designs and have the products ready, but it’s doable.”

  Sapphire grabbed her sister’s hand. “I love the idea. Let’s do it.”

  “Really, you don’t mind waiting?” Topaz tapped the bracelet with her free hand. “You’d sell a lot of these through a major department store.”

  Sapphire laughed. “I’d rather sell a lot of them though Sisters’ Jewels. More profit for us. Isn’t that what you always preach?”

  A slow smile crossed Topaz’s face. “That’s what I always preach. I’ll call Emerald tonight and talk to her. As soon as you’ve completed your designs, you can send them to her along with a few pieces so she knows what she’s working with.”

  The smile left Topaz’s face and she turned her hand so she was holding Sapphire’s. “Are you sure you can’t tell me what’s wrong?”

  Sapphire was caught so off guard, she almost blurted it out. Topaz was sneaky, letting her lower her guard before pouncing. At the last second, she pursed her lips together and shook her head.

  “It’s man trouble, though, I can tell. When a woman changes her entire wardrobe and starts dating practically every night of the week, it can only mean one thing—some guy hurt you.” Topaz sighed and sat back. “But I won’t pry. I promised myself I wouldn’t. But I’m here if you need me.”

  “Thanks. I’m working things out.” At least she hoped she was. Opening herself up to be emotionally crushed again by Jake might not be the smartest thing she’d ever done, but she wasn’t sure she had any other choice.

  If she didn’t try, she’d always have regrets. But she would guard her heart a lot more closely this time. After what had happened between them, she was more hesitant to open herself up emotionally.

  “Good enough. Now, do you have time to run down to the boutique with me before you head back to your studio? The stock for the summer line just arrived and I want you to see the new in-store displays before we open. Plus, I wanted to know if you had any ideas about the window arrangement. Your new jewelry looks magnificent on display.”

  “Sure. I’d love to.”

  Her mind on work, Sapphire gathered up her belongings and headed out with Topaz. But Jake was never too far away from her thoughts.

  As they walked down the sidewalk, Sapphire realized just how much she’d distanced herself from her sister these past weeks. That had to change. Her sister was engaged, was getting married and this was a happy time in all their lives.

  It was time for her to stop being so self-involved and selfish. She might have had her heart broken by Jake, but his brother was making Topaz very happy and that was all that mattered.

  “So tell me about the wedding plans. Have you talked John into wearing a tuxedo yet?”

  Topaz laughed, not noticing how several men turned their heads to watch her as she walked by. But Sapphire noticed and grinned. “And what about your dress? Any possibilities?”

  Topaz hooked their arms together and lowered her head in a conspiratorial manner. “Well, there was one I saw in a window of that bridal boutique just a block from the store…”

  * * * * *

  Jake sipped coffee and watched his brother. John looked relaxed and happy, something Jake was very glad to see even if he was slightly envious. “So how are the wedding plans going?”

  John grinned. “I just nod and agree a lot.” He leaned back in the booth and raised his mug in salute. “Honestly though, Topaz has it all under control. All I have to do is rent the tux and show up where she tells me.”

  “No second thoughts?” His brother seemed so sure their relationship would work. Jake wished he was half as confident as John.

  John sat forward and set his mug down on the chipped tabletop. “What do you mean?”

  Jake dragged a hand through his hair. “Well, fuck. We don’t exactly have a sparkling bright past.” Both of them had joined the army straight out of high school, going on to become Army Rangers. They’d both spent years overseas fighting.

  John shrugged. “The past is the past. It’s what I’m building now that matters.”

  He wished he could be so blasé about things as John, but there was a darkness inside him that some days threatened to swallow him whole. He had to learn to control it if he was going to have any kind of relationship with Sapphire.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Jake looked over the table at an almost mirror image of himself. He’d grown his hair out while John still kept his military short, but they both shared the same height and build, the same blue eyes, high forehead and lips. His twin was his best friend, had been to hell and back with him, but this wasn’t something he could share. “Nothing.”

  “Bullshit.” He also couldn’t hide anything from his brother who knew his moods all too well.

  Jake turned the mug in his hands and stared down at the dark coffee, wishing there was an easy explanation or answer to his problem.

  “It’s Sapphire, isn’t it?”

  Jake’s head snapped up and he frowned. “What are you talking about?” Had he been that obvious? Had Topaz said anything to his brother?

  “Man, you’re talking to me, the guy who was gone over Topaz. I recognize the symptoms of a man stuck on one of the Jewel sisters. I saw the way you looked at her when she wasn’t looking.” John leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “What’s wrong? Did she turn you down?”

  Jake closed his eyes as erotic memories assailed him. Maybe it would be easier for him if she had turned him down. Maybe he would have had the strength to walk away and never go back. Yes, he’d said goodbye, but he’d never really left her. She’d haunted his every waking and sl
eeping hour until he’d thought he’d go mad with wanting her.

  “Is it because of who her parents are?” John asked.

  Funny how he’d never even considered the fact that her parents were famous singers from the seventies. Sapphire had always simply been the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen in his life, and the most gentle and kind soul he’d ever known. “No, I don’t give a shit who her parents are.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  Before Jake could answer, the waitress arrived at their corner booth with their breakfast order. She glanced at John and then at him, giving a little sigh before she set their plates in front of them. John grinned at him. They were used to getting that kind of reaction when they were out together. People didn’t see twins all that often.

  “Can I get you anything else?” She glanced hopefully at him and then at his brother. She was in her early thirties, dark hair, trim figure in her dark skirt and white top, and friendly smile, but it did absolutely nothing for Jake. There wasn’t a twinge of attraction. He knew he should be worried, but he honestly didn’t care. He knew Sapphire was it for him. If he couldn’t have her, he didn’t want any other woman.

  “No thanks. We’re good.” Jake was glad his brother answered. He wasn’t in the mood to make small talk.

  “If you need anything else…” She let her offer hang in the air.

  “We’ll let you know,” John promised.

  The waitress walked away, but glanced over her shoulder once before heading off to serve other customers. Jake noticed several other patrons surreptitiously looking their way, but ignored them. They were no threat, merely curious.

  “Jake, talk to me, man.” His brother wasn’t going to give up anytime soon. He could either talk or leave.

  “No, she didn’t turn me down.”

  John started to smile, but it quickly turned into a frown. “Then what’s the problem? You didn’t hurt her, did you?” His brother straightened and glared at him.