They entered "Stacys Pawn Shop." And old man sat hunched over at the counter. Jack walked right up to him. "Are you the owner of this place?"

"Yep, I'm David Stacy. Why?"

"I want to make a deal with ya." He put the ring on the counter. "I hope you can be of some help."

David's eyes grew wide and sat up strait. "Well, son I think I could help."

Brian stepped back and watched. He still did not agree with Jacks decision to sell the ring without Rose's consent. He also know that he was in way over his head. He had never been good at pawing things. Jack however obviously knew what he was doing.

"Now, I know this ring is worth well into the thousands. I'm willing to overlook that though in exchange for some other items."

Brian arched his eyebrow. "What would those other items be?"

Jack put his finger on the glass case and pointed to some jewelry. "I want to see those rings and those necklaces."

"Certainly sir." David unlocked the case and pulled out the gold jewelry.

Suddenly Brian realized what Jack was doing. He wasn't just getting money he was going to buy things for Rose. Things out of love. Unlike the previous jewels she had been showered with.

Jack looked over the rings. He wanted to give Rose a proper engagement ring. He spotted one that was perfect. A simple gold band with vines etched around it, and a diamond set in the middle that looked like a flower blooming. He smiled brightly when he picked it up. It glistened in the light. "I'll take this ring."

"Ahhh. A fine choice sir. And you were admiring the necklaces." David was having more fun than he had, had in years. He never got to bargain for sales anymore. People just didn't like the risk.

Jack inspected the jewelry. They ranged from very elaborate diamond chokers too simple gold chains. Finally he found exactly what he was looking for. A gold heart shaped locket. The front of the heart was designed with flowers while the back was plain. Which was perfect for the next part of Jack's plan.

"Say David. Do you do engraving?" David smiled. "Yes, we do." Jack nodded. "Good." He took a tiny piece of paper and pencil form the counter and wrote a familiar phrase. "I would like you to engrave that on the back of this locket."

David nodded. "It'll be reading in a minute I just have to go in the back." He disappeared into the back of the store.

Brian walked over and stood next to Jack. "That's a beautiful ring. Rose will love it. Any women would love it. You've got good taste Jack."

"Thanks."

David returned with the locket in hand. "I hope this is too your liking."

He handed Jack the tiny gold heart. He smiled and nodded. "It's perfect."

"Could you get me a box for that ring?"

"I sure can." David took out a ring box from under the counter and placed the engagement piece in it.

Jack straitened himself. "Now, how much are you willing to give me for the ring?"

"Eight hundred."

"Give me a thousand."

David squinted his eyes. One Thousand dollars was a lot of money. He knew of plenty of dealers that would gladly pay that much and even more. "All right," he laughed. "You sure know how to do business boy. I'll be back with your money. I don't keep that kind of cash in the register."

Jack and Brain left the store with a ring, a necklace, and one thousand dollars. "This has been the perfect day." Brian commented. Jack shook his head. "It won't be perfect until I get to give these things to Rose."

Brian smiled.

"I wonder how she's doing." Jack sighed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Rose pulled open the glass door. "Oh Jack would love this place." There were pastel drawings and abstract paintings hung on the walls. And it smelled like turpentine. Maggie took it all in. "I've never been in here before. I was sure missing a lot."

Rose smiled. "It's like a dream."

Suddenly a voice broke into there conversation. "Can help you?" A young girl about Roses age stood with her arms folded. She looked the two girls up and down. Her lips formed into a pout when she studied Rose. The girl thought she looked like some sort of princess holding her head up high. Her dress
flowing from her. Red girls framing her perfect face. Immediately she didn't like her.

"Well, do you know what your looking for or not?"

Maggie was not pleased with the girls tone, she was about put the girl in her place when Rose spoke up. "Yes, I'm looking to purchase a portfolio, some charcoal, and tools. Do you have those things?"

"This is an art store." The girl snapped. She sighed heavily. "Portfolios are in the back with the easels and canvases. Charcoal and tools are on the left wall and paper is on the right." With that said she retreated to the
counter and sat behind the register.

"Well, I never..." Maggie said under her breath and stormed off into the back of the store. Rose quickly followed.

"Did you see the way she looked at you? What in the world was that all about?"

Rose giggled. "She is probably just tired."

"Tired! That's no excuse. If I wasn't so proper I would have smacked her precious little mouth. That would teach her." Maggie blushed realizing what she just said was very hostile.

Rose laughed. "Let's not think about it. We're here for Jack."

Maggie nodded.

They looked over the selection. And decided on a brown leather on with a gold clip to hold it shut. Then they moved to the charcoal. Maggie squinted. "I have no idea what I'm looking at. They all seem the same to me."

"Well, they are each a different quality. Some better than others. And they make different sized lines." Rose picked up the best quality she could find. Plus sharpening tools and a carrying pouch. "Now all we need is the paper."

They were both surprised when they reached the paper section. Not only was there paper but there were prints of paintings. "Oh, Maggie. These are some of my favorite paintings. I'll have to get them." Rose selected a few of the prints. She found it funny that 2 weeks ago she was standing in museums
looking at the real versions and now she was in a New York City shop buying prints of them. Maggie grabbed a stack of paper to go in the portfolio.

Reluctantly they approached the register. Silently the girl rang them up. "$15.00" Rose handed her the money and took her package. Maggie glared at the girl and walked outside. Rose soon followed.

They walked home. Maggie had Rose in stitches. The whole journey back she kept commenting on the clerk.