Page 133 of Nuts

“Cost for a fellow rider? $175,000.”

I admired the ring, and then placed it on the cloth. “I want to spend a little more.”

“Why?” he asked. “Because you can?”

“Something like that.”

He grinned. “I can bring out rings that cost twice that and more. I brought that one for a reason. It has eye appeal. It’s not gaudy, it’s not ridiculously overpriced, and it’s not a mass-produced example. It’s a custom. A one off. It’s a remarkable piece for one type of woman. A remarkable one. Imagine if you build a one-off bike. Everything from forging the casting for the engine, welding the frame, and stitching the seat’s leather. All yourself. That’s what you were holding.”

I liked his analogy. I reached for it. After admiring it for a moment, I handed it to him. “I’ll take it.”

“You don’t want to see any others?”

“Nope.”

“You’re certain?”

“Yep.”

“Providing there’s no damage to the ring, we offer a seven day, 100% refund on returns. We also offer free lifetime maintenance. No one else in the city offers that.”

“I won’t be returning it. If she doesn’t want it, I’ll toss the fucker in the ocean.”

“Why do I believe that you’d do just that?”

“Because I will.”

“I’ll package it for you, and get the certification paperwork from the safe. You’ve made a wise choice.”

I sure hope so.

I paid for the ring, and then stuck around for a few minutes discussing motorcycles. Eager to get home and schedule the delivery of my gift to Joey, I bid my newfound friend farewell.

“Appreciate the help. And the honesty.”

“My pleasure. Stop in any time. You might bring your friend in when you’re able. I’d love to see that piece on her hand.”

I waved over my shoulder. “Will do.”

The money I had left would allow me to buy a lesser grade Mantle #311. Having a replacement would let me feel that I hadn’t lost a family member altogether.

He’d just be a little rougher around the edges.

In other words, he’d be one of the family.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Joey

We’d ridden the rollercoaster a dozen times. Exhausted, my stomach hurt from laughing and screaming for an hour and a half straight.

“My stomach hurts.”

“Why’s that?”

“From laughing and screaming.”

He motioned toward Sweet Shoppe. “I need some ice cream.”