What the jeweler said about her ex’s ring left her speechless

Steve’s off-duty leave

The atmosphere of the bar, the familiarity of their banter and perhaps the drinks made Steve relax. Melissa leaned slightly toward him, evoking a glimpse of the old intimacy. “It’s a long story,” he began, letting his guard down. Melissa’s heart raced; she was about to discover the truth.

Dropping Steve’s Guard