The Undertaker had warned me about it. A deep hole, he'd called it, and I fell into it. When he paused, Tyra thought about where she was mentally and recognized what he was describing. The Undertaker also explained that there is something called the cycle of grief. You go through stages of grief, and if you are lucky, eventually come out the other end. The last stage is called the acceptance stage. You stop all the blaming and come to terms with what's happened. Of course, you're still sad, but it gets easier.
It's very kind of you to tell me this. I had no idea. I was afraid I would have this level of pain for the rest of my life. Tyra looked at her hands. Her nails used to be so manicured, she thought.
When I employed you, Tyra, I saw something in you. You are one of life's good people. I can see you care about people. When you talk to clients, you are patient, and most importantly, you listen to them. Did you know I have no relatives?
Tyra shook her head.
No.
Well, I don't. Not one, and no friends. There's only my wife and me. He looked at her, and wondered what he was about to say, would do to her. I am going to leave the business to you. He stared at her, not wanting to miss her reaction.
Pardon?' Tyra said. She wasn't really in the mood for jokes.
I am going to leave the business to you, he repeated.
What the hell is he playing at? This isn't funny, doesn't he know I've just buried my parents. She went to stand up, but he put up his hand and stopped her.
For the last time, Tyra. You will inherit this business. Someone knocked on the door; it was his wife. Tell her Eliana, she doesn't believe me.
How are you, Tyra? We are very worried about you? she said ignoring her husband's plea for help.
I've been better. What are they playing at, surely Jewish people don't give things away like this, she thought?
My husband, as you know, isn't given to pranks. We have decided to leave it to you. Of course, you are young, and you have only just started in the business, but we see you have got what it takes. She put her hand on Tyra's shoulder and looked her into her eyes. You are intelligent, and you have an enormous appetite for the business. We have never seen anyone with your enthusiasm. We are both sixty next year and all we have done with our lives is sit in this store. She looked at her husband and gave him an assertive nod. In five years time, we will retire and travel. You will take over as manager, and when we die, it will all be yours. Take the time between now and then to learn all you can about the business.
Are you okay to come back to work? Radley asked. Tyra looked at him and burst into tears. It was a gesture so great that her emotions overflowed.
Eliana sat on the chair arm and put her arm around her. You have been through a lot, but you have us, and we will help you all we can.
Tyra started up Google and typed in: 'The Hope Diamond' She read: Value $350 million dollars, 45 karats, 9.1 grams. Three hundred and fifty million dollars, she whispered under her breath.
She and Radley had agreed that she would work in the shop four days a week and spend the other two days shadowing him. He' made a list of things he had to teach her. He hadn't realized how long the list would prove to be. One thing he couldn't teach her was diamond cutting. While he was an expert at grading and valuing gems, he'd never enjoyed using tools. Tyra had told him that she'd go to college in her own time and learn.
How do you like your desk? Radley asked as he poked his head into her new office. Tyra wondered if the room had been intended as a broom cupboard when the place was built, but she didn't want to complain. She was grateful it had a window and more than grateful that the Samuels had seen so much potential in her.
Lovely thanks. I was just looking up information on the Hope Diamond. It really is quite spectacular.
He stepped into the office and looked at the picture with her. It sure is. One of the best diamonds in the world and it's coming here. I can't quite believe it.
Neither can I. She'd never heard of the program called, 'Diamonds for All.' It was an initiative set up by the National Association of Jewelers, with the aim of bringing famous diamonds to places where the public go and see them. Based on reputation, Radley had been asked if he would like to house the Hope Diamond when it came to New York. His store had the best security of any in the city, and it had a strong room big enough to house a large show cabinet, four security men, and the viewing public.
Listen, Tyra, I know I said I'd show you the sales figures this afternoon, but Mrs. Johnson has told me she's feeling ill and would like to go home. Can you fill in for her this afternoon? Tyra nodded.
The shop was divided into departments. Not that the clients would notice. To the untrained eye, the store was one large area full of glass cabinets. To the staff, however, it was different. Usually, there were four sales people on duty at anyone time, and two security guards. Each sales person was responsible for six cabinets. Tyra didn't know why, but she enjoyed working on the cabinets where the most expensive ladies jewelry was housed.