The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani

Author:Adriana Trigiani [Trigiani, Adriana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2022-04-26T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 25

As Anina unlocked the entrance door of Cabrelli Jewelers promptly at eight a.m., her grandfather was bent over the bruting wheel in the back room. The high-pitched hum of the wheel was the sound of her childhood. She and her brother came to the shop every day after school and waited for Nicolina to pick them up. Anina called out to Olimpio, locked the door behind her, and hung her purse on a hook behind the desk before flipping on the lights in the empty showcases.

Anina unlocked the safe and pulled the jewelry inventory out, lining up the storage trays on the glass counter. She counted the diamond rings and cross-checked them against the manager’s inventory list. She arranged gold hoop earrings on their stands and positioned them in the case. She placed the pin light directly on the platinum hoops studded with sapphires.

She moved the brooches around like chess pieces, until each one was displayed to its ultimate advantage. Most shoppers had no idea what they were looking for. It was up to the salesperson to present the possibilities, Olimpio had taught her. The customer was buying a piece of jewelry and a story. Anina observed that women bought pieces that reminded them of happy times. When men bought jewelry for someone they cared about, they wanted it to be the best.

“All set, Nonno. The cases are done.”

Olimpio took off his work goggles, went into the showroom, and checked Anina’s work. “You’ve got an eye.”

Anina began to cry. “I haven’t been paid a compliment in a long time. I’m sorry.”

“Paolo doesn’t pay you compliments?”

“We’re fighting a lot. Things were better after we went to Don Vincenzo, and now they’re bad again. He says I don’t pay enough attention to him. I think it’s because I’m worried about Nonna. I’d like to come and stay with you. I could help you and help her get better.”

“The day may come when we need you, but not now. I’ll take care of my Matelda, and you need to take care of your Paolo.”

Anina raised the shades and unlocked the front door. A customer waited on the sidewalk. Anina opened the door and smiled. “Welcome to Cabrelli’s.” The bells jingled as Anina went behind the counter to serve her.

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