{Answers} Another One Bites the Dust

Dia Riverato 

March 14 · 

*Shrugging into his suit jacket a card falls out of his pocket. Picking it up he fillips it over. It was Meison's business card. Without a second thought he stated to place it on his dresser when the he took a second look at the embossed card. Funny he had never noticed but Meison's business logo resembled his mother's necklace. Shaking his head he ran his thumb over it. It was probably pure coincidence. But then again... Dialing Aine's number he waits for her to answer.*

— with Aine Declain.

Aine Declain Thank you. I hope you enjoy the piece. Come again. *Hearing my phone ringing, I wave to the customer I had just rung up and pick up my cell to see who's calling. Smirking at the name, I push the button to answer* Why hello Mr. Rivera. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Dia Rivera *His phone sandwiched between his head and shoulder he straightens his tie.* I thought I'd come by the store have you look at something. Do you have the time?

Aine Declain *Not expecting the words that had just come out of his mouth, I look around the shop.* I have a few customers, but I should be able to look at what you have. When should I expect you?

Dia Rivera I'll be right up. *Taking the engraved box from the safe he makes his way though the evening crowd to Tear Drops from the Moon. The female was behind the counter helping a patron. Looking up she acknowledged his presence. Nodding his head he strolls towards the back corner. Taking a seat at the table he watches her with interest.*

Aine Declain *My fingers lightly trace around the rim of the elegant bowl setting on my sales counter as I see him walk in. Nodding my head before turning my attention back to my customer filling out her shipping info on a card* Don't worry about a thing, Mrs. Stapleton. I'll pack it myself and get it out on the morning delivery truck. Have a nice night. *Picking up the amethyst dish, I take it into my office and place the address card inside it. Closing the door behind me, I make my way over to where Dia is seated.* Good evening, Dia.

Dia Rivera *Straightening his posture he opened the engraved wooden box revealing his mother's necklace on a bed of sea blue velvet* Can you tell me the origin of this? *Slides it toward the female.*

Aine Declain *Watches as he opens the ornate box and slides it towards me. My breath catches at the sight of the necklace nestled in the velvet. Pulling it closer as I sit in the chair opposite him* Wh...where did you get this? It's...*swallows the lump forming in my throat* exquisite. *Reaches in to pick it up but stops* May I? *At his nod, I very gently pick up the necklace. The metal warm in my hands, nothing like I had expected. Lightly running my fingertips over every detail. My palm starting to warm as I touch it.* I've never seen anything like it before, Dia. *Looking up into his eyes, hoping he has answers that he just isn't sharing.*

Dia Rivera *Sitting back in his chair he watched with interest as she took the piece gently in her hand* It belonged to my mother. It's very old. I think it has been in her family for generations. Can you tell me anything about it?

Aine Declain I...*Stops before I can say anymore. It looked so like my father's mark, but I had never seen it anywhere but on our palms.* No, I dont. I'm sorry. *Places the necklace back into the box with the utmost care* I'd be happy to research it for you, though.

Dia Rivera *Snapping the box shut* You mean leave it with you?

Aine Declain OH! *Pulls my hand back as he almost snaps my fingers in the lid.* Well it would be preferable, but it isn't a necessity. *Rubs my thumb over the symbol on my palm.* You said that it was your mother's. What do you know about her? Where was she from? It'll help with my research if I know where to start.

Dia Rivera *Rubs his jaw in thought. Looking at her intently, She made no mention about the similarity between the necklace and the business logo. He wondered what she was hiding.. He wasn't sure how much he could trust her, but he needed to know the answers and to his knowledge the two people that could tell him were dead* I was 10 when she passed. So there is little that I know about her. She said she was from a small town on the Baltic.

Aine Declain *Swallows hard as I nod my head. It couldn't be. Atlantean's couldn't conceive from a Breed. Trying to think of what I could ask without sounding like I knew too much.* Were your parents bonded?

Dia Rivera Yes! Of course! With my kind once the exchange of blood happens it is until death do they part. *Growls under his breath* Love is not necessary

Aine Declain I wasn't...I didn't...I'm sorry. I don't know a lot about breed mating. *The harshness of his growled comment had me retreating. Not in fear of him, but of my heart. Standing, I turn my back, placing my hands over my stomach trying to slow my heartbeat. Looking up at my mother's picture for comfort* There's no need to leave the necklace. I'll do some research and get back to you when I know more.

Dia Rivera *Scooting back his chair he pockets the box.* I'll check back with you later this week. Thank you for your time.*Exits the store quickly*

Aine Declain *Watches him leave over my shoulder. My insides in knots not knowing what to do. Looking back at my mother's picture, I pull out my phone and send him a text ~I'm so glad that you've taken the doting boyfriend thing to heart. Have a wonderful night, dear~ Shaking my head as I pocket my phone and walk into my office to wrap the large dish and get it ready to be picked up in the morning*