"Whoa," said Richard. "That's got to be a fake, right?"

Inside the house, I could hear my guests. They were chanting, counting down the last ten seconds before the New Year began. I slipped the ring on my finger.

Richard stood up just as the piano began to bang out "Auld Lang Syne." We could hear singing, and people blew silly horns.

Beside me, Richard said, "Nora? Can I wish you a happy New Year?"

I let him kiss me. I slipped my arms around his neck and allowed Richard to pull me snug against his body. But I felt nothing when his mouth touched mine. My hand lay along his shoulder. The diamond on my finger sparkled with starlight.

end.