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This was the first Shabbos Jake spent with Mindy after selling the ring.
He was now fully committed to the relationship the only way she would accept it.
While helping Mindy prepare lunch in the kitchen they heard the front door rattle.
“I’ll get it,” Jake offered.
He was disappointed by any intrusion on his special time with Mindy, but managed a smile, and graciously said, “Oh, hi Harold! Good Shabbos. Great to see you. Come in.”
Mindy joined them at the door. “We’re just about to sit down for lunch. Please join us,” she said.
The three stood behind their seats around the dining room table while Jake recited Kiddush over a goblet of wine.
He poured a little wine into each of their cups.
They all partook, and then gathered around the kitchen sink to ritually cleanse their hands before touching the challah bread.
Jake recited the blessing for bread over two large challah loaves.
He cut three thick slices from one loaf, and dipped all three into a tiny pile of salt. He bit into one, and then passed one to Mindy, and one to Harold.
Mindy served two of Jake’s favorites for the main course—a hot dog cholent, and potato kugel.
Jake cleared the table with Mindy wondering if he should deliver the little speech he prepared with Harold present.
When they returned to the table he went for it.
“This week I sold the ring that caused so much turmoil in our relationship,” Jake said to Mindy. “I’m completely committed to live our life together the way you feel most comfortable.”
Mindy stared at him briefly, then ran to her bedroom, and slammed the door.
Jake and Harold exchanged dumbfounded looks.
Jake wondered what his transgression was this time.
He slowly slid his chair back, hung his head, and plodded toward her bedroom. After several minutes of gentle knocking Mindy opened the door.
“Sorry,” she said, dabbing her tears with a tissue. “I didn’t want Harold to see me like this. Don’t worry—these are good tears. I never completely believed you were okay with things even though you said you were. But now—now I know you really do mean it.”
Jake held her tight, and kissed her forehead. “I get it,” he said. “You have nothing to worry about. I don’t even know why I waited so long to get rid of it.”
He held her hand, and led her back to the table.
“All’s good,” he announced to Harold.
They silently enjoyed another one of Mindy’s fruit tarts for dessert until Jake said, “A funny—no, an odd thing happened when I went to sell the ring. Benny Chinsky was there earlier that same day selling a diamond he supposedly bought for an engagement ring. And he inferred he might have more to sell. Strange right?”
Jake didn’t want to say what he really thought in front of Harold. He could share that with Mindy later.
Harold unexpectedly raised his hand, “Oh! I know who that was intended for.”
“What what was intended for?” Jake asked.
“Benny’s engagement ring,” Harold replied.
Mindy and Jake exchanged quizzical glances. Jake extended an open palm toward Harold, “So? Who was Benny proposing to?”
“Rose Katz,” Harold replied.