Free Spell Checked by C. G. Powell

like that, keep in mind if you do not accept it, I will just toss it out the window at the next rubbish bin we pass and you can watch me play Sudoku on my own laptop.  The cost of it is totally inconsequential to me,” Beck ranted, hoping she would not turn down the laptop.
    Mae knew he was dead serious about throwing it away if she didn’t accept it.  “Well…How can I say no to that?  Thank you!” she kissed his cheek and pulled the laptop out of the bag.
    “It is 4G so you can stay connected and I had them load some games on it for you.  Do you play Starcraft?” Beck asked, sounding like a kid in a candy store as excitement filled his voice.
    “Human, Zerg, or Protoss?”  Mae replied, making Beck grin from ear to ear.
     
     
    ~~~***~~~
     
     
    It took about two hours to get to Waterford.  The tour of the crystal factory was very interesting as they watched the artisans mold, carve, and cut crystal.  The tour ended in the retail store, where Mae walked around completely mesmerized by all the cut crystal sparkling under the lights casting rainbows throughout the store.  She had always been drawn to anything that sparkled.  Gemma once told her it was the only redeeming female quality she had, making up for her general lack of interest in all things girly.
    Gemma was at the counter looking at a couple of carved perfume bottles.  Mae stood next to her as she decided which pricey little knick-knack she would take home.  Hypnotized by all the beautiful things in the case, Mae was oblivious to what the saleswoman asked when she sprayed her with perfume.  Mae gave the saleswoman a cross look as Aidan and Beck joined them at the display case.
    Beck started sniffing, “What is that divine smell?”
    “Mae was ambushed, by a saleswoman who sprayed her with perfume while she wasn’t looking,” Gemma laughed.
    Mae was less amused by it and replied, “She was like a ninja and came out of nowhere.”
    “Have you decided which one you want?” Aidan asked Gemma.
    “I like the tall perfume bottle with the butterflies on it,” she replied.
    Aidan signaled the saleswoman to the counter and paid for Gemma’s bottle.  Unlike Mae, Gemma had no problem accepting gifts from men.  They have been giving her gifts her entire life and Aidan was still trying to make up for this morning’s comment about a woman’s place.
    “Mae, I need your opinion on something,” Beck said.
    Mae told Aidan and Gemma goodbye, then she followed Beck to where the chandeliers were hanging.
    “I wanted to replace the light fixtures in the dining room at the house and need a woman’s opinion.  Can you help me?” Beck asked, wanting to see what Mae liked.
    “I’m not good at this kind of thing.  You should have asked Gemma when she was here.  She loves decorating.”  “Why would he want an expensive chandelier at a country home?” she thought to herself.
    “I trust your opinion more,” he said.
    “Very well, but I did warn you ahead of time.  What type of décor do you have in the dining room?” she asked, as there were many styles to choose from.
    “Old Providence, the current fixtures are over one hundred years old and do not emit much light.”  To Beck, it seemed like just yesterday when he replaced the old gas fixtures with electric ones.
    Mae pointed out a couple of smaller fixtures she thought were simple.  It was not her taste, but what she presumed would look good in a rustic, old, country home.  Personally, she liked the more flashy ones and apparently, so did Beck.  He ultimately chose a large twelve-armed chandelier with crystals cascading from the top to the end of each arm as well as two smaller three-armed ones that matched.  Mae figured he must be replacing the fixtures in some of the other rooms as well.  She noticed while they were looking at chandeliers, Beck kept close to her and inhaling deeply.  The smell of the perfume was starting to grow on her as well.  Mae stood next to Beck as he paid