I’m not entirely sure how much
money
I’ve used of hers so far, but this sort of amount should already cover it. Surely. As well as
probably leave some left over
. But the way he is behaving is bothering me.
"That’s... unexpectedly generous. Why such favorable terms?"
The owner’s smile became slightly...
knowing
.
"Let’s just say I believe in treating certain customers fairly. Word gets around - and good relationships are worth more than short-term profits. Plus, I have a friend who will likely be interested in this one."
He tapped on the most expensive coin and I can’t help but wonder
if my estimation of him is wrong
. There is still a good chance I am getting ripped off by some amount more than I realize. I guess the question becomes... am I
happy
with the funds I’m getting?
"A friend, you say?"
"Exactly. Works at a local art gallery and has collected for decades. So for this, think of me as acting more like a broker and taking a smaller fee because the risk is low."
"I still haven’t the faintest idea why you would be willing to take less money when I’m not acquainted with anyone who would give me more."
> This really has Kyrie written all over it. Somehow, she’s made it known that I should be treated well, even to this human. Was he threatened? Probably just a used perfume container... but it’s pretty! Stop judging me! <
"I’ll take these, please."
I inform him while
wrestling with the wolf in my mindscape
. My cheek and eye twitching as I continue to
lose
the play fighting over and over, even if I shift and make my fox size as big as Vrika!
"Excellent choices. Alexandrite glass... here, take a look at this."
The red haired proprietor reached for a small
fluorescent light bar
and plugged it in, reminding me that I was
thinking of arranging for warm light LEDs
on the ceiling of the shipping container. But I stop picturing that when the pretty color glass turns a... still kind of pretty pale ice blue.
"The neodymium oxide used in the glass gives it these color changing qualities. A little darker violet out in direct sun, the lighter kind you saw under incandescent and some other artificial lights, and this blue under fluorescence. Cool, right?"
"...Yes, quite cool."
I’m not actually sure I like the idea of a
lilac changing into a blue
given my situation, even though it is strangely fitting - but I’d already decided to buy it. As bad of a habit as it may be, I rarely change my mind on
purchases
.
Even for a hundred dollar item I have a
complicated
feeling over now and never had an intended use for, other than to
say I bought it for me
. He opens the jewelry box and places the bottle carefully inside it before sliding the items back over.
"There you are. And please, feel free to come back anytime you have other items to evaluate. I’d be happy to take a look."
For a minute I stare blankly at him. Then I
realize what is going on
and raise my chin with a
sneer
. My fingers work the clutch open and pull out $200. Tapping it on the counter with as
little force as possible
, thanks to Composure.
"No."
I don’t
clarify
that I simply meant that to be a refusal about taking the items ’for free’. He can stew in
any other meanings he wishes
as I grab the box and turn around.
Like over whether
I’ll ever come back
here and
bother
him again.
Over whether
he has done well
to gain my
favor
.
It doesn’t matter if Kyrie
ordered
it or it was his own idea. Just because someone dangles the strings
doesn’t mean I have to agree
to be wrapped up in them.