Page 110 of Chemistry: The Chemist

Caretaker. A good one.

“Whatever you say, Mister.”

Shyly, I sipped and scanned the bags that were encased and on shelves that glowed. A black, very simple piece caught my eye just as Diane returned.

“Galleria. Isn’t she beautiful?” Diane pointed to the bag I had my sight set on.

“Yes,” I claimed.

“We have her studded or simple black leather. She’s versatile. An everyday bag, work bag, classic bag, or special occasion bag.”

“Do you like it?” I turned and asked Chem.

“I do. You?”

“Yes.”

“She’ll take both,” he finalized.

“Bab–”

“She’ll take both,” he reiterated.

“Great. Now, would you like a look at more bags or shall we move on to the shoes and clothes?”

I hesitated, knowing I hadn’t gotten to spend time with the lovely bags on display.

“A little longer, Diane.” Chem was observant. His attention to detail allowed me to remain silent as he expressed my hesitancy with words that failed me.

“Okay. Anything in particular you’re interested in?”

“The triangle bag and the small bucket.”

“Let us see the backpack as well.”

Diane gathered the bags. One by one, I placed them up against my body. My reflection in the mirror made it difficult to choose. I finally accepted the fact I didn’t have to as I slid the backpack off my shoulder.

“I want them all.”

Chemistry’s eyes lit up, though his face was void of emotion.

“Alright. Adding these to your order.”

“Thank you.”

“To the shoes or are we stopping here?”

“I imagine I need at least one pair of shoes to coordinate.”

“Or five,” Chem added.

“I don’t need five.” Tittering, I finished the champagne.

As it hit the small table next to the couch, another one was placed in my hand. The strategy was to get customers loose enough to spend willingly. However, that wasn’t necessary. Chem would spend regardless. He didn’t need a drink in his hand or influence of any kind.

“Whatever you say, Choc.”

His attention never wavered. Not once had he picked up his phone. His eyes were planted in my direction, no matter where I turned or what I was doing. I had his undivided attention and the way my skin prickled under his watchful eye let me know I was fascinated by his willingness to stop his world from spinning on its axle to visit mine.

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