“I can't afford to pay any more for things than I do. Already, I barely make a profit per item as is.”
Lana went back to organizing shelves that she'd already straightened up an hour ago. She was clearly snooping on our conversation.
To be honest, I was even more worried for her than myself. If I was forced to find a new supply source, and to pay more per piece, that'd mean less profit – and pay cuts for the both of us.
“There are plenty of good sources around town, I'm willing to bet,” he added. “Or look online. Millions of people all over the world are looking to offload their junk.”
“It's not junk,” Lana muttered. “They're antiques. And what would you know about sourcing stuff like that, hmm? I do believe all of your inventory comes from China.”
Asher sighed and reached into his coat pocket. “I sure hope we can all learn to get along before the wedding.”
Lana gaped at him. I flashed him an annoyed look. There he went, running his mouth before I had a chance to tell her myself.
“What wedding?”
“You know he's got to get married in three weeks,” I said with a weak laugh. “Well... We sort of came up with a little plan.”
“You're going to marry him?”
“Just on paper. It's either we do this, or the shop gets closed down. And where would you go then?”
She quieted, thinking about it. Lana was a hard worker, but she never graduated college and her stint at the shop had been her only job ever. Getting hired elsewhere if this place collapsed wouldn't be easy for her.
Probably not for me either. What the hell would I do if Hazel's Curiosities shut down? I'd end up on welfare and working in fast food – a bleak existence that even thinking about made me feel depressed.
From his pocket, Asher pulled out a small brown box. A jewelry box. My heartbeat quickened as he opened the lid.
“I got this for you. Figured you'd need a ring, so...” He lifted the gleaming band from the velvet holder. “Hope you like this sort of thing.”
It was a beautiful silvery band that I guessed was platinum. Atop that was one huge diamond, every facet sparkling in the light. I'd dealt with enough jewelry in this business to know it cost him a fortune.
Lana squealed as he slipped the ring on the proper finger. It was just a little loose, but stayed in place as if made to fit me.
“What do you think?” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “I'd have asked your opinion, but we're clearly running out of time for that.”
“...It's the prettiest ring I've ever seen,” I said, stroking the stone. “But all this for a fake wedding? You could have stuck with cubic zirconia.”
Lana wrinkled her nose, and he laughed.
“Of course I couldn't. You're better than that, Sarah. You deserve it. Don't forget that.”
Lana jumped up and down like a hyperactive child. Suddenly, the idea of my getting married seemed to enthrall her.
“Ooh, this is gonna be so much fun! We'll have to go buy your dress, and get your hair done – Lord knows it's been years since you last saw a stylist.”
Asher smirked. I growled and slapped her arm.
“Yeah? And who's going to be paying for all of this? Soon as I tell my parents, they'll probably freak out. No offense,” I nodded to Asher. “But our families don't quite get along so well.”
“Whatever you need, I've got it covered.” He smiled. “Small price to pay for keeping my store open, don't you agree?”
This was all little more than a glorified business transaction, but it was beginning to not feel much like it anymore.
Lana wandered off twittering to herself about wedding planning. From the sound of things, she had already deemed herself my designated maid of honor.
“It's a relief to know things will work out, isn't it?” He peered into the glass jewelry case. “Oh, wow. My grandma once had a jade bracelet just like this one.”
I unlocked the case to let him check it out. “I suppose you're right, but this is far from over. Your dad's the sort of man who'll go to war if you get on his bad side.”
“I'll handle him. You and Lana just focus on the wedding details.” He rolled his fingers over the shiny green stones. “And how you're going to give this store the kick in the ass it so desperately needs.”
“How can I do anything? You're the big dog in town, selling every electronic gadget a child could ask for. Me?” I held up a ratty doll with buttons for eyes. “Kids don't want this dusty old stuff. I've been denying it to myself for years. Only people looking for a nostalgia trip come in, and most of them never even buy.”
He carefully replaced the bracelet and shut the case door. There was sympathy on his face, but it was probably of the fake variety.
“Don't be so pessimistic. All you've got to do is a bit of marketing. Convince children that Hazel's Curiosities is cool in its own way.”
“Oh, is that all. Easy.”
“It can be, if you play it smart. I heard you're going to have Santa Claus here next week. Kids'll go nuts for that.”
“Yeah, all five of them who show only because their mothers would rather not wait in line at the Grant City Mall.”
Across the street, business was booming at Slicker Image, as usual. Easy to see why, with all the big, colorful sale signs and fancy holiday decorations. Heck, he even had one of those bell ringers by the door, collecting change for charity.
“It's okay,” I muttered. “You don't have to try and make me feel better. It's clear my
