Chapter 2 - CAN YOU AFFORD ONE WHEEL?Richard expected embarrassment.
I could see it in his face.
He expected me to lower my eyes.
Apologize.
Perhaps explain that I was only looking.
I did none of those things.
“I asked a question,” he said.
“I heard you.”
“And?”
“I’m deciding whether it deserves an answer.”
The laughter around us stopped.
Richard’s smile disappeared.
“This gala represents some of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands.”
“I’m aware.”
“We have standards.”
“For clothing?”
“For clients.”
I looked at his luxury watch.
The face alone probably cost more than my jacket, jeans, suitcase, and shoes combined.
He wanted me to notice.
I did.
It changed nothing.
“What standard have I failed?” I asked.
“You entered a restricted display carrying an unidentified case.”
“I passed security.”
“You’ve been standing beside a vehicle you clearly cannot purchase.”
“How did you determine that?”
Richard gave a short laugh.
“Experience.”
A photographer nearby lowered his camera.
Several guests began paying closer attention.
Public cruelty creates an audience quickly.
Richard leaned closer.
“If you want a photograph, take one from behind the barrier and move along.”
“I don’t want a photograph.”
“Then what do you want?”
“Information about the Ferrari.”
“Which is provided to qualified clients.”
“What qualifies them?”
“Financial capacity.”
“And you measured mine by looking at my shoes?”
Richard’s eyes hardened.
“Sir, I am trying to prevent an uncomfortable situation.”
“For whom?”
“For everyone.”
A second sales associate approached.
A young woman with long brown hair tied neatly behind her shoulders.
Her black showroom uniform was simple and elegant.
A professional badge rested near her collar.
OLIVIA BENNETT
CLIENT SPECIALIST
She looked from Richard to me.
“Is there a problem?”
Richard exhaled.
“This gentleman appears to be lost.”
“I’m not lost,” I said.
Olivia looked directly at me.
Not at my jacket.
Not at the suitcase.
At me.
“Do you have an invitation, sir?”
I showed her the digital pass.
She scanned it.
The screen flashed green.
“Mr. Ethan Cole,” she said. “Your invitation is valid.”
Richard glanced at the tablet.
“That must be a general-admission code.”
“It grants access to the premium display.”
Richard took the device from her.
He checked twice.
The result did not change.
Olivia returned the tablet to her hand.
“Mr. Cole, I apologize for the confusion.”
“You don’t need to apologize for something you didn’t do.”
Richard heard the sentence.
His jaw tightened.
Olivia gestured toward the Ferrari.
“Would you like me to explain the vehicle’s specifications?”
“Yes.”
Richard stepped closer to her.
“Olivia, we have serious clients waiting.”
She looked around.
Every other associate was helping someone.
“No one is waiting for me.”
“Then help one of them.”
Olivia’s expression remained professional.
“Mr. Cole requested information.”
Richard lowered his voice.
“You are wasting gala time.”
I heard him.
Olivia knew I heard him.
A faint flush appeared in her cheeks.
Still, she turned toward the Ferrari.
“This model has already been reserved for private offers,” she said to me. “But I would be happy to show you its history.”
“Thank you.”
Richard walked away.
Before entering his office, he looked back at Olivia.
The warning in his expression was unmistakable.
May you like
She had treated me with respect.
Apparently, that was enough to make her job dangerous.
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