He raises his eyebrows. “Very well.” He disappears out the back.
“Old wanker,” I whisper.
“I know, right?” Fletcher whispers back.
Five whole minutes later he comes back with the biggest box I’ve ever seen. “That will be six hundred and twenty-five dollars.”
“What?” My eyes widen. “For a toy?”
He gives me that smile again, and I imagine myself hitting him over the head with the gigantic box.
“Fine,” I snap as I take out my wallet. “This better take us to the moon when it’s built.”
“If it’s built.” He smirks.
I raise an eyebrow at the know-it-all old man. “You know, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your customer service . . . it’s severely lacking.”
He smiles sweetly. “We don’t do returns, so when you realize I was right and you were wrong, don’t ask for your money back, Mr. . . . Big Business.”
I stare at the man over the counter as I imagine myself sticking the rocket up his ass.
Fletcher grabs my arm to distract me. “Goodbye,” he says as he pulls me from the shop.
We stumble out onto the street with the huge box. “What’s his fucking problem?” I whisper angrily. “I hate that old bastard.”
“Yeah, well, I’m pretty sure he hates you too.”
“Tristan, your mother is on her way down to your office.” Sammia’s voice comes through my intercom.
“Thanks, Sam.”
I hit send on the email I’ve been writing. Then . . . knock, knock.
“Come in,” I call.
My mother’s warm smile comes into view, and I stand immediately. “Hello, Mom.” I rush to her and kiss her cheek.
“Hello, darling.” She hugs me. “I just came to check on my favorite son.”
I chuckle. She says that to all four of us . . . apparently, we are each her favorite son.
“Take a seat. Do you want some tea?” I ask.
“Yes, please, that wo
uld be lovely.” She sits down and crosses her legs.
I hit the intercom. “Sammia, can you ask someone to bring in some tea for Mom, please?”
“Sure can.”
“Thanks.” My attention turns back to my mother. “So . . .”
“So . . .” She widens her eyes with a smile. “I’ve had a hysterical Melina at our apartment all day.”
“Oh God.” I roll my eyes.
“Don’t roll your eyes, Tristan. She’s very hurt.”