You take Eve with you

“Alright, Eve, you come with me!” you decide “I need this stuff and can’t risk anything right now. Sorry Nad. We will go through everything as soon as possible.”

Eve smiles and nods happy, while Nadja looks a little disappointed to the ground. It is sad to see her like this, but you can’t take both of them with you. You quickly make a phone call to ask the shop owner if the equipment is still available, which he confirms. Eve immediately heads to the car while you leave some last instructions to your parents and friends.

Kyle drives you both to the other town. However, he gets quickly annoyed with Eve who constantly tells him something about his driving style and points out minor mistakes. You wonder when she became so bossy. Less than an hour later, you arrive at the shop. It is a large hall with lots of second hand furniture and other stuff from houses that have no owner anymore.

The shop owner is a friendly old man. He is about a head smaller than you, almost bald and needs a stick to walk. But he is very nice and offers immediately to show you around. Kyle excuses himself because he has to refuel his car. But you notice a strange grin towards Eve. Is he trying to give you two some time together?

Inside the hall, you see a lot of different types of furniture. Some are really nice and elegant, others are basically rubbish. There are also board games and books in some shelves. Eve looks impressed at some very old looking stuff, but she does not stop for long. She acts very professional. After a short moment, you arrive at a door to the storage. The medical equipment is stored there, because nobody was interested in it so far. However, at the entrance to the storage, you meet a big guy in working clothes who is carrying a pallet truck. He wears a cap with the logo of the store and is quiet young. Just a few years older than you.

“Ah, Raphael, good to see you here,” the old man says happy, “we have these nice young couple who is interested in the medical equipment we have in store for a while now. A doctor and a lawyer, can you believe it? At this young age.”

The guy called Raphael nods greeting but his face is rock hard. He seems quiet hostile, even if his boss obviously does not notice it. And looking at his shirt, you get a good feeling why. It is from a university store. The same you and Nadja went to. Since he now works in this store, you assume he did not passed his exams. He is jealous because of your success.

“Would you please be so kind to bring these nice young couple to the store,” the old shop owner asks and sounds suddenly tired, “I feel a little tired. Maybe I should get myself a tea in the office.”

“Of course, boss,” Raphael answers short before you can correct the old man about the fact that Eve is not a lawyer and you are not a couple.

Raphael leads you wordless to a section with big boxes. In three of them is your equipment. Raphael opens one of the boxes for you to show you the stuff is in a really good condition. You go through everything and are pleased that there is everything you need. And even more. Eve gives her best to not look too clueless about some things, but you quickly explain her what everything is for.

“Alright, guys,” Raphael says and sounds still not happy about you, “if you want the equipment, you have to take the whole set. We don’t offer single devices.”

“That’s not a problem,” you tell him friendly, “I wanted the whole collection anyway.”

“Very great,” Raphael says unimpressed, “that would be 2000. Paying either cash or by card. No installment payment or purchase on credit.”

“2000 dollar?” Eve asks sceptic, “forgive me my confusion, but on your website you said only 1000. Or am I mistaken? That seems a little much.”

“Mistake by the boss, probably,” Raphael says but clearly lies, “he is old. Internet is not his world. Do you want the stuff now or not?”

“That would swallow the whole capital we have left,” you complain, “despite, even completely new, this stuff is not worth 2000.”

“Not my problem,” Raphael replies smug and crosses his arms, “if you can’t pay, stop wasting my time and leave.”

“If you offered something publicly, the price is binding,” Eve explains him calm but clearly angry, “but fine, if you keep up this act, I will let you choose. We either go to your boss to clear this, or directly to the trade supervisory office. You clearly don’t want that, right.”

“Is this a joke?” Raphael replies stubborn, but you can see he is surprised and not that sure anymore, “the old man barely remembers his own name and can’t move the pallet truck when it is empty. You think he will believe a bunch of academic jackasses over the guy who keeps his beloved store running? But fine, if you need that garbage so urgent, how about a deal. You have a cute girlfriend. Give her to me for a few minutes and you can have the stuff for 1000.”

“Touch me and I kick your balls,” Eve threatens him, “give me one reason to not call the police.”

“For what?” Raphael laughs arrogant, “you have no proof. Oh, and my brother is a cop, so good luck trying this, bitch.”

You really can’t believe this guy. He has no shame. First he doubles the price to benefit from his bosses customers and now he tries to **** Eve into a sexual favor. He even added corruption to his list of disgusting behavior. At least if it is true what he says.

The choice is up to you. You can’t try to convince Eve to accept the ****, but you could ask her for a favor to give you more money from her mother’s offer. Or you could call Claire directly and ask her for help. As a lawyer and mother, maybe she can threat this guy. However, if he still is stubborn, this whole situation will likely keep going without result for some time. You could also pay him the money, even if it is not justified. But at least you would get rid of this guy that way. Speaking to the shop owner is probably not a good option. He seemed very glad about Raphael working for him and you are not sure how he would react.