"If you haven't decided on a budget, perhaps I can show you some of our less expensive options."
Margaret looked at him.
"Are these the less expensive ones?"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
She smiled.
"They're not very good."
Adrian's expression changed.
"Excuse me?"
Margaret pointed toward the boot.
"The stitching."
Adrian looked at it.
"What about it?"
"Too tight."
He frowned.
"The leather will crack where the stitching turns."
Adrian stared at her.
"You can tell that just by looking?"
Margaret smiled.
"I can tell without looking."
Adrian laughed.
"Interesting."
Margaret reached toward another pair.
"This one is better."
Adrian stopped her.
"Please."
She lowered her hand.
"Sorry."
He looked at her.
"Are you a professional?"
Margaret smiled.
"Something like that."
Adrian shook his head.
"I don't think you understand how our products are made."
Margaret looked at him.
"I understand leather."
He smiled.
"Of course."
There was something dismissive in his voice.
Margaret noticed.
She didn't argue.
Instead, she walked toward the back of the store.
Adrian followed.
"Can I help you with something?"
"I'm looking for someone."
"Who?"
"Mr. Daniel Hart."
Adrian's expression changed.
"Why?"
Margaret looked at him.
"Because he invited me."
Adrian paused.
"Mr. Hart isn't here."
"That's unfortunate."
"Can I take a message?"
Margaret nodded.
"Tell him Margaret Collins came."
Adrian waited.
"Margaret Collins."
"Yes."
"Does he know you?"
She smiled.
"I think he remembers."
Adrian looked confused.
"Mr. Hart has a lot of contacts."
"I imagine he does."
She turned to leave.
But before she reached the door, Adrian said,
"Ma'am."
She turned.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Hart doesn't usually meet people without an appointment."
Margaret smiled.
"I don't need an appointment."
Adrian's expression tightened.
"Everyone needs an appointment."
"Perhaps."
She walked out.
Adrian watched her disappear.
He shook his head.
Some people simply didn't understand how things worked.
He returned to the counter.
He had almost forgotten about her when the phone rang.
"Good morning."
It was the store's owner.
Daniel Hart.
Adrian straightened immediately.
"Good morning, Mr. Hart."
"Has anyone come by?"
Adrian thought.
"Actually, yes."
"Who?"
"An older woman."
There was silence.
"What did she look like?"
Adrian described her.
Denim overalls.
Brown shirt.
Gray hair.
Rough hands.
There was another silence.
Then Daniel's voice became serious.
"Did you let her in?"
Adrian frowned.
"Yes."
"Did you speak to her?"
"Yes."
"What did you say?"
Adrian hesitated.
"Nothing unusual."
Daniel's voice became sharper.
"Adrian."
"Yes, sir?"
"Did you disrespect her?"
Adrian looked confused.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Daniel took a breath.
"Listen carefully."
Adrian waited.
"Her name is Margaret Collins."
"I know."
"Do you know who she is?"
"No."
"Then you should."
Adrian became nervous.
"Who is she?"
Daniel answered quietly.
"She is the reason this store exists."