The salesman stepped in front of the watch display before the elderly customer could lean closer.
“Hey, you. This isn’t a shelter. You can’t afford anything in here.”
The man glanced down at his faded coat, then back at the glass.
“I’m just looking at the watches, son.”
“Those cost more than you’ll ever make.”
Behind the counter, another employee stopped polishing a bracelet. She waited for the salesman to lower his voice.
He didn’t.
“Please show me your most expensive watch,” the customer said.
The salesman laughed. “What are you going to do? Dream about it?”
The older man pointed toward a platinum watch on a velvet stand. “That one.”
Reluctantly, the salesman unlocked the case. He kept the tray close to his chest.
The customer studied the dial without touching it.
“I’ll take it.”
“Do you even know the price?”
Before the man could answer, a door opened at the back of the boutique.
The manager emerged carrying a leather presentation box. When he saw the customer, his hurried expression softened.
“Sir, welcome back. Shall I prepare your usual private collection first?”
The salesman slowly lowered the tray. His smile vanished before he could explain himself.
“Usual?” he whispered.
The manager looked between them. “Is something wrong?”
The older man buttoned his coat.
“First, teach your salesman that respect should never depend on someone’s clothes.”
The salesman began apologizing, but the customer raised a hand.
“You were comfortable speaking that way when you thought I couldn’t buy anything. That’s what concerns me.”
The manager set down the box and turned to his employee.
“Come with me. We need to talk.”
The man looked once more at the platinum watch.
Then he walked out.
For the first time that afternoon, the salesman watched the door instead of the display.