Page 32 of Champagne Nights

“Skincare aisle?” she asked.

Looking up at the signs above, I found that skincare was one aisle over.

“Next one over. Take my arm.”

I led Aubrey over to the facial products, picked up a package that said “Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths,” and placed it in her hand.

“What brand are they?”

Looking at the package, I spoke, “Neutrogena.”

“Those are fine. Thank you.”

“Anything else?”

“Nope. That should be all.”

She took hold of my arm, and we walked up to the cash register to check out. Once the clerk rang up Aubrey’s items and gave her the total, she reached into her purse, took out her credit card, and handed it to the young girl.

“You need to swipe it yourself,” the clerk spoke.

“And you can’t do it for her, why?” I spoke in irritation.

“Because we have the machine right there, sir.”

“Ethan, it’s fine,” Aubrey spoke as she felt the machine with her hand.

“She’s visually impaired. There’s no reason why you can’t do it for her.”

Aubrey slid her card through the machine and the clerk shot me a look.

“Looks like she did just fine to me,” she spoke with an attitude.

“You need an attitude adjustment. I want to speak with your manager.”

Aubrey placed her hand on my arm. “Don’t, Ethan. It’s not worth it. Let’s just go home.”

“No. It’s not okay. When you’re working with the public, you don’t treat customers like that.”

“Thank you.” Aubrey smiled at the young woman. “Have a nice night.”

She grabbed hold of my arm and started pulling me along. Once we climbed into the limo, Aubrey sighed.

“Listen, Ethan. I know this is new to you, but I can manage things on my own. I’ve lived with this for the past seventeen years. I’m used to people being rude and having attitudes.”

“What did he do?” Harry asked as he glared at me through the rearview mirror.

“He was ready to get someone fired because she wouldn’t slide my card for me.”

“Is that so?” His glare intensified.

“She was rude, and it was uncalled for,” I spoke.

“She wasn’t that rude and didn’t know I was blind. If I would have insisted that I couldn’t do it, she would have helped me.”

“Doubt it. She was a snotty little bitch.”

Aubrey let out a light laugh.

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