Exception

Julia turned around and saw the watch that Jenny was pointing at and admired it through the window. "Wow, that is one beautiful watch. Is that for Jason?" She asked as she glanced over her shoulder at Jenny.

"Yes. We came here yesterday to buy a gift for Elizabeth and Nick and I caught him looking at this watch. So, I tried to secretly glance at it as well and I took note of the name of the store. I planned to look the watch up when we came home, but that was delayed until this morning. I wanted to call the store and ask them to reserve the watch for me when Jason woke up and wanted to have breakfast with me. That is when I blurted out that I had an appointment with you. I didn't feel right lying to him, so I decided to turn my lie into the truth. This way I could get your opinion on the gift as well and I can talk to the shop owner in person."

"Ah, I see. Well why do you need to reserve it? I am sure that Jason has given you a gold card. You can buy it with that without any problems right?"

"Yeah it wouldn't be a problem using the card, but I want to buy it for him with my own money. He has given me so much in the little time that we have been together and last year I didn't even know that it was his birthday when I came here. So, I didn't get him anything. Instead he got me a gift on his own birthday. This year I have to make it up to him. It doesn't feel right to do that by buying him a gift with his own families money."

Julia looked away as she was in thought and replied, "Yes, I guess that is true. But how will you afford it? This is quite a high end store. That watch can't be cheap."

Jenny's expression turned a bit grave as she said, "No, it certainly isn't. That is why I need it reserved. To buy myself some time and to prevent Jason from buying it himself."

Julia straightened herself and put her arm through Jenny's as she smiled optimistically at Jenny. "Well let's go then. There certainly is no harm in asking." Jenny returned her smile and they entered the shop. They immediately walked to the counter and were greeted by the salesclerk. "Good day miss. How may I be of assistance today?" "Good morning miss..." Jenny replied as she read her name tag "...Anne. I am interested in a watch that is displayed in the store window and I was wondering if I could have it reserved. I want to buy it, but I am lacking a bit of the funds."

The salesclerk's expression turned and she said, "I'm sorry miss. We don't reserve items. We carry many unique items, all with different price points. If that particular watch is outside your budget, perhaps I can recommend a watch in a different price range. What is your current budget?"

Jenny shook her head and said, "You don't understand. I don't need 'A' watch, I need that particular watch. The person I am buying it for has taken a liking to it and I wish to gift it to him on his eighteenth birthday, which is in a couple of months. I am certain that I can obtain the money, I just don't have it right now. I don't want to risk waiting till I have the money and find out that it has already been sold. Surely there must be something you can do?"

The saleswoman looked a bit hesitant, but saw the desperation in Jenny's eyes. "Well...I can't do anything about the rules, but there is someone who can. The only one who can make exceptions is the owner himself, lucky for you he happens to be in the store today."

Jenny looked over at Julia and they grabbed each other's hands from excitement. "If I could speak with him that would be absolutely wonderful." The saleswoman smiled and nodded slightly as she walked to the back of the store to call the owner.

A few seconds later a middle aged man came to the counter, with a mustache you only saw in the movies. He looked at them with a wary expression as he looked at them up and down, before putting on a professional smile. "Good morning, my name is Francois Mureau, I am the owner of this store. My employee tells me that you have a particular request. What can I do for you two lovely ladies?"

Jenny put on her most innocent smile as she asked her favor. "Good morning Mr. Mureau. Thank you for meeting me. I wish to purchase one of your watches displayed in the front window, but as I am lacking a part of the funds right now, I was hoping that you could reserve it for me until I can pay you in full. I know you normally don't do this, but I promise that I will do whatever I need to do to get you the rest of the money. All I need is a little time."

Without changing his expression in the slightest the man said, "I am sorry miss. As my employee already informed you, we don't reserve items. If I reserve this item and you aren't able to gather the remaining sum, I will have lost multiple opportunities to sell it to other willing and paying customers. I am afraid I cannot make an exception. If there is nothing else, I will excuse myself as I have many other matters to attend to." With that the man nodded politely before he turned around and walked away. Leaving Jenny dumbfounded and lost as she saw her lifeline walk away.