Meet Ester

I was exploring the shops on 5th Ave the other day and decided to walk into an old antique shop that had these amazing chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  I was taken back with their inventory.  Jade this.  Sapphire that. Diamonds here. Diamonds there.  At that point, I knew I was in over my head.  Just as I turned to leave, a saleswoman walked up to me and asked me what I was shopping for.  I felt bad and I decided to just stick it out. I told her that I was drawn to her store because of her fabulous window display and wanted to come in to see what else they had.  She smiled and pointed out different areas of the store.  I had never been schmoozed before, but I felt that this nice lady was about to lay it on!  

"My name is Ester and I am here to help you with whatever you are looking for. What is your name?"  

I replied, knowing that now, I was committed.  I made it clear from the start that I was not going buy anything and was just looking. Well Ester, bless her heart, was determined. After showing me a couple of other items and sensing my disinterest she says, 

"I have just the bracelet for you. It matches your wedding ring perfectly,"

She gracefully walks behind the counter and unlocks a drawer.  I was impressed with her attention to detail and her knowledge of their inventory.  Before I knew it she held the sparkling treasure out and motioned for me to hold out my wrist.  I obliged and the next thing I knew I was marveling at how it indeed perfectly matched my ring and how it surprisingly felt like it simply belonged on my wrist.

"Man, Ester, you are good. This is beautiful.  But I would have to talk this over with my husband first." Knowing full well that I would never buy this - seeing that it has a price tag of $11,000. 

"No worries, Shalyn. Why don't you just take it home with you and wear it around for a couple of days and then make your decision."  

What?!? I stumbled for a response...

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't even feel comfortable walking around with my camera - let alone an $11,000 piece of jewelery."   

"I see," she quietly says, "about that, why don't I break the rules a little for you and let you have it for $4,000."  

?!?!?!? I looked around the store and saw that I was still the only person in there and that the other group of salesmen had lit up a cigars and were smoking them INSIDE the store.  "Where the heck am I?" I thought to myself. 

"Uh. Wow, that is very generous, but I still would have to talk to my husband about it."

Ignoring my obvious hesitation she goes on,  

"So, we always make a big deal about who makes the first sale of the day, and since it is already 12:25 and we haven't made a deal yet let me tell you, Shalyn, if you are willing to purchase this bracelet right now...I can give it to you for $3,500."

...

Oh Ester.  You got me. 

Needless to say, I now own a beautiful diamond laced bracelet that perfectly matches my wedding ring...

...just kidding.