How I bought my Aventador

Neste agreed: $400,000.

Farid’s eyes bugged out. He glanced at the Waterhouse in the alarmed case, thinking I was being robbed.

He never knew it was fake. Didn’t know until much too late about his smack, slipped to Neste later that day.

Image: The Mermaid, John William Waterhouse

Used

“You used me,” he said.

The fluorescent lights hummed as they flickered above her.

She didn’t know what to say. Yes, she used him. What made her think he would like it? Maybe it was because she wanted to be used herself.

Conversations with Affability and Decorum

“Ask questions.”

“Don’t talk about money.”

“Be down to earth.”

“Place your napkin on your lap.”

“Show interest.”

“Don’t argue politics.”

“Display personality.”

“Skirts should cover your knees.”

“Speak warmly."

“Use proper titles.”

“Appear comfortable.”

“Sit straight.”

“Make eye contact.”

“Don’t stare.”

The seventh day

Smudging colors, blending edges, she examines light and shading. Here a face takes shape. There a flower, a tree.

Over the hum of the ventilator, she hears the click of the door. Hey sugar. You need your rest. The lights go out.