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Imogene spun around. The woman walked toward them, shaking her head. She was older than Imogene, probably in her early forties, and elegantly dressed with a welcoming smile.

“Charm, Elle. I enjoy charming the customers.”

She rolled her eyes playfully and stopped a few feet from Imogene. “I’m Elodie, the owner. Welcome.”

“Thank you.”

Elodie scanned the store. “Is there anything I can help you find?”

Oh God, this is a nightmare. She could possibly find a pair of earrings, but even that was questionable considering the prices of most of the items.

“She already found the perfect hat,” Sal said, grabbing it from the bin and handing it to Elodie.

“Great choice.”

This was progressively getting worse. Imogene shifted on her feet, darting her eyes between them. If she bought the hat, it would put her budget back by at least three days. How do I get out of this?

“You okay, honey?” He gently grasped her elbow. “You look flushed.”

I’m gonna be flushed outta money if I buy the hat, sir.

As much as she wanted to do the right thing, she had to be responsible.

“I’m so sorry. I can’t buy it.” The strain in her tone was desperate.

Elodie inched closer, offering a soft smile. “Okay, you don’t have to.”

The pity. It was hard to swallow.

“It’s just, um…” —she drove her hand through her hair— “Can I be honest with you?”

Elodie lifted her brows and shared a look with Sal, then immediately nodded. “Sure.”

Imogene licked her lips and brushed the stray hairs from her face. “This is embarrassing. I was having lunch with my cousin across the street. When I got here I was already running late.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “And the only spot I could find was in your parking lot. I saw the ‘Customers Only’ sign, and I swear I was going to do the right thing and purchase something.” Oh God, say it. “But I’m a little tight on cash, and I can’t afford anything in here right now.” Imogene held up her hand. “But I have an interview for a second job tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll get it, and in a few months I can come back and buy something.”

The store was dead silent until Elodie snickered with a grin. “That has to be the most honest explanation I’ve heard in months.”

Sal chuckled. “Years for me.”

At least they weren’t upset with her. Imogene inched away, hoping to leave on a high note and make a clean getaway.

“I’ll be back, I promise.” She rushed to the door but didn’t make it in time.

“Hold up, honey,” Sal said.

When she turned around, he waved her to the counter. Imogene had no other choice. She slowly walked to the register at the back of the store. Surely they couldn’t force her to buy anything. Right? All signs were pointing to the opposite. Elodie was behind the counter wrapping the hat in tissue paper. She grabbed a glossy paper bag and placed it inside. She leaned over the counter, handing it to Imogene.

She held up her hands, refusing. “But I…”

Elodie smirked, lifting her chin to the older man. “A gift from Sal.”

What? Imogene jerked her head to find him smiling. She immediately shook her head.

“I can’t accept this.”

“Sure you can.” He grabbed the bag, forcing her to take it. “It’s rude to turn down a gift.”

“But…”