“You too,” he replied. It was all so formal. So, sterile. Like a business exchange; and, technically, it was, but she wished he could have given her a little bit more of what he had given her the other day. He had poured into her that day. Today, he acted like he didn’t even know her. His eyes were full of grey clouds, as a storm brewed behind his stare. There was something dark within him and it made him standoffish. She turned to leave, making it all the way to the door before she stalled. She was looking for an excuse to prolong her presence there. “You caught me in a desperate place the other day. I don’t do that. I’ve never done that.” She had one hand on the door and was facing it, as she spoke. She didn’t want to turn around to face him because he had to be judging her. That’s where this change in mood had come from. He had formed an opinion of her and it wasn’t a good one - at least that’s what she assumed.

“You said that before. You don’t have to repeat yourself. I believe you,” Ethic replied.

“Then why are you treating me like…” she didn’t know how to finish her sentence. “Like…a…like…” she was at a loss for words.

“A customer?” he finished.

“Yes!” she shouted. She knew she sounded ridiculous. This man just fixed your car. He was being nice the other day. He ain’t responsible for making your life feel less fucked up than what it is, she thought. She blew out a deep breath and tucked her hair behind her ear, as she closed her eyes. “You know what? I’m sorry. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing right now. Have a good night.” She was halfway to the door when she stopped, again, pulling the money out of her bag and turning around to place it on the counter top. “I’d rather pay.” She stormed off, opening the door, only for Ethic to come up behind her and push it closed. She turned towards him.