Schnookstore

Story Sent in by Kerry:

On my second date with David, we browsed a bookstore. As we strolled down an aisle, I noticed a large art book on a top shelf that was just out of my reach. He said, "Never fear," and he used a nearby ladder to climb up and retrieve it.

The ladder was really only meant for staff use, and a clerk swung by to say, "Sir, you can't be on there."

David had already grabbed the book by that point and as he descended, he told the clerk, "Well I got the book, so I win."

"It's not a question of winning, sir. It's a liability issue."

David said, "I don't really care. I won. I got the book. You can just shut up."

The clerk opened his mouth as if to say something, then left us there. I told David, "You didn't have to be that nasty."

David said, "I got you the book. Where's my thank-you?"

I wasn't about to push him further. I said, "Thank you," and flipped through the book.

He browsed around the area and I didn't pay him much mind until he grunted. I looked up. An older woman who I guessed to be a manager stormed down the aisle at us, with the clerk trailing behind. David grunted again, then grabbed a nearby shelf of books, ripped them all off the shelves so that they'd fly into the aisle, then turned to me, said, "Run!" and ran past me.

Instead of following him, I did hurry away, but to a cafe area where other patrons sat with books. The manager found me there and stuck a finger in my face, telling me I had to leave the store.

I yelled back at her that I had done nothing wrong and that she should ask her clerk if I had given anyone any trouble. The clerk was quick to pipe up that he only had the problem with David. The manager apologized, but I yelled back at her that she should have more respect for her patrons. Her nerve! Sticking a finger in my face like I'm some stupid delinquent.

The manager retreated and left me alone. I spent a little while longer browsing the art book then left.

David had waited for me outside. He asked, "Did they catch you?"

I said, "It was you they were after. Why'd you start with them in the first place?"

"Pardon me for doing something nice for you. And where is it?"

I explained to him that I hadn't bought the art book. I was only really interested in browsing it (it was $60!).

He said, "So I did all that for nothing? Whatever."

We had lunch at a nearby shopping center, but it was obvious he wasn't really into it. We said friendly goodbyes and never saw each other again.