I was shopping for an antique cabinet on Saturday; I'd already been to three different Antique stores but found nothing. Fortunately, I had put a bit of thought into the process and had driven to the furthest store first and progressively made my way back home visiting the other stores. So far I'd found nothing that was vaguely suitable. As I wandered into the final antique shop, I saw a cabinet that was perfect for what I wanted. So much for all that planning I thought, if only I'd come here in the first place I could have saved half a day.
I pulled out my tap-measure and noted down all the dimensions, length, width and height. It was going to be a tight fit, but with a bit of luck it should fit perfectly. I looked at the price $2,000, not a bargain, but if it fitted it would be perfect. Before I decided to haggle I thought I'd to go home a check the measurements against the space in the bedroom I had planned for it.
Having checked the measurements I got back to the antique shop and did a final measure – sure enough it would fit, as I was going through my final deliberations a female voice came from behind me.
"Hello, can I help you?
"Yes" I responded as I turned around to face the sales assistant, "I'm very interested in this cabinet, but it's probably a little outside my price range."
"It's in fantastic condition for its age, I don't think you'll find a better example. When were you thinking of buying?" she asked.
"Right now, if we can come to some agreement on the price." I countered.
We both stepped back from the cabinet and began the ancient art of haggling. I studied my opponent; she was obviously not some dizzy sales assistant, more likely the owner of the antique store. She was in her late fifties or early sixties, with fine features and a long elegant neck. Her hair was straight, brunette in colour and it hung a couple of inches past her shoulders, she wore a short string of pearls around her neck and matching pearl earrings. It all accentuated the elegance of her features. She wore a loose fitting V-neck red top and matching red skirt that was pulled tight across her womanly hips and thighs.
"When would you be able to deliver it?" I asked.
"How far are you from the shop?" she responded.
"Probably ten minutes, is it possible to have it delivered today?"
"Well the shop closes in an hour, I can call my delivery man to see if he can fit it in at this late hour – let me give him a call."
As she walked away I took the opportunity to study my bartering adversary more, her skirt came to just below the knee, she was slim waisted, but it was difficult to tell more as her loose fitting top gave nothing away as to what lay beneath. Her hips moved deliciously as she headed towards the counter, I focused more intently on her solid thighs and started thinking thoughts that had nothing to do with the price of the cabinet or her age, which was at least twenty years more than mine. As I looked back up to her flowing hair I realised that with all the antique mirrors on display, she had actually been watching me watching her. I blushed.
I turned my attention back to the cabinet, looking for any obvious imperfections that would give me a negotiating edge. I then looked up again to the sales women who was in an animated conversation on the phone, again she caught me looking and smiled at me as she continued her conversation with the delivery driver, her left hand flicking her hair off her shoulders. Finishing the conversation, she walked back towards me. I looked at her as she walked towards me with an enticing smile on her face. Even though the V-neck top was loose fitting I couldn't help but notice a telltale movement of her chest as she took each step.
"We have five minutes to come to an agreement if you want it delivered today." She said abruptly.
"Well, if we can deliver it today, I'm prepared to pay $1,500 cash." I offered.
She looked at me, her left arm crossing her waist and her right hand reaching for her pearl necklace that lay at the very base of her neck, as she considered my offer.
After a few moments consideration she responded. "$1,750 is the best I can do, plus $50 for delivery."
Immediately, I shot back "$1,750 including delivery."
"You have a deal young man." Her right hand reached out to seal the deal with a handshake.
I took her hand to complete the agreement and felt an instant connection. Her hand was slim, cool and soft to the touch. I probably held her hand a moment too long as she pulled away from me saying she had to call the delivery driver.
I followed behind her to the sales counter and waited for her to make the call to the driver. He was obviously pissed about having to make a delivery this late in the day, but she just smiled at me through his obvious ranting.
"You are not far from here at all are you?" She said after she gave the driver the address. "Is there anything else I can interest you in?"
I'm sure I blushed, as I responded, "No, you've been very accommodating, thank you."
"I'm sure your wife is going to love it." She offered.
"No, it's just me."
"Oh really." She said as she flashed a warm smile.
I looked back towards the antique cabinet, saying, "I much prefer things aged, they have so much more character than the new." I then looked her straight in the eye. "I had better get home and prepare the space, thank you so much for your help and I hope to see you again soon." I said as I left the antique shop.