Back at home I was laying on the floor. Greed was helping go over my finances, talk about broke.
"Do you have plans for the engagement ring Max?" Lust asked glancing over the monthly expenses.
Rent by the 5th is $200, Phone bill on the 25th $55, Gym membership on the first $15, Car insurance on the 2nd $119 Credit card payments 21st and 22nd $400 total.
"That's $789 in fixed costs each month. Leaving us only $663 for food, transportation, maintenance, splurging, and fun money." Greed stated as if offended by the very idea of giving money away. It was kinda funny.
"Well, I will call car insurance about my claim tomorrow during lunch. I was thinking about getting the bus pass after this paycheck… as for the ring… sell it I guess." I said with a sigh.
Lust patted my cheek, "Moving on doesn't mean it stops hurting."
"At least selling the ring will give us a good emergency fund." Greed said flopping down beside me. Lust kicked his foot.
"Think before you speak! Rings are sentimental you money grubber!" Lust admonished as she hugged me.
"Greed just meant it was the practical choice. What we should focus on is getting an appraisal, what it can be sold for versus what Max paid will have a steep difference." Pride reminded as he looked the ring over.
"Now, who better to appraise a ring, than a dwarf or dragon?" Greed asked with a smirk.
I stared at Greed… "Is… are we going to meet a dragon?" I mean, if I'm suddenly suck with supernatural creatures… who didn't dream of meeting a dragon?
Greed rolled his eyes, "I can say for certain you've met a dwarf already and didn't notice. We don't exactly go around announcing it to every shmuck we meet. You've probably met a dragon and never even realized."
"But… if we go get an appraisal, will I get to meet a dragon?" I asked getting a little excited. I wouldn't even mind if I never saw their dragon form. A real freaking dragon… that would be legit.
Lust looked me over, "Do you… like dragons? How do you feel about lets say… wolf shifters or vampires? Those are also highly romanticized."
I tried not to grin as I shrugged, "I mean, knowing there out there, and like… knowing one personally would be… I don't even know… like meeting some foreign movie star. I think it would be super cool."
"Anyway! Ring appraisals, maybe we can ask Auntie Mellie if she can recommend someone. Or ask if anyone at work might know someone who buys jewelry. We don't want to go to a pawn shop, or coin store. They'll only offer material value. We want someone who will pay for artistic value." Greed reminded glancing over the ring. "You have good taste."
I stared at the ring, white gold band, a dozen pink diamonds shaped like leaves around a 2-carat opal. I'd spent a full year looking for the perfect opal… then worked with a designer to get the look.
"Yeah, ugh, asking… people. Not work stuff…" I groaned as I closed the ring box.
Pride chuckled, "More extrovert, more confident you, right?"
I let out another groan. "Ugh… people! I think I've had enough of those for a while!" I complained.
Envy rolled her eyes, "You picked the wrong career Max. Did you have an idea of what you wanted to move to? They offer an MA course, less quantity, more quality time with people."
I rolled onto my back, a medical assistant. Then I could cross train on the medical side of things. "I don't want to jump into anything yet… I mean, I just started. Before I sign up for extra stuff… I need a car… or at least a bike."
"Reliable… transportation… call insurance." Sloth agreed, I lifted my head to see him asleep on the floor half way between me and the bedroom door. He tried…
"Yeah, bus rides add up, uber is just expensive when I need a ride." I sighed.
"Let's focus on the ring, and car insurance for now. After those are settled, we can make a budget for a car or bike." Greed announced closing his notebook.
"Sounds like a plan. I, am going to listen to a podcast and just relax the rest of the night." I announced.
I'd asked Donna if she knew anyone who bought second hand jewelry, her answer… scared me.
"Oh yeah, Larry's wife has a huge collection, comes from old money. Larry has the best eye for jewelry around." Donna whispered as she sipped on her… third cup of coffee. That I'd seen.
"I thought… his wife has the collection?" I asked uncertainly, I mean Larry was so… Larry. Like, if you told me he was the original G. I Joe model, I'd believe you. But… jewelry? Huh…
Donna gave me a look that said I was young and naïve. "Max, his wife is a world famous collector. She's called in to consult jewelry from all over the world. Larry knows how passionate she is. He learned."
I gulped, wow… I mean, that made sense. Learning about your partner's passions. "Uh, thanks, I'll uh, ask him."
I didn't go ask him. At least… I didn't go look for him. Even with Pride, Lust, and Greed pestering me… I just… yeah I just didn't. I couldn't even imagine how to start the conversation… Hey Larry! What do you think of this engagement ring? That would lead to a whole conversation about my failed engagement.
With a random stranger I'd never meet again? Sure… without someone I would work with… for the foreseeable future… hard pass!
Of course, the universe itself ensured Larry found me. Here I was, minding my own business, eating left overs… when Larry walked in. Did he grab his food? A coffee? Check the vending machine? Of course not. No, he made a b line straight for me.
I froze as he sat across from me, holding his hand out. I stared at his hand, my last two brain cells had abandoned me. "Uhh… want a bite?" I asked after an uncomfortable silence. Thankfully no one else was here.
Larry rolled his eyes, "Ring."
Ring… wait… my ring?! Wft!!! How the heck!!!! DONNA!!!!!!!! "I uh, um… it's uh… not…" Good lord… words! Coherent thoughts! Something!
Larry's eyes constricted so fast I thought I might actually die. I reached for my pockets, I'd brought it in… did I leave it at my desk?
I almost shed a teer in relief as I pulled the box out of my jacket pocket! With shaky hands I offered the box up.
Larry plucked the box out of my hands, opening it up. I sat like a cornered mouse, barely breathing as he carefully examined the ring. Holding it up to the light, he even pulled out a tiny… magnifying glass…
"It's good. White opal, 2 carats, each pink diamond is nearly identical. No damage. White gold could be better, but appearance wise is good. The opal hasn't dried out. If you found the right buyer, you could get 4 grand. Negotiate for no less than 3. If you sell to retailer, don't go lower than $2,200." Larry finally announced setting the ring back in the box.
I stared… I heard the words. "Oh, okay, uh, thanks Larry."
He stared at me. I tried to stare back, but I kept glancing at the box. Mostly because he was just so dang intimidating.
"Ask if he knows someone who might be interested." Greed prompted in obvious exasperation.
"Oh, uh, do you… uh know?"
"Yes, cash or a cheque?" Larry asked cutting me off.
I shrank in my seat, "Uh,"
"You want a cheque! A cheque!" Greed yelled so loudly I almost fell out of my seat.
"A cheque, would uh, be, um good." I mumbled still not meeting Larry's eye.
"Thirty Five hundred."
Pride jumped in front of me, "Max, square your shoulders! Now! Negotiate, don't let him walk all over you!" Pride's panicked shout had me panicking!
I tried to adjust my posture, but… Larry… just… I mean he was huge! And intimidating! And his eyes! I swear to god! There was a red hue! I dropped my gaze back to the box.
"Max, Love, relax. Take a deep breath." Lust coaxed patting my hand. "That's a good boy, now, let's try that again."
Pride took a deep breath as well, though he turned to face Larry. "Okay Max, if you can't look him in the eye, look at his bridge of his nose."
I almost nodded, but Lust shook her head. I brought my gaze up, even the bridge of his nose was… intimidating.
"Hold your breath Max, don't say uh or um. You've got this. He wants your ring. You have all the power." Pride said in his deep, reassuring voice. Good, because only one person needed to be panicking in the room.