“Well, I saw the condition of your machine, and I didn’t think it was going to last for long, even with my intervention.I thought the new machine might come in handy.By the way, is the old machine still working?”
A frown pulled at her face.It was like he already knew the answer.
“Abby?Is it still working?”
She let out a frustrated sigh.“No.It died this morning.”
“Then the new one arrived just in time.”
“But...”
“Abby, just say thank you.”
“But...”
“There are no strings attached.I promise.”
“Would you let me speak?”Her words were rushed as she tried to squeeze them in between his words.
“Okay...”
“I can’t accept it,” she said firmly.
“Sure, you can.”
“Brad, that machine must cost a small fortune.You didn’t even get a cheap one.That one is the top of the line.”She knew because she checked it out at one point and imagined being able to purchase it for her coffeeshop.
“I wanted a machine with good reviews,” he said matter-of-factly.“They say it is very reliable and should last you for a long while.”
Abby worried her bottom lip.She would be foolish to return something that her business desperately needed.Then she had another thought.“Fine.I’ll accept it...”
“That’s good.I’m looking forward to having an eggnog latte.”
“I only have that at Christmastime.”
“Then it’s a date.”
His choice of words caught her off-guard.It took her a second to recall what she’d been about to say.“I’ll accept it on one condition.”
“And what would that be?”
“That I pay you back.”
This time it was Brad who paused.“You don’t have to do that.The point of a gift is that you don’t owe anything in exchange.”
“But this isn’t a gift.It’s a loan that I will pay you back over time.”
“And if I don’t accept your terms?”
“Then I will be shipping it back to you.”
“What am I supposed to do with a commercial espresso machine?I’m sure it won’t fit in my kitchen.”
“I don’t know.That’s your problem.So, which shall it be?Do you want the machine or my repayment?”
There was a long pause.She knew he was trying to figure out some sort of rebuttal.He sighed.“Fine.If you must pay for it, I accept your terms.I just have one question.”
“What’s that?”
