One of the Patek representatives put some papers down for him to sign.
“What’s this?”
“It says that you are releasing the watch to us for service,” she said.
“What if you break it?” he asked, not moving to sign the papers.
“That’s what the insurance is for,” said the agent.
“That’s also why it’s taking so long,” Walter told him. “It’s a unique watch, and it’s very old. They will be very careful.”
“Rest assured,” Monsieur Bernard said to him with a small bow. “We have everything under control.”
Grant sagged and acquiesced. Kate pushed the papers in front of him, and he signed. It felt as if he were losing a part of himself.
Walter smiled, and the Patek representatives bid farewell.
“Let’s find you a watch, Grant,” he said.
“Right this way,” Monsieur Bernard said, gesturing them through the door. They went back down to the first floor. On the right was a large showroom.
“You can have any watch you’d like,” Walter told him.
“Can I have one with twenty-four hours like mine has?” Grant asked.
Monsieur Bernard looked stricken. “We don’t have one exactly like that. We have an aviator watch that is inspired by yours, however.” He pulled out a watch from the case.
“It doesn’t have twenty-four hours,” Grant said flatly.
“Well then, try this one, the chronograph world time. It’s got twenty-four hours marked.”
Grant looked it over. There were a score of city names written in tiny font on the face of the watch.
“It’s too complicated. I just wanted a simple watch.”
“This is a beautiful watch,” his father said. “See…” He pushed the buttons on the side of the watch. “You can easily set it to whatever time zone you’re in. It’s great for international travel.”
“I’m not doing international travel,” Grant said mulishly.
“Pick a watch,” Walter growled.
“I don’t want any of these.”
“These are some of the best watches in the world,” Monsieur Bernard said in disbelief. “Anyone would love to be in your position.”
“What about this one?” his father asked.
Grant didn’t even look at it. “I’ll buy something from Walmart.”
“Walmart?” His father and Monsieur Bernard gasped.
Kate hurried over. “Grant, you aren’t getting anything from Walmart.”
A salesperson came over with two somewhat-simple watches.
“These are nice,” Kate said.
“I don’t want those.”
