06
After arguing with him for a while, she left, defeated.
That evening, as I walked past Maynard’s Deli, Russell Maynard, the owner, spotted me and quickly put on his most charming smile.
“Miss Jules! I’ve got some leftovers from today. Shall I weigh it all out for you like usual?”
I glanced at the so–called “leftovers“-a few chicken wings, misshapen duck heads, and scraps of seaweed and tofu. The pile couldn’t have been worth more than $20.
“No, thanks,” I said flatly.
Russell blinked, clearly not expecting such a blunt rejection. He quickly recovered and tried again.
“I saved all the best stuff just for you! Thought you’d like it.”
“If it’s not selling, just say so. Cut the act,” I replied, my tone cold as ice.
His expression hardened. He tried a guilt trip instead.
“Times are tough, you know? Our family’s struggling to make ends meet, and you’re well–off. Why not help us out? You used to take it, so why not today?”
“Over two plastic bags, really? You think I’m stingy?” I raised an eyebrow. “This junk? I wouldn’t take it if you gave it to me for
Then I walked off without looking back. I didn’t care what he yelled after me–my goal was to leave him stewing in frustration.
Out of the corner of my ear, I heard him mutter, “Ungrateful brat.”
Martha chimed in from inside, her voice shrill. “You’re the rotten one! Rotten to your core!”
free.”
Instead of heading home, I walked a bit farther to another deli just outside their line of sight. It was run by a cheerful young woman, and though it was slightly out of my way, her food was just as good.
“Hi! What can I get for you?” she greeted me warmly.
“$40 worth of duck heads, $40 of chicken wings, and mix in $20 of veggies. Your pick.”
“For one person? That might be too much. It won’t taste as good reheated.”
“Don’t worry about it!” I flashed her a smile.
She measured out exactly $100 worth, no more, no less, and packed it neatly for me.
On my way home, I made sure to take the long route, walking right past Maynard’s Deli.
Russell glared at me, his eyes practically popping out of his head.
I held up my bag and waved it with a grin. “See this? Way better than your junk!”
With that, I strutted away, leaving him speechless with rage.
