I held my breath, mind going a mile a minute, $3,200 would seriously help. Depending on what I got from my insurance… I might be able to afford a decent second hand car. I slowly let the breath out, really wishing I could talk to the sins telepathically.
"Don't let him make you rush into a decision. I'd recommend you always get a second opinion." Greed reminded as he looked at the ring with narrowed eyes.
"That's right, you don't have to make a decision today Max." Pride reminded.
"Today only. Impulse buy." Larry suddenly announced.
I hadn't even realized I'd started looking at Greed, turning my attention back to Larry's incredibly oppressive expression. No way right… Larry couldn't hear them… right? His gaze was boring a hole into my soul!
Greed started to pace, his furrowed brow could catch flies. "Let's negotiate then. He gave a rather fair appraisal, especially considering you paid just shy of $5,000 for it. Ask for… $3,800. All things considered we may get $3,500."
"We don't have to sell to Larry. Don't fall into FOLO." Pride argued as he glanced back. "So long as we have an estimate, we can list it online."
"That could takes weeks, months. Online isn't where most people look for something as important as an engagement ring." Greed refuted, "This may be our best offer period. Max, we're about to haggle so put on your best poker face."
Well shit, I suck at poker. "That's uh, I mean. That's on the low end." I pinched myself under the table. "Let's go, $3,800."
"That was good Max. Keep your voice steady. Look between his brows. This is your ball game." Pride encouraged.
Larry leaned back, crossing his arms. If Pride and Greed weren't right there I might have just given Larry the ring… it's not that I didn't have a backbone… Larry was just… scary. Scary Larry. Might be my nick name for him.
"Focus." Larry said, his lips twitched as if he were trying to repress a smile.
I almost didn't jump in my seat. Jesus, just his voice was enough to give me a jump scare! He had to be reeding my mind.
"33 hundred." Larry counter offered.
I was expecting him to speak and it still startled me! His voice was an unfair advantage! If this was a game… his voice would easily be +50 intimidation just from speaking. I had negative 10 resistance.
"Hold firm at $3,800 for now Max. We should see how much he raises." Greed said pushing his glasses back into place.
"Max, relax. You're tensing your shoulders again." Pride reminded after a quick glance back.
"$3,800 is still… $200 off your quote." I said, I'd almost said uh, but I held it back! One point added to resilience!... I probably needed to stop watching so much anime… Or… Larry needed speakers to play his own boss music. I could be convinced.
When Larry's lips quirked into a smirk I braced for… I don't even know.
"$3,500, and I show you a bike shop." Larry offered.
I blinked, damn… definitely needed his own boss music. I bit back my instant acceptance only because Greed was glaring at me. I mean… we were aiming for $3,500 right?
Pride hesitated, then shrugged, "I'd call this an absolute win."
Greed glared at us, then sighed. "It's a win."
"Accepted, I have the certificate back at my place, uh, I can bring it tomorrow?" I asked, mentally kicking myself for the uh that slipped in.
Larry nodded as he… pulled out a cheque book. I barely blinked before he'd not only pocketed the ring, box and all, but also finished writing out the cheque.
"Tomorrow after work, I'll take you to the bike shop." Larry announced, then walked out.
I stared after him… "Well… that happened."
As I was leaving for work I debated going to the bank to deposit the cheque… or waiting until I gave him the certificate… Larry already had the ring…
"Deposit it now, we may need the funds if you see a good bike tomorrow." Greed reminded.
I sighed, "Cheques larger than $300 can take a few days to reflect…" I used my phone to call for a ride. Depositing now or tomorrow didn't really make a difference since Larry already had the ring.
After another call, voice message, and email to my insurance company, Wrath led me through light exercise. Today I held a plank… who ever thought of planks… should have all their tires popped. Twice! I was a sweaty mess after stretching.
"If we get a bike, we can use that for leg day!" Wrath said with a grin as I laid out like a salted fish.
Ugh… did I really want a bike? Cars… cars were the modern mode of transportation!
"We could save on gas, bus fare, you also have to pay for a parking spot at the complex." Greed reminded making notes in his book again.
I paused my podcast. Realistically, I should pay my cards off, then build my emergency fund back up before I get a car. But… even short bus rides made my stomach roll. At least when I was the one driving, I only got carsick if I was really full.
"A car would be nice, but… it may be good to wait a few months Max. One emergency… and you might not be able to cover rent." Greed advised.
I sighed, "Yeah, I know… just… sucks. This is the first time since I turned 17 that I haven't had a car."
"Maybe, we ask Jake and Jack if they know anyone selling an old beater. Something cheap, that's only meant to last a few months." Pride offered.
Greed visibly stopped himself from speaking, took a deep breath, then sighed. "Cars do have their advantages, rideshare expenses add up quickly. Protection from rain, or the need for a quick trip somewhere."
I sat up, hair sticking to my face. "No, if I get a bike, I can stop paying car insurance for a few months. The bus goes everywhere I need except the bank. I agree, the bike is… the best option for a while."
I sipped on some water before I realized, "Hey, thanks guys. All of you, I was… ready to bolt for the exit when Larry walked in. Thanks for, being there."
Greed and Pride shared a look. "Of course Max, no where else we'd rather be," Pride said patting my knee.
"Okay, okay, go shower Max, tomorrow is another day with lots to accomplish." Envy said waving the others away.
I chuckled then went to do just that. I may or may not have fallen asleep watching anime. Who would know? I also… did not try and find an over powered anime character that had boss music that would be appropriate for Larry. Nope. Not me.