Chapter 25 To the Rescue

“Excuse me?” Anna said as she turned to Seline and stared her down “How dare you say something like that. I’ve never stolen anything in my life.”
“Right.”
“Miss we need to check your bag just in case.” The scowling manager said with an indecisive look “There has been an accusation and I do need to check.”
“I’m trying to pay for all this merchandise not steal it. That’s what this card is for.” Anna said incredulously motioning to the card.
“It’s probably stolen or maxed out, that is a lot of money to spend for someone who had so little,” Seline said thoughtfully.
“Stay out of this!” Anna said growling at Seline. “You don’t know anything.”
“She’d pretty defensive for someone who’s not done anything.”
“Well, I am sorry,” The dark-haired manager said looking ashamed for the first time “but I have to check your bag please.”
Anna knew she’d done nothing wrong but she was damned if she was going to give Seline the satisfaction of her having the cops called on her. She opened her bag and gave it to the manager who quickly looked at the continents before handing it back to her. “I’m sorry, really but I had to check.”
“I understand, Can I buy these and get going please.”
“If you didn’t steal more clothes.”
“She doesn’t need to steal anything.” John‘s voice said from behind her with a deadly chill that spread through the store.
“Of course sir, “ the manager said recognizing John “I’m sorry if I’d known that she was your wife I wouldn’t have had to check her bag.”
“Why?” John asked raising a dark eyebrow “because of who I am?”
“Of course” She muttered clearly flustered. “Your family is well known and we wouldn’t hesitate to help you in any way possible.”
“Just a minute,” Anna screeched shaking visibly with her anger “I’m okay now because of who I’m married to?
“Absolutely, “Seline said in a mean whisper “you aren’t.”
“Shut up.” Anna screamed rounding on Seline “you don’t realize how close I am to messing up that 40,000 dollar nose job.”
Seline gasped as if shocked but she cupped her hand protectively around her nose.
“Well, I… I.” The manager stuttered not sure what to do.
“Anna if you still want this stuff let’s buy it. Then we can go.” John said as he tapped the card on the counter. “
“Process it,” Ana said glaring at the manager.
“Of course,” the manager stuttered, “I’m so sorry about the mix-up.”
John smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her. “How about lunch?”
“Deal,” Anna murmured as she sunk into him.
The blonde saleswoman ran the card quickly flashing Anna an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry about that, I hope you will still come back.” She whispered as she bagged up the clothes.
“It’s not your fault, I’d love to come back as long as your manager doesn’t have a problem with it,” Anna said as she tapped her foot on the floor waiting for an answer.
“Of course you are welcome back anytime,” The manager stuttered out not knowing what to say. “I’m so sorry about that mix-up.”
Seline who had been standing to the side watching everything scoffed. “Trailer trash.” She muttered under her breath pretending to look at a display of sundresses.
“Listen, Seline,” Anna said turning to her rather than walking out of the store with John. “I may have grown up poor and in a trailer but the only trash around here is you.”
“How dare you!” Seline whined. “I will ruin you in this town.”
Anna put the bags down and turned to Seline cracking her knuckles. “I think I might go ahead and take a swing at that nose job after all.”
“No, No,” John said as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders “I don’t want you to ruin your good clothes with blood, it’s not worth it.”
Seline squeaked as she saw Anna’s hands fist and she jumped back behind the counter. John smiled at Anna and picked up the bags.
“Let’s go love.” He said softly as he took her hand and led her to the door. “I’m hungry.”
Anna gripped his hand tighter and listened to the bell tinkle as they stepped out into the busy street. Anna looked back as the door closed and saw Seline being coddled by the manager. Seline gave her a dirty look through the door and Anna casually lifted her hand and flipped her off.
Selina gasped and her face scrunched with hatred. If she hadn’t hated her before she did now