The Real Thing

Начало книги

“I’m sorry,” the clerk said. She kept one hand on the till and the other on the box of detergent. She looked with doubt at the money in his hands. “I don’t think we take that stuff.”

“What do you mean, you don’t think you take this stuff?” Max said. “This is money. What’s wrong with money?”

“Like I said, I don’t think we take that.”

“Oh, come on,” said Max. “Listen, I came here to buy this, and I happen to have cash on hand. Everyone knows what cash is, right? See? This is just a little more than the amount of the total—I’ve got six dollars here, and you’ll give me fifteen cents change.” He felt like he was explaining to a chimpanzee how to eat bananas.

She beckoned to a tall man who appeared instantly at Max’s side, hands resting in the pockets of his green apron. The name of the store shined in self-lit white across his front: Lucky Power Save! Groceries! Lickety-Quick Service! Instant Checks & Credit Cards!

Читать дальше →