weird customers and "this isn't a date??" (revised) [chapter 7]
sorry about the name change, guess there is a down side for writing two stories at once, thanks for pointing it out.
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"Good day, folks," Norman greeted, his voice carrying a note of genuine interest. "What brings you to my humble shop today?"
The man stepped forward, his gaze steady and penetrating. "We have something that might intrigue you, Mr. Bell," he replied, his voice tinged with a subtle air of authority. "An item that we believe you can shed light upon."
Norman raised an eyebrow, his curiosity intensifying. "Well, I'm always up for a good historical mystery," he said with an artificial smile, " Show me what you've got."
The woman carefully placed a small wooden box on the counter, her hands gloved as if handling a delicate relic. She opened the lid, revealing a beautifully crafted, ornate pendant. The intricate patterns etched into the metal glimmered under the shop's soft lighting.
Norman looked at the item before putting on a glove of his own, picking the item, Norman inspected it for quite a while before his eyes widened in recognition as he leaned in for a closer look. His intuition told him that there was more to these archaeologists than met the eye. However, his love for history couldn't resist the allure of the artifact before him. "I know this piece," he murmured, his voice filled with a mix of awe and excitement. "This is the famed Lathorian Medallion."
The man and woman exchanged a glance, a hint of satisfaction shimmering in their eyes. Norman continued, his knowledge flowing effortlessly. "The Lathorian Medallion is believed to have belonged to Queen Isabella of Lathoria, an ancient civilization that flourished during the 5th century. It's an emblem of power and royalty, a symbol of the kingdom's rich history and its legendary queen."
The man nodded, his voice carrying a note of intrigue. "You're well-versed in history, Mr. Bell. But tell us, what is the true historical importance of this medallion?"
Norman smiled, relishing the opportunity to share his vast knowledge. "The medallion holds immense significance as a testament to the cultural and artistic prowess of the Lathorian civilization. Its intricate designs depict their mythological beliefs, their social structure, and the deep connection they had with nature. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to glimpse into a lost era of human history."
As Norman spoke, the man and woman listened intently, occasionally exchanging murmurs and nods. It became evident that they were withholding information, but they seemed satisfied with Norman's expertise.
After a moment of silence, the woman's voice broke the stillness. "We need time to discuss this matter privately," she stated, her voice laced with a hint of urgency. "Excuse us for a moment."
Norman watched as they stepped aside, engaging in a hushed conversation on their earpieces. His curiosity grew, his mind racing with questions. What were they hiding? And why had they chosen him to unravel the mysteries of the medallion?
Eventually, the man and woman concluded their conversation and returned to the counter. The man placed a briefcase on the surface, his eyes fixed on Norman. "We appreciate your expertise, Mr. Bell. Here is
the compensation we agreed upon," he said, opening the briefcase to reveal stacks of cash amounting to $500,000.
Norman's eyes widened, his surprise mixing with a creeping sense of unease. He hadn't expected such a substantial sum. "Thank you," he managed to utter, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension.
As the archaeologists left the shop, Norman couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to their visit than met the eye. The weight of the money in his hands served as a reminder of the secret and mysterious world he had unknowingly stepped into.
-scene change-
norman carefully balanced his groceries, his arms laden with bags filled with food and delectable desserts. He stepped into the elevator of his apartment complex, glancing down at his cargo with a mix of determination and nervousness. "Well, this is it; don't mess this up, Norman," he thought to himself, a touch of self-doubt creeping into his mind.
As the elevator ascended, Norman could feel his anticipation growing. When the doors opened, he stepped out onto his floor, making his way toward Zatanna's apartment. With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, he knocked on her door, eagerly awaiting her response.
The door swung open, revealing Zatanna dressed impeccably, catching notman off guard. "Hi," she greeted with a smile.
"Hello, you dressed!" Norman exclaimed a hint of confusion in his voice.
Zatanna laughed playfully, teasing him. "Yeah, why? You didn't think I was coming naked, were you?"
Norman chuckled, trying to regain his composure. "No, no, of course not. It's just... you're dressed like you're going on a date."
Zatanna raised an eyebrow, a curious expression on her face. "Right, and this isn't?"
notman blinked, momentarily taken aback. "If I were asking you out on a date, it would have been a lot more planned than this. Then I would have taken us to a more romantic place, not in my apartment."
Zatanna's surprised look gave way to a gentle smile. "Oh," she said softly, understanding dawning upon her. "We're not going to stay in my apartment for our first date; what do you take me for?"
norman felt a faint hint of offense creeping into his voice. "Alright, I get it. Let's go and watch a movie."
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A/N Yeah he is more romantic than that!!!