David worked for Eversharp, a corporation that commissions people to sell high-end knives. He paid for his own training, but had enough wealthy acquaintances via his family that he was able to maintain a relatively good living. Every day he had between three and five appointments, with each one lasting about an hour. Most days he was gone for close to nine hours, between driving across town and the gaps between sessions. His meals were usually rushed; which meant chocolate-chip protein bars and kombucha, with the occasional package of beef jerky thrown in.
Ariel tied together her blue dress and walked down the steps of their apartment complex. She worked for Billy's, an independently owned clothing boutique on the strip. Seventy percent of the clientele were college-aged locals, the other thirty were tourists asking for directions. Her manager, Victoria, never took a liking to her. Victoria was the type of woman who voluntarily listened to the music Ariel was forced to. The products were to her taste, so Ariel dismissed the majority of her silent complaints. She would come home with a new scarf, skirt, or dress, and David never objected. The job was to support her hobbies and their savings account.
Today, they came home at the same time. She threw her keys on the kitchen counter and lazily opened the refrigerator door. David went straight for the couch and put on The Daily Show.
"Well, either we need to go to the grocery store, or we can go out," she said finally.
"Grocery store. Going out sounds painful."
"Fine, I'll go."
He turned towards her. "I'll go with you."
"No, you finish your show. Just tell me what you want."
"I want for you not to be mad at me."
"We're mad at each other, but I don't feel like talking about it." She started towards the door.
"Fish, brown rice, and broccoli."
"Do you have a preference what kind of fish?"
"No, you can pick that."
"Thanks. I'll be back." She left.
