Furniture Shopping.

It started with Meh Ling. Striking from outside our peripheral vision, she pounced upon our entering of the furniture store. We listened to her script and politely told her that we were just browsing and did not need her assistance to discuss our feelings towards furniture or discover our likes and dislikes. Left alone (or so we thought), we walked around the store. She first popped from behind a large potted leafy plant exclaiming “you can get that couch in a variety of fabric!” Clay gave her a nice smile while I curtly replied “thanks” and did the slow back away. Shaken by the surprise vegetation attack but determined to go on, we continued making our way around the stocked showroom.

It was when we were sinking into a deep, soft and comfortable tweed couch Meh Ling sprung from behind the matching chair and a half proclaiming the good cheer of the “Everything Must Go Tax Refund Rebate Sale Due To Shipment Error.” We explained that we would let her know if we were interested in a particular piece. She smiled. We smiled. She didn't move. We stared back. She finally walked away. Freedom.

By now we were expecting Meh Ling to zip line from the rafters to the kitchen tables but to our disappointment, she did not. However, while we were admiring a nice leather ottoman she wedged herself in between us with a flyer advertising even better deals than the “Everything Must Go Tax Refund Rebate Sale Due To Shipment Error.” We smiled and explained (again) that we would prefer to have the opportunity to explore the showroom ourselves and would let her know if her assistance is needed. We continued.

We spotted her first. We were by the desks and she by the living room sets. Clay put his recon skills to use and mapped the most direct route to the automated exit doors. He grabbed my hand and we weaved in and out of the recliners with agility and grace that would make Tara Lipinski cry with appreciation.

“Here’s my card.”

Damn.

A breathless Meh Ling panted as she held white cardstock with an outstretched hand. I took the card; a sign of defeat. We walked out the door letting the Carolina sun soak up our frustration and worked to summon the courage to go inside yet another furniture store.