Reject My Alpha President (Iris and Arthur) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

“That’ll be fifty dollars and thirty–two cents,” the cashier, grouchy–looking old woman with wispy white hair, says without looking at me.

I dig into my wallet for my card and swipe it across the card reader. It declines.

“Strange,” I say, swiping it again. I know I have enough money in my account; I just deposited the cash I earned from selling that painting. But once again, the machine buzzes, ‘Card Declined‘ popping up in red letters.

The cashier frowns at me. “Do you have another method of payment?” she grunts.

I shake my head, biting my lip. I don’t keep my credit card on me to avoid using it unnecessarily, and I have what some might call an irrational hatred for those virtual wallet apps. Besides, my debit card should work. I’m broke right now, but not that broke.

“One moment,” I say, pulling out my phone to check my bank account app. Maybe I accidentally deposited the money into savings.

The cashier folds her arms as she waits, tapping her foot impatiently. I quickly navigate to my account, only to see that a hold has been put on my card.

Why?

Shaking my head, I quickly call my bank. There are no other customers in the store, so I figure it’s not a big deal, although the cashier rolls her eyes and mutters something under her breath that I can’t make out. After a few minutes, I manage to talk to a customer service representative and explain the situation.

“Ma’am, you called yourself just yesterday to report that your card was stolen,” the representative replies.

I frown. “No, I didn’t. I have my card in my hand right now.

“Well, then this will need to be sent to our fraud department,” she says. “We can send you a new card in the meantime, but it will take a few business days to arrive.”

Great. Just what I need right now. I thank the representative and hang up.

“Someone falsely reported my card as stolen,” I say, forcing a tense smile as I look at the cashier. “Can I leave my things here while I run home to get my credit card? It won’t take long…”

The cashier’s eyes narrow. “I won’t let you waste my time.