Amy nods and smiles bigger, but it's a strained expression. "Yes, but there's an important issue I need to discuss."
He seethes, "What would that be?"
I chuckle inside. Witnessing this is priceless.
Amy puts her hand on his arm and says, "Mr. Gallow, I think it's better if we speak in private."
"Just give her a minute. I'll wait here for you," I assert.
Hugh huffs, follows Amy into the office, and she shuts the glass door but not all the way.
She motions to the chair. "Have a seat, Mr. Gallow."
"I don't have time for this. What's going on, Amy?" he demands.
Her nervousness is apparent in her tone when she informs him, "The check bounced for your annual memberships dues. Do you happen to have a check for another bank account?"
Hugh groans, announcing, "I've been the target of fraud. All my accounts have been hacked. But here, take this." He drops his credit card on the wood.
So predictable.
"Thank you. Just one moment," Amy chirps. A moment of silence passes, and she clears her throat again. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gallow, but your card's been declined."
He barks, "That's impossible. I have no limit."
"I'm sorry, but it says it's declined."
"Run it again."
"Yes, sir," she says. Another moment passes, and Amy gets even more uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, Mr. Gallow, but this isn't going through. Do you have another card?"
"Why would I need another card? Did you not hear me? I have an unlimited amount of credit," he booms.
"Mr. Gallow, you might want to keep your voice down. I'm sure that we can work this out."
"This is ridiculous. Figure it out, Amy," he demands, rises, and storms out of the room.
She follows him. "Mr. Gallow, we have to sort this out!"
I hand her my card. "Run it on this. He's got some issues going on."
She hesitates. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, Mr. Madden."
"No problem. I apologize for his behavior. He's stressed," I state.
"It's okay." She runs the six-figure fee on my card, then hands it back to me, smiling. "All set."
"Thanks."
"No, thank you," she replies.
I nod and leave the room, moving toward the restaurant. I run into Hugh as he's leaving the restroom. His face looks damp. I inform him, "I had her run my card."
"I didn't need you to do that," he claims.