She knew what was right. Steeling herself, she said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to do that”

Tammy sniffed the perfumed air appreciatively as she pushed Shimmy’s stroller into Devoiry’s store. It was these small, classy details that made her friend such a natural businesswoman.

There was a woman browsing the racks of tichels, but no saleswoman in sight.

“Devoiry?” Tammy called.

A moment later, Devoiry stepped out of the back room, sequined scarf flowing down her back, her face perfectly made up.

“You’re here!” Devoiry gave her a hug. “Thanks for coming by.”

“No problem.” Devoiry’s phone call last night asking her to stop by one of these days to discuss something had intrigued Tammy enough that she’d taken the bus to Shamgar the next morning.

“How’re things going?” Tammy asked.

“Baruch Hashem, amazing.” Devoiry flashed her a wide smile — though Tammy thought she detected strain behind it. She remembered what Devoiry had whispered the day of the grand opening: Between you and me, I need to start making a profit, and fast. Had things improved? She wanted to know, but didn’t feel comfortable asking.

“Glad to hear,” Tammy said. She was wondering when Devoiry would reveal the big topic, but Devoiry was distracted by her potential customer.

“Why don’t you try this lavender one?” she said, pulling a tichel off the shelf. “It’ll be gorgeous with your coloring.”

The woman slipped it on her head and smiled as she admired herself in the mirror.

“How much is it?” she asked.

“It usually sells for 250 shekels, but I have it on sale right now for only 200,” Devoiry said smoothly. “It’s hand-painted,” she added, as the woman’s smile faltered.

“Um, I have to think about it,” she stammered.

“Of course.” The woman was still looking in the mirror, and Devoiry turned to Tammy. “She looks stunning, doesn’t she?”

Tammy squirmed. She didn’t like playing this game to convince the woman to buy something she couldn’t afford. She pictured her coming home to her husband and guiltily revealing how much she’d spent on her purchase.