Phone Pay

Ed approached the counter, plopped two paperbacks down, and pulled out his cell phone. The sales clerk greeted him, rang up the books, and announced the $19.99 total. 

Ed held his phone up to the reader, making sure the screen was close to—but not touching—the pad. He’d seen it done several times.

Edna knew this was trouble.

The clerk looked puzzled as she stared at the outdated phone. Customers in line started to giggle. Ed wiggled the phone slightly, anticipating a beep that never came.

Edna saved the day by quickly opening her purse. “Do you accept money?”