Chapter 3

I discussed it with Helen. We closed our shop and went over to have a look at the new shop.

Gold Square was just two streets away from my current shop. As I walked over, I could see the clean street and the rental banners hanging before the shops.

The rental agent, Ned Smith, welcomed us.

“Gabe, I’m a loyal customer of Anderson’s Tacos. If you rent from me, aside from the perks I mentioned earlier, I’ll also try to arrange additional rent relief for you. Come, have a look!”

He passed me a flyer and took me to the shop.

“This shop’s close to the entrance of a nearby neighborhood, and anyone who’s going to the market will pass by. When people walk to and fro from the market, they’re bound to see your shop!”

Helen and I were satisfied with the shop, so we signed the rental agreement on the spot.

Then, we went to the market located behind the shop. We found that the quality of the vegetables was really good, and it was a lot cheaper as well.

Helen grabbed my hand. “I told Uncle Daniel about this. He owns a farm, so we can get our meat from there. It would definitely be cheaper than what John offers us, and it’ll be fresher too!”

I made up my mind. I left with Helen. We were busy making arrangements until 5 p.m. When we returned to the shop, Nancy was there impatiently waiting for me.

“So? What’s it going to be, Gabe? What’s your decision? Also, why did you close your shop?”

“I ran out of tacos since I don’t have much stock left.

“I’ve thought it through. I don’t agree with the price increase. We agreed back then and signed a one-year agreement. You’re the party in breach of contract.”

Nancy looked as though she had heard the funniest thing.

She laughed and said, “Gabe, there was a clause in the agreement stating that any rent increase resulting from force majeure would not constitute a breach of contract.

“Given the current inflation and the rising cost of living, these circumstances are beyond my control. It’s both reasonable and legal for me to increase the rent.”

I knew she was trying to play dirty, so I sighed and pretended to be torn. “Nancy, you’re practically forcing me to shut down!

“Besides, I have two more weeks. If you want to increase the rent, you can raise it next month!”

“I don’t care! You better pay me for the difference in price for the next two weeks. Otherwise, you’ll suffer the consequences!”

Nancy gave me an ultimatum and spared me another day.

She had just left when John showed up. “Gabe, I’ve prepared the stock for tomorrow. Make sure you pay me in full. We’ll start charging you the new prices starting tomorrow.”

“There’s no need for that. I’m closing my shop for a few days. I need a break. I’m too tired.”

He was stunned. “What are you talking about? I made all the preparations!”

“That’s not my concern. Did I even order from you?”

John was stunned. I had never talked to him like that, so he was furious.

“Gabe, you just wait and see!”

He left. Very soon, they started texting in the group chat.

[Something’s wrong with Gabe today. I prepared a lot of stock, but he told me he didn’t want it anymore. He said he’s tired, so he wants to rest for a few days!]

[He lashed out at me earlier! He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with!]

[After this, I’m going to increase the price further. Serves him right for being rude!]

Nancy replied, [Don’t be angry. It’s not worth it to be angry over this. Maybe it’s because all of us increased the prices that he’s pissed. I’ll teach him a lesson soon. Just wait and see.]

I was puzzled. I wondered how she was going to do that when Helen yelled, “Our water got cut off! Gabe, what are we going to do about this?”

“So? We’re moving soon. She can have a taste of her own medicine!”

Nancy sent me a text. [Gabe, have you thought this through? I’m cutting the water off today, and the electricity is next. I already warned you.]

I did not reply to her. Instead, I called my brother-in-law and his friends for their help to move our stuff out tonight.

At 6 p.m., I worked along with some workers they brought. I took everything, including the floor tiles. We worked until midnight until everything had been moved.

It was fortunate that we were not near any residential neighborhood. Otherwise, we might have gotten noise complaints.

The next day, Nancy, John, and the rest came over.

A few of them gathered excitedly, but when they reached the shop, they were stunned.

Nancy saw her bare unit and screamed, “What happened to my shop? Where did Anderson’s Tacos go?”