Trifecta Writing Challenge: The 4C's

This post is in response to Trifecta's Weekday Challenge. They ask you to use the third definition of the given word to write a story that is between 33-333 words in length.
This week's word is cheap.


cheap adj \ˈchēp\

1   a : purchasable below the going price or the real value

     b : charging or obtainable at a low price <a good cheaphotel> <cheap tickets>

     c : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation) <cheapdollars>

2   : gained or done with little effort <a cheap victory> <talk ischeap>

3   a : of inferior quality or worth : tawdry, sleazy <cheapworkmanship>

     b : contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities <feeling cheap>

The 4C's

“I’m sorry, I just want to make sure I understand. There is a lot to take in. Can we go over it one more time?”  The man exhaled as he wiped the tiny beads of sweat from his brow.

The sales woman stared at him from behind the glass counter in disbelief. She had gone over the information two times already. The man seemed to be listening, nodding at the appropriate times. Exasperated, she took in a deep breath and began her speech again. Thoughts of her commission recaptured her patience, making her feel a bit cheap.

“You want to look for carat, color, clarity, cut. Once you decide on the carat, or size of the diamond, we can focus on the other qualities. For example, you could choose this 1.2 carat diamond you’ve been admiring for an hour now. If  you look here, it says it’s a “D” scale for color, an ‘IF’ or internal flaw for clarity, and rates ‘very good’ for cut. I know the price is over your budget, but consider the fact that your future wife will be wearing this on her finger the rest of her life.“

The man’s head swirled as he quietly reminded himself,  “Now’s not the time to pinch pennies.”

He firmly nodded in agreement as the sales woman sighed in relief.

“Perfect. She’s going to love it. Now, let’s move on to settings. We have platinum, yellow gold, white gold, and silver. Were you thinking of having any diamonds or birthstones in the band?”

The sales woman paused for an answer but only found the blank stare of the man she had spent the last hour with. She stopped herself and lightly placed her hand on his, that now had a white knuckle grasp on edge of the counter.

“The 4C’s are the hardest part” she promised.

His grip released slightly at this reassurance. As she pulled out the tray of traditional yellow gold bands, she prepared to repeat herself at least three more times.