12/15, 4:30 PM, Rob and Open
After texting Jon that he intended to take a look at the antique store, himself, Rob decided that he might as well do it right then. He'd been running errands in that area, anyway, and there was the matter of the necklace to consider. He was resolutely not in the habit of buying Christmas presents for prostitutes, but the necklace in the picture Susanna had sent him had looked like antique costume jewelry. Hardly anything that was going to break the bank. At the very least, he could inquire as to its price, and decide whether or not it was too extravagant for him. It wouldn't be the first thing he'd bought her, though in general his previous gifts had been along the lines of clothing he specifically wanted her to wear. Shoes, socks... items of a very specific nature. He certainly hadn't intended to ever buy her jewelry. Still, he doubted there was any harm in it. One of the reasons he valued the arrangement with Susanna was that there were no false claims or delusions. He knew she was only interested in his money, and he was comfortable with that fact. Likewise, she was well aware of where his interests lay. It was risky, to buy her the necklace. It might encourage the behavior, and Rob didn't really like it when she texted him, making requests, considering the nature of their relationship. Then again, it hadn't been all that demanding a text. More hopeful. And she did know certain things about him that he wouldn't want to be made public, so it was in his best interests to keep her placated.
There was also the matter of the impending holiday in general. If the shop carried rare enough items, it was possible that he might find something there that would interest his mother.