Jeannie watched the woman, confusion plain on her own features. Had she not asked for the time? And had Jeannie not provided it? What was the problem?
But as soon as the lady said thank you, the djinn’s face cleared and she smiled. Apparently it was just that she had been expecting a watch rather than a clock. Yes, that made sense. It was very easy to get startled when you were expecting one thing but given another. It happened to Jeannie all the time.
Her smile brightened noticeably when the woman complimented her on her outfit. “Oh, I got it from a wonderful little shop in Bagdad.” Jeannie did a little spin, her ponytail flaring out as she twirled. “My sister says that you should not buy off the rack, but if it fits, I do not see why you should not get something that you like. Do you? And I love pink, it is such a happy color.”
The genie’s eyes went to the other woman’s dress, and while she might not like the style she could appreciate the quality of the fabric. “Your dress is lovely too. Blue is very soothing. And your shoes match perfectly. So many overlook the little details, but details are important.”
Noting that others were having to detour around the grandfather clock on the stairs, she added, “Are you finished with the clock? Shall I send it back now?”