But Marcus did not react. He stayed calm. He had learned long ago that anger was a waste of energy. He had learned that lesson the hard way.
"I know a little," Marcus said simply.
Richard smiled. A cruel idea came into his mind. He saw a chance to make a show, a chance to humiliate this old man in front of everyone. It would be entertaining. His customers would love it.
"All right, then," Richard announced loudly. He spread his arms wide so everyone could see him. "Let us have some fun today."
The crowd gathered closer. They could feel something was about to happen. They held their champagne glasses and watched with curious eyes.
"Old man," Richard said, "I will make you a deal. You say you know about pianos, so prove it. Sit down and play this Steinway."
Marcus felt his heart jump. He had not played a piano in 40 years. Not since the accident. Not since the doctors told him his career was over. Not since he buried that part of himself deep inside.
"Play it without making a single mistake," Richard continued. His voice was getting louder and more confident. "If you can do that, I will give you this piano free. $150,000, and it is yours."
The crowd gasped. They could not believe what they were hearing. Some of them laughed nervously. Others looked confused.
Richard held up his hand. "But," he added with a smile, "if you make even one mistake, you must leave this store immediately, and you can never come back. Do we have a deal?"
He held out his hand for Marcus to shake. His smile was like a snake. He was completely sure he would win. In his mind, there was no way this poor old worker could play anything. This would be the entertainment of the day. His rich friends would talk about it for weeks.
Marcus looked at Richard's hand. Then he looked at the piano. Then he looked at his own hands—those scarred, rough hands that had not touched piano keys in four decades.