$433.10

[Southern Scarab]

I hold your gaze firm
as a handshake and say 'how may I help,'

but I'm not asking.
You can choose only the me you want to see— The word 'only' seems unusual to me.

soft spoken, hands in pockets,
or joking and slapping thighs.

You can choose my voice: your daughter, your sister,
your best friend forever.

That's my favorite shirt!
Modal has effortless weight. It requires This break really draws attention to the discomfort in their exchange. It does a good job sympathizing the reader to the speaker.

a different bra, though. May I ask your name? Very accurate.
I'll go get my measuring

tape because I'm not really asking.
I notice if you remove the following stanza which describing what she's noticing, the thought resumes "to make you wonder..." the word 'notice' doesn't seem strong enough here. To notice is very passive, whereas it seems that the buyer has been actively scrutinized.

the pants you're wearing—
their stitching, leg shape, drape—

to make you wonder
if everyone sees you in this much detail. insightful!

You become self-conscious, wanting to please.
Make me proud! I'm not sure this fits. The speaker is trying to play on the buyer's insecurities, not admiration.

Buy the name brand jeans with the rhinestones on the ass.
They offer control on the inside.

Do you need new panties? Something lacy!
Men will be watching, and you don't want to be embarrassed

to reveal something ugly. Yes.
I'm sure your husband

would love the matching bustier.
You don't have a husband? Buy the bustier!This outlines the mentality of the speaker with a lot of clarity.

Four hundred thirty-three dollars, ten cents—
it's refreshing to lose the pretense. Good rhyme. Creates a nice layer of meaning.

You ask for my name with a grateful smile I like the irony in 'grateful'.
and this is my final lie.

Excellent use of tone, and word choice. The breaks between lines really emphasized the deceptions. Everyone has felt that little break when we're told something doubtful or put on the spot.