“What are you going to do if he sells?”
“What the rest of you are going to do. Bus out to the malls for work.”
“I hate riding the bus.”
“Me too, but I don’t know how to drive.”
When Mr. Schmitt walks in, he makes the announcement we were all dreading to hear. “Ladies, I’ve sold Schmittville. But I’ve sold it with the condition that the boutique remains open for at least one year. The new owner has agreed not to close it.”
He says how much we have all meant to him over the years, and he gives each of us a big bonus. Then he hugs our necks and walks away from the business his family has owned for generations.
Then two days later, a woman in her early forties and a college-aged girl walk in. Both are polished, high-society, and dressed to kill.
Jeri greets them, “Good morning, ladies, may I help you find something?”
“I am Tiara Dugan, and this is my daughter, Catherine.” She states with an air of bitchiness, then pauses and waits for a reaction from Jeri.
Jeri very professionally answers, “Welcome, Tiara. Catherine. I’m Jeri.” She waits for Tiara to tell her what they are interested in, but the bitch only glares at her.
Taking a step back, Jeri smiles sweetly and turns towards me, saying, “And this is our manager, Zella. She will be happy to assist you.”
I step forward, smiling sweetly, and take charge. “Let me see … you’re a size three?” I ask the girl, knowing she isn’t here to watch the bitch try on clothes. She has to be the one who will be shopping.
The girl’s eyes twinkle while the bitch’s narrow. “We aren’t shopping.”
“Ah, then you must be the new owners.”
She smiles smugly and announces that she’s purchased the real estate, but she gave the boutique to her daughter as a graduation gift.
“Oh, well,” I say to Catherine as I offer her my hand to shake. “So, you’re the new boss? I’m delighted to meet you. Let me show you around and introduce you to the staff.” Then I look at Tiara and tell her, “I’m sure you don’t want to be bored with the details. There is a sitting room through that door with champagne. We’ve been expecting you.” Then I turn to Jeri and volley her back. “Jeri will be happy to show you the way.”
Jeri almost laughs, but she manages to control it and says, “Right this way, Tiara. We have strawberries dipped in white chocolate as well.”
One year later …
d’Artagnan
I fold the letter from my father’s attorney, Mr. Hall, and look into his face. “Looks like I need to find a woman to marry.”
He smiles and says, “I was right, wasn’t I?”
I nod. “Yes, sir. This is the first I’ve learned of this.”
He nods. “I thought as much when I hadn’t heard from you with the deadline looming.”
I hold my hand out, and he takes it. “Thanks for personally delivering the document.”
“You’re welcome. Your father was my friend.”
“So, as his friend, I want to ask you to keep your visit here confidential.”
He nods, “I won’t tell a soul.”
Chapter 1
The day of the Children’s Charity Auction Fashion Show.
Zella
