Flashes

“That guy I told you about is back,” Karen Parks whispered into the phone to her best friend, Lisa. “Hold on a sec.” Karen put the phone down and walked around her counter to the showroom floor. This guy had been to the store four times in the last two months, and she knew that she would get a great commission from selling him more clothes. She had been the employee of the month the previous month because of her high sale volume and was on her way to making employee of the month again. All she had to do was release the Parks “Sparks,” her dramatic and effective sales charm that began with her spectacular smile.

She had dressed this day in a black, form fitting suit that accentuated her well toned body. All her life she had felt self conscious about being as tall as or taller than her boyfriends until she discovered that men were drawn to her tall and sleek body. The two-inch heels she wore brought her to a 5’, 11” height.

Her customer was at least 6 feet. She liked that she was almost able to look him straight in the eye when she worked with him. She approached her customer and offered her hand in greeting. He took her hand in his.

“Well, hello again,” she said. The man awarded her with a dazzling smile of gorgeous, perfect white teeth.

“Hello,” he replied releasing her hand.

“You’re becoming a regular.”

“Well, your clothing is great. I’ve gotten many compliments on my suits.”

“Wonderful! So, what do you need this time?”

“I need some casual things. My boss says that I don’t have to always dress so formally for work.”

“Well, why don’t you take a look in that section over there near the front while I finish this call then I’ll be right with you.” The man walked off and Karen returned to the counter and picked up the phone. She slung her long blond plait over her shoulder to let it drop down her back. “I’m back, Lisa,” she said in a whisper. “God, this guy is gorgeous…he reminds me of one of my boyfriends in high school…yeah…If Ben and I weren’t an item, I’d ask this guy out…What?...I don’t know his name…No, he always pays cash and man does he have money…Okay…Listen, he’s coming to the counter…Gotta go…We’re still on for O’Shay’s at 9…Good…I’ll be there…Bye.” Karen hung up and looked at her customer. “Find something?”

“What do you think?” he asked holding up a pair of khaki pants and a cream Izod shirt.

“Good for a start. Let’s dabble with a few unusual colors like deep olive or gray for pants.”

“Lead on.” He let her step around him so that he could get a good look at the back of her. When he had first come in the store, he had been captivated by her. He was going out with Pat at the time, so he stayed dedicated to his girlfriend. Now, that Pat was no longer in the picture, he could look freely at other women and Karen Parks was worth the look. He would have to get to know her better since his last interest, Meredith Clark, was no longer accessible. He was on the prowl again and Karen Parks was the new woman for him.