Afternoon Tea on the Lawn

'I hope not,' Trish says sternly. 'I can't afford to carry any dead wood in my shop.' Her comments scared me. Not because of her business logic but the look in Lucy and Kate's eyes that followed and I knew then that future sales may not be so easy.

I was right my two so called friends where like sales women possessed swooping on girls as they entered the shops like hawks. I had no chance and to make matters worse when I did manage to speak to a customer they either stole them off me or ridiculed my recommendations. It was all rather humiliating and I just hoped Trish would see through their childish games in addition to all the sales that where being rung up. But unfortunately Trish was rather blind to the background cattyness as she was only concerned with the sales and ultimately the profit. Yet as a reward, near the end of the day she suggested I choose another outfit. This time I selected a garden-print silk and chiffon dress with a matching jacket by Nicole Farhi. I also choose a pair of dark brown sandals and a red woven leather handbag. I didn't need the bag but I found myself attracted to it like a magnet and it contemplated my outfit beautifully. Was this a sign that I was turning more girlish by the minute? Dresses, shoes and now handbags -- heaven help me -- how would I be able to afford my expensive tastes.
Later as it approached three o'clock I sat demurely in the passenger seat as pleased as punch that Mrs Forester had asked me to deliver her purchases. Unfortunately I had failed to mention that I couldn't drive so Trish had to take me leaving Kate and Lucy in charge of the shop. As I sat there, knees together admiring my silky thighs, new chiffon dress and red bag I wondered how the other girls where taking it.

'Now please remember, be nice to Mrs forester.' Trish says stepping into the car. 'As I said she's one of my best customers. I appreciate she can be a bit odd but just go with the flow. She always rewards well.' She gave me a wink but I wasn't sure what she meant.