her job.
I just hoped everything she bought was something I would like and that all the items would fit me.
“First, here I have a box of garbage bags. Let’s load up your old clothes. Take off what you’re wearing too.” She shook her finger up and down at me. “I don’t ever want to see that outfit again.”
I wanted to hate her, but I was too excited. “Right here?”
“Yes ma’am. This is what I do. Trust me. I’ve seen a lot of naked people. There’s no need to be shy.
I took a deep breath and kicked off my shoes. I slid my skirt to the floor and shredded the knit top I was wearing. I stood in my old bra and underwear, feeling very self-conscious.
She was digging in a large pink plastic bag, not looking at me. “Underwear too.”
I gulped and did as she asked. I stood naked and nervous.
“Oh dear,” she said when she looked back in my direction. She spun around and grabbed her purse off the chair and handed me a card. It was for a salon…to get waxed.
I heard an audible whimper escape my lips.
“Yes, it’s going to hurt like hell, but it’s better than razor burn. Now put these on.” She handed me a matching set of silk underwear and matching bra.
I couldn’t put them on fast enough. As she commanded, I took the garbage bags and put every stitch of clothing including shoes and accessories in the bags. If it wouldn’t have been so much work, I would have been freezing in my underwear.
The next three hours were spent trying on outfits, including each pair of shoes and accessories that corresponded with each outfit. I was tired and starving by the time we ended. I had on a cute new pair of pajamas perfect for lounging around the house. Sheila helped me organize my clothes as I put them all away.
Before I could offer to get some takeout, there was a knock at the door. Sheila swiftly made her way to the door, took the bags, paid the delivery boy and shut the door in his face.
I rushed over to help with the bags, but was brushed off. Normally, this would have pissed me off, but tonight, I was too spent to care.
“Sit, eat and relax,” she demanded.
“You sure are bossy,” I complained as I sat down at my dining room table.
She poured two glasses of wine, sliding one over to me. “I don’t have time to tiptoe around things, Ms. Kavana. Besides, if you’re as hungry as I am, you just want to shove all this food in your mouth at once.”
“I am starving. Thank you for everything. I can’t believe you got all my sizes right, even down to ring size.” I opened the lid to the foil box in front of me to find a large steak cooked to perfection. Everything tasted wonderful, from the wine to the tiny tart that was sent as a dessert.
“I think I’m going to pass out!” Sheila said, leaning back in her chair. She pulled a tiny stick out of her hair, releasing her bun. Her chocolate brown hair flowed beautifully over her shoulders. She looked less abrasive, more relaxed and friendly.
“Me too. This all took me by surprise. At first I was a little put off, but everything Stacy told you about me was true. My wardrobe needed serious help and I’m a terrible shopper.”
Sheila smiled. “If it weren’t for women like you, women like me would be unemployed. But I get to shop, which I love, spend money, which isn’t mine and make women like you happy and free up time so you can do things you enjoy. I generally make $500 per trip, depending on what’s involved, so it all works out well for me. But I only serve a clientele who can afford me. I’ve had to become very good at defining a woman’s size and taste within a few moments.
“How do you know my taste when I haven’t even figured it out yet?”
“Well talking with Stacy about you helped. You want to be less mousy and you’re willing to be daring. I looked at your natural color, skin
Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry