All That Glitters
Stacey James
Copyright 2011 Stacey James
Smashwords Edition
All That Glitters
The constant ring of the cash register kept almost perfect time with the joyous holiday tunes playing overhead in Glitter Department store, on just five glorious evenings before Christmas. Sales meant profits.
“Don’t you ever wish you could afford such frivolities?” asked Patty Frost prudently, a former classmate of the mousy haired girl behind the cosmetic counter. “I mean, you’ve worked here for what, five years now. Right out of high school I believe?” Her tone was as snobbish as she was, Ivy Bloom thought silently as she counted back petty change for the $200 purchase. Patty had married well, Ivy noted, as the lavish blonde sauntered back to the other rich bitches.
“Oh, don’t you worry, Patty. Tonight will be my last evening at Glitter. I’ve got plans,” Ivy managed a thin-lipped smile, but she was sincere. Her blue eyes sparkled like the sapphires in the jewelry case. The group of women about town looked over at Ivy before discreetly sharing a laugh from a small table nearby.
The holiday party was in full swing now and all twenty guests had arrived, summonsed by a limousine paid for by Glitter Department Store. Each was a prized patron. The mood was festive and giddy. A tall slender man in a black tuxedo and teeny black bowtie filled fluted glasses with champagne around the room filled with “important” people.
Small pretty boxes with large price tags and silver ribbons embellished the room; each beholding an extravagant and expensive piece of jewelry. Each guest jockeyed for position to claim a piece for themselves. And as each purchase was rung in and wrapped with whimsy tissue paper, Ivy realized her eight o’clock departure was nearing.
Oh, how I’ll miss this place. Admiring the beauty of the snow white room filled with luxuries afforded only by the wealthy; the high ceilings, the chandeliers, and the glossy black marble beneath her feet, Ivy remembered when it was nothing more than just a dingy store front with a cement floor; only five years ago. They all had followed her trends after all.
This party, with enviable splendor, had been designed for more than just dazzling the rich clientele on this particular evening. Ivy checked her brand-free wrist watch. Seven thirty. She drew in a deep breath. She’d be making her quiet exit soon.
At eight o’clock on the dot, a heavy set man wearing a custom tailored business suit in a charcoal gray, turned off the holiday music and picked up the store’s microphone for an announcement. “Testing,” he fumbled, followed by a high-pitched squeal.
Once outside on the cobblestone walkway, lazy snowflakes drifted down from the sky. Ivy climbed into the backseat of the stretch limousine and sighed as it pulled away from the curb.
“Where to, Miss Bloom?” Only a sliver of the limo driver’s face was evident in the rear view mirror.
“Oh, Martin, you know you make me laugh when you call me that,” Ivy giggled from the back seat. “Why don’t we make the normal loop around the park and then head home.”
“Very well, Ivy,” her longtime friend responded cheerfully; respectfully.
Back at the department store party, the new owner made his formal introductions and promised the guests that they’d be receiving the same service they’d become accustomed to over the past five years.
“She’s already gone, I’m told,” the man continued, “but we should give Ivy Bloom a round of applause for creating Glitter Department Store. And we wish her a happy retirement.”
The man in the suit raised his glass for a toast- in the resounding silence.
Other Free E-Books by Stacey James:
Yard Sale!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/107502
Other published works by Stacey James:
Christmas Joy – A Holiday Story
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ZN0YYE (Kindle Edition)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/105865 (All other formats)
S
tacey
James lives in Orrington, Maine with her two children, Emily and
Jack, along with their cat, Ebenezer. She enjoys reading, writing,
collecting wine, holidays, and hosting dinner parties with her
friends and family.
Find Stacey James, Author on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-James/228444407216978
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