I was waiting to meet a friend in town and killing time in a department store. Looking to get some possible ideas for Christmas presents. The store was close to closing and was quiet empty. The lady behind the jewelery counter smiled as I looked at some necklaces'.
"Would you like to try one on" she suggested.
"OK"
My eyes had already seen a simple attractive string of pearls and I pointed to them.
The assistant unlocked the cabinet and opened the clasp. I leant forward and she gently put them around my.
"Beautiful aren't they"
"Yes I said" touching them and admiring my neck in a small mirror.
"I loved to have them. Perhaps my husband might win the lottery I joked."
The assistant smiled again, just then my phone rang. I reached down in my bag and answered it. It was Joe my friend and immediately we started talking. The assistant was professional and discrete and attended to some small tasks while I spoke to Joe, We joked for a few minutes and another customer came along that the assistant responded to.
"Oh god β I have just realized. My parking ticket expired 10 minutes ago"
I said to Joe that I would meet her soon in the wine bar and hung up. Picking up my bags I rushed for the exit. I didn't want another ticket again!.
It was dark outside as I hurried along the department store windows, my mind anxious about the time.
"Excuse me madam!"
A gruff sounding man had suddenly grabbed my arm roughly.
"Would you please come with me?"
Surprised, I looked around to see a security guard.
Oh shit!
I suddenly realised I was still wearing the necklace.
"I'm really sorry I forgot I had this on! I said apologetically.
"I have heard that one before madam" came the reply.
"Sorry but I'll have to ask you to come back in the store with me"
I nodded, feeling acutely embarrassed by my own stupidity.
We walked back in and the tall overweight security guard led me through the store to an office. He knocked.
"Yes" came the reply.
"Sorry sir, I have just caught this lady trying to run off with some jewellery." He turned and pointed at me.
'I blushed', aware that the incriminating evidence was still around my neck.
The security guard gestured me in to the office and explained the events.
As he finished I apologised profusely and removed the string of pearls. The man behind the desk listened impassionedly, before talking.
"What is your name"?
"Anne" I said.
"Well Anne; have you done this sort of thing before"?
The man was about forty and smartly dressed in dark suit with a simple black light jersey.
"No β never" I said, slightly irritated by the suggestion.
"OK Dave, I'll deal with this" said the manager to the guard.
The guard looked at me with a cynical expression and then left.
"Oh and Dave if you can just lock up you can get off and thanks"
The manager turned his attention to me.
"OK Anne, sit down and tell me your side" He gestured to a chair in front of his desk.
I explained how it was an innocent mistake and that now I have probably got a parking ticket to boot.
The man looked at me firmly.
"We get this type of story a lot Anne" I think it might be best if I called the police and allowed them to deal with you.
"Oh no!," "Please don't, it really was a genuine error" I pleaded.
The manager looked at me for what seemed like ages.
He made a big sigh, which suggested he had mad a decision on my fate.
"I'll tell you what I'll do Anne", He said decisively. "I need a favour and you may be able to help me". "If you could promise to help me out with a business problem tonight, I could look to forgetting about this event".
This sounded such a relief! The prospect of having a shoplifting charge against me was not something I relished. Even if innocent, the inquiry would be humiliating.
"Anything!" I said a little too eagerly.
"Stand up Anne" I need to see you figure.
A little puzzled, I did what was asked.
"You have a good figure and body", ideal for something I have been thinking of for a while; but as yet not able to execute on".
"I need someone to model something for me". Would that be OK to you?
"Yes I said". Relived and slightly touched by the compliment.
"Aren't I a little too mature as a model? I suggested",Not really believing the offer.
"You look ideal". Believe me".
The manager got up.
"Please follow me".
I turned to follow him; still a little unsure of what to expect.
"I'm Paul by the way" he said turning around as we walked and offering his hand.
"I'm the owner of this store"
"Hi Paul". I replied as the anxiety in me started to relax a little.
The store was now empty and quiet with some of the lights off. Paul led me to the clothing department. We passed rows of dresses until we arrived at the lingerie section.
"He we are" said Paul; as he lifted something from behind a cabinet.
"First I need you to change into some underwear". "It can be your choice but must include this".
Paul pulled out what looked like a large skirt, brightly coloured, in bold, vertical, vivid pink and black strips.
"What is it"? I asked.
"It's an open bottomed girdle" replied Paul. We have over ordered hundreds of the bloody things and they are not shifting". "They are top quality and expensive". We mistakenly thought that with the trend for 'burlesque' that they would sell".
I picked it up. It was heavy and well made with a firm elastic feel to it and six suspenders.
"It looks quiet nice" I said, holding it up.
"Good, put it on and choose something to go with it." "Stockings are over there"
"I just have to go and finish locking up then I will be back" with that Paul walked off.
"Back in 5 minutes."
Well this felt strange, alone in a large store. I looked around. Oh well! Let's have a look.
I went around several ranges of bras and panties; holding up the girdle to see if it matched. I figured that black was probably a safe bet as the pink was too loud to mix the regular pastel shades with.
I noticed some very attractive lingerie brands, Lise Charmel and Lejaby. The expensive French brands had some wonderful designs. I liked a pair of culottes, with embroidered flowers; but decided against them as they where fully sheer. I wanted to keep some modesty as I was unsure of what I may have to do. I then saw a bright pink thong and bra set. Perfect! I thought. Same colour as the strips. I looked for my size and then looked for the changing room.