Hello, you naughty girls and boys!
I've wanted to write a story like this for a long time. I don't want to spoil it, so I'll let you read and see what's going on. I also think this piece transitions well into a new area for me to write about. I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to your feedback.
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Carey was bored, really bored. She had already been to the mall, a rather quick trip today as nothing really interested her. She thought walking the shops of the Tower would work, since they were more high-end. But today, even that didn't hold much appeal.
She had stopped for lunch thinking maybe a fresh start after and things would brighten up, but it really hadn't happened. Bored. That's what she was; bored. In her quest for something to hold her interest, at least for a short while, she decided to venture a little off the Tower complex.
There were some outlying storefronts that clearly hadn't made the cut to be with the more popular and exclusive stores. Carey had never really looked at them, but with her boredom still weighing heavily, she decided she could at least kill some time walking over to see what was there.
She spent a little time walking past businesses, and felt she knew why they were out here. One was some old book store. Like really? This wasn't the 1900's. There was a branch office of a bank she hadn't heard of, and a mattress store. It wasn't looking at all promising until she noticed a shoe store.
The name on the front was
Sharlett's Shoes
and it looked like a cross between a boutique and budget chain store. But from the window she did spot a nice pair of heels that didn't look like total crap. Maybe she could find something inside. If not, a quick stroll through
Sharlett's Shoes
was better than her other options.
When she stepped inside she noticed a subtle aroma. Could have been incense somewhere but it also smelled like hot tea. Maybe they had a pot brewing in the back for the workers. Speaking of which, where was the service?
Carey then heard a voice from near the back.
"Hello. Be right with you."
Carey waited to see just what poor soul had to spend their days here. It wasn't exactly teeming with customers. The saleswoman didn't seem very attentive, but eventually she made her way to the front. She was tall and thin, with a simple dress. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
"Hi. Welcome to
Sharlett's Shoes
. What can I help you with today?"
"I don't really know yet. This is my first time here. I suppose I'll start by just having a look around. I did notice some heels in the window I might want to have a look at. What sort of sales are you running?"
"Oh, well I'll just give you a quick rundown of the basics. We have casual shoes back and to the right, with sport shoes just across the aisle. Next we have sandals and then flats, and then we get into heels. And then basically as the heels get higher and go from daywear to eveningwear, you just keep moving to the left.
I'm afraid we're not running any sales at the moment. I'd be happy to get you a pair of those heels to try on."
Not running a sale? Like, at all? Carey was still trying to figure out just who they thought their target market was. They were already on the outskirts and didn't appear busy, but, hey whatever. Not her problem. She still might be able to find a good deal, assuming they had anything worth buying.
"Not yet. I'll look around first."
"Certainly. Just let me know if you need anything. I'd be happy to help you try something on."
Mikaela was happy to have a customer in the store. The new arrival was a young woman, probably early twenties. She also looked like her family had some wealth. She was very pretty and well cared for but she also came off a bit spoiled, right from the start.
She gave her some room to browse, but didn't get too far so she'd be close when she needed any assistance.
Carey began walking through the aisles and displays. She really didn't have anything specific in mind. So far this had only risen to the level of a mild distraction, but she might find something interesting. Only one way to find out. So she began to explore.
She did notice a few pairs that were absolute no's. But that was common at most places. She did notice a cute pair here and there. She also noticed some recognizable brands, but also a few she wasn't familiar with. As she continued her search, she found a few that were interesting.
She still wasn't excited about a purchase yet, but trying on a few pair would be something to do. Then, of course, she could still look around to see if there was anything else. She'd probably save the shoes in the window for last, if she even bothered with them.
"I think I've found a pair I'd like to try on."
This time the saleswoman showed up more promptly. Carey glanced at the name tag but it was a jumble of letters.
"What's your name?"
"It's Mikaela. And may I have the pleasure of your name?"
"It's Carey."
"Well Carey, did you find a pair that interests you?"
"Hmm. Yeah. Let me try these in a size 8."