Unwanted Heat

I chuckle remembering Bridget that day and the type of woman she is. One who knew exactly what she wanted and went for it. Today is no different: she needs me earlier and I am here earlier. She has a very large account with the store, as in multiple people on the account easily spending thousands of dollars a week on high end items. I’ve been assigned to Bridget’s entire account almost since day one. My first day I worked directly with her but after that I’ve worked with anyone listed on her account. Her account pretty much makes up my entire customer basis because it is that large. If I work on a day where someone on her account isn’t scheduled, I assist with any walk-ins or cover for one of the other personal shoppers. However, it’s clearly known that anytime I’m working, if Bridget or someone on her account comes in, they become my priority.

Bridget is the only reason I even have this job-typically you needs years of retail experience before you can even be considered for a personal shopper position at a high end establishment like this. While I’ve had plenty of work experience, nothing comes even close to something like this. However, living the lifestyle he kept me in, has for once worked in my favor. I know all the designers, the current trends and even what celebrities wear because that’s how I was expected to be dressed in. That was the only reason I knew the answer to Bridget’s question that day.

After Bridget left, Mr. Goodman immediately fired the woman Bridget demanded and then hired me. The entire thing happened so fast I was in complete disbelief when I left a short time later with a secured job. While demanding, Bridget has always been very nice to me and tips me well on days like today when she needs me to come in earlier.

“Kenzie, thank you again,” Nancy greets me as soon as I enter the staff area.

“It’s not a problem Nancy, I’m glad to help out.”

“Ms. Wilder will arrive in the next thirty minutes or so. She needs a floor length gown for an art gala tonight. Although she didn’t specifically request it, I’m sure she will need accessories for the gown.”

“Of course, I will have everything waiting for her when she arrives. Is her usual room available?”

“Yes, it’s reserved for you to use today.”

“Perfect.”

“Later today she added a new client to your schedule-”

“A new client?”

“Someone new she recently added to her account. As usual she insisted that you are the only one who can assist him.”

“Of course,” I chuckle, knowing that any of the other workers here are more than capable of helping Bridget. Most staff here have far more experience in personal shopping than I do.

“You’ll be providing him with several outfits according to the list: a ball gown, three cocktail dresses and several casual dresses. I emailed you the list and size information this morning.”

“Great, thank you.”

I quickly go through the store and pick out several gowns that I think Bridget would appreciate. Over the last few months I’ve gotten to know her very well, including the types of clothing and colors she prefers. Small things like colors and the high heels she likes are things to be a successful personal shopper. We are supposed to save them time so it is expected we know exactly what they want and not waste their time on things that they would never consider. I’m finishing hanging the last of the gowns when Bridget appears at my door right on time as always.

“Ms. Wilder, how are you today?” I greet her.

“Kenzie, dear, how many times I have I told you to call me Bridget?”

“Of course, Bridget, how are you?” I quickly correct myself. To my knowledge I am the only one here who is permitted to call her by her first name. To everyone else she is Ms. Wilder the demanding client who is rarely satisfied. To me she is Bridget, who is demanding but also nice and appreciative of what I do.

“If it wasn’t for you I would be screwed,” she sighs dramatically. “My incompetent assistant forgot to put the art gala on my schedule. I only learned about the event when one of the organizers contacted me about the schedule for tonight. Can you imagine how I sounded to her, not even knowing the event was tonight? I was mortified!”

“I am so sorry, that must have been terrible for you.”

“Devastating! Luckily I was able to mumble through the conversation before I fired my assistant on the spot. Then I called here only to find out that you weren’t scheduled to be in until the time I needed to arrive at the hair dresser for the only appointment time they had available today. I cannot thank you enough for coming in early as I’m sure you had other things to do today.”

“It’s fine Bridget, really it wasn’t a big deal. I was just getting home so the timing was perfect.”

“Getting home? Don’t tell me you actually had a date this morning?”

As always Bridget assumes if I’m not at work, it must be because I’m seeing someone. Little does she know is dating is the furthest thing from my mind; just the thought of opening myself up and falling in love again is something that terrifies me. I don’t think that I could ever trust someone like that again.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“No, I worked this morning-”

“Nancy said you weren’t scheduled to work until this afternoon? Was she not aware that you worked this morning?”

“I work at a bakery in the morning which is why I only work evenings here.”

“You work two jobs?” she sounds mortified that anyone would work more than one job. I have no idea how much she thinks I make here but it barely covers the rent on my little apartment. The bakery paycheck covers my utility bills, food and the little clothing I have. Working here requires a certain dress code, but even with the discount we receive. Just one outfit requires me to save two or three paychecks to be able to afford that. The paycheck from here covers the rent on my crappy little apartment and my student loan bills that I will probably forever be paying off at this rate.

“I do but enough about me! Let’s show you the dresses I picked out for tonight. We don’t want you to miss your hair appointment.”

With the focus back on Bridget, the topic of my finances and why I work two jobs is avoided. Over the course of the next hour she tries on the gowns and accessories I selected before finally choosing the one I knew she would pick.

“This is perfect, Kenzie! You have outdone yourself as usual!” she gazes at herself in the mirror taking in the complete outfit.

“Once again your timing was perfect, this collection only arrived at the store this morning. It hasn’t even made it to the floor yet-” “It’s perfect for the gala,” she confirms.

“If you want to change, I will have everything wrapped up for you. I assume we’re charging this to your account?”

“Of course.”

The dress, undergarments, shoes and jewelry are packaged and waiting for Bridget when she steps out of the dressing area. Normally I would have the items delivered to her apartment but even she knows with such a tight schedule tonight, delivery isn’t an option and adds a risk she doesn’t need.

“Kenzie… how many hours did you work this morning at the bakery?” she asks out of the blue as we are walking out to her car. “Um… about seven,” I’m taking back by her question as I assumed the topic of my employment was long forgotten.

“And you arrived here at what, one?” I nod. “What time will you finish tonight?”

“I am scheduled until closing so I should clock out around ten-”

“So you’re working 15 hours today?” she quickly does the math in her head.

“About that.”

“Is this typical for you?”

“Not really,” I’m very uncomfortable with the personal questions but can’t figure out how to end the conversation without insulting her. If I do anything to jeopardize her account, I will lose my job on the spot and there is no way I would be able to afford my apartment without this job. “Some days I work both jobs but other days it’s just one or the other.”

“I see,” she pauses. “One last question, do you enjoy what you do?”

“I enjoy meeting new people and helping them find the perfect outfit,” I answer vaguely.

“That’s what I thought,” she seems to be thinking about something but quickly shakes her head when we arrive at her car. “Thank you again, Kenzie, for your help, I truly appreciate you coming in early today for me especially after working this morning.”

“Have a great time this evening, Bridget.”