The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 91

Josie took the gift box and handed it to Suzie.

“Go on, Suzie, take it. To be honest, I've been so busy lately, and today was the only free day I had. My whole reason for coming out was to get you a gift. The fact that it's something you really like just makes me happier.”

Suzie hesitated for a moment, but then figured she could just transfer the money to Josie once they got to the café upstairs, so she accepted it.

Just then, a short-haired woman with a name tag that read “Brenda, The Store Manager” walked in. She stepped forward with a polished, customer-service smile. Her voice was smooth and warm. “Welcome, valued customers. How may I assist you today? It would be my pleasure.”

The manager’s professionalism was meant to show respect, but Josie wasn't buying the act.

She crossed her arms again and slowly walked up to the manager, stopping just in front of her. She gestured with her chin toward the saleswoman behind Brenda. “Her. The one behind you. She took one look at my friend's simple clothes and decided to insult her.”

The saleswoman frantically waved her hands, explaining anxiously, “Brenda, I didn't! I didn't insult the customer! I was just worried the silk pajamas would get dirty and was offering a friendly reminder.”

Josie scoffed and turned her gaze back to the store manager. “How about we reenact the scene so you can see for yourself?” she said provocatively. “You play my friend, and I’ll play her. What do you say?”

Seeing Josie’s confrontational stance, the manager’s smile became even more accommodating. She kept her voice gentle. “I’m very sorry. Any discomfort you’ve experienced in our store is entirely our fault. Allow me to apologize on behalf of this sales associate. She’s new and doesn't quite know the ropes yet. We ask for your understanding.”

Suzie listened to the manager’s words. She hadn't tried to defend the employee and her apology seemed sincere enough.

But Josie wasn’t about to let it go. She uncrossed her arms and wagged her index finger. “No. I imagine you’ve rehearsed that little speech until it’s perfect. Those lines might work on other people, but to me, it just sounds like you’re trying to brush me off.”

Josie’s savvy demeanor put the store manager in an awkward position.

Suzie could see it now. Josie was exactly as she’d said—if she didn't get this off her chest, it would ruin her whole day. Suzie swallowed the words of caution she was about to say.

The store manager hesitated for a long moment before continuing in her soft tone. “In that case, I will have the sales associate offer your friend a sincere apology. Would that be acceptable?”

With that, Brenda tugged on the sleeve of the employee behind her, motioning for her to step forward.

Seeing that neither the manager nor the saleswoman had anything more to say, Josie let out a final, cold huff and pulled Suzie toward the exit.

“Suzie, I know I might have seemed harsh back there, but it felt so good. I’ve never stood up for myself like that before. It’s always me who has to swallow my anger. We’re all out here trying to make a living, but it’s just wrong for us, the customers, to have to put up with that kind of attitude. Honestly, if the manager came to her senses and let her go, that would be the only real consequence.”

As they walked, Suzie sighed. “I get it, Josie. But it’s over now, so try not to dwell on it. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a huge deal. Maybe they deal with difficult customers all day and it’s made them cynical.”

Josie sighed too, her tone a mix of concern and admonishment. “That’s not the point, Suzie. No matter what, you don’t give attitude to the people who are putting money in your pocket. Besides, in a high-end place like this, everyone knows things are expensive. How many people are bored enough to just wander around, touching everything without buying? And speaking of which, what would you have done if I hadn't shown up? Would you have just let her walk all over you?”

Suzie smiled faintly and patted Josie’s arm. “Oh, I’ve had it happen before,” she said gently. “I give them a piece of my mind, and then I make a point of not buying anything from them.”

Josie burst out laughing at that. “Exactly! That’s the way to do it. Why should we take that kind of treatment, right? It’s not like we started it. Whenever I go out to eat or shop, I’m always perfectly polite to the staff. Anyway, let’s drop it. Come on, Suzie, the elevator is over there.”

With her torrent of words finally finished, Josie led Suzie toward the elevator bank.