“What on earth are you playing at?”
The department manager’s voice was icy.
Walter settled more comfortably into
the cushions. “Ain’t no sign saying we can’t sit here," and Doreen kicked off her shoes, dug her
toes into the artificial grass and rocked the swing seat.
The manager, aware of
the amused onlookers, kept his temper with an effort. “This is a display, not a
hotel.”
Walter handed over a fifty. “Doreen
was missing home, and this is the only grass for miles.”
At closing time the manager asked
them to come every day - sales of garden furniture had doubled.
.............................................................................
I am not a lover of cities, so I have a fellow-feeling for Walter and Doreen.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on https://rochellewisoff.com/ from which blog you can follow the link to read other interpretations of Marie Gale Stratford's photograph.
I am getting close to publishing my first novel, A Volcanic Race, on Amazon, and I'm up to my ears in proof-reading, composing a blurb, and trying to get my head round publicity. So please forgive me if I don't read every blog this week :)
Ha ha - loved the final line!
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thaks Susan.
DeleteIf it gets more sales and profit, store managers aren't going to complain that much.
ReplyDeleteThey really ought to pay them.
DeleteReally cute story. Good job.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you PAtsy.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteNothing sells a product like showing the customer the proper usage. Cute story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle - I was going to make it a story of pathos but I wasn't in a pathetic mood so I changed it!
DeleteIf I was the manager ... I would be buying her lunch, ha. Somethings it takes an unexpected event to help your sales plan along. Great story.
ReplyDeleteCrumbs on his artificial grass? Perish the thought!
DeleteSometimes stuffy old managers have to lighten up - this couple had the right idea, and the manager reaped the benefit! Good story!
ReplyDeleteOne furniture shop I read about recently were offering potential bed customers a whole night in the store!
DeleteAbsolutely delightful liz! How on earth did you come up with that?
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic!
Haven't you ever had the urge to sit on a display sofa and watch the world go by?
Delete...now you come to mention it!
DeleteAnd did you?
DeleteGood ol' Walter and Doreen. The department manager should have been thankful that it wasn't the bathroom department!
ReplyDeleteI believe that has happened too, Helen :(
DeleteNice story, Liz. You described the couple's actions with some very telling details - 'settled more comfortably into the cushions" and, especially 'Doreen kicked off her shoes, dug her toes into the artificial grass...'. It makes the scene so vivid. Well written!
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny - you always leave such thoughtful comments.
DeleteA fun enjoyable read. All the best for your book :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Dahlia.
DeleteFun read.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteI love this! And yes... I have had the urge to "use" the display in such a way. I'm thinking the store manager should return his fifty bucks...
ReplyDeleteThey make their display look like rooms, so shouldn't be surprised if people feel comfortable enough to sit there.
DeleteHa... that's an excellent way to get a job.
ReplyDeleteIt proably helped that they were elderly and looked respectable!
DeleteGreat take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra.
Delete