CHAPTER 195: You Wouldn't Believe Who Came Into The Shop Today

MOVERS N' SHAKERS GYM: 7:35am

"Suzy!"

"Barbara!  Great to see you here!  You're looking fabulous."

"As are you"

"Oh thank you for saying so.  I'm worried I've put on some pounds lately.  I don't want a repeat of that weight gain fiasco back in the Springtime."

"Oh that was horrible.  We all porked out...except Julia.  She must have a super fast metabolism.  So how are you?  Enjoying the new house still?"

"It's lovely.  That extra space is coming in handy for my work and Neil's art.  How are you and Jeremy?"

"We're good...the shop's doing well but...well, I have to confess..." and at that point Barbara lowered her voice.  "...I still fret about Jeremy's work.  I'm worried what the Landgraabs are up to."

"No good, I bet.  But I admire Jeremy's courage in trying to get to the truth.  I'm also working on that and, well, I've found out some very interesting things about them.  I can't say what right now, but we must all get together soon.  It's been....well...stressful at times learning about them."

For a moment Barbara could detect the stress on Suzy's face and guessed that under that calm, happy exterior she liked to project to the world she seemed to be carrying some kind of burden, like she knew something dark, sinister and troubling.  The small anti-Landgraab group:  Suzy, Neil, Jeremy, Action, Burr and herself hadn't met up as a group to discuss and share knowledge for some time now and Barbara wondered if Suzy was keeping too much to herself.

"We should arrange to come down here on a regular basis" said Barbara.  "Exercise is more enjoyable with good company:  Jeremy and I come here, or the gymnasium in the city, on weekends but I find I need a weekday exercise as well."

"Oh we must!  And then grab a coffee if there's time.  I'm going to head off soon as I've got a meeting soon at the offices:  Word is that an international celebrity is visiting Sim City soon but no one knows who that is.  Whoever it is, I want to land the first interview."  Said Suzy, regaining some of her usual enthusiasm.

"I wish you luck." Barbara replied before heading over to do some leg curls on the weight lifting apparatus.  She envied Suzy in some ways:  The world of high fashion, meeting famous people and, in the back of her mind, being married.  As for her, Barbara liked the idea of being married but there was no rush right now.  She was settled and happy with Jeremy and weddings were very expensive; their finances couldn't bear it.

She was hard at it with the exercise when Jeremy arrived.  They'd agreed to meet just before heading off to their respective jobs and his appearance must have meant that it was time to stop working out.  The time had gone so quickly for her.

"Hey, gorgeous" he said.

"Hey there.  Looking snazzy I see."

"Do you think this is a bit loud for work?" he asked, inspecting his blazer and shirt.  "Only Fanshawe has been wearing more colourful blazers recently and I thought this might be fitting with the times." 

"You're fine; I like it a lot.  I'll just shower and get dressed then we'll head on out." she replied.

On the way to Pack's Clothing, a way point between Movers n' Shakers and downtown where the Landgraab Corporation headquarters was, Barbara noticed that Jeremy was acting restless and nervously.  

"What's up, babe?" she asked.

"Nerves.  The security check at work is entering the second week now and they've been asking all these questions, going through all our files and the stress is getting to me.  I've hidden all incriminating evidence of my investigations but still..."

"If you act nervous then they might start to suspect you" replied Barbara.  "Come inside the shop, grab a drink and just relax before going in to the office"

"I know I should just act relaxed but...heck...I've always been a bit on the nervous side about a lot of things.  It's part of my character."

"Then look your normal, slightly anxious self.  And don't you have a colleague in the building working with you whose backing you up?"

"Yes...but I haven't seen much of him lately.  I feel on my own."

"I think you need to have a group meeting to discuss things:  Get them off your chest to Suzy and Action" she said.

"Maybe..." he replied with a nervous look on his face.

"But for now, come inside and have a relaxing cup of Jasmine tea...I find it works wonders for relieving stress."

"I don't know...maybe I should go in to work early to show my keenness?"

"You need to do the opposite:  Go in to work as if nothing is bothering you.  Come on, just relax for a few minutes."

A short while later Jeremy's mood had completely lifted.  

"That was a delicious tea and fruit salad, Barbara" he said with a big smile on his face.  "And as for that neck and shoulder massage, that really did the trick.  Shame we didn't have time to test out how big the changing rooms are with two people in them..."

"Another time.  But do try to remain calm at work today and if you need to quit in a hurry then there's plenty of work to do around here....Hmmm, some of those counter tops need cleaning." she said, looking around the place and noticing all the things that were out of place.

"I might take you up on that offer!" he said, getting up and smiling.  He appreciated the support that Barbara gave him; she never liked the idea of him going to work for Landgraab's but once that decision was made she stuck by him through thick and thin.  As he turned to give her one last look before heading downtown he thought there had to be a hand of God, or at least fate, in his life:  At one of his lowest points they found each other...the odds were not in his favour, especially after having his heart broken by that Bianca Gregory.  He almost didn't go in to town that day, he had to be dragged there by his best friend Travis.  And then after meeting Barbara that first time he didn't know if he would ever see her again...fate, or God, had intervened there as well.

It was time to open up the shop and the first customers streamed in.  However, one customer put Barbara's nerves on edge.  She tensed up the moment she saw her:  It was Bianca...a woman who once rejected Jeremy's romantic advances but who also seemed to toy with his affections at the same time.  The only time she had met Bianca was in another boutique and the woman was needling her about just how "close" she had been with Jeremy and had made snide remarks about how she knew him better than Barbara did.  That confrontation had then led to a serious and teary conversation between Jeremy and her that threatened to break them apart.  Now Bianca had shown her face in Pack's Boutique and Barbara was torn between having to serve her, ignoring her or throwing her out of the shop.

Bianca either hadn't noticed Barbara or else didn't care to acknowledge her.  Barbara had noticed that she had made her way to the menswear section, where she was checking out some shirts.  Barbara had an instinctive dislike of Bianca's haughty demeanour. 

But Barbara knew that interaction with her was inevitable:  She WAS the shop...the owner and the staff.  A customer's a customer and unless they cause trouble she couldn't think of a decent, professional reason not to serve Bianca.  Once she had finished answering another customer's question, she took a deep breath and walked over to Bianca.

"Hello there.  Can I help you with anything?" said Barbara.

"Oh, I thought it was you...Jeremy's girlfriend.  I trust you still are together?"

"We are."

"And you work here as well?"

"I own this boutique."

"Own it?  I see..." Bianca raised an eyebrow in astonishment.

"Is there anything I can help with?" replied Barbara, not rising to the bait.  "I see you're looking for something for a man, perhaps?"

"How very perceptive.  Yes, I need some hip, with-it shirts for my beau.  As a matter of fact he works with Jeremy at the same place."

"That must be Fanshawe"

"Yes, 'Shaw' as I call him.  He likes wearing more raffish, mod like clothes.  Shirts with a fuller sleeve, rounded collars and in bold colours."

"We certainly have those in store.  Let's see what we can find." said Barbara, maintaining her coolness in front of Bianca.

As Barbara was showing Bianca the various fashionable shirts she had in store another customer entered the shop, almost unnoticed.  She walked around, looking at the dresses on the mannequins with great attention.  After a few minutes a little girl, who was being dragged around the boutique with her dad and who had been acting bored the whole time noticed the elegant and beautiful red headed woman.  A little bell rang in the girl's head that told her this lady was famous...although she didn't know why.

"Daddy!  That lady!  She's from the TV...or that magazine Mommy reads!"

"Shh, dear, it's rude to point" the father replied.  

The lady walked around the shop some more, looking with great interest at the variety of outfit's on display.  She wasn't flamboyantly dressed for a young woman of today:  A lilac sweater and matching skirt, black pantyhose and matching sling back shoes but there was a grace and style about her that made her look like a model.

As Barbara listened to Bianca's requirements as to what she was looking for in men's shirts she noticed the newcomer and, after a few seconds, the penny dropped as to who this was.

"Oh my God!" she blurted out in a quiet voice.  Bianca looked puzzled.

"What?  What is it?" Bianca replied.

"That's Jean Shrimpton...the Shrimp!"

"You must be mistaken...what would The Shrimp be doing in your shop?"  Bianca looked in the direction of where Barbara was staring at.  "Oh my goodness...you're right!  That's her!"

Jean Shrimpton.  Along with Twiggy and Patti Boyd she was Britain's top model and one of the best in the world.  Her face was world famous and what she wore was the height of style.  Every young woman in the Western world wanted to look like her.  And she was here, in Sim City and in Pack's Clothing Boutique.

"I should say something to her" said Barbara.

"You should.  You own this shop" replied Bianca.

"But what do you say to someone like Jean Shrimpton?"

"How about 'can I help you, Miss Shrimpton?'"

"That's very familiar.  What if she takes offence?"

"What if she takes offence at you, a trendy fashion boutique owner, not recognising who she is?"

"Good point"

Jean walked over to where Barbara and Bianca were standing.  The little girl scowling at them for not knowing who this woman was.

"Excuse me.  Would one of you be the owner of this establishment?" said Jean in a cut glass English accent.

"That would be this young lady..." said Bianca, indicating Barbara.  

"Oh hello" said Jean, smiling politely.  "I do like your shop.  Such fab gear"

"Ah...thank you..." stammered Barbara.  Jean was even more beautiful and elegant in person than she was in the magazines.

Bianca piped up at that moment.  "Barbara here is too modest:  This is THE place to buy the latest fashion.  She has a great eye for colour, detail and style."

"Uhm, thank you...Bianca" replied Barbara, stunned at Bianca's statement.

"Oh you deserve the praise for putting Sim City on the cultural map" continued Bianca.

"Well, I just play a small part..." said Barbara, meekly.

"You're too be congratulated, Barbara." said Jean.  "I've never been to Sim City before and I've only got a short time before I'm due in New York for an American Vogue photoshoot...then Terence is flying over from London to spend some time there and on the West Coast."

"Terence...as in Stamp?" said a flabbergasted Barbara.  She had a massive crush on the handsome young English actor.

"The same" said Jean, smiling.  "Please, Barbara, relax.  We're both in the same business" she added, reassuringly touching the star struck young shop owner's arm.

They talked more about the shop and what was in fashion...or what was going to be in fashion next season before Jean had to stop and sign some autographs for the customers.  Barbara saw Bianca over at the menswear section and made her way over to her.  The next part was going to be difficult to say, but it needed saying nonetheless.

"Bianca...thank you for those kind things you said to Jean back there." 

"Not at all.  You deserve the credit for what you've done here."

"Did you know that Jeremy is part owner of the shop as well?"

"I did know, as a matter of fact:  Fanshawe told me...he helped draw up the loan agreement."

Barbara took a deep breath before speaking again...this was the toughest part.

"Bianca...I know you and Jeremy have history but I want to know where you stand with him now."

"I treated him unfairly, Barbara.  I realise that now.  But you've lasted, what, six months now together?"

"Coming up to six months"

"He's clearly devoted to you and I am having lots of fun with Fanshawe.  I think it's time to draw the line under my past with Jeremy.  I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to move on."

Barbara nodded.  "So we're cool?" she asked.

"We can be cool"

"In which case, can I interest you in a funky shirt or two?" said Barbara, with a slight smile.

In the end Bianca bought a couple of colourful shirts.  As Barbara was ringing up the cash register Bianca spoke again.

"Thank you...and once again, well done on winning over your celebrity customer.  You're on the map now, Barbara."

Barbara looked over to where Jean was standing and noticed she was still surrounded by admirers.  "I think I'm going to have to rescue her in a moment!" she quipped.

"Excuse me for one moment" said Barbara, gently ushering Jean away from the gathering crowd.

"Thanks Barbara!  I was being bombarded with so many questions back there!" replied Jean.

"Oh I have many of my own but I don't want to bore you with them" 

"For you I'm happy to chat and answer away."

Barbara drew a deep breath and cast her gaze all over the shop.  "Where do I even begin?  What's Carnaby Street really like?  Who's your favourite photographer?  Is Terence even more handsome in person?  Do you know The Beatles?  What was it like to wear the first miniskirt in Australia?..."

"It's truly fab.  David Bailey.  Oh boy, is he ever!  Yes, but not very well.  Very exciting.  Does that answer everything?" Jean giggled.

Barbara giggled too and clapped her hand over her mouth.  "I can't believe this is happening!  I'm sorry if I seem like a silly little girl acting this way around you...but...but...you're here!"

"Don't let it bother you so much!  I've noticed Americans are more excited when they meet people who are famous."

"That's just it, I'm actually Canadian!"

"Well, God Save The Queen.  We should stick together as daughters of the Commonwealth.  Now I've noticed that there's lots of people here but they're not actually buying anything..."

"I know" Barbara sighed.  "I should be dealing with my customers but I didn't want to appear rude to you."

"Not to worry...you've been so welcoming and I love the idea of a young person setting up their own business and doing well.  Hmmm, I think I have an idea to drum up some more interest...Can I choose any outfit here to try on?"

"Jean, you can try on absolutely ANYTHING."  

"I think I've spotted something I like....can I get some shoes and accessories as well?"

"Help yourself!"

"OK, you keep chatting to your customers and I'll be right back." said Jean.

A few minutes later and Jean emerged from the changing room wearing the hottest trend in Sim City right now:  The peppermint green floaty dress with white collar and 3/4 length sleeves teamed with white strappy shoes and off-white seamed tights.  She had immediately zoned in on the up to the minute look without being prompted.  Barbara was impressed.

Jean walked up and down and sashayed, displaying the outfit like a true top model.  "I'm not a catwalk model so apologies if I'm not doing this quite right" she said, self-deprecatingly to Barbara.

"I'm just sorry I didn't bring a camera" replied Barbara.  "But keep going, you're doing swell."

Soon a lot of customers were enquiring of Barbara if she had more of those dresses in stock and in what sizes.  She had sold three of them by the close of business and with the matching shoes and accessories as well.  Once 5pm came around and Barbara had flipped the sign to "closed", Jean breathed out a sigh of relief.

"I trust that helped" she said.

"Oh believe me, it did!  The sale of those outfits alone covers the cost of a day's rent.  I ended up doing very good business."

"Glad to help..." said Jean before going back to the changing room to get back in to her original outfit.  When she emerged she handed back the borrowed items to Barbara.

"No, you can keep them if you wish" she said.  "That's my small way of saying thank you for the honour of modelling in my own shop!"

"I don't want to take from you, Barbara"

"Consider it payment in kind"

Jean smiled and asked for a bag in her soft, politest English accent.  "I have to go now.  I'm meant to be somewhere called The Kitten Club for a publicity shoot this evening.  Hmmm, I think I'll wear this dress you've kindly given me."  Jean and Barbara hugged each other and with that, the most famous person Barbara had ever met left the shop.

Five minutes later, Jeremy had arrived at the shop to take  Barbara home.

 

"Was business good today?" he asked.

"Oh my goodness, was it ever!  A bit slow for most of it but then came a big flourish of spending at the end.  You know that peppermint green dress I have in stock?  Completely sold out of them by close of business."

"Wow.  How did that happen?"

"That's the most fantastic thing about it:  I had Jean Shrimpton right here, in this shop!  She was actually here, Jeremy, and I got to speak to her, and there was a hug..."

 Jeremy interrupted her.  "Sorry, who is Jean Shrimpton?  Someone famous?" he asked.

"Only the top model in the world!  You know, the English one?"

"The only model from England I've ever heard of is someone called 'Twiggy'" he replied, overemphasising the name 'Twiggy' as if it was ludicrous.

"Jean's the other one...listen to me, calling her 'Jean'!  Oh Jeremy, she's absolutely amazing!  She knows The Beatles!"

"How nice for her...and she was in the shop today?  Wow, that's a feather in your cap.  I just don't know my fashion models very well."

"Do you remember when I met Llamaman and I had no idea who he was?  Well, this is me getting even with you for meeting a celebrity."

"You met Llamaman, not me.  You're way ahead of meeting the stars than I am:  Llamaman, Darling Walsh and now this Jean Shrimpton.  Soon it'll be Rock Hudson or Doris Day...now, how about we celebrate by hitting the Orange Peel club tonight?"

Barbara loved the idea of going dancing at her favourite nightclub.  She was absolutely buzzing with excitement and adrenaline about what happened today.

It wasn't very busy, being a Monday evening, but the disc jockey's mix of sounds was really good this evening and Barbara got right into the swing of things.  Jeremy was more subdued, which was normal when it came to him dancing.  The bright oranges and purples of the decor and lighting in the Orange Peel went well with Barbara's outfit and if Jeremy wasn't focussing wholly on his dance moves then it was because he was drinking in the beauty of Barbara.

Eventually they paused for a drink and went to the bar.  Jeremy ordered two fruit cocktails for him and Barbara and they sat down to take the load off their feet.  

"Here's to celebrity friends" said Jeremy, raising his glass.

"To celebrity friends, cheers" said Barbara, clinking her glass to his.  "I was so bowled over by everything today...I was even nice to Bian...." she said, suddenly stopping herself from saying Bianca's name fully.  She had forgotten to tell Jeremy about her other customer today...

"Nice to Bianca?  What, she was in the shop as well?"  said a startled Jeremy.

"Yeeeeah, did I not mention that earlier?" she said, sheepishly.

"You certainly didn't!" he replied, firmly planting his glass on the counter top.  "Now did she give you a hard time?  Was she trying to get to me?  Did she upset you?" 

"No, no, no...I was worried at first as well but do you know what, she was actually nice to me and she talked me up to Jean.  I believe she's too keen on Fanshawe to think about bothering us."

"Too keen on Fanshawe's bank account if you ask me!" Jeremy retorted derisively.  "Well, I'm glad she wasn't bad to deal with today."

"I think we're turning a corner in our lives, Jeremy.  Today was awesome.  It's up, up, up from now on; I can feel it!"

CHAPTER 112: You're Welcome

 

"Good morning, Mr Saint"

"Good morning, Carole, lovely weather we're having" replied Jeremy Saint as he arrived at the offices of Dewey, Cheathem and Howe.  Carole nodded and walked on by; not wanting to be late for her meeting.  As for Jeremy, he had to negotiate three obstacles:  First, was the attention of his boss but that was fine because he was busy dealing with Jeremy's second obstacle:  Bianca.  Since joining the firm as J.J. Gotcha's secretary she would occasionally give him the eye and he felt uncomfortable.  If he caught sight of her in the distance, he'd make sure he never made eye contact and would take a circuitous route to his office just to avoid her.  His third obstacle was the "wit" of the man he shared an office with: Fanshawe.

"Good morning, Saint!" said Fanshawe, enthusiastically, the moment Jeremy walked into their office.

"You seem in a good mood, Fanshawe" replied Jeremy.

"More than just good...absolutely top of the world, for you see I have obtained TWO tickets to see Mr Burt Bacharach with FRIENDS in concert this Friday evening"

"Two tickets?  So who's the other person going to be?"

"Ah, that's what I wanted to ask you about..." said Fanshawe, dropping his voice and looking serious for a moment.

"Fanshawe, I'm flattered but..." said Jeremy.

"Not you!  I meant that superb specimen who is J.J.'s secretary"

"You mean...Bianca?" said Jeremy, sounding shocked.

"Yes, isn't she wonderful?" said Fanshawe, dreamily.  "The reason I'm telling you about my interest in her is that I understand you and her have a bit of...history?"

"Phht!  It was one date" said Jeremy, shrugging his shoulders.

"Still, wanted to give you the old heads up, buddy.  Are you OK with me asking her out?"

"I'm more than OK!" said Jeremy, enthusiastically.  "In fact, I couldn't be happier for you.  By all means take her to the concert and I'd add treat her to dinner as well:  She likes Italian." added Jeremy, slapping his colleague on the back.  

"I mean, if there are any residual feelings..." said Fanshawe.

"Trust me, there aren't" Jeremy wanted to give Fanshawe an unequivocal blessing.  If Bianca liked Fanshawe then she'd stop trying to flirt with and distract him.  Jeremy could finally get complete, 100% closure.  There was only one true love for Jeremy, and right about now she was probably deluged with customers over at the boutique.

There was only one person in Pack's Clothing at that time and that was the owner herself.  To say it was a slow morning would be an understatement:  It was a dead morning as far as customers were concerned but Barbara consoled herself with the knowledge that she'd only been open for an hour...still 7 hours left in the working day.  The last couple of days' saw brisk trading as she had to hire a temporary staff member who normally worked over at JF&S's but who helped out on his day off as a favour.  There were two awkward customers...one seemed to have had a panic attack...but her temp handled the situation well.  But he wasn't available today and probably for the better:  He'd have been wasting his time here.

Barbara thought a little mood music might make people, especially that vital teenage and youth crowd, want to come into the store.  

"Ahh, that's better" she said.  Barbara walked over to one of the mannequins and checked out the outfit that was on it.  It was brand new and inspired by Pierre Cardin...although getting an original Cardin outfit was way beyond Packs' budget.  Barbara adjusted the pose and shifted the dummy so that it could be seen better by anyone coming through the door.

No sooner as she had made those changes than her first customer of the day arrived.  However, they were not quite the type Barbara had in mind.  A tall, older lady who was a little on the large side had entered and was casting a suspicious eye over the premises.

"Can I help you, ma'am?" asked Barbara.

"Harumph...this place used to be a hardware store.  Where's Herman Pack?" replied the lady.

"That store closed down 10 years ago and Mr Pack retired.  I own the store now and, well, it's a fashion boutique."

"It's bright in here" said the lady.

"Can I help you find something you might like?" 

"I'll look for myself, thank you" said the lady, brusquely.  

Another customer entered the boutique and this time it was a much younger lady.  Barbara greeted her and asked if she could help in any way.

"I've just had my hair done and now I'm looking for a new outfit" said the young lady.

"You've come to the right place" replied Barbara.  "I love your hair and that blouse is sensational.  Now are you looking for something everyday or for a special occasion?"

"Something to impress when I'm out and about" replied the young woman.

"Huh!  You'll need to lose a few pounds before you can manage that!" said the old woman, grumpily.  The younger woman looked shocked when she heard such a brutal and blunt remark and Barbara could tell things could go rapidly south.

"Let me show you our European inspired line...." said Barbara, trying to whisk the younger woman away from the older one before the two customers came to blows.

"Who does that lady think she is?" said the younger woman.

"I know, I know...how about this?  It's inspired by Pierre Cardin" said Barbara.  She looked over to another area of the shop and noticed a bald, middle aged man standing too close to a shop dummy and who was rubbing his thighs and licking his lips.  "Oh no, a weirdo!" thought Barbara.

"Sir, can I ask you not to do that to the mannequin" said Barbara, trying to escort the man away from it.

"How much for it and the swimsuit?" said the man.

"The mannequin is not for sale, only the swimsuit" replied Barbara.

"Hngh!" said the man, indignantly and he walked off.

Barbara sighed...she had some awkward customers and no sales at the moment!  More people streamed in and with any luck some of them would want to buy something.  One teenage girl, dressed in the height of fashion, approached Barbara.

"Wow, how long has this shop been here?  It's fab!" she said.

"Oh, not long...coming up to one week now" replied Barbara.

"I love it!  Have you got anything by Mary Quant?"

"I have something a lot like it, come this way" said Barbara, her mood suddenly picking up.  This young lady was just the type of customer she was hoping to attract.

The young woman practically tried on every dress in the shop but Barbara made sure she dealt with other shoppers...and, all of a sudden, with an hour to go before closing time she was deluged with keen and eager customers.

It was all starting to be more than one person running a shop could handle.  However, the cavalry arrived in the form of Jeremy.

"Hey, sweetheart, how's business?" he asked Barbara.

"BUSY!  Now I need you to ring up some customers while I restock the shelves!"

"OK...Chief!" he said, sarcastically.

Between the two of them they managed to deal with all the customers and keep things stocked by closing time.  Exhausted, both of them headed back home for dinner.

"You should look into getting some permanent help" said Jeremy.  "You're rushed off of your feet as it is"

Barbara shook her head.  "I can't do that until we start making more of a profit.  These are early days and extra budget is going into publicity right now.  Once we start doing a healthy business, I'll hire a shop assistant"

"And how was your day?" she asked him.

"Oh it was very good, very satisfying" said Jeremy, his eyes lighting up.  "Fanshawe has asked....erm....one of the senior secretaries out to that upcoming Burt Bacharach concert".  He had to stop himself from saying "Bianca" because he didn't want Barbara to know that she was still on the horizon at work.

"I would love to go to that show!" said an enthusiastic Barbara.  "I wonder if there are any tickets left?"

"Oh I wouldn't have thought so" said Jeremy, defensively.

"Let's phone the theatre and find out.  You never know unless you ask!"

"I don't want to set you up for disappointment" 

"There's no harm in asking"

"Aren't we busy this weekend?  Aren't we seeing my folks or your folks or my brother-in-law?"

"Nope...nothing in the diary.  I'll phone the theatre tomorrow...maybe we can go to dinner at that Italian restaurant near there"

"NO!  I mean, I've heard there's an excellent French one nearby...supposed to be terrific.  Or Chinese!  Plenty of Chinese restaurants near there.  Or do you fancy steak?"

"I'll book the tickets, you book the restaurant...how does that sound?"

"Cosmic..." said a less than enthusiastic Jeremy.

Eventually Jeremy went to bed and Barbara tidied up in the kitchen when she was disturbed by a knock at the door.  "Who could it be at this time?" she muttered.

Answering the door she saw a stocky young man on the porch.  "Hello?" she said, checking her watch.  "It's very late"

"Is it?" said the man.  "We met back at the Llama Man convention.  I'm head of the Llama Man fan club and you signed a form indicating that you were interested in membership"

"Really?  I forgot about that...listen it's real late..." said a frustrated Barbara.

"Well you shouldn't have signed the form!" said the man.

"Well I didn't know you were going to show up a month later at 11 o'clock at night!"

"Is that late?"

"YES!  Now please, I just want to go to bed...goodbye"

"I'll put you down as a maybe?" said the man as the door shut in his face.

CHAPTER 111: A Question Of Hemlines

 

"Tsch, shocking!  Disgraceful!  Scandalous!" George Sneedley tutted to himself as he looked on at the mannequins in JF&S Clothiers; a haute boutique for the well dressed and well off.  He was on an early morning walk through Magnolia Promenade as that was his way of getting exercise without having to run or lift things.

The fashions of the day appalled him with their revealing neck and hemlines.  Grown women were now dressing like naughty schoolgirls and this led to a generation of long haired, randy young men chasing them.  The wedding dress he was looking at was particularly in bad taste...too snug fitting around the shoulders and bosom and way, way too far above the knee.  He thought of his own wedding to Edna and how wonderful she had looked in her grandmother's bridal gown...ah, the Edwardian era, thought George: How more elegant were things then?  Of course, they had to rush their own wedding arrangements because it was 1950 and he was just about to be shipped off to Korea and the war.

George left the boutique and headed home where Edna was already up and watching the news.  It was about another war, Vietnam, where the story was that USAF planes had clashed with North Vietnamese jets for the very first time since the American involvement in the conflict began.

"I didn't know the North Vietnamese had jet fighters" said Edna to George.

"They'll have got them from the Chinese or Soviets, dear" he replied.  "Same with back in my day...the North Koreans relied on the Chinese"

"Anyway...how did you walk go this morning?" she asked.

"Mostly fine" he replied.  "It's a nice day, the waterfront was pleasant and I think I spotted a heron at one point.  However, what is being sold in the shops under the description 'fashion' is shocking"

"I know...I know...you can really see standards dropping over the last year.  This is what happens when there are no longer decent female role models for young women to look up to...they've traded in Jackie for something called 'Twiggy'.  Oh if only we could have our delightful former first lady back as the inspiration for the younger generation."

"I quite agree, Edna, Mrs Kennedy and....Marilyn Monroe" he said, wistfully.

"Well, I never quite got the appeal of Marilyn Monroe myself" said Edna, knowing that Marilyn was George's pin-up idol when he was in the Navy.  "But a Grace Kelly...or Princess Grace to give her the correct title...there was a lady!"

"Ooh, yes" said George enthusiastically.

Edna stood up all of a sudden.  "I have an idea!" she exclaimed.  "I propose that you and I go and visit one of these so-called 'fashion boutiques' and investigate how they are corrupting womanhood!"

"When shall we do this?" asked George.

"Now!"

The two of them travelled to Magnolia Promenade where they found all the different fashion boutiques.  The place was getting a reputation of being "The Carnaby Street of Sim City" and was a fertile ground for the Sneedley's moral indignation.  One particular establishment caught their attention:  It was converted from a much older building but had big, newly installed glass windows, neon signs and bold colours decorating it.  It was called "Pack's Clothing" and it seemed like it was purposely built to annoy them.

"It looks positively garish!" said Edna "and what's the appalling smell coming from it?"

"If my culinary senses do not deceive me" said George "I believe it's a combination of incense, peppermint and....I think that's thyme"

"Anyway...let us gird ourselves and carry out our task.  George, no looking at anything too racy; we don't want you to have one of your turns"

Edna and George took deep breaths and entered the shop....and they didn't like what they saw right from the off.  For starters, there was discordant music playing over a speaker which made Edna wince.

"Tsch, most unsuitable!" said Edna looking at a couple of mannequins.  Even their poses offended her...no grace or poise, just blatant provocativeness and lewd playfulness.

She moved on to view a poster of a man with shaggy, unkempt hair, playing a guitar with a tortured look on his face.  The caption read "JEFF BECK".

"Ugh, just the sort of young man my mother warned me about!" she said.

George came and sat down next to her.  "I had to sit down and take a rest...it's so horrible in here!  The men's section is just as bad...medallions and strange patterns" he said.

"Well that's one thing I'll give this establishment" said Edna.  "At least there's plenty of places to sit"

"Excuse me, Madam, Sir...can I be of assistance?" said a young shop assistant.  He struck the Sneedleys as somewhat odd looking:  He was a black man with very dark skin and yet had a mop of golden blonde hair.  

"No thank you" said Edna curtly as she stared at the man's hair.

"Ah you've noticed my hair" said the shop assistant.  "New in stock:  Deluxe Merseybeat wigs.  Ideal for young men who want to look like The Beatles but whose hair is too curly, short or straggly to have cut into the classic Beatle cut.  Also great for the older gentleman who's hairline is receding and might want the extra coverage" he said, looking at George's head.

"Made from realistic nylon, they come in 20 different shades: This one is called Golden Dawn" continued the man.

"No thank you" replied Edna.  "Although that is probably the least objectionable thing I have seen in here so far" 

The man went off to help another customer and Edna took a moment to survey the scene.  "George" she said, an idea formulating in her head "I think we should conduct some interviews with some of the customers; find out what they think"

"I agree; we should make ourselves seem more official...say we're doing important market research" George replied.

"Agreed...I will speak with that lady in the blue over there...George that young woman in the turquoise; you should have a word with her"

Edna walked over to a young lady who was dressed all in dark blue.  She was checking out a short dress in a peppermint colour when Edna introduced herself.

"Hello...My name is Mrs Edna Sneedley and I am conducting some market research on behalf of an important organisation whose name I am not at liberty to mention.  May I ask you a few questions about your preferences in ladies fashion?"

"Hi...my name is Bianca, I'm 24 and work in an office" replied the young woman.

"How nice...I see you have opted for the shorter hemline:  Is that something that appeals to you?"

"Yeah, it's fab!  It's kicky!" said Bianca.

"Hmmm, 'kicky', I'm afraid I'm not well versed in the slang of the youth of today.  But don't you feel that your shorter hemlines will attract the attention of the wrong sort of man?"

"I'm not against attracting the attention of a man...providing he's cute" said Bianca.  "But it's about freedom, confidence and the Pill"

"THE PILL!" exclaimed Edna, shocked.  If there was anything she hated more than mini skirts, it was the Pill.  "Young lady, you should be ashamed of yourself!"

At that Bianca became very indignant.  Meanwhile, George was trying a slightly different approach.

"Excuse me, Miss" he said to a willowy auburn haired young woman who wore a turquoise mini dress.  "I am conducting a survey on fashion and the younger generation.  Do you prefer the long or the shorter skirt?"

"Well, man, it's all good, right?" she replied.  "Long, short as long as it's with it I'm cool with all that.  My favourite clothes are my flared jeans, baby"

George didn't catch on with the slang but proceeded to enquire more.  "And are you wearing stockings today or....tights?" he said, wincing at the T word.  

"These?  These are tights, man.  I've given up on all the constricting underwear that mom and grandma wore:  I got rid of garters, corsets, girdles and I've read the bra is a symbol of the past so I might end up throwing that in the trash can or burning it"

"Oh...dear..." said George, who acted as if he had walked into a minefield.

"Yeah man, I mean, why do we need clothes anyway?  Underwear, who cares?  Some days I don't bother at all with them.  You've got to feel free, baby, unconstricted and let it all hang out.  Have you tried spending the day in the nude?  Wow, that's like being at one with nature!  Mister, are you alright?  Mister?"

George had gone pale and was clutching his heart.  "I...need...fresh air..." he gasped.

"Hey, lady, is this guy bothering you?" said a young, male customer who had seen what was going on.

"I don't know, man" replied the hippy girl.  "This guy was asking about what I was wearing..."

"Oh I see..." said the man in a threatening tone and rolling up his sleeves.  "I've dealt with perverts like him before!"

"GASP!" cried George and Edna turned to see him down on his knees having a panic attack.

"George!  Oh no!  Make way!  Make way!  I'm his wife...clear the area, he's having one of his turns!"  Edna helped George back to his feet and led him out of the shop.

They went straight home from Magnolia Promenade where George had a drink, some air and time to calm down.  "Oh Edna...that young woman you sent me to speak with:  She turned out to be a nudist!  I wasn't prepared, I just wasn't prepared!" he said.

"No, that was my fault...I should have been more aware of the type of customer we were dealing with.  My one wasn't much better; a loose woman on the pill, shall we say?" 

"Well I appreciate you coming to my assistance" said George.

"My wifely duty, George.  After all, you've always been there in my hour of need" replied Edna, warmly.

The two felt drawn to each other at that moment.  Not a word passed their lips but they sat on the couch, looking lovingly in each others' eyes.  Slowly, ever slowly, they inched towards one another until those lips were touching and then they gently held each other as they embraced and kissed.

It wasn't just a peck either, they kissed over and over; lovingly and tenderly.  The years together rolled back and they were like they were when they were first courting.  Finally, their lips parted.

"That's enough of that" said Edna.

"Yes, I must get to work now.  A most pleasant experience, thank you" replied George.

He went off to the restaurant and Edna craved a drink, so she headed off to the Rattlesnake Juice Bar.  Not her favourite haunt, but a place George often stopped at on his way back from work.

"Your usual, Mrs Sneedley?" asked the barman.

"Yes thank you, David.  That's lovely.  David...do you ever get worried about the permissive society?" she asked.

"Only that it's passing me by" replied the barman.

Edna drank the crisp dry white wine and thought about what to make of what her and George found this morning.  Was it that young women were to blame or the people who tell them what they should wear, listen to and do with their lives?  So much to ponder.

"You know what I don't like about today's society, Mrs Sneedley" 

"What's that, David?"

"Modern art.  I just don't get it:  Blobs, lines, splatter, wham...I mean, what's it all about?  Nothing, I tell you, nothing."

Edna thought about that...yes, modern art: Another symptom of society in decay.  She finished her second drink and put the glass down on the bar, loudly.

"David...is the gallery down the road still open at this time?" she asked.

"Should be" the barman replied.

Edna settled her tab and headed off to the Futures Past museum, keen to find fault there.

The modern art section was on the 2nd floor so she wasted no time being distracted by the classical sculptures and Mediaeval works of art and headed straight there.  Upon arrival she spotted an abstract painting that immediately triggered her sensibilities.

"No, I don't get this at all" she said out loud.  "Are those meant to be hills?  Did the artist just spill paint by mistake?"

"I think you'll find that the shapes are held in proportion to each other...the painting holds the rounded sections and the lines in tension, juxtaposing the very shapes themselves" came a voice from next to her.  Turning to see who had spoken, she saw that it was none other than her nemesis: Alan Cuffe.

"Oh no, trust you to like this, Mr Cuffe" she said.

"I appreciate art and beauty in all its forms" he said.

"Yes...especially if it's wearing a bathing suit" she responded, snidely.

"You know, Edna, your life would be considerably improved if you didn't spend so much time seeking out things that offend you."

"I have a duty to protect our community!"

"No one asked you"

"Because you've lured them into complacency"

"You credit me with too much influence, Edna"

"I see your influence growing day by day, Mr Cuffe"

"You don't know the half of what goes on in this city...if you did you wouldn't see me as your great enemy!" Cuffe's voice started to crack as he said those words.  Suddenly, he went quiet.

Edna took a moment to compose herself during this brief silence before saying "Well, I've made my point perfectly clear.  Goodbye, Mr Cuffe"

She headed home where she rendezvoused with George.

"I have met the enemy, George" she said "...and he is scared!"

"Of us?" asked George.

"Why yes, who else?" she replied.