Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
When I spy the price tag, I gasp. “These are really underpriced,” I tell her, shocked by the low number on the tag.
The lady laughs. “Tell me about it. I’ve tried to get her to raise her prices, but she refuses. Estelle says everyone who needs them shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get them. She doesn’t charge for her time to make them. That covers the material and what little markup we have to sell them on her behalf.”
Another smile spreads across my lips as I add the hat, gloves, and scarf set to my small stack of purchases, as well as a second pair of red and navy gloves. Placing my items on the counter, I grab my wallet and pull out some cash. I don’t use my debit card unless I have to. I’ve found that having a set amount of cash is a great way to keep me on task and on budget.
“Forty-five sixteen,” she says as I hand her a few bills to cover my total. Today’s purchases definitely took a chunk out of my planned spending, but that’s okay. It was worth it. “Thank you,” she adds as she hands me my bag. “Stop by again soon!”
“I will,” I tell her and know that it’s the truth. This boutique is definitely a place I’d love to shop at again in the near future. “Thank you,” I reply before slipping out the door and heading to my car.
My plan to visit a few of the other stores in the strip mall proceeds, but I don’t spend any money there. Instead, I find myself heading over to that secondhand store I found a lot of my great furniture pieces at. There was a huge clothing section too, and I’m anxious to see what sorts of treasures I find there.
The moment I walk through the door, the owner greets me by name and offers me a smile. It’s one of the best parts about living in a small town. Back in California, no one took the time to remember your name, let alone your shopping style.
“I’m so glad you’re here! I just took in a new consignment, and there is this great aged lantern. I instantly thought of you and the bookshelf,” she says as she retrieves the medium-sized wooden and glass piece from behind the counter. “I was just pricing it to put on the shelf.”
My eyes are glued to the rustic piece, and I know she’s right. This decoration would look fabulous sitting on my bookcase, maybe with some ivy and a battery-operated candle inside. “I love it,” I whisper, reaching for the lantern when she sets it in front of me.
“I was going to put six ninety-five on it,” she says.
“That’s a great price,” I reply with a smile.
“I’m so glad my husband, Herb, here last time,” she says. “He got you all set at home with your new things, right?”
Nodding frantically, I reply, “He did. I offered to pay him for his time, but he refused to take it. I’m willing to pay for any delivery fee,” I insist.
She waves her hand in dismissal. “No, dear, that’s not necessary. Herb is always willing to help out, especially delivering some furniture to a young woman who doesn’t have a truck to haul it.”
“Well, I definitely appreciate it.” I look back down at the lantern, wishing it was something I could get today, but if I’m going to be successful in my new home, I need to stick to my lists and allowance.
“Are you looking for anything special today?” she asks, sorting through a few more items and adding price tags.
“I was going to check out your selection of winter coats and sweaters.”
“There’s several over on the far wall, and I’m sure there’s a few in your size. Do you want help?”
“No, thank you. I’ll just go take a look.”
“Let me know if you need anything. Oh, and there’s a changing room in the back if you need it,” she says before turning her attention back to her task.
I make my way through the shop, eventually coming across the women’s clothes section. The first thing I find is a rack of jeans and slacks. Beside it, a rack of sweaters and long-sleeved shirts in all colors and sizes. Zeroing in on my size, I find several I like, but ultimately decide to try on four. Before I head back to the dressing room, I find her display of coats. There’s a few leather ones, but I’m not really a leather kinda girl. So I pick a navy blue Columbia puffer coat that’s marked at only fourteen ninety-five and make my way to the back.
Each sweater I try on fits well enough to buy, and at only about seven dollars each, it’s almost a crime not to get them. The coat is a tad on the big side, but by the time I layer for the winter, I’m sure it’ll be a perfect fit.