While visiting with former colleagues recently at the Nordstrom cosmetics department, I was introduced to a woman I didn't recall seeing before. She was very tall and large-boned with short auburn hair, that was pulled tightly away from her face. She sported thick auburn brows. Her lips were also thick and covered in a shiny mauve colored gloss, which wasn't really working for her. She was a 'suit' and as if to drive the point home, she was wearing one. But her 'look' was saying, 'Hello, I'm the cosmetics boss and I'm 21trying too hard!' It happens. I've seen it before. Her name was Cindy. Apparently, she is a regional rep for the Dr. Dennis Gross skin care line, which I dearly love.
Still, she was nice enough but she oozed with compliments when she met me. (Maybe it was the chair!) That happens too. We spoke for awhile and she explained that she was visiting the store for a special promotion. We talked about my work experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Then, she hurried away to finish speaking to one of her assistants.
A minute later, one of my friends, a cosmetic counter manager, took me aside and said, "Hey Ann, Cindy would really like you to come work for her." What?? I know my eyes got big...and my heart pounded. I went numb all over, which happens anyway, but this was different! I asked her to repeat what she had said. She told me that I had made an impression on Cindy and that she wanted me on her team. I asked the obvious question. "Did she notice my wheelchair?"
A minute later, one of my friends, a cosmetic counter manager, took me aside and said, "Hey Ann, Cindy would really like you to come work for her." What?? I know my eyes got big...and my heart pounded. I went numb all over, which happens anyway, but this was different! I asked her to repeat what she had said. She told me that I had made an impression on Cindy and that she wanted me on her team. I asked the obvious question. "Did she notice my wheelchair?"
Well, of course she had. You can't miss it, right? But I had dreamed of this and in that instant, I WANTED this. I told my friend that, of course I was interested and I wanted to speak to Cindy again right now! She left me to go fetch Cindy. When she re-appeared, Cindy started in with the flattery again and then she hit me with the punch line. "Of course, I would need someone who can carry sample cases back and forth to the car as we travel around Florida together." She said it very matter-of-factly as she waved her arms around, but she couldn't look at me. I was stunned. I nodded and said, "Of course." I did not say any of the remarkably unkind things I was thinking.......like.......'Looks like you'd have no trouble pulling whatever we need if we hitched a trailer up to you'........or worse!
When I write, I just try to keep it real with you. I was sorry I had gone in there that day. She made me feel like I had been punched in the gut. People can do that. My girlfriend put a hand on my shoulder and made the sad face at me. She mouthed, 'I'm sorry.' Then she walked me out to my car.
