“I’m sorry, I didn’t …”
“No, of course, you didn’t. Who gave you the impression that someone who screams and cries bloody murder while spending her Daddy’s precious money holds more value than others? Because, to me, that automatically disqualifies you from serving in the customer service field. Take it from someone who has dedicated her career to a life of service. Not everyone with money behaves like that entitled, spoiled brat who had to be escorted from the premises. In case you didn’t know, truly wealthy people prefer not to flaunt their riches. We spend our money quietly and humbly, without drawing attention to ourselves. Had you or your staff actually bothered even to ask why we came in, then you would know this. Perhaps this is a sign you should return to the basics and undergo training in Customer Service 101, so you can learn a thing or two about how to treat your customers, whoever they are.”
“Kenzie, enough,” I whispered while pulling her arm towards me, “I think she gets it.” Kenzie was a loving person when she wanted to be, but her sharp and honest tongue was ever-present and ready to be utilized at her disposal. Perhaps being married to a lawyer was one of the reasons she behaved this way at times, but then again, what’s my excuse?
“I think Dr. Malloy has a point,” Leon suddenly chimed in before the manager could walk away. “It is clear the customer service skills that you and your staff possess are not up to par. Therefore, as suggested, you and everyone else will repeat your training. Effective immediately, you will be demoted to an associate, and I will find a replacement for the manager position. I will be placing everyone under probationary periods pending a performance evaluation. You will be terminated if your manners and skills do not improve after ninety days. Is that clear?”
“But …”
“I said, is that clear!?” With her head hung low, the manager nodded meekly. “You’re dismissed.” She turned her heel and retreated in shame.
“Mr. Von Doren, was that necessary?” I asked.
“It was. I’m a businessman, Annika. I don’t just work in commercial real estate. I own multiple companies, and if I don’t keep my people in line, how would that make me, the company’s owner and CEO, look? Customer service is the foundation of the retail industry, regardless of whether the store is high-end or low-end. The service is what sells and generates returning customers, and if my people behave like idiotic buffoons, then as the boss, it is my responsibility to discipline them. I can only imagine the ongoing shit that has been occurring without my knowledge,” he replied as he surveyed his store with unmistakable disappointment. I only nodded my head in response.
In the end, Kenzie and I left after we couldn’t find anything we liked enough. Truth be told, I did find something worth buying, but I couldn’t bring myself to go through with the purchase after my shopping mojo had been extinguished, and I was left with a sour taste in my mouth after suffering through the drama of today’s events. I thought that Leon would follow us since it was clear that he knew where to find me today, but he stayed behind to clean up house, or so he said.
“Girl, please tell me you’re going to hit that!?” Kenzie gushed as we reached the parking garage and loaded up the car.
“Kenzie, will you give it a rest already!?”
“Annika! He has the hots for you! How can you not see it!?”
“Kenz! I’m still married! Hello?”
“Again! That didn’t stop needle-dick Jeff!”
“And again, I cannot afford to risk allowing Jeff an opportunity to turn this shit around on me!”
“Ugh! You should really learn how to live your life to the fullest, especially after the shit he’s put you through!” she grunted in frustration and sat down in the passenger seat. I sighed and followed suit, fastening my seatbelt before starting the ignition.
“Kenzie, I’m going to be really honest with you. You need to stop trying to persuade me to hook up with Leon. Aside from the fact that I’m married and in the middle of investigating my douche of a husband and his mistress, the fact of the matter is Leon Von Doren is my patient! I can’t sleep with him based on that alone.”
“Please, do you actually think he came to the clinic because of insomnia and his blood pressure?” Kenzie objected.
“What?”
“Anni, that man has unlimited resources. There is no way in hell that he didn’t know who you were before he came to the clinic that day. He was well aware that you’re Jeff’s wife and that his ex is having an affair with said asshole. He did his research on you.”
“How did you …”
“Please! It’s fucking obvious!” My mouth was agape as I stared at Kenzie. Did anything ever get past her? “Annika, I’ll drop this for now. But once you’ve finally gotten your revenge on that two-timing bastard and his blonde bimbo homewrecker, go to Leon.”
“What? Kenzie …”
“I’m being serious. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone look at you the way he does. I’m not an idiot, and neither are you. It may not have been long since you two met, but girl, the sparks are there, and sometimes letting them catch on fire isn’t such a bad thing.”