From the back of the store, a woman’s voice called out.
“Is everything all right out here? I’m so sorry! I’ve been on a call with our suppliers. Have the girls offered you lovely ladies some champagne?”
A woman in a burgundy blouse stepped forward. Her name tag read Denise. She looked between us.
“No, nothing is all right,” Anna said, turning to face her. “But it can be. If you know what your staff just said to my mother.”
I sat down on one of the fancy seats while Anna rattled off the story to Denise.
Denise’s eyes narrowed slightly as she listened, and when Anna was done, her posture straightened.
“Jenna. Kayla,” she said. “Gather your things. You’re done here.”
“You can’t be serious,” Jenna said, her mouth falling open.
“I’m very serious,” Denise replied. “Now, leave.”
Neither of them said another word. They turned, collected their bags, and walked out.
Denise turned to me, her expression softening.
“I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “I’m ashamed of their behavior. And I’m even more ashamed that they represented this store.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I nodded slowly, my throat tight.
