Sally - The New Saturday Girl

by Sally Stephanie

  

On Saturday the shop was very busy. It seemed like everyone had come to Town, and all of them wanted footwear of one type or the other.

As I completed a sale I remembered to ask the customer how long they had held our store card? Whenever anyone said they did not have a card I did my best to persuade them to open one today. Thus, by avoiding closed questioning, I'd managed to persuade at least half a dozen women to open an account.

Every time I sold footwear I had to make a note of the item in a small receipt book. Although the accounts were electronic and stock would be re-ordered automatically it was a rule of Miss Roberts (now Karen) that we made a physical note of our sales.

One young woman said she loved a particular pair of high heels but she had a pet hate for the labels that were stuck on the bottom of the shoe. The appearance of a label on the sole of a man's shoe would probably go unnoticed. For a woman it could well signal the start of a minor catastrophe. A man would never understand what the fuss was about.

"It's just impossible to get them off with leaving at least some of the label still on the sole! Why do they insist on fixing them on so securely?"

Her frustration was obvious as she handed me back the very high-heeled court shoes. I agreed with her that it was not nice to have everyone see a white sticky label on the sole of your shoes, and remarked to her that

"It doesn't matter how expensive your shoes are it's very annoying. I have the exact same problem!"

I then lifted my booted leg to let her see that I too had a white label on the sole of my boot. She nodded and looked disappointed at having to pass on the shoes because of a troublesome label, but I wanted to make the sale so I told her,

"I'll try and take the labels off, these are such fabulous shade of red, and it would be shame if you lost out on them because of a stupid label!"

"That's very kind!" she smiled in return

Now, removing sticky labels from the soles of shoes is not an easy task. And it is especially difficult when you don't want to break your newly acquired false nails in the process.

I carefully peeled back the first label and hoped it would come off in one go. It did. I then took the second shoe from the box and hoped for the same result. But, this time the label came only three-quarters off. I now had to pick at the remaining section of the sticker in order to loosen it from the shoe.

Time appeared to pass in slow motion as I did my best to remove the sticker from the sole of the footwear.

 

The young woman watched intently as I worked on the label. She appeared more nervous than I was but, finally, I handed her back the second shoe and smiled,

"There, at last!"

I said, putting both shoes into the box before handing it to her.

She thanked me for my efforts and I told her it was part of the service and that, in my opinion she would look fabulous in her new shoes. As she went to the cash desk I noted the sale in my ledger book.

As for the rest of my customers, some were obviously only 'trying not buying' (as Georgie had coined the phrase). Others needed a special pair of heels for a big night out, and I was asked many times to help recommend what style/colour would go with a particular colour of dress/outfit. I enjoyed it when they asked me for guidance on the type of shoes they should buy.

One young lady was looking for something to wear for a day out at Ascot horse races and I advised her that heels were a definitely out because she would lose them in the grass. I suggested a pair of very girly sandals with a wedge heel and she said they would look gorgeous with the dress she still had to buy.

Another woman tried on about seven pairs of shoes – then left without buying anything at all. It would not have been half as bad had it not been for the constant trips back and forth from the stockroom.

My department also included all handbags as well as the range of socks/hosiery that Hannah Sadler stores offered. When I was not attending to someone I busied myself with the displays, making sure all the shoes were sitting tidy.

Previously a handbag had never seamed important to me, but now I paid great attention to them. After all they were now an essential component of my wardrobe. I especially loved ones with long handles that enabled you to swing your handbag as you stepped out; smaller underarm bags were great too, then you had the delicate little evening bags for those special nights out. I found myself wanting new bags as much as I wanted new shoes.

The day was tiring and when Cindy let the last customer out it was well after half past five. As a team we were exhausted.

Before we could retreat to the staff room we had to get our ledger books balanced with the cash register. Karen made us wait until she had completed the money count. Then she looked up and announced our 'results',

"Well done Cindy, that's your best Saturday total for a long time. Laura, you did not do quite as well this week darling, but still a good effort. Sally, also very good, you managed to open the most new account cards too. I think we're going to enjoy ourselves tonight!"

 

She led us off to the staff room for a well-deserved cup of tea.

As I was the new girl it was my job to make the refreshments and as I filled the kettle it was Laura who remarked,

"It should really be champagne for such an occasion!"

Cindy took off the heels she was wearing and rubbed her aching feet before saying

"There's plenty of time for drinking later!"

Once again the Saturday night disco loomed.

Laura looked across at Karen and asked

"What time are we meeting Georgie tonight Karen?"

Karen thought for a moment then replied

"Ten o'clock, at the disco. So you all have enough time to get yourselves home and changed in to your best dancing shoes"

Cindy smiled and reminded us that we would all meet for pre-disco drinks in the cocktail lounge at nine.

I was looking forward to the night out. It had been a most eventful week and I felt letting my hair down was just reward for my efforts.

Cindy then looked at me and asked

"What will you wear tonight Sally?"

I had not given it a thought and said so. Cindy shook her head then said

"This is celebration time tonight you must wear you most foxy frock! I insist!"

Again I smiled and said I would make a special effort.

Laura joined in the conversation and told me excitedly

"Don't you worry Sally – I've got just the outfit for you tonight!"

Karen got up and went to fetch her handbag. She took out a small wrapped parcel and handed it to me.

"This is a present for you Sally. Don't open it right away wait until later".

I took the small package from her and she glanced at Laura then back at me

"Laura will help you"

I had no idea what the present was? or why Laura needed to help me with it? But it was obvious they all knew – even if they would not tell. I decided to put it in my handbag and wait until later.

When Laura got us both home she said I should shower first while she went to find me the outfit she promised to lend me for the night. I went to my room and started to get undressed.

As I stepped back out of the shower I called to Laura that the bathroom was now free. She called to me from her bedroom and said I should go ahead with my makeup and that she would help me dress after she'd cleaned up.

After towel drying I perfumed my body with the Estee Lauder scent and felt instantly wonderful.

The pink cotton robe I put on helped complete the drying process while I started to decide on what my 'look' was going to be for the night. As it was disco time I wanted to really glam up for the occasion.

As I'd now worn makeup all day every day for a week I was starting to get to grips with the 'techniques'. I still had a lot to learn but felt I progress was at least being made in the difficult art of cosmetics.

It took me an hour before I was able to look at my finished face in the mirror. I continued with my use of bright eye makeup and chose an equally luxurious lipstick to match. Two coats of a dark plum nail polish made my hands looks very feminine indeed.

Laura knocked on my door then popped her head around the corner.

"Is it okay for me to come in?" she asked

I said of course it was and she came in. Laura had already dressed for the evening and asked if I liked her 'clubbing' outfit?

She gave me a 'twirl' and I remarked that it was hot but hoped she did not intend to attempt any dancing while wearing it. She had on a red PVC dress that had a Chinese style collar and cap sleeves. It fastened across her bust with some gold detail braiding. The lower part went all the way down to her ankles. Her black patent stilettos must have been over five inches in height.

Her makeup was bold; the red lipstick was the brightest I think I'd ever seen. She had her hair in another 'up do', which gave her a film star glamour.

"Well, how do I look girlfriend?

"You look stunning!"

I noticed that the skirt part of the dress had two zips up each leg and they were an absolute necessity if you were to walk in the dress. She demonstrated by unzipping them a few inches above the knee. She came over to me and said

"If you think I'm stunning then just you wait until you see what you're going to be wearing"

I stood up and Laura put a hand on my shoulder.

"Before we get you dressed it's time to open your present".

She waited while I took the package from my handbag and watched me unwrap it. When I opened the small box I lifted out what to all intents and purposes looked like a pair of knickers, only they were 'fashioned' to look like a vagina.

Laura lifted the gift from me and held it up.

"It's something you might want to wear for now. It has a special penis sheath so you can tuck it all away and no one will be any the wiser. With this one you can even go to the loo without having to take it off!"

I had read about such items before but never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined I would get the opportunity to wear one.

Laura asked me to step out of the robe and she helped me put it on. She told me to attend to my 'little extra' as she pulled the garment up around my groin. When she was satisfied that it was on correctly she reminded me,

"Remember you'll need to sit down when you 'go'"

I told her that was no problem as I'd being doing just that for as long as I could remember.

After a few minutes I stood back and looked down between my legs. To all intent and purposes I now had a vagina. I felt a slight thrill as I admired myself in the mirror. It felt realistic to the touch and even had pubic hair trimmed to an almost heart shape.

Laura was satisfied with the result and proclaimed that if anyone now tried to 'touch me up' they wouldn't discover 'my little secret'.

I went over to my lingerie drawer and started to look for some underwear.

Laura joined me then said softly

"Let's get you into a corset for tonight? the pink one will go with your outfit"

From the drawer I lifted the corset out and she helped me undo the lacing. It looked a complicated procedure to loosen all the eyelets, and it was several minutes before she started to place the garment around my body.

"Now hold on tight to the headboard and don't let go whatever you do!"

Laura waited until I'd got a tight grip on the end of the bed then started to lace me in. She tugged, and pulled, and laced. I was dragged sideways and backwards as she continued to encase me in the garment. I had always imagined that wearing a proper corset would be heaven, but never thought for as moment how forceful you had to be to get into one.

As the lacing took hold, my breathing started to become less comfortable. My 'B Cup' breasts were now expanding into a fully-grown 'D' (or that is how it appeared to me).

I could see my 'hour-glass' figure emerging in the dressing table mirror as Laura tightened the laces together. The pressure around my now pin-tucked waist was an uncomfortable aspect that Laura said I would get used to in time.

When she finally tied off the last loop I had (in my opinion) the most fantastic figure imaginable. Laura came round the front and checked the corset for fit.

She wanted to adjust the hook-and-eye front fastenings and spoke as she checked the garment,

"We're not finished yet – I'll go and get your dress".

I stood with my hands on my new hips as she left the room to pick up my dress. The corset gave me an impressive cleavage and just looking at my reflection I the mirror made me feel terrific.

Laura was carrying the dress inside a travel bag so I could not see it until she took it out and held it up for me to see. I understood now why I needed the corset and Laura told me

"This is the most beautiful dress Sally".

I had to agree. The pale pink creation had a 'cracked ice' pattern running through it and I noticed there was even more lacing down the back than the corset. The dress tapered down to just below the knee and I knew whilst wearing this I would have to take extra small steps.

Once again I held tight as Laura got to work lacing me into the gown. She finished by adjusting the shoulder straps of the dress. She then went to get a pair of pink heels and a small pink sequinned evening bag from my wardrobe.

The four-inch heels had matching silk ribbon ties and Laura said she would have to do them up for me, as I might not be able to bend over far enough to do it for myself.

I stepped into the shoes very carefully then Laura tied them in a crossover fashion over my ankles and lower leg. When she stood back to check my outfit she gave me a 'thumbs up' sign.

Laura sat me down and said she wanted to fix the ponytail on me. I gingerly took my seat and waited as she went to work with the hairpiece.

Ten minutes later, with evening bag in hand, I was ready to hit the streets. As we reached the lounge Laura said I would be okay providing I didn't try running or try and bend over too quickly.

The dress was certainly the most restrictive item I'd worn so far – but I loved how it (and the corset underneath) gave me such feminine curves. .

We ordered a taxi to take us into Town and I laughed to myself when I noticed the expression on the driver's face as we stepped into the back.

Laura tried her best to prevent her dress making a 'noise', but a PVC dress on a leather seat was not the best combination for a silent trip. She looked at me and giggled.

The cocktail bar was busier than it had been last week and when we arrived I was glad that the others had managed to find a table we could use.

Cindy was at the bar and she waved at us. Laura motioned to her that she should get another pitcher and Cindy nodded in agreement.

I liked what Cindy was wearing – a stunning black beaded shift dress, with back vent and zip. It was short and showed off her legs, which were covered by a pair knee high boots in a stunning metallic pink leather

Karen had gone for a black velvet trouser suit, the cut of the jacket allowing only the slightest view of her breasts. She told us she was wearing a black corset top underneath the suit then opened the jacket to show us.

As Cindy returned with our drinks it was Karen who complimented me on my dress and said Laura looked equally stunning. I thanked her and said everyone looked great.

Karen waited until we all had our glasses then said

"Did you like your present Sally?"

I said that I did, although it was a bit of a surprise.

Cindy nodded but then commented

"The best ones usually are Sally!"

Cindy then proposed a toast to congratulate me on winning the job. All the girls cheered and I was made to feel the centre of attention.

"You're not a Saturday girl any more – you're a full-time girl now!", she said.

I sipped my 'Blue Lagoon' slowly as we chatted about the week. For the first time in my life I truly felt like a woman and was relaxed in my new role.

It was Laura who posed the question

"Is Georgie still on for tonight?"

Karen nodded and said her sister would be joining us but not before we hit the disco. I felt glad that we would all be out together.

When our drinks were finished I offered to get the next round in and made my way to the bar.

As I glanced down I was very pleased with the cleavage the corset and dress had created. The dress also gave me super hips and I felt very sexy indeed when I'd walked up to the counter and took my purse from my bag as I waited to be served.

Two young women at the far end of the bar were looking at my dress and making snide remarks to one another. It was clear to me they were envious of my outfit so I ignored them.

The man standing on my right gave me a good look over and I thought for a moment his eyes were going to pop out of his head.

The barwoman took my order but then the man interrupted and said

"Here let me pay for those darling?"

I smiled, shook my head, and told him

"There's no need I'm with my girlfriends tonight"

He came closer and I was aware of his eyes looking me up and down. For a second I felt intimidated: but was not going to allow him to get the better of me.

The man opened his wallet and flashed a large roll of cash before saying

"I only want to buy you, and your friends, a drink?"

Again I shook my head then took a twenty-pound note from my purse and handed it to the barmaid. When she gave me a smile I felt so much better. As I took my change and sorted our drinks on the tray the man moved off to another section of the bar.

"Only wanted to buy you a drink. What's wrong with that?" he said with more than a touch of the alcoholic influence in tongue.

I walked back to the table and told the girls what had happened. Karen said it was nothing to get upset about. It was something women had to contend with and the proper strategy was to politely ignore such obnoxious males.

"There are plenty of more fish in the Sea", she exclaimed.

Two cocktails later and I wanted to go and 'freshen up'. Karen said she needed to do the same and we strode off to the ladies to repair our makeup.

As I re-applied my lipstick Karen said she was pleased with the way I'd come through the interview.

"Mr Fisher was most impressed with your responses Sally. He thinks you'll do very well with the company".

I put my lipstick back into the handbag then touched up my face with the pressed powder compact.

Karen had already finished fixing her makeup and came over beside me as I continued to remove any shine that I could see on my face. She spoke very gently when she said

"Of course he had no idea you're not quite what you appeared to be. He thinks you are just another young woman keen to take up a career in fashion".

She placed her open palm against my crotch as if she wanted to make sure I was wearing my 'present', then said

"Take care when Mr Fisher is around Sally, he has been known to let his hands wander. If you ever feel intimidated by him, please let me know"

I said I would, but that I also hoped the occasion would never arise. I put my bag over my shoulder and Karen hugged me. She suggested we get back to the table before the others started gossiping without us.

It was just after ten when we finally got to the disco. As we paid our entrance fee we headed upstairs to the dance floor to look for Georgie.

A doorman at the top of the stairs handed each of us a pink card with a number on it. Mine was '12' and I asked the girls what it was for?

Karen then explained why we'd all 'glammed up' for the evening,

"Tonight is Diamond Disco Beauty Night!"

She said it as though I should have known all about it.

Cindy looked excited as she explained how the contest worked,

"They have an amateur beauty contest once a month and everyone is automatically entered when the come in. It's just like one of those ballroom dancing competitions where they have judges that walk about marking everyone. Those they like get to keep their card. The others have to hand them back".

I glanced at the card with a little trepidation and smiled before telling them that I hoped was not going to be one of the finalists.

Laura shook her head and then told me,

"Why ever not? You look especially gorgeous this evening. And, they put your photograph down in the entrance hall for everyone to see!"

Karen looked around the perimeter of the dance floor to see if Georgie had arrived yet. She had phoned her earlier to let her know we'd left the cocktail lounge and we would get her in the upstairs bar.

It was Georgie who spotted us first and she waved to us from above. The floor was still relatively empty as we clicked our collective heels across to the gallery table that Georgie had managed to secure. It afforded us an excellent view of the auditorium, where the brave would soon strut the night away.

Georgie looked her usual knockout self in a super sexy outfit. A dusky pink Georgette sleeved top with a V-neck detail, teamed with a black floaty georgette skirt, and jewelled strappy high heels.

She curtsied to show off the fabulous flare of the skirt and said she was glad to see us all looking so sexy in our various outfits.

"I love it when we all make such an effort don't you?" she said as I sat down beside her.

"Very much", I commented.

Despite the corset dress and the chance that I might make the 'final' of the contest all I wanted to do was dance. This was in stark contrast to how I'd felt last week. But a lot had happened in a week.

Soon I was on the floor doing my best alongside both Cindy and Laura. And it was not much longer before a group of young men managed to manoeuvre their way across the floor beside us.

Above the beat of the dance music I could see Cindy and Laura make small talk with some of the men.

Although I played the 'shy' card, and restricted my responses accordingly, it did not prevent one of the men putting his hand on my backside. And I had to push it away when he tried to shift it round the front.

Laura noticed this and winked at me.

Karen was right – I was going to attract attention in such provocative clothes. It wasn't that I didn't want it. I just wasn't sure what it might lead to.

Thankfully the ribbon ties held up on my shoes for at least a good half hour worth of dancing before I decided to retire for a rest and some refreshment.

When we got back to our table I ordered a round of drinks. They all toasted me and said I'd done extremely well in securing the job. I thanked each of them for the support.

It was not long before Karen, Georgie and Laura all set off to the floor as one of their favourite numbers beat out from the speakers.

Cindy and I needed a little longer to recover so we made our apologies as we sat this one out.

As she filled our glasses Cindy looked at me and said cheerily,

"I'm so glad you got the job Sally. I know we've only been friends for a short time but I still missed you!"

I took my glass and sipped before saying,

"I missed you too Cindy!"

She giggled then waved her pink-booted legs in the air,

"Do you like my new boots Sally?"

I told her they were certainly eye catching and I doubt if I could get away with wearing such a brightly coloured boot on my legs.

Cindy nudged me gently and said softly,

"You could get away with any colour Sally. It's a shame we're not the same size, you could have borrowed them if you'd wanted to".

I nodded and imagined how I'd look wearing such brightly coloured footwear.

She turned her attention to my dress, saying how sexy it looked and asking if it was really as tight fitting as it looked? I said it was very tight but that was also because of the corset Laura had laced me into before putting me in the dress.

Cindy touched my side and could feel the boning of the undergarment and the stiffness of the dress and said,

"That is very tight, are you sure you can cope with it all night?"

I said that I was getting used to the restrictions the clothing created, but would need to wear it a few times before I could get really comfortable with it.

The rest of the girls returned from the floor and Laura looked a little disappointed. It transpired that one of the judges had taken her card back.

It was not too many drinks later that Cindy wanted to dance some more and pulled me back up to the floor to join her.

I was sure my efforts at dancing had improved but there was still plenty of room for improvement. Cindy told me to relax a little more and try not to be aware of the heels I was wearing.

After the first track had finished I was approached by a young man He asked if I would like to have my next dance with him? I could see Cindy egging me on and so I agreed to his request.

He took me in his arms as the initial chords of "Every Breath You Take", by Sting, sounded out from the speakers. I had to watch the other girls to see where I was supposed to place mine – being the lady. This was to be my latest introduction – the pleasure of dancing in the arms of a man

My partner was a few inches taller than me, even though I had very high heels on. He did not inspire me as the perfect dance partner and I hoped he knew exactly where to position his hands.

He appeared delighted at having the opportunity to put his hand on the backside of a woman wearing a tight fitting dress. So much so that I had to lift his hand a touch higher than where he wanted it to be.

Nevertheless I soon started to enjoy the experience. It wasn't my favourite tune, but it did relax me and I was soon savouring the moment.

When the song finished my partner, rather gallantly, kissed my hand as a gesture of his appreciation. He said thanked me for being such a good dancer and said I looked great in my outfit.

Cindy and I headed back to the table where the other girls wanted to know who my handsome stranger was? I said it was just a casual dance, albeit my first one, and I had forgotten to ask his name.

Cindy giggled then told the group,

"There was definite eye contact, and compliments too - I've never seen you smile so wide before!"

Georgie said not to worry and added,

"Girls love compliments. It may have been your first dance, but I doubt very much it'll be your last".

As I took a sip of my drink I could still feel my heart beating faster than usual. I was sure I was not sexually attracted to other males but the dance did have an affect on me emotionally.

It was at that moment that one of the nightclub 'judges' came over and took my pink card back. That was the end of my chance of reaching the Diamond Disco Beauty final.

Laura gave me a consolation hug and cheered me up when she said,

"Never mind, better luck next time!"

I turned to look down on the dance floor and watched as the final six girls were called to the floor. As the girls assembled the room burst into a mixture of catcalls, wolf whistles and the odd scream

Although my initial reaction of being selected to appear in the final had filled me with dread, I now hoped there would be a next time.

Karen ordered another round of drinks and said we were supposed to be celebrating my new job. Everyone agreed and I was toasted once more.

The rest of the evening went in a flash as we enjoyed more dancing and watched a very beautiful girl called Sharon pose for her front-of-house beauty contest photograph.

Perhaps one day it would be me holding the bouquet and wearing the silk sash as I was flanked by my fellow contestants? I certainly would wish for it to be that way.

When Sunday morning arrived I woke with a slight headache due, no doubt, to the number of drinks I had consumed the previous evening.

I could not be certain but I may well have dreamed about dancing the night away with the most handsome men at the disco.

My outfit of the previous evening was carefully hung up on the outside of my wardrobe. The pink corset was folded neatly on the chair next to my dressing table, with the pink ribbon heels underneath alongside my evening bag.

As I could not possibly have unlaced the garments on my own it must have been Laura who had helped me get undressed and changed into my nightdress.

Once I'd made the effort to actually get up I went over and looked in the mirror. I had not completed my regular cleansing routine before going to bed and, as a result, my makeup was smudged all around my eyes and cheeks.

The shower was very welcoming and refreshed me for the day ahead. Once again I studied my budding breasts under the water jets. They did appear to be evolving but they were still not as 'formed' as I wanted them to be.

Although my facial hair was not heavy I still had to shave very close for a smooth finish. I could ignore my recently waxed legs but still found the shaving a chore to far. I hoped Doctor Thompson would agree to start me on some hormone therapy very soon.

After wearing such a full makeup the previous night I decided to wear only a light tinted moisturiser and a nude lip-gloss for today.

To finish my beauty routine I brushed my hair, then sprayed my body with some Calvin Klein 'Obsession' body scent.

After carefully putting on my 'special panties' I hooked into a black wonderbra, then slipped the matching knickers up my legs.

From the wardrobe I decided on a simple red roll neck sweater with short sleeves and found a white and red print skirt to match. A pair of low-heeled black court shoes completed my daytime 'look'.

When Laura met me in the kitchen I had already made fresh coffee and she too said that she was suffering from the over indulgence of alcohol.

It was then we made the decision to spend the day cleaning the flat and getting our clothes washed and ironed.

"Its not all disco's, dances, and pretty clothes!" Laura joked.

By early evening we were both glad to finally settle down in front of the television, and, as we skipped through the programmes, Laura asked me if I was nervous about starting full time tomorrow?

I shook my head then she said it would probably be the most boring day ever – full of form filing and health and safety leaflets.

"At least you'll get your petticoat allowance!" she said.

'Petticoat allowance' was money that the company paid to you in order that you could obtain two sets of Hannah Sadler uniforms, two pairs of shoes and, buy tights to get you through the month.

"You only get the uniform suits issued once every two years, but they allow you eight blouses a year and every month you get twenty pounds towards your tights and things"

I said that was quite a generous allowance and Laura explained that Karen would go through all the paperwork in the morning in the hope that I could get back to selling shoes by afternoon.

Laura said I should wear the spare uniform Karen had left for me last week, and added,

"I've got this fantastic new mirror shine polish that is just incredible! I'll do your nails before you go to bed!"

When she finished applying a topcoat to my fingernails I had to agree that the polish was startling, even on the pale shade of pink that she had chosen to use. Each of my nails was a mirror in miniature.

As Laura packed away her nail polishes she smiled and then asked,

"It's great isn't it? you must get yourself some"

I promised that I would before wishing her a goodnight. We pecked each other on the cheek and I went off to bed with my latest nail colour glinting in the light.

Before I went to bed I prepared my uniform for the next day, teaming the Navy pinstripe skirt suit with a white blouse, and on my feet, a pair of four inch heeled beige court shoes.

For underwear I decided on a white satin body shaper with padded cups, and took out a new pair of nude hold-up stockings that were fashioned with a high sheen finish.

Satisfied that everything was in order I slipped on my pink baby doll nightdress and got in to bed, dreaming of tomorrow.

When Laura and I entered the shop on Monday morning Cindy said that Karen was already upstairs waiting to see me about contracts and induction paperwork.

I left the two girls to get ready for opening time and found Karen waiting for me in the same office where I'd been interviewed.

"Good morning Sally, how are you today?" she said with a bright smile.

"I'm fine thank you Karen"

"You look good Sally"

She asked me to take a seat then began the process of officially contracting me to Hannah Sadler Fashions. I was handed a large white and pink ring binder that was filled with various company information. It was important that I familiarised myself with the contents.

Next Karen passed me over the contract of employment. She put my mind at rest regarding the references, telling me that she had already ticked the appropriate box to confirm having seen valid testimonials about my character.

My annual salary was to be the new start minimum of just over eleven thousand pounds, which would give me around seven hundred and fifty after tax was deducted.

With the prospect of overtime for late night shopping and even the chance of Sunday opening, Karen reckoned I'd be banking about eight hundred and twenty a month.

I read over the contract and seeing my name Sally across the document made me feel good. After I'd signed it, Karen acted as a witness. I was given the carbon copy for myself.

On a 'personal' note I would pay back my 'advances' to both Karen and Georgie at a rate of fifty pounds each per month. This was open to negotiation depending on any unforeseen extras that might crop up in a month.

Laura said she only required three hundred and fifty pounds a month as my contribution to the flat so I would be left with just over three hundred in my purse.

Karen stood up and lifted two hangers off the back of the door. I could see they were Hannah Sadler uniforms and both were skirt suits. As she handed me the new issue of clothing she said,

"Normally new starts get one skirt and one trouser suit. But you've spent so long wearing trousers I thought you'd much prefer two skirts instead?"

She handed me four packs of company blouses, two short-sleeved white with pink trim at the collar, two long sleeved white, and four cream short sleeved ones.

I said I had hoped she might lift my 'ban' on wearing trousers? after all female ones were cut differently from male ones. As I took the blouses and placed them beside my chair she said firmly,

"For work I'd like to see you in skirts full time. Perhaps at weekends you might want to wear jeans, or cute little shorts? Anyway, you've always given the impression you preferred skirts?"

I said that was true but would also like to try shorts and jeans at some point.

Karen smiled,

"Good, then we are both satisfied. Now, you're also entitled to some shoes. We prefer if you get them from stock rather than buy them elsewhere. You have an allowance of ninety pounds and once you've picked them let me know as there is a code that has to be put through the till".

This was not a problem and I told her I already had some styles in mind. Her only proviso was not to pick skyscraper heels,

"You'll be on your feet all day and I don't want you getting muscle strains every week, I never go above a three inch heel, but you might want to go slightly lower than that?"

She showed me her shoes and I promised to keep the really high heels for out of office wear. I had my eye on some shoes already and hoped they were within the budget.

As we continued through the mundane procedures Karen did her best to make it as interesting as possible, promising that

"I'd like to get you trying out some window dressing and display set ups. Our new Autumn/Winter range will soon be arriving so we can wait until then. In the meantime I want you to take responsibility for keeping the staff room clean and tidy. Any company notices should be placed on the board and on time".

I said the prospect of creating window displays excited me and I was pleased that she had given me the responsibility of keeping the staff up to date with company announcements.

She said it was good that I was showing such enthusiasm for my new job, and then finished off the administration by getting me to sign for my twenty pounds 'petticoat allowance'. As she handed me the money she said,

"Lets get to work!"

And that is what we did.

To be continued…

  

  

  

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