This choice: It's her birthday and she's been a lot of help lately • Go Back...Chapter #4It's her birthday and she's been a lot of help by: DougTF   Jim hides his initial annoyance and the accusatory nature of the comment, but then shrugs, since he realizes objectively it does seem like an odd ask for a gift for one's secretary. He even manages a soft chuckle "No, I understand and nothing like that... we had a major project and she did incredible work on it, and while the owners of the business don't generally give out bonuses to the administrative staff, her contributions were invaluable. I tried to get my boss to approve either a bonus or a promotion, but they would have none of it. So, her birthday is next week and while I can't get her what she truly deserves, I want to make sure she knows I appreciate her at least."
Mr. Lee nods, but also notices this customer doesn't have a wedding band, and while he definitely seems the proper type, maybe this could be a case where some of his special jewelry may be of use. "So, a gift to recognize her efforts, even though her role is not acknowledged by the owners of your company.... but you recognize what she has done. It sounds like you a very nice gentleman, even if they men above you do not share your respect for others' contributions. He sighs and nods, sitting on a customer stool opposite Mr. Lee. "Exactly, I mean, being a guy, I am spared the chauvanism and misogny, but I hate feeling like I sometimes give it tacit approval, but not like I can do much about it. HR is a joke, since the head of the department is the grandson of the owner. But darn it, Cheryl has done more for the company than I have, especially on this project!"
Mr. Lee is very intrigued and starting to think he has just the thing for this man to gift Cheryl, but a bit more perhaps. "Well, to find something for this Cheryl, what can you tell me about her? So I can gauge what she might like" Jim leans back "She's in her early 40s, rather pretty, though I feel awkward as hell paying her any sort of compliment on her looks in a professional setting. I know at least one manager has made inappropriate comments, and when I filed a complaint, it went nowhere, like I said." Jim sighs "So, brunette with green eyes, athletic figure like she works out... doesn't wear much jewelry, but seems to like bracelets, maybe a necklace occasionally. Hasn't worn a ring since her partner died of cancer... I was at Gina's funeral. I think sometimes that's part of the problem as well: the management is so uptight and conservative that her lesbian lifestyle is bothersome to them. But as far as I know, she hasn't even dated much, since her partner passed away last year...no, about a year and half ago."
Mr. Lee doesn't smile as that expression certainly does not fit the details of the story he was just told, but inwardly his initial thoughts are confirmed and he goes into a case, bringing out a lovely silver bangle, inlaid with a pink stone or gem that looks like some variant of turquoise other than the color being pink. "I think your secretary Cheryl will like this: it's a special bracelet, with a rather special ability. I do not sell such things to just anyone, but your situation clearly calls for it." Jim blinks "Ability, like it converts to a necklace?" Mr. Lee shakes his head "Oh, it converts, but not itself...this bangle allows the wearer to choose a person and alter their gender.... so your Cheryl could exact a measure of justice on those who wrong her. And the nature of it is such that only the person wearing the bangle, and the person targeted even realize the change occurred."
It grows very quiet for a moment, before Jim laughs aloud, lightly slapping the counter "Oh, that's a good one there Mr. Jim, your delivery is perfect, wow, but have to admit, little confused why you would try to prank me. Did I do something wrong? Have I offended you in some way?"
Mr. Lee was expecting such a response and so he slips the bangle on his own arm and gestures ever so slightly at this customer Jim... who glows briefly, and becomes a rather stunning blonde woman, in her 40s, maybe early 50s, in a skirt and blouse, blazer, like a slightly more fit female version of Jim, who blinks and looks down "AHHH! What the hell, oh my God!" Mr. Lee gestures and restores Jim to his prior male self, though maybe just a little more fit, and he blinks and stares at Mr. Lee. The shop owner smiles and simply asks "Shall I wrap it in a gift box for you sir?" Jim is stunned, has so many questions, but then smiles slyly, nodding.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
| Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
<<-- Previous · Outline  · Recent Additions © Copyright 2025 DougTF (UN: seahawksmd at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
TFfan611 has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work within this interactive story. Poster accepts all responsibility, legal and otherwise, for the content uploaded, submitted to and posted on Writing.Com. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author