Tenement Funster

Merry Christmas Everybody....

"This coat will be nice and warm during the colder months..." Freddie recommended to his customer as he held up a sleek sable colored fake fur coat.   "It's made of synthetic materials and it does hold the warmth in just as nicely as real fur..."  he remarked.  

"I like the feel of it...it's the right length..."  the woman told him.  Freddie knew the sale was a done deal.

"It would be a smart addition to your son's wardrobe...I assure you!"  Freddie threw in as one last selling point.  The woman nodded and smiled.

"Alright...I'll have it..."  she decided.   Freddie smiled triumphantly as he gestured at her to follow him to the counter.  

"Our dear John will get you checked out and let me get you a nice box for the coat in back..."  Freddie stated as they reached the counter.  He found his boyfriend smiling and ready to ring her up.

"I've had my eye on that coat for myself...it's a great choice!"  John remarked to the customer.  He was learning quickly all the lines Freddie and Roger used on the customers.  Selling tactics and making people feel good about their selections.  He got a wide smile from the middle aged woman in return.  Feeling more confident about her present for her son.

"I think my Tony will like it..."  she concurred.  John wrote up her sales slip as Freddie stepped into the back to retrieve one of the large gift boxes.   He easily found one on the shelf John kept organized for them.  The store's name and logo imprinted on the box lid.  

"Here we are..."  Freddie announced as he returned with the box.  He placed some tissue in the box and carefully packed the coat inside.  Securing the lid and sliding the box into their largest tote bag.   The woman paid for her purchase.

"Have a lovely Christmas..."  John told her as she bid them goodbye.  Getting the shop door opened for her by Roger as he was close to the entrance.  Assisting another customer.  

"She told me her son begged for her to get him something from the shop for Christmas..."  Freddie informed John as placed the sale slip copy in the drawer.   "We are already making a name here..."  he said proudly.  

"Maybe every client's Mum will pop in to buy them something..."  John remarked.  He knew none of their mother's were probably going to, but it seemed some men out their still had relationships with their mothers.  It was a hopeful thing for him to see.

"That would be nice..."  Freddie agreed.  "For them and us both..."  he added.  John glanced at his watch.  

"I'm off to pick up lunch..."  John announced.  Grabbing his coat from the back room.  Sidney usually brought them the food if they ate in, but he had a lunchtime appointment today.  Freddie had phoned in an order to a place they got food from regularly.  John volunteered to get it.  

"Don't forget my olives..."  Freddie reminded him.  John smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss since no customers were about.  

"I won't..."  John promised and took off towards Patra's Cafe.  The sidewalk was crowded with shoppers and people heading for lunch.  John used the time during his walk to think about a gift for Freddie.  Roger had yet to offer any ideas.  He agreed that Freddie had pretty much everything he could need.  It left John worried he wouldn't come up with something special in time.

John couldn't afford to get him jewelry of any expensive nature.  Freddie had more clothes than he could ever manage to wear.  He wasn't an avid reader, so books were out.  His boyfriend did like music and musical shows.  John considered trying to get tickets to one of the big shows in the West End.  He didn't know when he'd have the time since they worked the hours the box office was open.  It was a frustrating matter.