Lost in Lies

Too Much

It had taken Scarlet all night to finish all the damage that was done. Some items were almost unsalvageable.

How could one woman do so much destruction in so little time. Clair has a lot to answer for.
The poor Boutique did nothing to that horrible woman or Scarlet's lovely boss, Abigail.

At least the place got a nice makeover, not that it really needed it.

With everything fixed and ready to go, Scarlet tried to get a few hours' sleep. Just as her head hit the pillow, the alarm clock blared to life. With heavy eyes and a banging headache, Scarlet tried to get up. The day's events catching up with her now.

Her phone then notified Scarlet of a message...

Boss Lady... Scarlet Babe, I am taking the day to look over the stock we have, and I want to spend the day working here like old times. So, you, my dear, do not need to come in.
Just pop those bits that you fixed over whenever you can. I know it has been a long few days, so rest up. Have a long weekend with that man of yours. You deserve it, after all you've done for me. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. See you later, babe.

Well, that came as a surprise to Scarlet. But a welcome one. Her head hit the pillow once again. After thanking her boss.

After a few more hours of sleep, Scarlet woke up feeling fresh, and her headache was gone. Getting her phone then she decides to message Clark.

Scarlet-Clark..... Hi handsome, are you free today? My amazing boss has given me the day off to regroup, so, a long weekend for me. I just need to drop off those things that I fixed, then I am all yours. xxx

After a few minutes, there was a reply.

Clark-Scarlet.... Hi. Wow, that is great. I would love to see you. I'll be there soon, and I can help you take all that stock. I'm looking forward to it. xxx

An hour later, Clark arrived at Scarlets. She had showered and dressed. Wearing a red summer dress with spaghetti straps, white sandals, and a light white cropped waterfall jacket, she looked stunning. With her hair up in a high ponytail, sparkly gold earrings, and a delicate gold necklace. A little mascara and red lippy add to the look.

"Wow, you are stunning." Clark tells her while drooling a little.

"Why, thank you. Says you."
Clark has black jeans on, a plain navy t-shirt with a v neck that compliments his gorgeous eyes and navy Vans to complete the outfit.

"Let's get this stuff to the shop, and then we can do whatever you fancy." Clark tells her.

"Whatever I fancy? Now that's a thought." Scarlet replies with a wink.

Clark pulls her to him and kisses Scarlet deeply. After a pretty hot make-out session, the pair pull away from each other, both panting and smiling.

Getting themselves together, they start to load up Clark's car. For a bloke with a good job, his car is very basic. A Renault Clio. Not what Scarlet expected at all. A nice surprise, though.

"Not fancy, I know. But she is reliable. Clair always had the fancy cars, and I couldn't afford to get us both one. I don't really need a flashy sports car."

"No, you don't, babe, but now you could if you want."

Clark thought about that, and he realised that she was right. His money will be his alone now. He had a large salary, but it was never enough.

"Scarlet, thank you. I think you are right. When I am sorted with a place and all the essentials, you can help me pick a car. Why do you not drive?"

"Oh, I can drive. I choose not to have a car. My job isn't far, and parking is impossible to find. So, walking makes more sense. And cycling if I need to go further. With you taking me today, it is helpful. All the bits I have, lugging them in a taxi, would be a nightmare."

"That is understandable. And you are welcome. How can we get parked to drop stuff off?"

"There is a drop-off point for deliveries to that street. We can park there for a short time while we take the stock in."

After explaining things to Clark, the duo starts to load up the Cleo.

Arriving at the boutique and finding a place to unload, Scarlet noticed the store was heaving.

Taking the many bags of things, they headed into the chaos.

"Scarlet, thank heavens." Her boss calls.

"Did you mention a 75% sale at all?"

"No. I definitely did not." Scarlet replies.

This has Clair written all over it.

Scarlet calls for quiet. She has an idea. There is a lot of old stock that they just cannotget rid of.

"Listen up, you beautiful people. The sale is happening. But you need to bear with us as there was some damage to the store, which put the sale back a day. If you will give us a few hours to arrange things, we will accommodate you." Scarlet calls out.

After this revelation, the customers leave.

"What was that, Scarlet? We will lose loads if our stock is sold at that price."

"Don't worry, boss. I have a plan. In the stock room there is a tonne of old stock. We haven't been able to sell it. If we sell all that at a huge discount, then we can free up space and keep the customers happy. How did they hear about a sale anyway?"

"You are a genius. Someone hacked into our webpage and advertised a sale on all new stock. But I guess they won't know it is old stock or care at that discount. Besides, faux leather is in again, and the items are high quality. Win, win, I guess. Let's get cracking then Scarlet, and we can also put some other items in that are not selling. There is a lot of jewellery that hasn't gained interest due to the price."

Clark watches as the two lady's hall loads of faux leather jackets, bags, shoes, trousers, dresses, and tops up to the shop from storage. Removing all the new items and replacing them.
Scarlet makes up some signs.

"Need any help, ladies?" Clark asks, but the women refuse his help.

"We have it covered." They reply.

In no time at all, the tiny boutique is transformed into a leather wonderland. With different kinds of feathered jewellery scattered around.

"We will not make a profit, but those people will be happy, and we will have more room.

Great advertisement Scarlet, what do you think?"

"Oh, I completely agree, Boss."

The doors are opened, and the hoard floods in. After only a few hours, the shop is empty of people, and every item has been sold. A lot of happy customers.

Abigail was beyond happy.

"Thank you, Scarlet, now get going."

"What. No. There is so much to do, and I can not leave you to finish."

"Scarlet, babe. I have a couple of the girls coming in. Get your butt out of here before I decide to steal your man. Besides, that car might be getting a ticket if you don't move now."

Looking out of the window, there is a traffic warden walking up the street.

"Clark, quick." Scarlet yells to Clark, who is chilling in the staff room.

"What is it, babe?"
"Traffic warden." She yells and runs out of the door, with Clark not far behind.

Abigale chuckles to herself. She called the warden, as she knew Scarlet wouldn't leave her to finish up, even if the part-time ladies were coming.

Clair looks on from a Café down the street. Rage showing on her over made-up face.

"Great. Sleeping with that nerd was a waste of time. The next thing I do will not be so easily avoided." She tells herself.