Tales from the Heart - Bedroom Talk
It takes a special sort of person to do this job, if I say so myself. You need to know whether a person likes it hard or soft or medium firm. You need to find out if they want it half and half. And another point, which so many customers miss, is whether it should be high off the ground or touching the floor.
Often, people don’t know themselves and that’s where I come in. I have to ask them the right questions which can sound extremely personal. Using my skills, I have to get them to relax when discussing what is, let’s face it, a very sensitive subject. A subject which makes the most mature customer blush and forces them to discuss things which they would normally only do in private.
But I love the challenge. And besides, it’s all part of my brief in being a bed salesman.
Take that young couple over there. I can spot their type from several feet off (although nowadays of course, we have to do it all in metres). They look excited and nervous at the same time. The girl has an engagement ring on her finger, although nowadays that doesn’t mean a wedding is imminent. So many of the young couples I sell to are about to move in together which isn’t the same, in my experience, as the real thing.
‘We’re looking for a bed,’ says the young man who's wearing one of those hats which I believe they call beanies and a hooded jacket in the style that the Prime Minister has been discussing recently.
The girl next to him nods excitedly, clutching his arm. She clearly enjoys wearing earrings; several at the same time. I tend to find the odd earring
A very enjoyable read. The last line was maybe a little too much for me, but then again, it's a matter of personal taste. Rupinder Uppal used a very good word: charming. What you maybe will find interesting: I was certain that the main character is a woman, until very end (he's so delicate, gentle and somewhat feminine).
This is a really charming story, and a real (digital) page turner.
Sophie, your ability to capture your reader at the outset is surpassed only by your excellent characterisation and imagery. As a person who has been in retail for some years (second career), I was in the main character's shoes. I sensed the natural friendliness that you portrayed and the genuine interest in the satisfaction of each and every customer. I'm just settling in here but you have a new fan and I'll be back. I'm not at all surprised your name is becoming better known in the short lists.
Love your characterisation of the kindly yet old-fashioned sales man.
I really enjoyed this, the ending could have been a bit sentimental if written by somebody else, but your writing is good and honest enough that it just warmed my heart instead. Hope to read more