The unfortunate fall, p.1
The (Un)fortunate Fall, page 1
THE (UN)FORTUNATE FALL
(Rewind #2)
TRACY KRIMMER
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Tracy Krimmer
For Melissa A.,
My kindred spirit in pop culture.
Thank you for putting me only two degrees of separation from Drew Barrymore.
Copyright © 2020 Tracy Krimmer
All rights reserved.
Front Cover Design by Najla Qamber Designs
Edited by Grapevine Editing
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Created with Vellum
1
I don’t normally spend my Tuesday mornings at the mall picking up a vibrator, but that's where I am today. I could be at the yoga studio doing vinyasa sequences to welcome the fall equinox, but instead, I’m standing in a Spencer Gifts store holding a hot pink multi-speed waterproof (waterproof!) vibrator in my hands. Seven inches long, 5.5 inches at its thickest point, and latex free. I mean, you don’t want to put anything in there you may be allergic to, am I right?
Well, this bestseller (that even comes with a one-year warranty!) will not be sliding its way into me or my nightstand. Nope. I’m buying this for Joan Schroeder, my newest client at my personal shopper business, Exquisite by Viv. She’s newly divorced, sixty-four, and apparently rediscovering her sexuality.
I need to rethink my terms and conditions to read “No sex toys.”
Sure, I’ve picked out lingerie for clients and even thong underwear, but that’s different if you ask me. I guess I can be thankful that Joan gave me specific instructions on the one she wanted, and I didn’t have to pick one for her. Still, I don’t understand why she couldn’t order it online like everyone else does.
As much as I hate to admit it, I need Joan as much as she needs me. If Exquisite by Viv will ever grow enough so I can rent out a sales space, her referrals will mean everything. She’s loaded and lives in a state where divorces mean assets are split in half. Her ex owns half the town, it seems, and that played out well for her in the divorce.
Some people think I’m crazy for wanting to lease a store since so many people do their shopping online, but a lot of my clients need clothing that flatters them. It’s critical to meet in person to get the right measurements. Not to mention I like the face-to-face interaction. When I meet with clients, I lug my heavy binders and client files with me. I’d rather save my shoulders, hence the need for space.
The kid working the counter may be nineteen at the oldest. He probably graduated last year and this is his first job out of high school. I set the vibrator on the counter and sift through my purse. I can’t make eye contact with him as I imagine what he's picturing as he scans the item. He cracks a smile while he slides it into a bag and tells me the total. I want more than anything to say to him, “You wish,” but I don’t.
I use the chip reader and place my business credit card inside of it. Once the reader beeps at me loud enough to warn off an intruder in a building, I take the card out and put it back in my wallet. The young man whose name tag reads ‘Vaughn’ hands me the receipt, which I promptly place in my small accordion file that I keep inside of my purse, filing it under Joan’s name. Organization is key to a successful business. Too bad it isn’t the only thing, or I’d be rich by now.
Vaughn puts the vibrator in the bag and hands it to me. “Enjoy,” he says and I throw up a little in my mouth.
“Thanks. I will.” I might as well play into what he’s already thinking, adding a wink as I hurry out of the store.
There are a few more items to pick up. I keep the list on my phone, so I pull that out and open my notes app. Vibrator is purchased. At least she didn’t ask me to buy lubricant, too. I shiver at the thought. A package of size nine plain colored cotton panties and two 36C-size push-up bras are already in the bag. I got a deal at Target with a $15.00 off $50.00 or more purchase. If I’ve learned anything throughout my career, it’s how to clip coupons and take advantage of deals. I’m a member of so many loyalty programs that I can purchase most of my own clothes on points alone.
The most ironic thing about my job is the fact that I can't stand the mall. As much as I despise it with every fiber of my being, it’s often a one-stop shop for whatever I need for my clients. Sure, there are a few who are fine with all of their purchases coming from Target. And I mean, let's be honest, Target is pretty rad. But the type of shopping I usually do requires access to Kate Spade purses and Tom Ford suits. I’m not finding either of those at Target.
At least it's the middle of the week and school has started. If there’s anything worse than the mall, it's the mall on a weekend full of teenagers. In my younger years I used to hang out at the mall, too, before I hated it. But I don't remember ever being as rude as the kids are these days. I swear if I ever have kids they will never be as inconsiderate as half of the teens I run into while working.
My phone rings and I nearly drop it out of my hand. I hate when it rings while I'm in the middle of doing something on it. I answer when I see it’s my best friend, Sadie. “Ah, it must be lunch and all of the hooligans are eating, I gather?”
“Oh, you’ve forgotten I’m vice-principal now. I don’t have a classroom or children. I have an entire school. And yes, most of them are at lunch. However, I’m calling you from my office during my lunch hour. What are you up to?”
I look down at the Spencer Gifts bag in my hand. I'm not telling Sadie what I'm shopping for or I’ll never hear the end of it. “I’m at the mall shopping for a client.”
“That must be so much fun. I mean, people trust you to pick out what they will wear. You’ve always been so stylish.”
Yes, I am. But when you have parents like I do, you can't afford to dress frumpy.
“I’ve always offered to dress you,” I tell her.
“What's wrong with how I dress?”
I keep my stride as I try to remember which side of the mall I’m parked on. I always seem to get confused on what side I’m on whenever I am here. “There’s nothing wrong with what you wear. But you're always in dress slacks and blouses. I don’t know, you kind of remind me of Maggie Seaver from Growing Pains when you could totally be Samantha from Sex and the City.”
“Whatever. Let’s get to the reason I'm calling. Are you free tomorrow?”
Every time Sadie prefaces anything with that question, it’s a dead giveaway that she wants me to help her out with something. It's great that I can make my own hours, but sometimes the flexibility can prove a little annoying. People seem to assume I’m always available and take advantage. I’m sure part of the problem is that I’m a yes person. Maybe I need to work on that.
“I have a few things to do in the afternoon but I'm free in the morning. Why?”
“The book fair starts on Thursday. We have volunteers to work the fair, but no one signed up to help set up. I kind of hoped you’d come in and help me. I’ll feed you donuts.”
Donuts. My weakness.
I let out a loud laugh that draws attention from people walking by. I can’t even come up with an excuse, and we both know I’ll do it.
“Sure, I guess I can. I've already told you I have nothing going on so I can't make something up now, can I?”
“You wouldn’t do that. You know you want to help. Don’t you remember chasing the high of a Scholastic book fair when you were a kid?”
“I never bought books,” I say. “I always bought the posters, though. Especially the ones with animals and cute sayings.”
“There will be posters. Maybe you’ll find one to take home.”
“No, thanks. I’m all set. I’ll be at the school by nine.”
“Love you.” She always ends our conversations by telling me she loves me, with a high-pitched, childish tone.
I hang up the phone and drop it inside my purse, smiling. I'm sure setting up the book fair will be fun. Not only am I spending time with Sadie, but I get to help organize the books. What’s more fun than organization?
Nothing!
Speaking of organization, I’d better check Joan’s shopping list before I leave the mall. I don’t want to have to turn around and come back for anything. When I try to find my phone again, my hand slides inside the fabric of my purse. Shoot. It must have fallen to the bottom. I dig around as I walk, my hand frantically searching even though I know it has to be there.
I touch the back of my phone and as I’m about to pull it
“Oh my gosh, miss, are you all right?”
I kneel to gather my items, but the man I bumped into is already doing so. He has my phone in his hand and is trying to give it to me. My eyes meet with his as I reach my own hand out. His piercing blue eyes are the kind that take your breath away.
“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” I take the phone from him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention. I was searching for my phone and didn’t have my eye on the foot traffic. Are you okay?”
“Yes, thank you.” He gathers the items that fell out of the shopping bags. As he gives me the package of underwear, my eyes move to the vibrator, its bright pinkness sitting on the floor waiting for this gorgeous man to pick it up. I can’t let that happen. But it’s closer to him than it is to me. I lean forward to reach for it, but I’m too late.
“Um, yeah. About that.”
I must turn a hundred shades of red as I snatch it from his hand and toss it into the bag. He’s smiling at me, his thin lips curled up and his short beard taunting me. His hair used to be super dark, that I can tell, but it’s lightened now, brown mixed in with threads of gray. A silver fox if I’ve ever seen one.
“No worries. Gag gift, right?”
“Yeah.” I don’t know if he really thinks that, or he’s humoring me so I don’t die of complete embarrassment. “My friend is getting married and her bachelorette party is next weekend. I thought she’d get a kick out of it.” A complete, but believable, lie. That’s the key to an excellent lie—plausibility.
“There’s no need to explain.” We gather the rest of my items and stand up at the same time.
“Cal, by the way.” He reaches out and shakes my hand with a firm grip.
“I’m Vivienne.”
“Vivienne. That’s a beautiful name.”
I pull my purse over my shoulder and grip my bags. “Thanks. Again, I’m so sorry about that. I’ll pay better attention next time.”
“No need to apologize. I could have been paying better attention myself.”
As much as I want to stare at this man in front of me and drink him in, I’m too embarrassed to do so. “Here.” I take a business card out of my wallet, maneuvering the items in my hands. “Take my card. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please just call. I’ll be happy to help. Free of charge.”
Free of charge? What the hell am I saying? I can’t afford to give away services for free. It’s too late now, though. I’ve said it. I’m locked in. It’s not like he’ll ever call, anyway.
He takes the card from me and reads it out loud. “Exquisite by Viv. Personal Shopper. Cool. I didn’t realize that was a thing.”
“I get that a lot.” Too often. All I want is to be taken seriously. I don’t question what others do for a living, so why do they do it to me?
“I may take you up on this. I have an event coming up and have no idea what to wear.”
“Then I’m the woman for you.” His eyes look me up and down and I realize what I’ve said. “I mean, I’m not the woman for you. I don’t mean it like that. I mean that I can help you. If you need someone to dress you, I mean, help you pick out an outfit—”
“Then you’re the woman for me.” He smiles and even though I can feel the flames coming out of my cheeks, I melt.
“Anyway, so there’s my card. Call or text me if you need anything. Bye.” I give him an awkward wave as I race away like I’ve just told a boy I have a crush on them.
I glance towards him as I turn the corner by the exit. He’s still watching me, smiling.
2
“So the vibrator slid out of the bag next to this hot-ass guy, and he picked it up and handed it to you?”
I take the copy of Smile and set it on the shelf next to the other Raina Telgemeier books. I’ve arranged the area nicely, and I’m proud of my work. “Why are you so loud? You're the vice-principal and there are children like fifteen feet away. What if one of them hears you?” I say.
“Please.” Sadie tucks her hair behind her ear. “The only time they hear me speak is if they are in my office with their parents. Otherwise it’s in one ear and out the other. Now, if I said something relative to Fortnite or TikTok, I’m sure they’d be all ears.”
“I guess so.” Sadie doesn’t have much of a filter. I mean, one exists, but when we’re together, we can sometimes forget where we are. “But yeah, that’s pretty much what happened.”
“Why didn’t you call me and tell me about this right away? I would have loved to hear about it right after it happened. You must have been so humiliated.”
“Yep. Thanks for reminding me.”
After the vibrator incident, I delivered Joan’s items as fast as I could and raced home to feed myself Ben & Jerry’s for dinner. Vanilla Caramel Fudge. “I’m forever a mess with men.”
“No, you’re not. You barely date, Viv. When you don't go out with anyone, you can't have issues.”
“It's not like I haven't tried. I suck at it, that's all. I had it made with Jack. Why did I ever let him go?”
“Because he went to England to take care of his mother and never came back. Because you admittedly fell out of love with him. Absence did not make the heart grow fonder. The exact opposite happened, in fact.”
“I know. But it was easy with Jack. We knew everything about each other. If I had stayed with him, we might be married by now.”
“You wouldn’t be happy, Viv. Let’s be realistic.”
She’s right. Jack and I worked well together as a couple. When it came down to it, though, I didn’t want to move across an entire ocean to be with him. The fact I wouldn’t do that confirmed all I needed to know about our relationship. I loved him. I wasn’t in love with him. Staying together wasn’t fair to either of us. We still chat from time to time on Facebook. I haven’t heard his voice in years, though.
“Jack’s dating someone now. Her name is Diane.”
Sadie stops unloading books. “Jack is dating someone named Diane? Like the song “Jack & Diane?” Are you being serious right now?”
I snort out a laugh. “My gosh, I never even realized that! That’s hilarious.”
“It sure is.” Sadie takes a book down from the shelf. “Wow. Remember this?”
She hands me a paperback book featuring origami. “I could never do this. I’m not coordinated enough,” I tell her as I hand the book back to her. I smile at the hard effort I’ve put into my shelf. I hope she doesn't take anything off of it. We're close to done setting up, and I don't want her messing with my part of the display. It’s perfect.
“Really? You never made a fortune teller?”
“A what?”
She flips through the book until she reaches a particular page. “A fortune teller.” She hands the open book back to me.
I scan the page. “Oh, yeah. Now that I look at it, I guess I never realized it was called a fortune teller. We used to make them all the time in middle school.” I can recall making these square-shaped distractions while listening to my History teacher go on and on in a monotone voice about something that happened in the past. Most of the class dozed off half the time. It was hard not to with such a boring teacher.
“I loved these. Gosh, there were so many fun things when we were kids. You know, before everything was about tablets and smartphones. I mean, a lot of the fun things we did as kids we can now play on apps, but it’s not the same. I loved making fortune tellers. And even when I’d pass notes in class, we’d fold them into footballs. Remember? Now all you do is send a text.”
“Sadie, you’re showing your age.”
“So? I’m in my forties. I own it. I’m not ashamed.” She reads through a few paragraphs. “I love that these books exist, that these kids can read about and do the things we did at the same age.”
