X - Chapter Twelve "The Thirty Percent Solution"

 

"The Thirty Percent Solution"


Chapter Twelve 


      The quality was exquisite. The style was fresh, modern yet distinguished. The workmanship was evidently superior. Gloria Merritt stood in front of the full-length mirror and admired herself in a simple, straight white dress that reached just below her knees. It was sleeveless, wonderful for the coming summer, and displayed a simple abstract design in two values of blue on the left side. 

      Gloria Merritt had always found what she desired at the Ichika Boutique, and despite the Madison Avenue address, the prices were reasonable. She marveled; for this unique dress, the price was only $800, a small price to compensate Gloria for her disappointment the previous evening. 

      She had entertained five select members of the Art Alliance’s board. The invitation cards she had printed said “Apéro et Amuse Gueules, à Huit Heures du Soir,” which she considered very smart and sure to impress. 

      The invitees arrived a fashionable fifteen minutes after eight, and Ted arrived just five minutes after that. For Gloria, it was not that he arrived late. Nor was it that his tie was askew and he obviously already had several cocktails. 

      As she was serving the Moët Hennessy, Gloria watched her husband. Of small stature with a gleaming scalp, he was acting masterful and charming. Gloria feared that the evening would fall flat, but one of the guests asked Ted his profession. Once he answered with the words “industrial consultant,” several members of the Alliance asked precise questions about different industry sectors, like which ones would show the greatest growth in the coming months. Gloria even witnessed one guest pull a notebook from her purse and take a few notes.

      How could he do that? she asked herself. He had dominated the conversation, and she didn’t have a chance to show her knowledge of art. He was out for himself. 

      But once the conversation returned to art, it was obvious Ted didn’t know anything. Suddenly, Ted seemed to become interesting, however, when he mentioned that he was looking for a large painting for his firm’s entrance lobby. One of the guests, a young woman, offered her assistance in selecting an appropriate work, if she’d be able to examine the space. She gave Ted her business card. 

      For Gloria, the evening was a disappointment. She had wished that she would be the center of attention, but Ted did give the impression of being wealthy, which was useful on its own. If this young woman wants to make a few dollars by selling a painting, and maybe even have a fling with Ted, who cares? Gloria told herself. 

      I need emotional support, Gloria thought. I’m still young. I’m willing to share my emotional support. Ted’s just not equipped. His main interest is plotting ways to stay on top of the prize he’s always fought for, his Winshire consultancy. Anyway, I like tall men, tall men with blond hair. They’re just more fun. Yeah! 

      Gloria turned away from the mirror, and noticed that two petite Japanese sales girls were standing next her. Gloria found them sweet and very polite. 

      “Would you like us to put your purchase in a very smart box?” one of them asked. 

      “No, thank you,” Gloria answered. “I think I’ll wear this new one. Please just wait a moment, and I’ll get my affairs from the changing room. Then, I’ll give you my dress, and you can put that in that cute box.”  



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