Vanessa's smile never wavered. "I'm currently assisting other clients with appointments. If you'd like to schedule a consultation for a more appropriate time, Thomas at the front desk can help you." With that, she turned and walked away toward the back office, leaving Alicia standing alone at the counter.
A few moments later, a young woman approached hesitantly, carrying a bottle of water on a small silver tray. She was younger than the other staff, probably an intern or new hire, with kind eyes that held a touch of embarrassment. "Would you like some water while you wait?" she offered quietly.
"Thank you." Alicia accepted the bottle, reading the name tag on the young woman's blazer. "Maya is it?" "Yes, ma'am." Maya shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward the office where Vanessa had disappeared. "I'm sorry about the wait. We're a bit short-staffed today."
It was a poor excuse, and they both knew it. Three other associates stood idle, pretending to be busy with inventory or displays. "No problem," Alicia said. "While I wait, could you tell me about some of these pieces?"
Maya brightened slightly. "Of course. What would you like to know?" For the next few minutes, Maya walked Alicia through some of the collections, her knowledge impressive despite her junior position. However, their conversation was soon interrupted by Vanessa's return.
"Maya, I need you to reorganize the inventory sheets," Vanessa said sharply. "I'll take over here." Maya nodded apologetically to Alicia before hurrying away. Vanessa turned to Alicia with a practiced smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Have you found something that interests you?" she asked, her tone suggesting she already knew the answer. "I'm still interested in seeing the sapphire and diamond bracelet," Alicia replied. Vanessa sighed. "As I mentioned, those pieces require a serious commitment. Our clientele typically knows exactly what they're looking for when they come in."
"I understand quality," Alicia said. "I just like to see the craftsmanship up close." "Perhaps another time," Vanessa said dismissively. "We're preparing for a private showing this evening."
As Alicia moved toward another display, she heard a male voice nearby. Chad Thompson, a young sales associate with slicked back hair and an expensive watch, was whispering to another staff member while glancing in her direction. "Window shoppers shouldn't waste time here," he muttered, just loud enough for Alicia to hear. "She's probably just killing time before her bus comes."
The other associate stifled a laugh. Alicia felt a familiar burn of indignation, but kept her expression neutral. She'd experienced this treatment before. The assumptions, the dismissals, the subtle and not so subtle reminders that certain spaces weren't meant for people who looked like her, regardless of what she'd achieved.
After 20 more minutes of being studiously ignored by everyone except Maya, Alicia decided she'd seen enough. She walked slowly toward the exit, taking mental notes of everything she'd observed. At the door, she paused and turned back, catching Maya's eye. "Thank you for being the only one who saw me," she said softly.