The Installment Plan

“I never heard of anyone buying a Versace gown on layaway,” Karen, the fresh-faced young blonde said, admiring the designer dress on which her customer had just made another payment.

Shaped to flatter, the gown was a gorgeous peau de soie satin. Its boned bustier created an incredible silhouette, and the draped skirt with the diamond belt provided plenty of brilliant sparkle. Fully lined, it had a hidden zipper in the back. Jenny had selected black, reasoning that basic black was good for all occasions, and, for the amount that she was paying for this gown, she wanted to be able to get a lot of wear out of it.

A small handbag, also in black satin, with a petite bow, and a pair of black heels, trimmed in gold, would set off the dress perfectly--but, first, Jenny had to finish paying for the gown.

Jenny smiled at the clerk. “I guess it is unusual,” she admitted.

“How’d you arrange it?” Karen asked. “If you don’t mind my asking, I mean.”

Actually, Jenny did mind. However, she could see that the girl meant no harm. Perhaps the clerk meant to learn Jenny’s secret only so she could apply it herself. She said, “Some men like girls the way we like dresses.”

The clerk blushed. “Oh, I see. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No harm done,” Jenny said.

“One more payment, and it’ll be all yours.” Karen’s voice was full of longing--and maybe a touch of envy.

“One more?” Jenny repeated, surprised. “Is that all?”

The clerk nodded.

“You’re sure?”

Again, Karen nodded. “It doesn’t take long when you pay a thousand dollars each time.”

That’s easy for you to say, Jenny thought. She gave the gown a final, lingering look before leaving the store.

All the way home, she thought, One more payment. That’s all that separated her from the fabulous Versace evening gown. One more payment. Just another measly thousand dollars.