All’s Well That Ends Well
Late June of the summer after Grade 9: I need a job. My life and wardrobe depend on it. As I peruse the postings at the student employment centre, “Denninger’s” catches my eye. I interview, get the job and quickly fit in with the ladies running the bakery department at the German grocery store.
On arrival, I’m given a stool— my feet dangle and swing as the ladies who run the show give me a spoon to lick.
“She’s too thin.”
“Do they feed her? The parents?” I cast my eyes downward and am presented with a huge slice of cake. This glorious life lasts three days. Then I’m moved to meats.
Brigitta oversees meats. She hates me.
“SPEAK!” she yells at me. I hide in the back of the department, dumping buckets of blood for the butcher—anything to avoid speaking to customers.
At the end of my second day, Brigitta tells me,
“Don’t come back.” She turns to my mom, who has come to pick me up, and exclaims, “She doesn’t speak,” as Mom shues me out the door.
Back at the employment centre, I find a new job posting: “Paradise Shoes.” Sounds blissful. Perfect. Paradise Shoes, located in the dated Appleby Mall, is run by Mr. Nieburg, a lovely older Dutchman. Ginny, Mr. Nieburg’s stylish 20-something daughter, is poised to take over the business.
Her plan is a fancy store in the new mall and a close-out bonanza at the current location— complete with a contest.
The job is a new role—contest manager. I interview and land the position. The contest is a summer-long event developed by a swindling Toronto salesman, Ian, who provides guidance, posters and creepy hugs. Mr. Nieburg shells out for ten prizes—ranging from a microwave to a VCR. The items, displayed throughout the store, are to entice customers to sign up, shop and gather points— all summer long.
I develop the points systems: there are points for purchases and participation, and daily tasks for contestants. But remember, I’m shy. Interestingly, I only feel comfortable speaking to the over-65 crowd.
So I develop a daily points system that appeals to seniors. Participation includes walking, dancing and bringing me snacks. Tuesday is “Tell Me a Story” day. I’m in heaven!
Mr. Nieburg figures me out soon enough and starts adding ideas: “Bring a Photo of Someone You Love” day is a new double-points day. It’s a brilliant summer!
On September 1, we announce the winners; all ten are in Pinedale, a low-income seniors’ residence. I adore every single winner.
Today, I think of them often.
Janette Ewen, Toronto