“You’ve had some good experience selling in that men’s department store in Mexico City,” said Franklin, his eyes on her legs. “We have a highly valuable and growing Hispanic customer base here. Someone like you on the floor who speaks Spanish would be a huge plus.”

“Bueno. Estoy muy encantado de estar aquí hoy y feliz de hablar con los clientes,” said Gabriela, crossing and recrossing her tan legs while flashing her hundred-watt smile.

Robert Franklin smiled back, imagining what it would be like to kiss her full pouty lips. “Ms. Harmen, I don’t know what you just said but whatever it was, it sounded charming. I’d like to give you a try here.”

“I’d be very proud to work for such an amazing American institution such as Thayer and Company. So you know, my goal will be to become your best salesperson. Not just here in Manhattan but in the whole of the USA.”

“I have no doubt, Ms. Harmen,” said Franklin. “No doubt at all.”

Minutes later, with a smile on her face, Gabriela slowly sauntered through the main floor of the store, winking at the young, handsome salesman who had greeted her when she arrived. Before she reached the door, she was pre-empted by that salesman who raced across the floor to catch up to her.

“I was wondering,” he said, “would you like to meet me for a coffee or a drink later?”

“Isn’t it against company policy for employees to date?” said Gabriela. “Since I start working here on Monday and because I’m also married, I’ll have to say no.”

Once outside, she walked down Madison Avenue and over to Fifth, stopping at Saks to buy herself a small celebration gift. To commemorate her new job, she selected a green-and-red ribbon-patterned Gucci key ring with a brown leather fob with her signature double Gs. It was expensive for a key ring but she was sure her husband wouldn’t begrudge her a little indulgence after landing a position with such a prestigious company. Standing at the Gucci counter running her fingers over the key ring while the female clerk showed her a few other styles, Gabriela remembered her first exposure to the Italian luxury brand.

She had been on an early shopping trip at one of Mexico City’s poshest stores with her then benefactor, Señor Rodriguez. Having grown up poor she wasn’t familiar with designer labels, though she soon developed an unquenchable thirst for them.

“Mira, mi angel,” said the elderly Sr. Rodriguez, holding up a gold necklace while they stood together at the Gucci counter. “Gucci’s signature is the entwined double G’s, just like your name, Gabriela García. I’m going to buy this for you. You should always wear Gucci, my dear. It suits you.”