Store Wars

Store Wars

A Short Story by Vicki Batman

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tags: Short fiction, Vicki Batman, MuseItUp Publishing, Store Wars, humor, anthology

Release: August 24, 2012

Editor: Lea Schizas

Cover Designer: Delilah K. Stephans

Words: 8755

Pages: 35

ISBN:  978-1-77127-126-4

Price: $2.50

Back Cover:

Janie's heart's desire is about to open her own store, but that could be thwarted when her old love is back in town, running the competition's business.

Excerpt:

"This stuff is crap." I ran a finger along the edge of a faux-finished table parked inside the store's entryway, flicking more than a hint of dust from my fingertip. My best girlfriend, Tracy, and I were scoping out the competition in the Sommerville Historic District, one of which was Tejas Souvenirs owned by an old flame's mom. So far, no business we'd visited had measured up. The other stores all looked...tacky touristy.

I walked through to the next section, thoroughly disgusted with what lay before me. This store needed major first aid. No quality merchandise anywhere. The overpowering scents of vanilla and cinnamon from the cheap candles loaded on another table top caused me to have a major sneezing fit.

Tracy passed a tissue. "Janie, need this?"

"T'anks." I stuffed the used wad in my pant’s front pocket, praying the urge to let loose again would bypass. "Why in the world is a huge candle display by the front door, assaulting a customer when he-slash-she walks in? I can't be the only one who's allergic. And look..." I pointed to the section at the top of four steps, "room diffusers up there. Another brand of candles over there. And yes, people, let's combine those with scented bath products. A whole lotta stinky people and stinky homes are out there in the big wide world."

Tracy scribbled notes as I surreptitiously took pictures of the store's contents. "Undoubtedly," she said in a hushed tone. "So what else turns you off?"

In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes."

With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift."

"I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with Twinkle Toes succeeding in the Depot District. Even better than the mall."

"I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes."

I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?"

Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be— Could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and return to Sommerville?

About the Author:

Like some of her characters, Vicki has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm. The list is…endless.

Born in Dallas, a graduate of Texas Tech, she is married to Handsome, has two big boys, an attention-demanding cat, and two adorable poopies.

She has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA, and the DARA, Elements, and RWA-WF chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.

Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"

Published Works:

- To August 2012 MuseIt Up Publishing, "Store Wars"

- To February 2012 Ink Lion Books, "Man Theory and Other Stories"
- To December 2012 MuseIt Up Publishing, "Twinkle Lights"

- To October 2011 MuseIt Up Publishing, "Taking Flight," Lavender Dreams anthology
- To June 2011 LongandShortReviews.com, "Tommy and the Teacher"
- To April 2011 Noble Romance, "I Believe"
- To February 2011 True Love, "The Sweetest Revenge"
- To February 2011 True Love, "Valentine's Day Misery"
- To December 2010 True Love, "Candy Cane Twist"
- To December 2010 True Confessions, "Breaking Free"
- To October 2010 True Confessions, "Wedding Day Disaster"
- To September 2010 True Love, "Drive My Car"
- To September 2010 True Love, "I'll Never Leave You"
- To September 2010 True Love, "When You Least Expect It"
- To August 2010 True Love, "Running to Love"
- To August 2010 True Love, "A Cake for All Seasons"
- To April 2010 LongandShortReviews.com, "Ouch"
- To January 2010 True Love, "Beyond Ordinary"
- To December 2009 True Romance, "Christmas Ties"
- To September 2009 True Romance, "Charlie's Friend"

Customer Reviews:

Vicki Batman consistently produces entertaining stories that are each unique but all with fun touches of humor. I love her work! I definitely recommend it!

You may also be interested in this/these product(s)

Just the Right Fit $1.99