Nora was eager for Tom to come home that afternoon. She had pulled some strings the week before, so that her son would have his first summer job at a marketing and sales firm. It mostly involved menial tasks like product promotion, but the experience would be invaluable.
She beamed when she saw him walk through the front door, looking quite professional in his new suit and sharp haircut.
"How was your first day at work?" she smiled, looking him over. "You're like an actual businessman now."
Tom took off his shoes and went to the living room where he dramatically crashed on the couch. On his way down, he dropped a small folder on the table.
"It was fun, except I had to stand for about 10,000 hours," he whined, as he was prone to do.
"I hate to break it to you, but there are 24 hours in a day, and you've only been gone for less than eight."
"Some people age faster than others," he joked.
Nora sat next to him. "You'll get used to it. And when you do, you'll find that working is highly rewarding. It'll allow you to support yourself financially. But more importantly, it's something which you'll take pride in."
"I'm proud that I can still walk."
"Come on, it couldn't have been that bad."
"No, I guess not," he said, thinking to himself. "The boss is actually a really nice guy and he thinks I have potential. He told me that before I left today. Did you tell him to say that, Mom?"
She shook her head and smirked. "Never in a million years. We just met for dinner last week and I negotiated this favor. He only agreed to hire you for the summer. Anything more, was not my doing."
"Whatever you did, really made an impression. Anyway, he talked about how the company plans to expand over the next three years. Which means, I could potentially land a real job after graduation. I just need to prove myself."
They both contained their joy over the news.
"How exactly would you prove yourself?" she asked.
"The basics. I'd have to show that I'm a great salesman with creative marketing ideas designed for difficult products. Keep in mind, competition is fierce. There are super smart college students who've been there longer."
"Well, a good work ethic is just as important as intellect, and you, my dear, have both. If you want my advice, it's quality over quantity. Strategy is key. So if you think hard enough and stay focused, you'll have a strong chance."
"Even selling lingerie?" he asked, half jokingly.
"What do you mean?" Nora raised an eyebrow, analyzing the situation in her head. "They're mainly selling lingerie now?"
"They sell a lot of things, but the good stuff is lingerie. From a strategy standpoint, if I can sell large quantities of the premium stuff, I'll be on the fast track to a full-time job with the company. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no clue how to sell women's underwear."
"You'll never get anywhere in life with that attitude, Mister," she chided. "You are handsome, funny and smart. Use those qualities to your advantage! Start small and work your way up to more difficult tasks. Challenge yourself."
Tom was unimpressed by his mom's pep talk . "Oh yeah? So how do you expect me to sell lingerie that's worth thousands of dollars?"
"Thousands of dollars? Are you serious?"
"It's a high quality, expensive brand, worth a few thousand dollars a set. Here, have a look for yourself."
Nora took the stack of flyers on the table, inside the folder. She sifted through the papers, scanning for relevant information. With her work experience, a quick look was all she needed to get a clear understanding of the business model.
She nodded. "You're right. Premium stuff. Some of these are couture pieces and collector's items."
"I've never heard of that. Is it worth it?"
"Wealthy men adore seeing their wives in these extravagant outfits, or their mistresses, if we're being honest. Women love them too, obviously. They look and feel amazing. No offense, but you're a 21 year old guy and I wouldn't expect you to understand."
"My point exactly! I'm at a huge disadvantage. I wouldn't know how to pitch these items to rich older women. And secondly, my competitors are college girls. They know a lot more than I do."
Nora instantly saw his point. She set her mind to coming up with a path to success for her beloved son. An awkward and unusual plan soon formulated in her brain. The question was, would Tom be up for the scheme?
"You're right," she acknowledged. "You're at a big disadvantage here."
"So I'm officially screwed."
"Not quite," she said coyly.
"What do you mean? Do you have any secret marketing tips?"
"No, but the answer is simple," she said. "Remember when you were young and sold candy for a school fundraiser? I bought most of them from you."
"That's chocolate," he pointed out. "They were about 2 dollars each. The lingerie we're talking about is worth thousands."
"I'll consider this an investment in your future," she smiled serenely.
Tom scooted closer. "Wait a second, you're going to buy some lingerie on my behalf?"
"Yes," she beamed with maternal pride.
"Awesome, thanks!" he exclaimed, before coming back to reality. "Are you sure though? It's expensive. I mean, you don't have to spend this much money if it's going to be a problem."
Again, Nora flipped through the papers. She studied the pictures, descriptions and cost of the undergarments.
"Of course I'm sure," she reaffirmed. "These items are gorgeous and it'll help your budding career. It's a win-win situation. I'll get some sexy lingerie and you can show your boss what a masterful salesman you are."
"You're the best."
"I know I am, but there's just one catch," she said, looking at him with a serious expression.
"What is it?"
"I know the perfect place to buy these items," Nora explained. "The owner is very smart, lovely, and knowledgeable. The only problem is, she's very particular about her customers."
"How so?"
Nora cleared her throat, shifted on the couch and gestured broadly by making circular movements with her hands.
She spoke slowly. "It means... she only sells the best items to... couples, or to people she deems worthy. Does that make sense?"
The innuendo in Nora's voice was unmistakable. She was certain that Tom would pick up on it. Sure enough, he caught on.