Sellevision - Augusten Burroughs [14]
They’d talked for quite a while. And had quite a few drinks. He suggested they step outside for some fresh air. And they had. And then they had kissed. And the kiss turned into a romance. And the romance turned into a relationship. And the relationship turned Leigh’s stomach into a constant knot.
She reached into the trash can and took the apple out. Just as she bit into it, she noticed a fresh, moist stain on her cashmere top.
To: PG_Smythe@Sellevision.com
Fr: Zoe@ProviderNet.com
Subject: Much better!
Dear Peggy Jean,
I’m delighted that you took my suggestion and addressed your hairy earlobe problem so swiftly. I must say you looked absolutely radiant on Tuesday’s Big Bold Gold, and I even purchased those stunning Domed Swirl 14K gold button earrings that you were wearing. After I sent you that note, I told my good friend Cheryl, golly, I hope I didn’t hurt her feelings. Cheryl told me that she was sure you’d appreciate having this pointed out to you, as sometimes we can’t see ourselves as clearly as others can. Have you thought about trying that nicotine gum to help you stop smoking?
Your friend,
Zoe :)
After reading the letter, Peggy Jean clicked the Reply button on her mail screen and forwarded her standard E-mail. As she clicked the Send Now button she muttered, “I don’t smoke.”
To: Zoe@ProviderNet.com
FR: PG_Smythe@Sellevision.com
Subject: Re: Much better!
While Peggy Jean does read all of her E-mail, it’s impossible for her to reply personally to each and every person. Therefore, she has asked me to write you on her behalf and thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to write. Peggy Jean hopes that you continue to enjoy Sellevision and she looks forward to shopping with you in the future.
Checking her flexible bangle bracelet two-tone watch with genuine quartz movement, Peggy Jean saw that she had less than fifty minutes before going on air. Just enough time to pick up a decaf from the hosts’ kitchenette and introduce herself to the special guest who would be joining her on that evening’s Celebrity Doll Showcase.
“You Light Up My Life” had always been one of Peggy Jean’s favorite songs. She considered it a beautiful and powerful love song to God, and she found herself actually quite thrilled that she was about to meet Debby Boone in person. That evening marked the debut of Dolls by Debby, and she very much looked forward to spending an enjoyable two hours presenting the (adorable) collectible porcelain dolls and showing video clip highlights of Ms. Boone’s extraordinary career.
As Peggy Jean was leaving the cantina, she saw Trish Mission leaning over the water fountain in the hallway. “Trish, I just wanted to tell you how stunning that Royal Crystal tiara looked on you the other night during your England’s Rose show. It didn’t surprise me a bit that it sold immediately.”
Trish rose from the water fountain and a drop of water fell from her lower lip. “Thank you so much, Peggy. I know, wasn’t it terrific! Everything except the ‘Always Wear a Seat Belt’ glitter brooch sold out, so it looks like I might do it again in a few months.”
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed,” Peggy Jean called back as she walked down the hall.
That was one show that she, herself, would have enjoyed hosting. Peggy Jean felt a special kinship toward the princess, as both women lived very public lives yet were successful mothers. They even shared a similar hairstyle. Although Diana had been divorced, Peggy Jean didn’t blame her in the least. It was perfectly clear to the world that her husband was an adulterer. And the princess had done all she could to keep the marriage alive, for the sake of the children. One had to respect that.
“Debby?” she said, walking into the guest’s lounge.
Debby Boone looked up from her Patricia Cornwell novel.
Peggy Jean extended her hand and beamed. “Hi, I’m Peggy Jean Smythe and I’m going to be joining you on this evening’s show. I just wanted to welcome you to Sellevision and let you know what a huge fan of yours I am!”