New tales from a retired shop keeper.
TROUBLE in TORQUAY
“Let them eat cake”, Marie Antoinette may or may not have said it, but down the centuries the attitude of the well off towards the poor, has been one of derision. “Little people pay taxes” Protested Imelda Marcos, she of the 2,000 pairs of shoes.
Many years ago I promoted a bright . 21 year old to assistant manager of our branch in Torquay. He had been transferred in to my area to get him away from one of the other area managers particularly RT an executive of the bad old “Hire & fire ‘em “ brigade
The lad was tanned , had blonde hair , and was possessed
Of an easy smile & engaging personality. I soon had reason to believe he had been handed to me for other reasons.
He was also aware of his effect on women, and practically drooled when near one, any woman 16-90, no worries.
Completely selfish & indifferent he could easily be Dorian Gray, courtesy of Oscar Wilde.
He once told me he wanted to be a manager & that RT was his hero, going around and sacking people, mercifully he soon left. Torquay is bulging with rich old women. He had found Shangri-La.
I have no doubt that he bonked his self into an early grave.
NO, that’s a bit unkind, his mother must have loved him.
Speaking of mothers, a few years back we used to regularly take my mother, aged 86, out for lunch. One time she was very depressed, she was in the early stages & in constant pain from a crumbling spine.
“86 is quite old enough for me to live, I’ve had enough”
“Live for me mum, live for my sake, I’ve become used to you now”
She gave me a hug, looked right into my eyes & said
Oh alright then Robert, just for you”