Grand Store Opening

But before getting into bed, he decided to check his account balance. He retrieved his phone, entered his secret PIN to log in to his account, and watched as the screen displayed {processing, please wait.}

Suddenly, the bank account balance displayed on the screen. $250,000 were the values reflecting on the screen. John stared at the numbers, his mind racing. He mentally calculated his recent expenses, ensuring the balance was accurate. Satisfied, he nodded. "That's right," he muttered to himself.

Switching off the lights, he called it a day. Exhaustion from the day's activities, including securing the apartment, hit him hard. He sank into the comfortable bed, relishing the softness and warmth.

However, John was awakened by the morning noises from travelers and traffic. The hum of engines and occasional honking created a symphony of urban life outside his window. Actually, John couldn't tell how long he had been asleep.

It was six o'clock in the morning. He had slept for only a short while before dawn broke. No dreams had disturbed his rest, which he found both amusing and slightly disappointing. "Not even a dream of striking it rich or meeting a celebrity," he chuckled to himself, his voice thick with sleep.

After scrolling in bed for around an hour, his phone indicated an incoming call. John reached out for it. It was Mike, his friend from Huruma Street.

"Hello," John answered, his voice still groggy.

"John! Long time no see," Mike greeted enthusiastically. "How's it going, buddy?"

"Mike! It's been ages. I'm doing well, just getting things sorted out here," John replied, perking up.

"I've been directing customers to your store, but they keep saying it's closed," Mike informed him, concerned in his voice.

John sighed. "Yeah, I've been setting up a lot of things. But today's the big day, Mike. We're officially opening the store. Grace, who is my hired employee, is ready to take charge, and we're fully stocked."

"That's great news! I'll make sure to spread the word. Best of luck, John," Mike said.

"Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it. See you around," John said, ending the call.

He rushed to the bathroom and took a shower. The hot water rejuvenated him, washing away the remnants of sleep. Afterwards, he dressed in his casual clothes and decided to visit a boutique to buy a suit. He wanted to look professional for the grand store opening, a change from his usual attire.

Locking the house, he took the elevator down to the parking area. The elevator was sleek and modern, with mirrors on all sides reflecting his slightly nervous expression. He reached the ground floor and headed straight to his motorcycle. He climbed on it and drove towards the gate.

The boutique was five hundred meters past the Washington Complex gate. It was one of the biggest in the city, renowned for its wide range of clothing. Upon entering, he was greeted by the hustle and bustle of morning shoppers and attentive staff offering assistance.

He was immediately approached by a young lady, around 20 years old, with beautiful dark skin, curly hair that framed her face perfectly, and striking green eyes. She wore a professional uniform that complemented her vibrant personality.

"Good morning, sir! Welcome to City Styles Boutique. My name is Lisa. How can I assist you today?" she asked with a bright smile.

"Good morning, Lisa. I'm looking for a suit for a grand opening event. Something sharp but comfortable," John replied.

"Great! We have a fantastic selection. Follow me," Lisa said, leading him through the boutique.

The boutique was well-organized, with shelves and hangers neatly displaying an array of clothes. Shoes were arranged in rows, each pair polished and pristine. The prices were clearly marked, making it easy to browse. The shelves held everything from casual wear to formal attire, and the hangers showcased an impressive collection of suits in various styles and colors.

Lisa guided John to a section filled with suits. "Here we have some of our finest suits. This blue one is very popular and would be perfect for a grand opening. It's priced at $200."

John inspected the suit, feeling the smooth fabric. "It looks great. I'll try it on."

"Right this way," Lisa said, pointing to the fitting rooms.

John tried on the suit, and when he emerged, Lisa's eyes lit up. "You look fantastic! The color suits you perfectly."

"Thanks, Lisa. It does feel good," John said, admiring himself in the mirror.

"Would you like to complete the look with some shoes? We have these sharp brown leather ones that would go great with the suit. They're $100," Lisa suggested.

"Sure, let's see them," John agreed.

Lisa fetched the shoes, and John tried them on. They fit perfectly and completed the outfit. "These are great. I'll take them," John said.

"Excellent choice," Lisa said. "Let's head to the checkout."

As they walked to the counter, John noticed how well-maintained and stylish the boutique was. The décor was modern, with sleek shelves and bright lighting that highlighted the clothes. The ambiance was inviting, making it a pleasant shopping experience.

At the counter, Lisa rang up the total. "That will be $300 for the suit and shoes," she said, smiling.

John handed over the cash payments. "So, Lisa, do you work here full-time?" he asked, making conversation.

"Yes, I do. I love helping people find the perfect outfits. It's always exciting to see someone leave happy with their purchase," Lisa replied, receiving the payment.

"Well, you've been a great help. I'm opening a new store today, and this suit is going to make a big difference," John said.

"I'm glad to hear that! Best of luck with your grand opening," Lisa said, handing him the receipt.

John put on the suit and shoes, then looked at himself in the boutique's large mirror. "Not bad at all," he said with a grin.

Lisa laughed. "You look very sharp, sir. You'll definitely make a good impression."

John thanked her once more and left the boutique, feeling more confident. He hopped back on his motorcycle and rode towards Grace's place. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, adding to his excitement.

Upon reaching Grace's place, he greeted her warmly. "Morning, Grace. Ready for the big day?" John asked, smiling.

"Absolutely. I've been preparing all along for this," Grace replied with a determined look in her eyes.

They made their way to the store. As they approached, John felt a surge of excitement. The storefront gleamed in the morning light, ready to welcome its first official customers.

Inside, John guided Grace on how activities would take place. "You'll be managing the sales and customer service. I want every customer to feel valued and appreciated."

Grace nodded, taking notes. "Understood. I've already connected the paybill number, so kindly enter in your account number to complete the set up to your bank account, so that all sales will be deposited directly."

"Great job, Grace," John said, impressed. " Am done, it's successful."

The first customer arrived shortly after they finished setting up. A middle-aged man entered, glancing around curiously. John greeted him warmly, introducing Grace as the store manager.

Grace handled the customer with ease, showcasing her skills and professionalism. She guided him through the inventory, explaining the features and prices of various items. The customer seemed impressed and made a purchase.

As the day progressed, more customers trickled in. Grace's efficiency and friendly demeanor won them over, resulting in steady sales. John watched with pride, confident that he had made the right choice in hiring her.

Just as he was basking in the success of the morning, his phone rang again. The screen displayed a familiar name, and a sense of anticipation filled him. He answered the call, ready for whatever news was coming next.

"John, it's Tom. I've got some great news for you," Tom's voice crackled over the line, but John didn't reveal the details just yet. The excitement in his tone hinted at something significant, leaving John eager and curious to know what could Tom be having?