Issue #8 - Greta Gives Great Advice

Greta practically skipped into the headquarters of Face Magazine, wearing her new Stella McCarthy dress. It was one of the fragrant early spring days in New York when the daffodils lining Union Square were just beginning to burst into full bloom.

Greta walked into Guy's spacious office and took a seat in front of his desk. He was on the phone, smiling and nodding. "Hey, Rita." Greta could hear Rita Lampert's lilting voice on the other line, but couldn't make out what she was saying. Greta could picture the dark-haired Rita sitting in her p.r. firm and crossing her long legs as she talked to Guy. Greta had met her once before at the Face holiday party, but couldn't be sure if Rita had a thing for Guy or was just trying to drum up more business for her company.

Greta did feel a little twinge of worry, but then she thought--nothing can spoil her mood. It's spring, she's wearing a new dress and she just spent last evening treating herself to a yummy GreatSkin Green Tea Mask. She left it on for 20 minutes and then removed it with a damp warm cloth and a few splashes of tepid water. And today, she knew her complexion absolutely glowed.

Guy waved to Greta, and then spoke into the phone. "Yes, yes, yes," he said, nodding. Greta wished he was saying yes, yes, yes, to her, but no. He had been so neutral to her since the Zane Craven encounter and now Greta was afraid he now assumed they were an item.

"Greta," Guy said, finally disentangling himself from the phone. "I need your advice."

Ah, this is it, Greta thought. He needs her. He trusts her. He realizes she doesn't give a hoot about Zane Craven. "Yes?"

"I want to give gift to a woman."

"Really?" Greta felt a dark cloud of gloom descend on her. So, this was it. He was going out with Rita.

"What kind of woman?" Greta asked, trying to steady her breath.

"An older kind of woman." Guy leaned against the credenza and smiled at her. Greta waited. He's enjoying this much too much, she thought.

"For my mother, Greta! It's Mother's Day in just a couple of weeks!"

"Oh!" Greta tried to keep herself from squealing in relief. "Well, I know just the thing! GreatSkin, of course!"

Greta couldn't contain herself. "Well, I swear by their products. If I were you, I'd give my mother a whole skincare regimen--starting with Papaya Enzyme Cleanser. Tell your mom to massage this over her skin for about 60 seconds and then, after rinsing, to follow with Papaya Enzyme Toner. It's so soothing. And then she must try the Red Tea Extract. It really diminishes those fine lines. I mean, your mom has gorgeous skin, but she'll want to protect it. Next, she should apply a moisturizer. GreatSkin's Vibran-C Crème is fabulous. It has Ceramides which firm and tone. Oh, and finally, you must get her some Vibran-C Firming Eye Gelée. "You just dab lightly around the eyes with your ring finger and it's amazing!"

Guy quickly copied all this down on a notepad. "Great," he said, looking up, "And I can order everything online? Greta, you're a genius."

Greta smiled. She wanted to say yes and that's why you should give me another assignment and take me out to dinner! But, no luck. The phone rang and Greta quickly excused herself, hoping it wasn't Rita calling Guy yet again.