Tuesday after Monsieur Sartimes’ visit, June got permission to go shopping. She waited just long enough for the Advisory Panel to finish its meeting and caught Sharon and Karen as they left.
Sharon protested that she had to work, but Karen grabbed her arm.
“What else have we got crackberries for?” Karen asked, waving her e-mail phone. “We can e-mail in between trying things on. And you need clothes.”
“That settles it, then,” said June, saluting with her Blackberry, as well.
“Let me get mine,” Sharon said with a rueful grin.
They did not have a lot of time because the Secret Service insisted that June be back in the White House before five p.m. And even though it was Sharon who needed new clothes, it was Karen who did most of the trying on. The problem was, Karen was just a hair too short to wear regular sizes and just a hair too tall to wear petites.
“That’s why I buy so much,” she explained. “If it comes to close to fitting, I’m not letting it go. I can’t afford to. Look at this suit. It would be adorable on me if it fit.”
June took the blue pant suit with short sleeves and looked it over critically. “The pockets on the jacket are kind of boring. You know, if we gathered this section along here and let the gathers work into the pocket opening, that would add interest. I like the shawl collar, but these standard square sleeves. Puffed would definitely do better, and, Karen, you could really pull them off.”
“Really? I mean, I love those cute little round sleeves, but aren’t they too little-girly?” Karen asked.
“With your ‘tude?” Sharon teased.
“You’ve got presence,” said June. “You know, I’ve got some silk shantung in my studio that’s not far off this shade. I bet it would look great on you, Karen.”
“Okay,” said Karen, puzzled.
“We’ll get your measurements when we get back,” June said, dialing a number on her phone. “Ellie, please remind me to get Karen Tanaka’s measurements when we get back…. Thanks.”
Karen and Sharon exchanged puzzled glances. But June had been serious about getting Karen’s measurements and took Sharon’s, as well.
“Just for the files,” June said, airily giving Sharon the once over.
“What are you gonna do?” Karen asked.
“Indulge myself,” said June. But before she could explain further, her assistant pulled her aside and the two talked quickly. “Damn. Listen, girls, gotta fly”
And she dashed off.
