Recently returned from Korea and now out of the army, I'd found a job as a manager-trainee with Cornet Stores, a west-coast dime store chain. But when Joe Cornet Jr. discovered I knew how to paint signs, I found myself being sent around to all the stores to do their advertising displays.

One day I was sent to help open a new store in Palmdale. My job would be to decorate it with signs, while my fellow-employees would set up the store. My recently-met friend Barry had been chosen to be the manager.

Barry's first job was to hire some women to help stock the shelves. The best of these would later be offered the chance to stay on as full-time clerks. I smiled to myself, "If I know Barry, he's just going to hire the best-built ones. (He did.)

The prettiest was a buxom blonde who, much to my surprise, kept casting glances my way. I've always been a shy type, but finally got the courage to smile back. Her broad smile in return told me there was possibility here.

I kept trying to work up the nerve to go ask for her number - but never did. But, as the first day got closer to quitting time, I went into the men's room, rinsed my face, sipped some water, and walked resolutely back onto the sales floor.

But where was everyone?

"Hey, Barry!" I yelled. "Where are the girls?"

"They left," he replied. "Look at the time."

"Oh, no," I groaned. "I missed my chance."

Barry smiled. "The blonde?"

I just moaned and nodded.

"Not a problem," he said. "Come on home with me, and I'll introduce you. We're thinking of getting a divorce anyway."