For the first time in her entire life, Vivian needed to go shopping at another store. There was a mascara that couldn’t be bought at Sunderland’s as the supplier was not working well with Vivian and she had to let her go, even though it was the best darn mascara she ever tried. She couldn’t get over the length and volume it gave -without any clumps! Off to the drugstore she went, around the block from Sunderland’s where she put on a pair of sunglasses and a handkerchief around her head. “I look exactly like Jackie O,” Vivian said to herself as she left the department store bathroom to venture on her hunt.

  And there she was. Lilly buying the same mascara.

  “There’s nothing like it!” Lilly said to her as she reached out to hold Vivian’s hand.

  “Just like you,” Vivian answered as the two of them embraced while Vivian held on to Lilly for just a while longer, looking into her eyes and letting her know.

  Lilly completely understood what she was talking about.

  The End.

  Epilogue

  As you reach for the stately department store front doors and step onto the place that you adore, you walk with purpose down the aisle. Once again, delighted you are here. In this beautiful place, with beautiful things.

  The fragrance counter has caught your eye, and you stop in your tracks. Wait a minute—did you see that one advertised recently? Your eyes grow like flowers as you reach for the uniquely designed glass bottle and gently press the automizer to release a miniature shower of a scent that immediately makes you sneeze.

  “Oh darling, that isn’t for you!” says a salesperson. “Here, let me show you some others. But first, inhale this.” The salesperson gently says this while a jar of coffee beans is placed under your nose to clear your nasal passageways. And before long, you will have found the fragrance that has lifted your spirits and celebrated you.

  The same goes for the skirt to wear to that meeting. The scarf that will not only raise the dial on the style meter but will keep you warm. Don’t forget about the shoes to complete your outfit, which you will wear again and again. And hand it down to someone special.

  These treasures could be found on your own, but it is much more productive. Much more meaningful and downright fun to have some help, especially from someone who works at the department store and knows the store like the back of her hand. But then again, so do you.

  Help from someone who welcomes you into their world and is kind, patient, and listens. Refrains from judgment. Traits that very few own but earned with the passage of time, as painful as it was. Count yourself lucky if you encounter someone like this. However, if a salesperson found someone like this to work with, that’s especially lucky.

  What glistened and sparkled in an elegant department store, such as Sunderland’s, were two women who not only found their voices but also found each other, which is the most amazing thing of all.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Thank you to Kleenex tissues. You are doing a great job of absorbing my tears of joy as I write this.

  It takes a village to raise a child, and it also takes a village to publish a book. Welcome to my list of Most Amazing of Humans. The roster of people that helped me to get this book into your hands. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  To Amy Laura Jones, OMG … I’m writing my acknowledgments, just like you said I would! Thank you for coaching me through my first draft and encouraging me to run with it.

  Thank you, Lisa Borden. You are my sounding board, my confidante, and my friend. You know exactly when I need to kick some ass.

  Thank you, Yael Greenwood for reading the first draft, and for being the real friend that you are. You were so right, and I am grateful for you and for your honesty.

  Michael Leo Donovan, it has been over 30 years since I last stepped into your classroom, but your teachings are forever engrained in my mind. Thank you for helping me to see the talent that I did not know I had.

  Thank you to my dear friends and to my ‘frenemies’s. You know who you are, and you all matter in your own special way. You were each placed in my path for a reason. Thank you for showing me who you are, and for giving me such great material to work with.

  Thank you to all the obstacles and challenges that have shown up in my life thus far. These too were placed in my life for a reason. Even that 10-foot nail polish shelf that I had to clean from top to bottom when I was 17-years old.

  Deanna McFadden, everyone told me how amazing you are, but I didn’t realize how true that was until we started working together. You let me drive, while gently suggesting when I should make certain turns. Thank you for your patience, your expertise, and your vision.

  Rebecca Eckler, thank you for believing in me, my work, and my purpose. I am grateful for your (and Rowan’s) very first accolade from my debut novel to where we are today.

  A special shout out to Melvin Eldinger who was there.

  Thank you, Adrienne Gold Davis for being the best Torah teacher. Ever.

  Thank you to my loving parents, Evie and Morrie Neiss, for sharing Montreal’s Jewish history with me. You both have taught me more than you know.

  To Auntie Dorey and Dad, thank you for sharing pieces of your mother’s story, especially those on which this novel is loosely based.

  Carrie, My PB, spiritual advisor and best sister I could ever ask for. Thank you for digging deep with me and listening.

  Kiddies! Josh, thank you for your superb proof-reading and for tolerating my stubbornness. Adam, your many “check-ins” to see how I was doing meant more than you know. Liv, how I love your strong voice, your “Yay, Mom!” cheers. Thank you for bringing home that piece of information that has now become this novel.

  To Gordie, my beautiful husband, partner in crime and favourite person in the world. You have seen it all, and still want more. How lucky am I?

 

 

  Sharon Neiss-Arbess, The Most Amazing Department Store

 

 

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