The First Rule of Business (standard:adventure, 1297 words)
Author: ak	Added: Jul 26 2003	Views/Reads: 3872/2409	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Even ambitious business women have to be loyal to friends. That is the first rule of business Ruby Gonzalez learns.

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Ruby could hear the two women talking, and she saw their silhouettes
behind the curtains.  Marietta was handing Mrs. Gonzalez a big box and 
writing a note on one of Mrs. Gonzalez's napkins. 

“I'll make sure she calls to thank you, take care good care,” were the
last words she heard her mother say. 

Mrs. Gonzalez exited the house holding the box with the note.  Ruby
grabbed both and resisted the temptation to run in the house.  Instead, 
she dashed to the truck and hopped in. 

When she was seated, she ripped off the note.  It read: “Dearest Ruby, I
just got an order for 500 earrings from Shreves.  The design I used was 
one created.  I wanted to give you part of my profits, but your mother 
said not to.  Instead I have given you some beads.  Have fun. Love 
Marietta.” 

Ruby's mother told her she could not charge for ideas, unless they were
patented by a lawyer.  Besides, the beads were what Ruby really wanted. 


“Esperanza's house mom and hurry!” were Ruby's only words. 

When they arrived at Esperanza's house Ruby and Mrs. Gonzalez were told
that Esperanza had broken her wrist in gymnastics and had to wear a 
cast for a month. 

Ruby would have to make all of the jewelry on her own.  The very thought
of not spending time at Esperanza's saddened her.  Esperanza had great 
ideas; her specialty was a heart shaped necklace on transparent cord 
with pearls and gold beads on either side.  Ruby just knew that her 
friend would have had fun with the box of beads too. 

“Jewelry making won't be fun without her mom,” Ruby whined.  Still, she
had to make some new pieces for Saturday, and the box of beads was just 
what she needed. 

When they got home, Ruby opened the door to her bedroom.  This was her
studio; Ruby had a big white table where she kept her beads, pliers, 
glue, earring wires, clasps, and other findings. 

She dumped the beads in the box into a plastic container.  They rattled
into separate compartments. 

“Wait” said Ruby, “these are gems, not beads!”  Sure enough the ‘beads'
Marietta had given Ruby were precious and semi precious stones.  In a 
small package in the bottom were charms Ruby could use to make 
bracelets.  In another package was a business card from Shreves with 
the name of the woman who had bought Ruby's design. 

Ideas came to her light lightning rods.  She made the most beautiful
earrings and pendant necklaces ever.  Silvery charms hung from 
bracelets.  A large crystal diamond drop glimmered in the middle of a 
string of green agate.  Earrings with topaz stones and gold Bali 
lattice beads glowed intensely.  Twists of small pearls with little 
black coral beads mixed in formed necklaces. 

Finally, the contents of the box were gone. 

Ruby surveyed her lot with pride.  Her unique designs had increased the
value of the beads; she knew she could not sell them for 3.00. 

After begging and pleading with her mother for days, Ruby finally was
allowed to call the manager of Shreve's.  She was scheduled to meet on 
Monday, and show the manager, Ms. Rustin, the jewelry she had made. 

Ruby dressed in her best dress, and combed her short dark hair.  Around
her neck was the lucky necklace Esperanza had made for her.  She was 
ready for her big day. 

The manager was surprised when she met Ruby.  Ms. Rustin had not only
expected an adult, but she also expected the jewelry to be mediocre.  
The brilliance and delicacy of the pieces was unparalleled.  She agreed 
to buy all for a hefty sum.  She also ordered several more of 10 of the 
pieces. 

Ruby explained that Shreve's and Ms. Rustin would just have to wait for
one month. Ruby's business partner was on vacation, and Ruby could not 
fill the orders until her partner returned. 

When all the contracts were signed, Ruby left the office with a big
smile on her face. 

She grabbed her mother's hand and said to her,” first rule in business,
be loyal to those who you love” 


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