Beanie & Cecil Baby

I walked happily toward this adorable Pradaesque store for babies (near my work) to find a gift for a friend.
The happy feeling stopped when I crossed the threshold.
I know this is a sort of place, as with Barney’s or a Louis Vuitton, where ladies go to shop for quaint $ 2000 baby strollers and other such expensive, imported baby bric-​à-​brac. Upscale, in other words. You know, the kind of place where one of everything is placed strategically on a shelf, lit ever-​so-​delightfully. The store’s wares scream «Buy Me! I’m So Worth The Price!» I love this kind of shopping.
Now, being Raleigh, NC, one would presuppose that the nature of the staff would be one of relative warmth and friendliness. Oh, was I in for a shock.
I used to work in a very upscale women’s boutique in a very high-​end retail environ of Memphis, so I know the ropes… Lots of needy clients who require all the attention the staff can provide, and a lot of mental champagne to make the experience and the expense worthwhile. So I was a bit taken aback when I walked in and the young lady behind the counter did not greet me, or even acknowledge my presence. There were several other women in the store looking around, and I assume they waltzed in to the same chilly energy I did. Who knows. For the record, I was not dressed in a burlap sack. I’m a stylish kind of gal, and a nice gal to boot.
At any rate, I made my way around this adorable little baby place looking for the right gift, and found myself with my nose in a cute little baby book. Missy behind the counter still said nothing, until…
The She-​Beast (I assume the owner or manager) comes from the back of the store and announces to all: «Does anyone need anything? Can we assist you?!»
Then, before I can take my nose out of the book I am looking at as a potential gift, the She-​Beast looks at me and says, rather bullishly, «You There! With the book! Do you need any help??»
Without batting an eye, I say, in my little way: «No… me here — with the book — I’m just fine.»
After about five seconds of stoic silence, laughter erupts in the store at my response, even from chilly little Missy behind the counter.
The She-​Beast quickly removes herself to the rear of the store, not to be seen again.
I bought the book, but I’ll never return. I hope others who patronize this store are greeted and treated with far more pleasure than I experienced.