The Story of Peggy & Dave ~ Where it all started

It was the summer of 1967, I was 18 years old, naive and somewhat timid, and I was looking for a job. I thought it would be a glamorous job to work with cosmetics at May's Drug Store. I felt fairly confidant that I would be a good fit for the job. Somehow I thought that career would lead me to a life of beauty. In fact, it played a small part later down the road when I developed The Mastery of Great Looks Seminars. 

Dave was the chief pharmacist and assistant manager for May's and it turned out he was the person that would interview me for the cosmetic counter assistant manager position. There he was standing behind the counter in his white pharmacist jacket, looking quite confident, and quite handsome. He was charming and I was nervous as hell. What added to my pressure was the fact that my mother insisted on standing there with me. She was quite taken by Dave. I turned to her and said "why don't you come back in about 45 minutes, I will be fine here." She wasn't real fond of the idea, but respected my wishes and left me to interview.

What I remember most about the interview was Dave standing at the counter facing me with his hands crossed behind his back watching me fill out the paperwork. I looked up from time to time and found him smiling at me. No words were expressed, just and exchange of smiles. It did not cross my mind that he was flirting with me. I was so naive and focused on getting the job. After he reviewed my application, he asked "why should  I hire you," to which I replied "well...I am a hard worker, and very interested in the beauty business and dedicated to doing a great job." He said "I can see that in you. When can you start?" "Right away" I said. 

Dave came by everyday to collect the cash from the register for his daily run to the bank, as one of his duties was to balance the books and make the store deposits.  At first I was a bit shy when he would come by and then as I got to know him better I felt more comfortable to be myself. Marie was the counter cosmetic manager, a very charming mid to late 50s woman. She would tell me she felt Dave was flirting with me and she thought he would ask me out soon.  I felt she was right, but I didn't feel confidant to admit it.  Dave lived an hour away in Fox River Grove, and would often come back to the store in the evening to buy ice, of all things, and would always stop by to see me if I were working late. In fact, he knew my schedule because every week Marie provided him with our schedules. He was quite a flirt and very funny, and very handsome.

One day he asked me if I would like to be trained on the books. Sure, I said, I would like to keep learning different skills. So every day one of my duties was to learn how to balance the books for the store. This took place in the back of the pharmacy and Dave and I would sit together as he showed me the system and trained me on the books. I looked forward to doing this everyday, especially the time I would get to spend with Dave. There was no "hanky-panky" going on, just a whole lot of flirting from both of us. 

And then the day came when he asked me to be his date at a party. I was flattered, yes I said!  It was great. He took care of me the whole time and introduced me as his girlfriend. There were several of his college buddies at the party and his brother showed up as well. I must admit I felt a bit overwhelmed by the attention I was receiving from everyone. But also felt very good that I was with Dave and that he made the statement that I was his "girlfriend." Very cherished and sweet moments were these first few encounters.  I never had a question in my heart about him, it was always a big yes. And I loved how I felt with him, I was cherished and made to feel beautiful. It was an innocent and sweet time in my life.