The last customer walked out with her grocery bags, opening her umbrella as she stepped out. Rain continued to lash at the windows. It had been raining all evening, bringing the busy city to a near-standstill. Pondering on my misfortune, I leaned on the counter blankly staring at the refrigerator on the other end of the aisle. The whole place had a gloomy air to it. The endless line of dimly lit aisles actually creeped me out.
My co-worker was down with flu and I was left covering his duties for the evening too. The only silver lining I could see was that there were fewer customers this evening, owing to the constant downpour. I walked up to the security panel and started to switch off the lights, hoping I could close up early and sneak away. Just then, a young woman stepped in, completely drenched. She shivered a little, let out a loud sigh and removed her wet blazer. She draped it around the rickety chair near the entrance. The water dripped all around it, forming a small puddle of rainwater. She looked flustered and the scowl on her face was steadily worsening. I can imagine how she must've been feeling. Such a terrific downpour was not common and caught everyone by surprise.
She turned to me. "Can I have some paper towels please" she said, as she started to open her bag.
I handed her a pack of towels and continued my ritual to close for the night. She started drying herself, carefully wiping her face and hands. She untied her messy wet bun that had loosened, to reveal her long jet black hair that reached down to the small of her back. Her lovely tresses swayed from side to side as she was drying herself. Dropping the used towels in the bin, she picked up her bag and fished out a stylish cigarette case and a lighter.
"I'm sorry ma'am, no smoking in the inside" I said politely, as I pointed to the 'No-Smoking' sign pasted near the entrance.
"Oh damn, gimme a break. I've had a hard day" she replied curtly. "Sorry!! I shouldn't have been so rude" she immediately continued. She put the cigarettes and lighter back into her bag and dropped it on the chair.
"No problem ma'am, we all need to unwind" I said, handing her some more tissues.
"Looks like you are going to close down soon" she said, casting a glance around the empty shop. The clock over the counter struck 10 PM. "Yes, we need to close at 10:30" I replied.
"Do you mind if I hang around for a while."
"No, not at all" I replied.
She seated herself on the chair, overlooking the street outside. For a few minutes silence reigned in the shop, broken only by the steady patter of rain drops hitting the porch. Occasional pairs of headlights were visible in an otherwise deserted street.
I guess both of us were weighed down by the unpleasant situation we were stuck in. Finally she broke the awkward silence.
"You look young. How long have you been working here?" she asked curiously.
"About a month now. I work part-time."
"What do you do otherwise? Are you a student?"
I nodded silently.
"Do you work nearby?" I asked, trying to get the conservation to flow more smoothly. I was hoping the small talk between us could keep me occupied till closing time.
"I work in the bank across the street" she said, pointing at the magnificent glass building. I've always admired it from afar. The multinational bank was one of the biggest landmarks in the area, consisting of thousands of employees.
"Had to complete a few last-minute tasks, thereby ruining from Friday evening" she continued.
"Well, you're not the only one with a ruined evening" I said, both of us exchanging meaningful grins. For a moment - a very brief one - our eyes met, sending electrifying pulses through my spine. The feeling was very new to me, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
Only after she flashed a friendly smile that I noticed what a beautiful face she possessed. It looked a like a work of art, with well chiselled features. She was wearing very little make-up.
"A face like that doesn't need make-up" I thought to myself.
"What is your role in the bank?" I enquired, to keep the conversational ball rolling.
I tried to listen attentively but I found my eyes veering towards her ample bosom. She was wearing a form-fitting white formal shirt and the outline of her bra was clearly visible. Her shirt clinging to her wet body further accentuated her voluptuous curves.
She abruptly stopped talking. Looking up I noticed her eyeing me keenly and I blushed with shame.
"Would you like more paper towels?" I said, desperately trying look professional and salvage the situation.
"Oh no thanks" she replied, as she stood up and bent down to open her bag, revealing her bountiful cleavage. I had a feeling she was doing it on purpose. Nevertheless, I waited patiently to see what happened next.
"How much for the towels?" she muttered, handing me some coins.