Lingerie saleswoman. It had a ring to it, better than catering assistant. Her first real job, a chance to spread her wings and leave the safety of her parents' house. How she admired the women who thought nothing of spending hundreds of pounds on lingerie in what she now thought of as her shop. That would be her one day.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the couple entering the shop. A middle aged, auburn-haired lady and a much younger woman, closer to her own twenty-one years and of similar build, slight without being skinny. They could have been mother and daughter, but something said otherwise.
Katie watched them peruse the items on sale, clearly in no hurry. The older woman would occasionally pause, holding an item against the younger one's body as if imagining her wearing it. There was no dialogue between them, the older woman was clearly making the selections.
Occasionally she caught the younger one glancing across. Trying to make herself look busy, Katie would break eye contact and move to another part of the store, rearranging items or checking sizes. But she would always look back.
Eventually they spoke. Katie watched as the young blonde said something that prompted the older woman to smile. More from the blonde and then they both looked up. Summoning all her courage, Katie smiled and walked over.
'Is there anything I can help you with ladies?'
'We are fine, thank you,' the older woman said dismissively. The blonde gave a resigned smile and followed obediently.
Some fifteen minutes later they approached the desk, Katie moving across to be there when they arrived.
'You have some lovely items. We will take these please.' Again, the older woman did the talking. Katie began to process the items they had chosen, all expensive. As her fingers touched the material, Katie found herself imagining what the lingerie would look like on the young blonde, as from the sizes it was obviously all for her.
As Katie picked up a stunning blue bra and panties set, the older woman's hand shot out and grasped her own. 'Would you be a dear and cut the labels off these please. Becca would like to wear this home.'
Katie complied, scanning the labels and then passing the garments across the desk to the older woman, who immediately passed them on before asking simply, 'changing rooms?'