It had been a long day. She had gone over the inventory numbers at least 10 times until she found the mistake and corrected it. Everyone else had gone home. It was hard running an independent sporting goods store since Gander Mountain had set up shop just three miles away. She held her chin up proudly, though, reminding herself that she was making it. "I guess customer service still matters," she said to herself as she turned off the back room lights and went to the front of the store.
She almost jumped when she heard the rapping on the glass door. She looked and it was her favorite couple. She went to open the door, it was her favorite. "I know you're closed, but I wanted to go duck hunting tomorrow and when I was getting our blind ready I noticed it's torn and it's supposed to rain tomorrow. Is there any chance we could buy a new one from you tonight?" the man said.
Of course she would, she couldn't turn down money. "Sure, come on in." She said, also smiling since this would give her another chance to see him again. He always flirted with her, and he was very easy on the eyes. She went to the counter while he went back to look at the stock, his wife followed her over to the register.
"I'm Melanie," the store owner said in a friendly tone, "I don't think we've met."
"I'm Zuela," the wife responded.
Melanie looked Zuela over briefly, she had jet black hair pulled back in a tight pony tail, and had the most beautiful caramel colored skin. She wore a loose fitting blouse and skirt, and had a delicate gold collar around her neck.
"That is a beautiful collar," Melanie commented softly.
Zuela looked back at her, "It's precious to me, Scott got it for me a year after we started dating." She continued to look at the store owner closely, she looked tired, but had a tender inviting look about her. Zuela leaned closer, and tilted her chin up.
"What symbol is that?" Melanie asked as she eyed the center piece under her chin, while also stealing a look down Zuela's blouse before quickly looking back. The symbol looked like a yin-yang symbol but had three parts instead of two.
Zuela looked up, contemplating for a good half minute, "I'll tell you, but first you have to tell me something."
"Sure."