"Half an hour to go," I thought. We closed at six o'clock on Fridays, and I was definitely ready to go home. It had been a long week at the shoe store where I worked. Michelle, the owner, had decided to hold a big summer sale to try to boost the business. It's hard for a small boutique store to compete with the big chains, so I understood the need, but it had been a crazy week. Michelle did a good job promoting the sale. I couldn't even guess the number of women I'd waited on, or the pairs of shoes I had run back and forth and placed on their feet. I couldn't wait to get out of these hose and heels, slip on my favorite jeans, and relax.
Making matters worse, Michelle had to get out early that day, leaving me to close. I guess I was flattered that she trusted me, a lowly college girl, with her pride and joy, but it meant staying an extra 45 minutes to put everything in order for the next day.
As the clock moved slowly toward six, I started cleaning up, hoping to get a head start on the closing tasks. I was lucky - the shop was empty, and it was unlikely that anyone would come in this late. Most women want plenty of time to choose, especially at a shop like ours.
At ten till six, I made an "executive decision" to close early. I knew Michelle wouldn't like it, but it was only me in the shop, so she'd never know. Unfortunately, as I walked to the door to lock up, it sprung open to reveal one final customer. Oh shit! I thought as she rushed inside, but I put on my best customer service face and greeted her warmly.
"I hope I'm not too late," she said, catching her breath. "I got caught in traffic, and I really need some cute shoes for tomorrow night. Can I still get some?"
"Oh no, no," I lied, "not a problem. What can I help you with?"
The words shot out of her, as she was obviously still running on high from her trip through traffic. "Well, I have this fund-raiser tomorrow night, so I need something dressy, but it's an arts event, so I want them to be distinctive, too, and sexy. I hate to be boring. Oh, by the way, I'm Julie Ellison."
A warm smile lit up her face, and I felt guilty for the minor resentment I was feeling. I noticed now how pretty she was: fairly straight brown hair just over her shoulders (much like myself), bright green eyes, and that smile that just captures you, with a very slight overbite that made her so cute. She looked maybe 25, though I sensed she was older. And she was about my size, around 5' 3", without what I estimated were three-inch heels.
I took the hand she extended and shook it politely. Now I recognized her, and I was glad that I hadn't shut her out. She was a friend of Michelle's and a very good customer, a bit of a shoe addict. It would not have been good to be closed early when she showed up.
I told Julie to take her time looking around, all the while hoping that she'd just pick something quick and go. No such luck. My eyes followed her as she picked up one shoe after another, apparently with something in mind that she just couldn't find. I'd add an occasional comment, doing my part to make a sale, but she'd just flash that beautiful smile and move on.
At last, she hit a section she liked. I could tell by the little "Oooh" she gave when she saw them. She turned and flashed that smile at me again. "These are nice!"
"Yeah, those are brand new," I said. "They're cute, aren't they?"
"Oh yes," she answered, "cute, dressy, and sexy - just what I'm looking for!"
Julie's enthusiasm was stimulating. Suddenly I didn't mind staying a little late to help her find what she wanted. She gathered up five samples and asked if we had them in a five. "We'll see," I said, and went back to find them. Luckily for her, we had all five in her size. As I came out of the stock room, I was immediately caught again by "the smile". I was really starting to like this woman.
"Have a seat, I said, and we'll try these on." She took a seat in one of our overstuffed chairs - one of the little extras that Michelle had added to make the shop special.
"Ohhhh, I LOVE these chairs," she sighed. "After the week I had, I could just stay here forever." She leaned back and got a dreamy look on her face.
"I know what you mean," I said. Then I remembered the time, and without thinking, "Oh, excuse me, I should lock the door."
Her face took on a look of sudden realization. "Oh gosh! I'm so sorry! I'm keeping you late, aren't I? Look, if you have to go, I completely understand. I'm sure I can make do tomorrow with something else."