It was finally Friday. Another gruelling week was over for Tia, her head throbbing from constant complaints and continual conversation. Not only that, but she wasn't able to get out of the office until after 8pm, a tired, weary mess. At least she knew she'd be able to head to her favourite convenience store, get some supplies, and just relax for the entire weekend. It'll be so perfect, lying on the couch under a blanket, snacking on some food as she watches a new series of her favourite anime.
As she entered the store just after half 8, she grabbed her basket and went aisle to aisle, pulling her favourite items off the shelf in perfect sync, like a routine practiced to perfection, leading her to the cashier in record time. However, as she looked up to greet the old woman that had been there for years, a new, fresh face smiled back at her.
She froze in place. Half because of her embarrassment for how she was going to greet this seemingly new person, and half because...well, she was just that stunning. She felt her heart skip a beat as she just stood there, staring, admiring such a beautiful face in front of her. Only once the cashier started clicking her fingers in front of Tia did she snap out of it, blushing as she tilted her down whilst passing the basket over.
The next few moments were tense as only the sound of the scanner beeping filled the otherwise silent air. After the scanning stopped, Tia heard the first words from this cashier's mouth, a deeper feminine voice resonating through her head, "You know, you're pretty cute. Is your name Tia? Patricia told me about you before she retired." All Tia managed to do was tilt her head up to catch the cashier's eyes, her cheeks reddening as the cashier held the smile, Tia nodding her head slightly towards her. "Well, nice to meet you Tia, the name's Ashley. Now, why don't you be a good girl and tap your card on the machine there, your total is $25.52." Tia immediately tensed up, feeling a flush travel down her whole body. She wasn't expecting such forward words from someone she just met, and yet she still felt that compulsion to do as she's told. Without looking up, she scans her card, grabs the bag, and runs out of the store straight to her car as fast as she can, throwing the bag on the passenger seat as she begins to breathe heavily.
Was that real? Was Ashley really flirting with her that heavily? Was she like that with everyone? Work has tired her out so much that she must be dreaming, right? So many unanswered questions as Tia's head just rested against the wheel of the car. The scene that just unraveled was stuck replaying in her head over and over again. Each time she thought about those words being uttered from Ashley's mouth, it got harder and harder to think, her soft words fogging up her mind. She lifted her head up and stared at the glass front of the store, seeing Ashley working from her car. As Ashley wrapped up serving another customer, she looked outside, directly towards Tia, giving her a wink and a wave. That was enough to send Tia's head back down out of view. It seems this was real, and with how her dating attempts had been going recently, this wasn't a time to let this go.
Minutes passed as she thought of what to do. Sure, it could be so easy to go in and just talk to her, but Tia definitely did not have the confidence to face that reality right now. She couldn't just drive away though, as she didn't know if Ashley would be staying or not. She couldn't lose this opportunity. She had to take the chance now, at least leave her another way to talk to her...
Finally, an idea clicked in her head. She scrambled around in her car looking for a pen or marker, as well as anything she could use as a piece of paper...the receipt she was just given will have to do. She watched the store from behind her steering wheel and waited until she saw people at the counter once more. It was her time to move. Slowly opening the door, she crept out of the car and sneaked around the parking lot. Soon enough, she managed to place herself against the wall of the building next to the front door, yet despite her sneaking attempts, she still felt like every action was being watched. She stood still, waiting for the people to finish their transaction, and as soon as she heard that chime from the door, she held her head down and walked straight in towards the counter, placing the note on the counter and running back to her car without saying a word. She heard Ashley call out to her, but her words fell on deaf ears. The only thing Tia could hear was her own heartbeat thumping in her chest as she got back into the car, hiding away from everyone around her.
Seconds felt like hours and she sat there, waiting, listening, hoping that anything would happen. Her chest was tight, her breathing heavy, the antici--
Her phone buzzed. A new text.
Her heart beat even faster, her hands shaking as she picked up the phone. She saw the text.
"Back here. Now."
Tia bit her lip. She bit her lip hard. She could feel this pull, this force, dragging her back to the shop. Looking back up once more at the store she could see Ashley beckoning her over. She could imagine hearing her voice whispering those words in her ear. It felt like her body was moving of its own accord. She had no choice, she was walking back into the store.
Tia heard that chime from the door once more. Ashley was waiting with the employee door open, beckoning her to get even closer. Stepping forward, Tia heard those words once more, "Good girl". Her entire body shivered as she looked up at Ashley, their eyes locking in place. Frozen, she watched as Ashley's face got closer, Tia's eyes closing the last moment before their lips touched.
Time stopped for Tia. Her mind fell silent as she lost herself in the soft sensation of Ashley's lips. It felt like an eternity before she felt a hand on the back of her head, holding it in place as Ashley pushed closer, being forceful with the kiss.
Alas, their lips parted after just a few moments. Tia was left in such a pleasant daze as Ashley grabbed her by the wrists and pulled them both inside the employee room. As the door closed, Ashley pushed Tia against it, towering over her as she leaned in, whispering directly into Tia's ear.