“Good, I guess. I got sick before the second quarter and spent the rest of the game in the car.”
He looked up and responded, “Well, that sucks.”
“Yep, it did,” Aimee agreed as she stuck her backpack under the counter, then grabbed her gloves and the spray bottle of cleaner. “Where's the rag?”
“Should be under there,” Jeff said while he stuck the paper under his arm and started towards his office. He stopped, then announced, “Hey, I hired a new girl. I need you to train her.”
Aimee found the rag, popped up from behind the counter, and replied, “What happened to Debra?”
“She quit. Said she was working too many hours covering for you.”
“I'm sorry, but I covered for her, too.”
Jeff sighed, then said, “Yeah, I know. It's hard to get you college kids to stay. Anyway, I've hired another one. She should be here soon so you can start showing her how to open.”
Aimee started wiping down the glass. “Hey,” Aimee paused and looked up at Jeff, “what's her name?”
“Uh, Brandi Peters,” he said, then he disappeared into the hallway.
The air stuck in her throat and Aimee felt she was going to pass out. She dropped the rag and chased after Jeff. “I gotta talk to you,” she managed to say.
Jeff turned around, and with one eyebrow slightly raised he asked, “Well, what is it?”
“I'm sorry. This job is reeeeally important to me, but I can't work with her.”
Now with both eyebrows shoved together, Jeff asked, “Why not?”
“I know her, and she's not a nice person,” Aimee replied.
Jeff stated, “Oh really? She seemed pretty decent.”
“Did you do a background check?”
“Nope, those cost. Besides, her reference came back good.”
Aimee thought, Yeah, and I bet I know who her reference was. I'm sure she gave Nicole's dad. He wouldn't say anything true about Brandi.
Jeff continued, “I've got an opening at the other store. I can move you there. I tell you what, I'll even make you the assistant manager for both stores, but you'll still need to train Brandi.”
Aimee glared at Jeff. Jeff stared back, then turned to head to the office.
Just then, Aimee heard a voice. “Good morning. Reporting to work as requested.”
Aimee spun around and the two of them stared at each other like two wild animals ready to pounce on one another. Slowly, Brandi's sneer turned to a smirk. “Well, now,” she started, “I guess we're gonna be coworkers.”
Aimee stepped to the counter where she left the gloves, cleaner, and rag. “I didn't take you for a lover of books,” she jibed.
“Well, I'm not interested in books, but I need some money for something, and Dad won't give me what I need. And this job doesn't seem like it'll be a lot of work.”
Imagine that, Aimee thought, her dad actually told her no. Aimee frowned. “Brandi, there are lots and lots of other stores where you can make more money than here. Jeff can't pay you more than minimum wage, and the hours suck, and...”
Brandi cut in, “It doesn't matter. Besides Jeff offered me commission on the rare books.”
Immediately Aimee bristled. Jeff hadn't ever offered her more than minimum wage. And even as an Assistant Manager, she figured nothing would change. “He did, huh?” Aimee retorted, then she glanced back towards the store's office.
“Yep,” she smiled, “and I figured I'd see more people I know working here at the mall than at his other store.”
Aimee instantly knew who Brandi was interested in seeing more of; Dylan. Of course, he would stop by to see Aimee, and Brandi would play her evil game to come between them. Only, Brandi didn't know her evilness had already come between her and Dylan. She wasn't going to give Brandi the satisfaction of knowing they were separated.
“Well, I've been told I have to train you, then I get to move to the other store, so let's get started. The sooner I get out of here, the better.” Aimee picked up the gloves and the rag and pitched them on the countertop towards Brandi. “You can put your purse under the counter. Then start cleaning glass. You do know how to clean glass, don't you?” Aimee asked with a smirk.
Brandi just glared and walked past her, then pitched her purse under the counter next to Aimee's backpack. “I like your designer bag,” she commented as she walked past Aimee and picked up the gloves.
Just then Jeff came out of the office and noticed Brandi had arrived. “Oh, hey, you made it,” he said with a big smile. “Aimee's gonna work with you today, and tomorrow (Aimee threw a desperate look at Jeff, but he ignored her), then you'll be able to take over on Monday. I'll be here to help out, but it is usually slow on Monday evening.” Jeff finally glanced over at Aimee, and added, “Brandi and her dad were in here last weekend, and he bought one of the rare books.” Jeff smiled at Brandi, then announced, “Well, I'm heading over to the other store. I'll be back before close to get the deposit.” He looked at Brandi, then said, “Aimee will show you the ropes, and if you have any questions, I'll be available later.” With that, he picked up an empty bank bag from the drawer under the register, and walked out.
The two girls just glared at each other. Finally, Aimee went behind the counter, unlocked the register, then said, “I'll show you how to set up your register when you come on shift.”
Brandi set down the rag, pulled off her gloves, and walked to the register. Aimee quickly covered all of the steps, stuffed the money back in the bank bag, and then asked Brandi to do it. Brandi just stared at her for a few seconds, then slid past her and grabbed the bank bag and started counting the money. After a couple minutes, she had the register set up. Aimee looked around the store for what she should show her next. She decided to go through the order of things she did every time she came on shift. After they straightened the displays, and did a quick check of the books on display, Aimee showed Brandi how to restock books and items that customers checked out, but didn't buy. Next Aimee demonstrated how to display and show a rare book. Brandi told her she thought it was stupid how much they doted on a bunch of old books. Aimee rolled her eyes. It was slow, and they had only one customer since opening, so Aimee decided to show Brandi the storeroom in the back. Brandi followed her into the dark room. Aimee flipped on the overhead lights and spotted a couple boxes of inventory. She reviewed the packaging slips to make sure the books were for the mall store, then wheeled over a cart to move the boxes.
“Here you go,” Aimee said after she stopped with the cart and put on the brake. “You can load those onto this, and bring them out so I can show you how to stock new inventory.”
Brandi scrunched her face, then flatly stated, “I'm not picking up those boxes.”
Aimee just stared and counted to ten keeping her anger in check. After ten, she said through her teeth, “Well, if you don't do it, I'll have to explain to Jeff why it didn't get done, and I'm sure he won't be happy with you for not doing your job, and with me for not training you on everything you need to know.” Aimee stood there with her hands on her hips desperately trying to keep in control when all she wanted to do was reach across the cart and slap the little bitch.
It took about fifteen long seconds before Brandi finally squatted down and picked up one of the boxes, but before she could get it on the cart she dropped it and one of the corners broke. “Damn,” Brandi hissed as she looked at one of her broken, fake nail tips. “See, I told you I can't do this!” she angrily said.
Aimee rolled her eyes, then quickly knelt down and managed to slide the broken end onto the cart, then pushed up the other side of the box. She shoved the box over, and in four seconds had the other box on the cart. She asked, “Now, do you think you can push the cart without breaking another nail?”
Brandi just glared at her, then pushed the cart through the door as Aimee held it open. As Brandi pushed it through, she gave Aimee a sweet go to hell look, and Aimee gladly returned one. Next Aimee showed her how to inventory the books into the computer, then stock
them. Of course, Brandi didn't offer to help. She just watched Aimee do all of the work. At about five minutes to noon, Brandi asked, “So, when do I get to go to lunch?”
Aimee looked at the clock. “You've only been on the clock for three hours.”
“So?” Brandi replied. “I'm hungry, and I've gotta go pick up something for Andrew. Do I get a lunch, or not?”
Aimee shook her head. “Of course you get a lunch. Why don't you go at noon, then be back at one. I'll grab something really quick from the food court so you're not left alone your first day.”
“What? You think I can't handle myself in this pathetic excuse for a store? Hell, we haven't had but one customer all morning.”
“Just go, Brandi,” instructed Aimee. She had to get Brandi out of the store before she lost it.
It didn't take another request from Aimee for Brandi to grab her purse and push past Aimee, not bothering to excuse herself. Aimee sighed relieved when Brandi disappeared into the crowd. Aimee had seven more hours on her shift, and one less hour of Brandi was a blessing. Aimee opened the second box of books, counted them as she took them out and set them on the countertop. She was entering the book information into the computer, when the door sensor buzzed. She said, “Just a sec. Let me get this last number and I'll be right with you.” Before she could finish entering the number and look up, the customer was at the counter. She looked up and her breath stuck in her throat.
“Hello, Aimee,” greeted Joseph.
“Uh, hello. You're back in Eugene,” she stated nervously.
Cordially, he answered, “Yes. The quarter begins on Monday, remember?”
Aimee replied, “Yes, I know.” She put the book she had just logged back on the cart, trying to avoid looking into his eyes for fear of being pulled into some kind of spell. Finally, she quickly glanced at Joseph. “Can I help you with something?”
“Well, I hope you can,” he answered. “I'm here to pick up that book Jeff put on hold for me.”
“Oh, yeah, I remember,” she said while she searched in the side drawer for the set of keys to Jeff's office. “I'm sure Jeff put it in the safe. Let me go check.”
Aimee speedily left, but looked back before she entered the office. Joseph had his eyes locked on her. She tried to smile before she stepped into the office. Every few seconds she looked out into the store through the open blinds. Joseph had moved over to the rare book display and was checking out books. Finally, Aimee got into the safe and found Joseph's book carefully preserved in a special bag. A ticket was attached to the bag. She relocked the safe and came out of the office. Joseph was looking at some new books she had put up earlier on the center displays. He looked up when she walked out with his bag.
“Oh, great,” he commented as he walked back towards the counter. “I'm glad I popped in.” He stopped at the register, smiled at Aimee as she handed him the package.
“You should check it out one more time before you pay the remaining balance,” suggested Aimee.
Joseph smiled at her, then took the gloves Aimee handed him, slipped them on and carefully slid the book out of the package. He eased the sheathing off the book, examined the cover and binding, then carefully flipped through the pages. “Very well, it's perfect,” he stated as he slipped the book back into the sheathing. Aimee put the book into the package and stuck the gloves Joseph set on the countertop back into the drawer.
“Well,” she commented, “if that's all, the balance is $250.”
Joseph reached around to his back pocket to grab his wallet. He dug out the remaining balance in cash. He tossed the the three bills onto the counter, then replied, “Actually, that's not all I need.”
Aimee looked up into his crystal blue eyes, and instantly felt the magnetism. Like avoiding looking into the sun, she tried to look away. Stuttering, she asked, “What else can I help you with?”
Joseph reached across the counter and placed his hand on hers. Aimee looked down at his hand and instantly pulled hers away like it had been struck by a snake. She looked up into his face. He had a smile on his lips, and his eyes sucked her back into his control. “You know,” he began, and paused while he looked around to see if someone was coming in. No one was, so he continued, “every time we're together, and whenever we touch, something special happens.”
Aimee shook her head. “I don't know what you're talking about.” She started to move away from Joseph. He slowly followed on the other side of the counter.
“You do know what I'm talking about. I see it in your eyes. Some day, soon, you'll decide that it is too difficult to do this just by yourself. You need me...and you want me, and I need you, and I want you,” he said as he stopped and stared at her. Aimee couldn't go any further. She was trapped behind the counter. She couldn't escape if she wanted to. His eyes had her, and all she could do was stare deep into them.
Just then Brandi walked through the door and said, “I'm back.” Brandi took one look at Joseph, who glanced at her, then she stepped quickly over to the register and placed her purse under it on the shelf. “Have you been helped?” she asked Joseph.
Joseph smiled at Brandi, then replied, “Yes, I have.” He walked back to the register and picked up his package from the countertop, smiled at Aimee, then left.
“Wow,” Brandi commented, “that dude's intense.”
Aimee sighed, then asked, “What do you mean?”
“He's absolutely gorgeous, but those eyes are crazy. I could have stared into them all day,” she answered.
“Oh,” Aimee responded. She walked to the front entry, looked into the crowd of people on the lower level, then turned and went back to get her backpack. “I'll be back in about ten minutes. If someone comes in, let them know you're new and not able to run the register yet, apologize for any inconvenience, and tell them I'll be back shortly.”
Brandi rolled her eyes, then replied, “Yeah, sure.”
Aimee's patience was growing thin, but she had to get through the day, and tomorrow. She needed this job to help support her. Dad provided the basics, but she felt she needed to help pay her way. Besides, if she had to move back in with James and Sacha, she needed to pull her third like she had been doing since coming to school. She left rapidly to go get something to eat.
From up on the second level, hidden in the entry of one of the stores, Joseph stood watching over the railing down into the bookstore. He noticed Aimee leave. Immediately, he flew to the escalator, then stepped quickly down, going around a mother with her young child, and looked the direction he thought Aimee went as soon as he got to the bottom. Joseph didn't see her. He looked back the other way, but he didn't spot her that way either so he decided to walk the direction he thought she went. After a couple minutes he knew he had lost her, so he waited a few minutes to see if she would circle back past him. He stood in the center of the mall, glancing every direction, but no Aimee. Finally, he figured she left for the day. He stuffed his package under his arm and went the other direction to the door he had entered into the mall.
Three minutes after Joseph left the last area where he stood waiting for Aimee, she walked past with a hot pretzel and a lemonade. She whizzed into the shop. A young man, probably a UC student, was meandering through the store. He started browsing through the history books. He glanced up at Aimee when she came in, then went back to flipping through the book he had. Aimee raced to Jeff's office to set her snack on his desk, then she returned. “Have you been helped?” Aimee asked.
The young man looked up at Aimee, peeked over at Brandi, and then answered, “No, but I'm still looking. I was wondering if you by chance carry used textbooks.”
Aimee replied, “No, I'm sorry, but we don't. We might have a few of the assigned books for some of the courses, if you can tell me what you're looking for.”
The man said, “I'm good with those. I'm just trying to get a used anatomy book. They want three hundred for it at the bookstore on campus, and I was hoping to find a cheaper, used one.”
“Yeah, I know what you me
an,” Aimee agreed, “but I'm afraid we don't have what you need.”
The young man put his book back into the open slot on the shelf, smiled at Aimee, and said, “Well, thanks anyway.” He left quickly.
Aimee sighed, looked over at Brandi and asked, “Did you even ask if you could help?”
“Nope,” she said while she picked at the broken nail tip. “I figured since you told me to tell anyone who came in while you were gone, I was new and couldn't help them, there wasn’t any point in saying anything.”
Ughhhh! Aimee thought. “But that shouldn't have stopped you from at least asking him if he needed help.” She shook her head and stormed back into Jeff's office. She glanced up at the clock. It read 1:20 pm. Aimee shook her head again. There was no way she could last six more hours with Brandi. Quickly, she downed her pretzel, then gulped her drink while she watched the store. Before she went back on the floor, she took care of business, then checked her phone in her pocket. A text from Dylan sat on the screen. She started to touch it, but couldn't. Aimee didn't think she could handle any more drama. She stuffed her phone back in her back pocket, then headed for the front. Brandi had a magazine spread across the countertop and was flipping through the pages. Aimee stared at her for a couple seconds, then went back over to the box of books by the register that she was logging into inventory. With her head down busily entering numbers into the computer, Aimee said, “I'm entering inventory, if you would like to see how it's done.”
Brandi didn't even look up, but replied, “It looks like you've got that under control.” She shut the magazine, then stepped over to the magazine rack and tossed it on one of the shelves. “Besides,” she started, “I'm only supposed to work until two today, so it's almost time for me to go.”
Aimee peeked up at the clock. It was 1:42. “Well, if you don't want to go over this, why don't you go ahead and clock out.”
Brandi frowned at her, then walked over to the counter where Aimee was working on the register. “Excuse me,” Brandi said shortly. Aimee moved over and Brandi slid past her, reached under the counter and grabbed her purse. Aimee watched as Brandi started tapping the screen of the register to get to the time clock. She at least has that mastered, Aimee mused while Brandi pushed past her, then started out the door. Brandi didn't say another word, just left. Aimee sighed in relief.
The Weird Travels of Aimee Schmidt: Seeking Others Page 32
