“Chrissie you do realise we can talk about this at work. I need to leave my house now so will see you there.”
“Will see you in a bit Nads.”
“Will see you too.”
I hung up the phone, glancing at the clock I realised it was nearing 11am. I grabbed my phone, my bag and jacket and headed out. I briskly walked to the tube station which took less than 10 minutes. It was slightly nippy, the wind was picking up which made me wrap my jacket much tighter around me. I was rubbing my hands together to generate heat but was thankful that as soon as I was in Holland Park underground tube station, the temperature was warming me up. The train going towards eastbound arrived within a minute, the train at this time was not as congested compared to rush hour.
I managed to sit down and instantly in the train and thought of the time when I had seen Blake on the tube. Back then I had not known his identity and remembering the smell of him made me smile. It was amazing how my life had felt like it had changed within a few days. It was crazy to think that after two years of working with Christina that we both were heading in separate directions. I always had wanted to get a promotion and work up within a company whereas Chrissie was more keen to get into forensics. I had not expected this day to be approaching this quick but things could not remain stagnant forever. Life was always evolving and people needed to move on. I was going to try and enjoy this day and not get emotional considering how far both Chrissie and I had grown up, we had matured over the two years. I certainly was going to miss working with her. I felt like I was in a dream state, I had got off at oxford circus and was already on the Victoria line heading to Victoria. I did not bother to sit down as there were only two stops from oxford circus to Victoria. It took four minutes to reach Victoria station, to get the Gatwick Express. The train was already on the platform and was leaving in 5 minutes I sat down in the carriage amongst all the travellers. It took 30 – 45 minutes to get to Gatwick. I checked the time and saw that it was nearing on 12:45pm. As soon as the train stopped, I headed straight to south terminal through to security onto airside. I could not believe that it was the last time I would ever be working in the airport, two years of seeing the sunrise and sunset and now I would be travelling the world. It was a huge chance but one that I was looking partly forward to as well as nervousness and also sad that I won’t be working with Christina ever again. The thought was slightly daunting. I made my way to our compact staff room making two cups of coffee; one for Christina and the other for myself. I took a seat before we started work. I was more than half an hour early I guess I was keen to enjoy my last shift for the final time. Chrissie burst through the door just then throwing herself right into me. We hugged for what felt like a lifetime.
I looked at Christina and for the first time to see that was she in a black dress which is something Christina rarely wears.
“Can you believe it’s our last day working together?” Chrissie whispered in my ear.
“Don’t remind me, I just did not see it coming especially when you told me how you found out I was going to get promoted, I really did not believe it until Mr Richardson announced it just before he was boarding his flight.”
“Your look was absolutely priceless.”
“I am sure it was purely because it was the last thing I had expected in all fairness. It’s taken two years for this promotion and it came at a great time whereby even you Chrissie decided to pursue your long term career to try and get into forensics.”
“I’ll still be moving in with you Nadine, so you wouldn’t have yet gotten rid of me.”
“Remember, to let me know when you’re going to be moving in with me so that I have enough notice to clear out and tidy up the rooms.”
“If I recall Nads the room was spotless, so I don’t know what you’re on about.”
“I think it’s about time we go out its nearing on 1:55pm. By the time we had got on to the shop floor there were cards for the both of us left by our colleagues that were all signed.
“What a thoughtful thing to do leaving our cards bang right in the centre on the displays, I must say that I will miss this place.”
“Me too Chrissie.”
We both decide to get on with what needs to be done. I instantly take a look in the diary to see what things have not yet been taken care of i.e. re arranging the shelves, changing the displays, putting new stock out but there was no memo other than the girls wishing us the best of lucks with our future endeavours.
“Chrissie come and read this.” I shouted to get her attention.
She came over and glanced down at what I was reading, after she had read it, the expression on her face said a thousand words.
“I can’t believe how kind all the girls have been its touching to read it. Who would’ve thought that we would end up leaving this place?”
“I know its crazy how we have been here for over 2 years and now it is all coming to an end.”
“I honestly don’t think there’s much to do considering it looks like everything has been done. No wonder why they hadn’t called us in to work for a few days but then again didn’t we take a few days off?”
“We did take three days off if I vaguely remembered Nadz.”
We decided to just remain on the shop floor waiting for customers to come in or if we saw any customers browsing then we would try and get them to make a purchase. The day surprisingly was dragging which was a first after ages. Just then someone had entered the boutique and it was none other than Daniel Richardson who was dressed a light grey suit with an off pink shirt. Chrissie’s eyes had lit up and she was elbowing me with such a force.
“Can’t you keep still for a second without nudging me with your elbow Chrissie?”
“I just wanted to make you aware that your new partner happens to be here, unless you had not noticed.”
I sure did notice him; it was not hard to miss someone like Daniel. It would be strange working alongside the opposite sex compared to all the years of working with Chrissie.
I could see him making his way towards us.
“Miss Moore, Miss Nixon how are we today? Daniel asks the both of us.
“We are fine, a bit out of sorts considering it will the last ever shift in Gatwick.”
“Nadine, make sure to take Christina’s airside pass with yours and also the keys of the boutique and hand them over to me when you first start your new role.”
“I will do.”
“Are you looking forward to starting your new role with me?”
“I am slightly nervous about it but looking forward to the travelling.”
“Trust me you will love it.”
Christina remained silent throughout the conversation Daniel and I were having. Her head was going back and forth which made me want to smile.
“And you Miss Moore, you looking forward to start your studies?”
Christina was beaming as soon as Daniel had given her all his attention.
“I am most definitely looking forward to it.”
“What will you be studying?” Daniel asks Christina whilst winking at me.
“Forensics with ethical hacking, it’s something I have been keen to do.”
“Sounds fairly interesting, how long is the course for?”
“3 years long anyways where are you travelling to this time?”
“Need to go to Italy, Rome but will be there for just one day and one night and will be back in time to show my new partner here the ropes, as much as I would love to talk girls I need to be boarding my flight.”
“Have a safe trip and enjoy the flight Mr Richardson.” Christina is looking at him like she’s secretly undressing him with her eyes which I hadn’t failed to notice.
“Have a safe trip Daniel and will see you at work.” I state nervously.
“Thank you Nadine, I shall be looking forward to working with you when I get back.”
As he was walking out of the boutique Chrissie’s attention was clearly on his arse, I knew I was shaking my head at her.
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“Why are you shaking your head for?”
“Honestly Chrissie, you couldn’t have made that more obvious. You were literally eye balling the guy, un-wrapping him like he was a chocolate from a Cadbury box of roses.
“Surely you can’t blame me. Did you not see that package? I bet he must be ripped and all muscular, would love to run my hands down him.”
“I really do not have a clue how you can tell that man has a great package or whether he is muscular, he was fully dressed from head to toe and on top of that his shirt wasn’t clinging to him like a glove to hand, as far as I could make out he looked slender to me. As for that last remark, that’s just too much information.”
Christina had the most mischievous smile on her face.
“Why are you beaming like that?” I asked.
“Because you will have to work with him, can you imagine travelling with that guy, I am sure he wouldn’t have glitches in that department of getting things going.”
“I would rather not think of it, surely you know I would not date anyone I worked with, I would be stupid enough as both you and I know how things could get awfully complicated and I don’t need to remind you but there’s only person whom I have eyes for and that will be only Blake.”
“Hmm that’s true; you were never the type to be promiscuous. I on the other hand well I won’t say no if the chance cropped up with Daniel. Surely he must have women flocking to him.”
“I certainly won’t be one of them; maybe you might be on the other hand.”
“He seems like a cool guy though, I am just glad I won’t be working with him, he would be a major distraction for me which is why I think it’s great you Nadine finally got the promotion you were after.”
“That’s such a generous thing to say, I am just grateful that both of us will be moving on to better things in life especially in our careers.”
“Too right. Onwards and upwards I say!”
“By the way Nadine it’s that time for you to go on your first break, its nearing on 4pm.”
“I had not noticed the time. I don’t have a clue what to eat but I think I will browse around.”
“Enjoy your first break Nadz.”
“I will do hopefully it won’t get busy whilst you’re all alone”
“Surely you should know that even when I have been by myself I can just about manage.”
“Touché.”
I left the shop floor and headed back to our staff room to grab my purse. I was not feeling hungry but slightly peckish and decided on buying a packet of crackers and a packet of sweet biscuits as well as having a cup of tea. I quickly went to the nearest shop located to our office and bought plain crackers and jaffa cakes and briskly walked back to the office to make my tea. I quickly had placed my purse back in my bag and glanced at my phone to see if I had any messages or miss calls but there was one message that I had noticed from earlier on and knew it was Daniel. The message had read: Nadine it was nice seeing you today, hope you’re looking forward to working with me. Trust me you’ll love it. Will drop you a message the night before, you start your new role with all the details. Take care. Dan.
I ended up sitting down on the couch, resting my feet. It was strange that I had not heard from Blake considering I remember giving him my number, but then again what was I expecting? The poor guy had been shot at and was in hospital. He clearly had not deserved it but again I wasn’t aware of his past. If it had anything to do with my dream, maybe it could all be interlinked with what could have happened to his sister but I have yet to find out the real truth when that time comes. I sipped the hot cup of tea with a few jaffa cake biscuits and decide to close my eyes. I listen to the hustle and bustle of the on goings that surround me, knowing that this will be the last time and day where I get to sit here. I glance at the clock and realise that I am due back on the shop floor to relieve Christina. I chuck away the wrappers and head out back to the boutique.
It seemed fairly quiet, Chrissie looked like she was far away thinking about god knows what.
“Earth to Christina, it’s time for your break; was it by any chance busy?”
“Not at all it’s been very quiet; I was just thinking the very first time we met and worked on our first day. It was slightly awkward to begin with don’t you remember?”
“Course I remember, you were so loud which is no change, but thankfully you have slightly toned it down. What was the word I had used to describe you? Was it brash?”
“Yeah it was and the funniest thing I had no idea what that word meant, I even asked you to explain it and the look you gave me was priceless, you were pussy footing on how to explain it without offending me.”
“I guess ever since then, I got used to your ways and now look at us; we are practically the opposites of one another and still we have become not only work mates but best friends. You best go on your break though and we shall continue reminiscing about the first time we worked together.”
I watched as Chrissie walked out, leaving me all alone on the shop floor. I decided there was no chance I was going to stand here like a lemon, I had to keep myself preoccupied and saw the duster. I know had Chrissie seen me at this precise moment she would said my obsessive compulsive disorder is back with a vengeance. There were various songs playing in the boutique and the one that was playing was Bruno mars – treasure. I was dusting and pirouetting around with a duster dancing to the music; using the duster like a guitar, moving side to side and bopping my head to the beat. I had not noticed that a few people were gawking at me but I was not bothered. It felt like a long time since I had enjoyed dancing like a fool especially at work which I had not done since the first time Chrissie and I had started working. It brought the memories back she thinking I was such an introvert that I could not let loose and boy did I surprise Christina. I guess that’s when she started to invite me on nights out. I had never had someone to help me see life in all the glory; I had not experienced any fun until I had met Chrissie which I guess I will always be thankful to her. Just then I heard someone in stitches and knew it was none other than Chrissie.
I danced my way to her wriggling my hips with the duster in my hand for old time’s sake I was determined to enjoy our last time here working at Gatwick.
“Seems like your having a whale of a time, let me join the party.” Chrissie says giggling. We must look like a right sight for travellers passing us by. Seen as the shop was quiet, we started to get attention from onlookers. Now both of us was dancing to Macklemore – can’t hold us. I was still dusting with new enthusiasm whilst Christina was shuffling to the beat. We both were so caught up that we did not realise that a few people were filming us on their phone. The song was reaching the end Chrissie and I dancing in sync shuffling with our shoulders, I couldn’t remember when we had so much fun like this on the shop floor. I was sure that our manager would be seeing this on the CCTV probably thinking we were nuts or possessed. We had no care in the world, surely had we done this when we had first started, we definitely would’ve got the sack. Once the song had ended we heard a loud applause from those who had watched us, we bowed like we were performers truly enjoying the experience.
“What a performance! An on looker shouted at us.
“Thank you! It was just a celebration of us working here as it’s our last shift ever.” We exclaimed.
We both got back to work. I had completed the dusting whilst I was dancing and Christina was at a loss not knowing what to do.
“That was truly an exhilarating moment; I had not expected to come back to the shop floor to see you getting down to the music.”
“I guess I had a flash back to the first time you dared me to let loose and I was keen to relive it.”
“You had my in stitches seeing you waving that duster like a French maid. Just in case you had no idea you are meant to be on your last break now.”
“Thought we should have a good laugh considering we won’t be working together much longer, already my last break?”
; I scarpered off before we got up to more antics. Surely our manager may not approve of what had just taken place. I decided again to have something light yet that was filling and bought a sandwich with a drink. I scoffed in down within minutes keen to get back to the shop floor. I wanted to cherish the time we had and treasure the last time working in the boutique. I scuttled back to the shop after 20 minutes.
“Someone seems keen to work.”
“Honestly as I have repeatedly said I was determined to have as much fun working here. It’s a new start for the both of us after tonight, enjoy your last break Chrissie.”
Whilst Christina left the floor, I got the diary back out and left a message for the team. Stating my thanks for everything and how both Chrissie and I loved every minute, I even added a p.s with an apology in regards to the antics that had taken place only an hour ago. I glanced at the clock it was nearing 9pm. It saddened me that it was the final time we would be closing the shop. Christina had already come back, just like me I think she was keen to make the most of the last time being here. We started counting the stock and doing the till checks at around 9:15pm. By the time it was 9:20pm we had completed everything, we turned off the music system and for the last time used our keys to close the shutter and turn the lights off. Christina had already made her way to the office. An announcement called stating that it’s the final calls for those travelling to New York; just as I was walking to the office someone had bumped into me and dropped a leaflet. As soon as I turned around to try and see who it was I could see it was a tall man with bleach blond hair. Even though I hadn’t seen him completely, I had the feeling I knew him or had seen him before.
“Excuse me!!! I shouted at the top of my lungs.
The man continued to walk even at a faster pace. When I glanced down at the leaflet it stated a charity fundraiser for doctors and instantly my breath stopped. Surely it couldn’t be Doctor Lawson. Had it been him, wouldn’t he at least have the audacity to say hello and let me know any updates on Blake? Or was it just my mind playing tricks on me? I felt a chill run down my spine. I decided to keep the leaflet and headed to the office.
Vanished: What Would You Do If The Love Of Your Life Disappeared Without A Trace? (Nadine's quest to unravel the truth Book 1) Page 11
