Rising Within

Unexpected Encounter

Dionne

I couldn’t stop looking at the time. I swear it was five o’clock, three hours ago.

“Come on, half an hour to go,” I muttered to myself, my feet too heavy to even move and rest against the counter.

Lisa was taking her sweet ass time to get back from the toilet and I was eager to pack up and get this show on the road. It had been a long day going over all the half jobs left behind from yesterday’s staff and every customer seemed to be purposely painful. For an instant, I zoned out in thought but jumped out of my skin when I realized I was being watched. How long was he standing there for?

Slowly, I raised my eyes to greet the customer. His cheeks blushed, mirroring mine as we both became obviously embarrassed.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” I quickly straightened out my black uniform in a swoosh with my slightly clammy hands as I emerged from behind the counter.

His eyes danced, following me. A sweet smile slowly forming on his lips. Whoa, they were plump for a man with his features. Dark lashes brushed over amber eyes. His gaze felt piercing yet soft, the corners of his eyes easing off with his smile. Brushing his sun-kissed shoulder-length mane nervously back in place to reveal the freshly shaved undercut. He crinkled his nose cheekily.

“I’m so sorry I startled you, I didn’t mean to…” He gestured his hand in my direction.

“Oh, it’s ok. I don’t even remember what had me deep in thought. How can I help you this evening?” Walking past him, I was engulfed by his presence, his smell taking me by surprise, and more so my obvious long sniff in his direction.

MMmm leather and spice.

What the? Did I just do that?

There’s no way he noticed, right? But just then Lisa bounced through the shop door, she stood at an immediate halt processing the situation, mouth gaping as she watched me sniffing out a customer. A blush poured over me again, and the customer’s hand grazed mine tenderly.

“Are you alright…Dionne?” He eyed the name badge on my breast and by the quiver in his voice I could tell he hoped he had pronounced it correctly. His attention never leaving me.

“I’m sorry, yes I am. I just had this weird familiar vibe from you. Never mind, let’s get back to it. Are you looking for a gift or something for yourself…?” I paused before asking his name, but he filled in the blank himself.

“Elias. Nice to meet you Dionne!” His smile turned mischievous; I must have missed something.

I ushered him towards our pricier items, assuming he was buying for his lady. Secretly I hoped he wasn’t. At least I could try and make a budget.

“Yes, I’m buying for someone very special to me, she’s known me all my life!” He announced, but there was such curiosity on his face awaiting my response.

“Aww, very sweet. I’ll show you this set. It’s one of my favourites, and a definite heart stopper.”

Pulling a beautiful white gold and diamond halo earring and pendant set out of the lockup drawer, he watched me carefully present the jewellery. I tried to hide my disappointment in my voice. I mean, since when did I expect to pick up a customer even if they were mighty fine? It just wasn’t me. He picked up the pendant and traced the intricate detail on the side, a filigree design etched into it and adorned by pink and white diamonds.

I rolled my lips over my teeth, hoping the butterflies in my stomach were not visible on the outside. Damn, his scent hit me again, this time making me feel giddy. A deep noise formed at the back of my throat, but I think I managed to mask it by pretending to clear it. Lisa giggled as she finally took her stance behind the counter, intrigued by the display in front of her. Her curls bobbing this way and that as she followed our dialogue. Elias smiled again, ruffling his hair.

I tightened my knees together. What the hell is overtaking me? I must be feeling a little unwell. And suddenly hungry, I sure felt hungrier than ever! After the sales pitch, he gestured to the counter.

“I’ll take it all, I think you are right, she will absolutely love this. Thank you for your last-minute help. You’ve saved my ass for sure.”

Handing over his card to endure the $5000 damage, I thought how lucky his girl must be for this gorgeous birthday present. Elias gently placed one hand into the gift bag I handed him, and then the other over mine. It seemed like we were there stuck in time, but it must have only been seconds. His eyes swept down at me and he was far too close to me.

“Really Dionne, Thank you.”

And with that he turned and vanished out of the jewellery store, taking with him my next breath.

“That was intense girl!” Lisa sung at me.

I gave her a knowing look and ushered her to move her ass and close the store. It was enough excitement for the evening.

“Budget done, put it here baby,” Lisa made her way back to me, slapping our hands in unison.

“Now shut that door, let’s get outta here!” But as authoritative as my voice echoed, I couldn’t control how weak my knees were still feeling.