Page 2 of The Things That Hold Us

I’m not used to seeing someone so large in my shop. Most of my customers are women or elderly folks, but this man resembles a bull in a china shop.

I stand behind the counter pretending I’m doing something important as I watch him for a minute. I can tell he has absolutely no idea what he's looking for and the sight makes me giggle. I should probably go help him.

“Um, sir?” I begin to ask as I round the corner to where he’s looking at old tea pots.

His eyes meet mine, and one of those pesky butterflies slips out.

“Would you like some help? Maybe I can help you narrow down what to get?”

His shoulders lower, and I watch as some of the tension escapes him. I hate myself for wondering what his shoulders would feel like under my hands, but I can’t help my thoughts.

He clears his throat, and I realize not only am I staring, but I’m biting my lip too.

Good Lord Charlie, what is wrong with you?

“Well,” he starts, “she really loves tea sets and old tea pots, so I was thinking of getting these, but I don't really think they’re her style.”

I feel my chest sink. Gosh, I'm so stupid. Of course he's in a relationship, and I'm over here ogling him like a free piece of candy.

“Oh, ok.” I don't know why I feel so stupid, he is literally some random guy who just came into my store, butgodis he gorgeous.

Be professional.

“I actually just got a really beautiful vintage set about an hour ago. I was going to wait to put it out until tomorrow, but I can bring it out to show you if you’d like?”

“That would be great, if you don't mind.”

I smile, and hold a finger up, “Give me just a second.”

I run to the back, grab the vintage chinese tea set and take it out to him. It’s by far one of the prettiest sets I’ve gotten in.

“Here.” I say, holding it out so he can see.

I watch as his eyes light up, and know this is exactly what he was hoping to find.

“This is absolutely perfect.” he beams. “Thank you, she's going to love it.”

His reaction to the tea set causes another one of those pesky butterflies to escape and I smile up at him,“Of course, I’m glad I could help.”

This is why I love what I do. I love seeing people's reaction to gifts they find here, or little trinkets for themselves. I love watching the joy in their face when they find the perfect piece.

We walk over to the counter so I can ring him up and I type in the price for the set since I didn't get to label it yet.

A yawn escapes me and it's too powerful to hold in. I’m so exhausted, if I laid down on this counter, I’d fall asleep with no problem.

I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to look up at him. Especially after how his eyes made me react the last time I looked into them.

“I’m sorry for making you stay later than you normally do.” he says.

I wave a hand, dismissing him, “It’s fine, really. I’m just glad I could help you find the perfect gift.”

Finally, I look up at him as I hand him his bag. Our hands brush for the slightest second and it causes my breath to catch.

I quickly look away, then add, “Just next time, try to come inbeforeI’m closed.”

He chuckles, and the sound sends vibrations throughout my body.

“I promise to make sure you are actually open next time if you can promise to turn your sign around when you’re closed.”

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