This has the makings of a series. Purely introduction today. Hope it whets your appetite...
The Rug Traders
'Better early than late' Emma thought to herself as she carefully stepped off the now stationary bus onto the concrete footpath awaiting. She had arrived in Watea Park for her job interview with 40 minutes to spare. As the local stores were just about to open for the days trading, Emma was sure she could wile away the extra time at her disposal , no problem.
Watea Park was predominantly a commercial/retail shopping area. Located on the fringe of an industrial area, it catered for furniture and furnishings, home improvement, lighting, appliances, flooring and office products, with some banking and eateries woven into the mix for convenience. The Main Street also offered a cinema complex, laser tag and ten pin bowling as a relief from retail therapy. Weekends were particularly busy for Watea Park as couples and families came out to make their buying decisions.
It wasn't that Emma was specifically looking to get back into retail, but in this economy a job was a job and she was ready for change in her predictable life of nearly 20 years. As a people person, she suited customer service. She was of pleasing appearance. Of moderate height, her hair was naturally blond, tied up in a pony tail and complemented a face with deep blue eyes, fine cheek bones, a light complexion and a warm friendly smile. While by no means a stunner, she could give anyone a run for their money for 'Miss Girl Next Door'.
Giving herself a once over, she hoped she wasn't overdressed for her appointment at OfficeWorld. She had chosen for the occasion a white short-sleeve blouse accented by a black woven v-neck vest, a black pin stripe skirt that reached just above her knees, flesh coloured hose and her calf-hugging, high heeled, black leather boots. She felt a certain self confidence in this outfit and was sure she would merit attention.
OfficeWorld was the third store in a block of three laid back from the road behind a generous car park that ran before all three. The other two were 'Kingdom of Rugs' and 'Curtain Corner' (which was in the centre). Choosing where to spend her time, she reasoned 'well it's either rugs or curtains for me'. Preferring the first option, she crossed the car park towards the store. Noticing the hanging canvas sign above the door, she chuckled at the pigeon English slogan - 'WE TRADE YOU FOR RUGS'. She let her smile soften as the automatic glass doors parted to welcome her in.