This is the first story I ever wrote. Please feel free to comment and vote. All feedback is greatly appreciated.
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Pulling into the gravel carpark, her headlights formed eerie shadows on the trees as Heather pulled into her usual spot. Resigning herself for another long night at work, she shut off the engine and gathered her few belongings as she climbed out of her old beaten up Toyota. Looking around the parking lot she eyed Juan's sparkling BMW. Her heart skipped a beat as she sighed involuntarily.
Trudging toward the familiar building, Heather smoothed her skirt before entering through the large glass doors. The lights bright and welcoming as she smiled warmly at Kirsten, the chubby cashier, who smiled cheerfully back before returning her attention to her customer.
Working nights suited Heather's life at the moment. With no man to come home to, her tiny one bedroom apartment seemed large and empty in the evenings. Going to work for her local supermarket kept her busy and her mind too preoccupied to dwell on her loneliness. Since her divorce she rarely ventured outside her home, apart from the occasional visit to the store or to the library where she found solace visiting numerous chat sites, talking to friends in far off places on the public computers.
Spotting Juan talking with Michelle, one of the girls from the deli, Heather smiled, trying not to make her attraction toward him obvious. Juan, a tall, dark haired man, strikingly handsome with his European appearance and dazzling smile, looked up to see Heather heading toward them. His smile warm as he greets her.
"Hi, Heather. Looks like we're in for a busy night. The Cromley order has just come in and it's a big one!"
Laughing, his eyes sparkling, Heather laughed along, trying not to sound too eager. Did he hold her gaze a moment longer than usual? Heather thought to herself, brushing it off as being her over active imagination. She took the order from Juan's hands and gazed over it.
"You're right Juan, this will keep us busy all night!" Smiling softly, she took her place behind the counter and prepared to get started.
"Well, I've sliced most of the ham for the order, Heather, but I got busy so I've left it on the slicer for you. Sorry I couldn't do more," Michelle said removing her apron.
"Thanks Michelle, you did great. Any plans for tonight?" Heather asked.
"No, just a quiet one in front of the box'" Michelle giggled. "Have a good night. I'll see you tomorrow."
Watching the dizzy blonde walk toward the staff room, Heather laughed softly to herself before gazing her attention back to the Cromley order.
Busying herself slicing and packing the meat into the coolroom, she hadn't notice Juan approaching behind her. Turning, she jumped.
"Oh, you startled me," Heather laughed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you." Juan chuckled, placing a hand reassuringly on her arm.
The feel of his hand through the sheer fabric of her uniform set off sparks deep within Heather's stomach.
"I came to see if you might like a hand with the order," he continued.
Feeling the heat in her face as she blushed, being all too aware of his hand still on her arm, Heather tried to regain her composure.
"I think I have it under control. There's only the pastrami and pork left to slice. I should have it done." Glancing at the clock, Heather gasped. "And I'd better get a move on or I'll run out of time!"
"I'll give you a hand." Juan offered. Smiling gratefully, Heather watched as he took the pastrami from the cooler and headed toward the slicer.
Heather returned her attention to the task at hand, taking the leg of pork from the shelf and joined Juan at the slicer. Packing the pastrami into the tray, the sound of the slicer broke the silence between the pair as they worked vigorously to finish the order on time. Placing the last tray into the coolroom, Juan wiped his brow.
"Phew," he said smiling and meeting Heather's gaze. "Thank God that's done!" he laughed. "You did a fantastic job to get that all done so fast Heather."
"Thank you for your help." she replied mesmerized by his dazzling smile.
