Lingerie saleswoman. It had a ring to it, better than catering assistant. Her first real job, a chance to spread her wings and leave the safety of her parents' house. How she admired the women who thought nothing of spending hundreds of pounds on lingerie in what she now thought of as her shop. That would be her one day.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the couple entering the shop. A middle aged, auburn-haired lady and a much younger woman, closer to her own twenty-one years and of similar build, slight without being skinny. They could have been mother and daughter, but something said otherwise.
Katie watched them peruse the items on sale, clearly in no hurry. The older woman would occasionally pause, holding an item against the younger one's body as if imagining her wearing it. There was no dialogue between them, the older woman was clearly making the selections.
Occasionally she caught the younger one glancing across. Trying to make herself look busy, Katie would break eye contact and move to another part of the store, rearranging items or checking sizes. But she would always look back.
Eventually they spoke. Katie watched as the young blonde said something that prompted the older woman to smile. More from the blonde and then they both looked up. Summoning all her courage, Katie smiled and walked over.
'Is there anything I can help you with ladies?'
'We are fine, thank you,' the older woman said dismissively. The blonde gave a resigned smile and followed obediently.