Wednesday was as boring as Tuesday, which was as boring as Monday. No one had checked on her at all for a couple of days. She pondered over the fact that she’d considered quitting her job after her telling off. On her ten pound per week allowance her parents gave her, before she started work, she couldn’t even afford a proper trip to the cinema, which to her meant a ticket, some nachos and a large cola.

The door made a ping as a man entered. The tall man in the suit stopped at the counter and looked past her. He opened his mouth to speak then stopped. He reminded her of her father, all suited up with a tie. Receding hairline. Expensive-looking watch. Her dad had once owned a Rolex too. He was handsome in a way, for an older man, but she wasn’t into that. He was probably in his fifties, like her dad. She preferred boys of her own age or just a little bit older, not like a couple of her friends. His gaze met hers. She glanced over his shoulder and spotted the silver car in the car park. It was the man who’d been watching her.

An icy shiver ran up her spine. She gulped as he stood in front of the door, blocking the exit. Her breathing quickened as she took a step back.

‘Can I help you?’ she asked as she fiddled with the corner of her tabard, trying to control the tremble that was working its way through her body.

‘I’m just looking.’ He walked over to the jam and honey and fiddled with the jars. He glanced back as she stared at him, open-mouthed, not knowing what to do or say next. ‘Sorry, I’m just after something for my wife, are you okay?’

She nodded and dropped her shoulders. Maybe she’d got him all wrong. It might be like Mrs Hanley was saying. Perhaps he pulled in for a break occasionally and decided to come in the shop this time. Stop being an idiot Elisa. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. ‘I’d recommend the honey if you’re looking for something to go on toast.’ Maybe if she shifted a bit of honey, Mrs Hanley would be pleased. She’d also spent ages making a honey pyramid by the entrance.

‘Not the jam? My wife prefers jam on her toast.’

‘The jam stinks,’ she whispered, hoping that he’d act a little friendlier and put her at ease. ‘The honey is local and is far superior.’

‘Thank you for the warning.’ He grabbed five jars, some set and some runny. She’d definitely formed the wrong opinion of him. Smiling, she took the jars from him and led him to the counter.

The man followed her and once again began looking over her shoulder into the staff area. ‘Is there anything else I can get you?’ She fiddled with her hair as the man’s gaze slowly met hers, the shiver up her spine returning. She wanted him to hurry up and leave. If he took a step closer to her, she’d run as fast as she could up the stairs, straight into the office.

‘Huh?’

‘Sweets, chutneys, anything else?’ Her voice cracked as she forced the words out.

‘No, thanks. Who else works here with you?’

He was getting creepy. As he awaited her answer, a loud chugging noise came from above them. Someone was printing and the old printer made a racket. She smiled and pointed to the ceiling. ‘There is always someone else on the premises.’

He nodded before leaving fifteen pounds on the counter and rushing out of the door. His transaction only added up to twelve pounds fifty. She rung up the transaction and placed the two pounds fifty change into her pocket. It was the least she deserved after almost being scared to death by the creepy customer. She ran to the door, checking that he wasn’t coming back. His car turned onto the main road, heading to Cleevesford, as before.

Mrs Hanley came down the stairs. Elisa dashed back behind the counter and began cleaning the glass.

‘How are things going?’ she asked.

She smiled. ‘Okay, but—’

‘But?’ She waited for her to continue. ‘Look, about the other day when you came upstairs—’

‘I’ve forgotten about that, I shouldn’t have come up.’ She gave her a goofy smile. ‘It’s a customer. He just came in and creeped me out. That’s all.’

‘I see. If anyone comes in and bothers you, just give us a shout. Did he bother you?’

‘No, he just seemed a bit weird. It’s probably just me. It’s nothing. I’m being an idiot.’

Mrs Hanley responded with a broad smile. ‘You’re here on your own most of the time. I suppose you feel a little vulnerable. It’s normal to feel like that. If you’re ever worried, you just have to shout up the stairs.’

‘Thanks, Mrs Hanley.’

Mrs Hanley grabbed her phone and held it to her ear as she headed back into the staff area before stomping back up the stairs.

Elisa’s phone beeped. It was Ethan offering to pick her up from work. She listened to Mrs Hanley settling back in her creaky chair before she replied, accepting his offer straight away. They could go cruising and at least if the creepy man came back at closing time, Ethan would see him off if he came near her. She shivered at the thought.