Christmas Spirit

But remembering that he was a customer and not a prospective date, Anja dragged her eyes away. “Okay something for your mother” she said getting back to the task at hand. “What sort of woman is she?”

“Intelligent, independent, active. She’s a barrister.”

“Right” Anja said thinking hard about what might be suitable. Most of her stock was on the shabby chic side rather than classic which is what she thought a woman like the mother he had described might like. “Ummm…” she continued beginning to feel dismayed before inspiration hit. Turning to face him she said “how about a photo frame?” She had remembering some sliver frames that she had in stock that were plain enough to fit into just about any setting.

“That could work” he said “I could print off a photo of me to go in it.” He winced as he finished speaking however and added “that sounded conceited didn’t it? I didn’t mean it like that but she’s my mother, you know what they’re like.”

Surprised and happy with his explanation and thinking that any woman, mother or not, would be happy with a photo of this man she smiled and said “I’m sure she’ll love that.”

He smiled again and for a second Anja forgot what she should be doing. He really was an amazing looking man. In the end it was he who broke the connection and Anja let her breath out on a sigh as he turned away. Averting her face so that he could not see the colour seeping into her cheeks again if he looked back at her she said “just over here.” She moved as she spoke and led the way to the back of the store where she had placed the frames on display.

“Have a look around” she said having regained some composure. She was not as desperate to rush him out now. “There are a number of frames scattered throughout these shelves. Take your time and I’ll start packing up while you decide.”

“Thanks” he said throwing her another killer smile.

 Anja returned it with a small one of her own but looked away before she could become lost in his eyes again and moving behind the counter she began her closing up procedures.