Service - Part 1 free porn video

Monday 8th March, 2021; 07:47 The corporate takeover of our formerly independent healthcare store, Maxson's, by a company known as Simeon Paydes International, had been the talk of the staff for weeks. Our town, Lynton, wasn't the largest, and most businesses there had been small family-run things since time immemorial. There were countless worries and concerns from staff that a corporate shake-up would result in job losses, and whilst we had been assured that wouldn't be the case it hadn't done anything to allay most people's fears - and certainly not mine. My GP had had to increase my Citalopram dose twice so far. I was probably one of the most worried - partly because of my predilection for anxiety - but because my 'job' at Maxson's wasn't really a job. I suppose to properly explain I need to recap some things a little bit - but as my therapist told me to stop reliving past memories over and over in my mind I'm going to try to keep things brief. Here we go: My name is Luke Haynes. I'm 21 years old, 5'8", average build, shoulder length straight brown hair, and brown eyes. Only son of Sandra and Peter Haynes. I've always been softly-spoken and mild-mannered, but anxiety first started to rear its ugly head when I first entered puberty and hasn't let up since. I'd wanted to go to university to study pharmacology and become a pharmacist, had no issue getting the grades I needed, but after a couple of weeks into my studies, in a strange big new city, I suffered a nervous breakdown and needed to come home to stay with my mum and dad again. It's now three years on and I've made questionable progress on returning to my desired path in life. My mum managed to arrange a 'long-term work experience-esque' job role at Maxson's that would allow me to assist in the pharmacy dispensary - a position where I could gain useful pharmacology experience whilst not needing to be customer-facing. I'm forever grateful to her for getting me the job, as whilst the work was a bit repetitive - cough syrups, antihistamines, and Viagra being the mainstays of the town's pharmacy requirements - I knew she'd spent several nights over at Mr Maxson's office debating the terms of my job role before he agreed to employ me. Such a tenuous half-job, half-favour arrangement, however, was the reason I was so concerned about the big changeover. If they were looking for anomalies in staffing or staff to cut to save money and improve efficiency, my head would probably be the first on the block. The one thing that weighed in my favour was my detailed knowledge of the pharmacy stock cupboard and complex order form system, which would almost certainly take a long time for my replacement to figure out. That and the fact the pay for my job role was minimum wage, and Maxson's definitely got their money's worth from me. There were others, surely, that would be axed before me. Others who were paid more and did less, or others who saw their job at Maxson's as an act of loyal service to an old family business and would sooner jump off a cliff than serve a corporate chain. One employee I knew would be safe from termination was Ashley Proud. She was 28 years old, and for the 5 years she'd been working at Maxson's she had undeniably claimed the spot of the shop's raw sex appeal. Ashley worked the make-up counter alongside Beverley, but Beverley was a short and tubby woman who'd long passed the menopause, whilst Ashley was hot, young, and single and ready to mingle. I, for one, had developed a crush on her since the day I'd started at Maxson's. My mum had always been a 'live and let live' sort of woman, otherwise I'd describe Ashley as a girl you'd be afraid to take home to your mother. She was absolutely lovely and sweet as can be, don't get me wrong, but from an external perspective she looked like if Barbie had been released in a Chav special edition. Big, wavy blonde hair. Big, bright blue eyes. Big, bouncy round... chest. Never seen without a full face of make-up, her infamous gold hoop earrings and at least one button on her uniform top straining to contain her... chest. She was the sort of woman that made men stray into the make-up and beauty section of the shop, which - take it from me - is saying a lot. I always used to find the more womanly areas of shops a nightmare for inducing my anxiety, but once I'd met Ashley in the breakroom one day not long after starting I'd never felt nervous walking across to her counter. I don't think she knew about my crippling crush on her, or if she did she had the kindness not to tease me about it. That was another wonderful thing about Ashley - she was always happy and cheerful, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and always tried to help out. Not only the men who came to Maxson's loved wandering by her counter, but the women did too - sometimes for gossip, sometimes for advice, but always with glee to see Ashley on shift. I didn't know anyone who was ever as pleased to see me as everyone seemed pleased to see Ashley. I mean, Ashley always seemed happy to see me, but then she did so with everyone, so I'm not sure that counts. Case in point - whilst everyone else on that Monday morning was stressing and muttering about the new boss who was due to meet all of the existing staff in one-on-one 'welcome sessions' later that day, Ashley was bright and beaming with enthusiasm to meet him and make a good first impression. The only concrete details we had about him so far was that his name was Mr Paul Lawson, but as always plenty of people thought they'd heard rumours... Rumour 1: "I heard he was the one who spearheaded the takeover of that bookshop, Holyoak, downtown. They did alright out of it, so maybe we will too? Odd for the same company to want to buy a bookshop and a healthcare shop, though, isn't it?" Well, my dad worked at that bookshop, Holyoak, so I'd have to check with him later. Rumour 2: "I heard his wife passed away recently and he's not got over her loss. They say he was much softer beforehand but afterwards became a lot more work-oriented. Bet he's a bit of a taskmaster. Awful to lose someone so young, though." Well, I've no idea where that information would come from. His demeanour would become obvious on meeting him, but such pertinent family information? Who knew? Rumour 3: "I heard he likes to employ only female staff. You know you mentioned that bookshop? Well, my cousin's nephew's brother used to work there - as well as his friend - and now whenever I pass by looking for them I only ever see women staffing the tills." Again, something to check with my dad, but probably bullshit. After all, my dad was still employed doing the bookshop's finances, so that categorically proved that wrong. To be honest there were probably about a billion other rumours spouted that morning, but I'd just be wasting time writing down any more. I didn't care to indulge in rumour sharing or spreading - my mind was adept enough at generating baseless worries without any outside assistance. I knew my one-on-one welcome session was due just after my lunch break, and that was enough for me. If I could just make it through the session without collapsing in a nervous heap, I was hopeful I could keep my position at Maxson's despite the change in ownership. Failing that, maybe I'd have to get my mum to spend several evenings in the new boss' office sorting out the terms of my employment as well. "G-good morning, Ashley! When's your welcome session with the new boss?" I asked, stuttering slightly, as I carried a box of pharmacy supplies past the make-up stand. It was quite heavy, so I placed it down on the desk as I awaited her response. "Good morning, hun!" Ashley chirped, looking up from the magazine she was flicking through. Her eyelashes were heavy with mascara, yet this didn't prevent her opening her eyes wide with energetic optimism. "I think mine's just before my lunch break. When's yours?" "Mine's just after my lunch break," I replied, smiling. "At 1pm." "Awh, so you'll be just after me! I'll try to put a good word in for you with the new boss," Ashley beamed. "Not that I reckon you'll need it, sweetie - no-one knows more about the runnings of our pharmacy than you! Well, apart from John but I reckon he'll retire soon now that old Maxson's gone, don't you?" "T-thanks, Ashley," I blushed, thankful for her praise. "Yeah, possibly," I nodded. John Rattley had worked in the pharmacy since he'd been my age and been good friends with Mr Maxson. I hadn't immediately thought of him being one of the staff members lost in the corporate takeover, but thinking about it now it made sense. Who would be in charge of the pharmacy then, though? I wasn't qualified, and there was no-one else in the shop able to run it. "I reckon he will," Ashley repeated, leaning forwards in a conspiratorial manner. "I think Beverley might take early retirement, too. Then you'll be in charge of the pharmacy and I'll run make-up and beauty, and before you know it we'll be effectively running the shop!" she tittered, gently tapping my shoulder. The physical contact was enough to make me shiver with delight, but I tried to remain composed. Plus, Ashley talking as if we were close friends - or, my deluded mind thought, something even closer - put me in a very good mood indeed. In fairness, any time I spent with her made me happy. "I s-suppose that depends on what the new boss is like," I countered. "Mr Lawson could be very controlling when it comes to the running of the shop." "Eh, maybe," shrugged Ashley, the action of which made the top buttons on her black uniform shirt groan. "I'm not worried about the new boss. Old Maxson was fine and all, but he wasn't perfect either. All bosses have their good parts and bad parts, and this Mr Lawson will be just the same. You stick with me, hun - I'll make sure you're alright." "T-thanks again, Ashley," I smiled. My eye caught sight of one of the wall clocks and, realising that I'd spent too long nattering when I should be delivering the supplies box down to the stock cupboard to sort before opening, decided I needed to set off. "I'll see you later after your meeting!" "See you later, sweetie!" I heard Ashley call after me as I scuttled away, box in hands. Monday 8th March, 2021; 12:49 I arrived early outside the new boss' office, too nervous to risk being late and too nervous to eat or enjoy my lunch break anyway. I'd been to Mr Maxson's office before in the past, so being sat on the plastic chairs lined up in a row outside the door wasn't unfamiliar to me. The new boss had wasted no time in changing the name on the door, though - instead of the faded bronze plate that had read: M. Maxson, Owner - it had been replaced by a fresh, shiny gold plate with black text etched into it which proclaimed: Paul Lawson, Lead Manager. The new nameplate certainly conveyed a higher sense of professionalism and seriousness. I gulped and stared down at my shoes, ensuring my laces were tied. The last thing I needed was to stand up and enter Mr Lawson's office only to trip and fall flat on my face. As I waited I was able to hear muffled conversation and laughter from behind the door. I realised I must be catching the end of Ashley's meeting, and whilst I didn't want to do something as disrespectful as listening in to their conversation, it was hard not to catch parts of what they were talking about. Much like I'd assumed, it sounded as if it was going very well for Ashley. Time ticked by - I watched the second hand of the clock on the wall complete its circuit several times - each minute bringing new worries and new attempts to contain them. The cheerful, flowing conversation punctuated by Ashley's joyful giggling and what I could only assume was Mr Lawson's deep, rumbling chuckle, continued at an unfaltering pace. 1pm came and went. I checked my watch and my phone to make sure the clock wasn't lying - and if anything it was slow. I had the time as 13:06, and still Ashley and Mr Lawson chatted away happily. Maybe this was a good thing, I thought to myself. Maybe if Ashley had put the new boss in a really good mood he'd be in a lenient mindset for when I went in, and it wouldn't matter even if I did screw up a bit. Maybe Ashley's interview was taking longer because she was putting in a good word for me? Maybe if Ashley's interview overran more and Mr Lawson got behind in his schedule he'd speed through mine and I'd have to endure an awkward discussion for less time? 13:14. As slowly as time had passed in the lead up to the proposed start time of my meeting with the new boss, it was now flying by. Hopefully this didn't mean my interview would go on for longer than scheduled, I thought to myself. Initial reassurances about the length of Ashley's interview began to falter, and doubt chipped away at me as I waited... and waited. What if Ashley wasn't putting in a good word for me, but instead telling Mr Lawson what a little loser I was? What if she was aware of my massive crush on her and she was laughing with him about how annoying and pathetic I was and how he needed to not just fire me, but humiliate me too? What if-? My spiralling insecurities were interrupted by the door opening just as the clock ticked on to 13:21. Ashley tottered out first, still smiling and giggling, and gave me a happy little wave as she noticed me sat there. "Hi, hun!" she grinned. "I put in a good word for you," she whispered, giving me a playful wink which made me smile gratefully. Before I could whisper back thanks to her, however, Mr Lawson swaggered out of his office into the doorframe, where his broad, muscular build fitted the gap snugly. He was tall, too - definitely over 6 foot, maybe 6'2" - but the next obvious thing about his physical appearance was that his skin was a deep, chocolatey brown. Lynton wasn't exactly the multicultural hub of Britain - in fact, I'd seen more non-white people in my few weeks away at university than I'd ever seen in my life in Lynton before then - but I wasn't someone who'd adopted closed-minded racist opinions. I was too anxious and socially awkward to afford to differentiate people in any other way than my simple sorting method of: can I actually talk to this person, or will I descend into a stuttering, sweating mess? As Mr Lawson loomed into view, standing confidently in the doorway with a big smile shining on his face, I mentally sorted him into the latter category. As someone who exudes nervous energy like a neutron star, encountering someone who radiates a supernova of confidence put me on edge. Ashley was one of the rare exceptions, but a large part of my being able to manage being around her was my all-consuming crush on her - it pushed out even the worst anxious thoughts. Mr Lawson ran a large hand through his short black hair, which was freckled with dark grey strands, and turned to look down at where I was sitting on my plastic chair. "Sorry, Luke - Ashley and I quite lost track of time," he smiled, flashing a sideways glance at Ashley. "I hope you've not been waiting too long?" Mr Lawson asked, reaching out a hand to shake mine. I nervously met his hand and found myself pulled to my feet, firmly but not roughly, by his comfortably powerful grip. His handshake was similarly firm but not rough, conveying the sense of a man who was strong yet gentle. I couldn't help but wonder what his perception of my handshake was like - it was probably a world away from his coolly confident one. "N-no, sir," I stammered in response as he broke the handshake and stepped back, gesturing for me to enter his office. "I'll see you around, Ashley," Mr Lawson waved as Ashley smiled at us both and turned to sashay away down the corridor; back towards the shop floor. I felt Mr Lawson's hand on my shoulder, turning me away from staring dumbly at the sway of Ashley's hips, guiding me into his office. "Now then, Luke, let's have a proper introduction, shall we? Please, have a seat," Mr Lawson gestured to a padded wooden chair sat opposite the new, impressive oak desk that had replaced Mr Maxson's tatty old one. I placed my bottom down in the chair steadily as I heard Mr Lawson close the door behind us and saw him stride round to the other side of the desk and place himself down in his imposing high-backed chair behind. Once he was comfortable he leaned back, steepled his fingers together, and smiled. "So, Luke - can I call you Luke?" Mr Lawson asked. "Oh, of - of course, sir," I replied, trying to be as respectful as I could in order to get off on the right foot. "Excellent," he smiled. "I myself am perfectly happy to be referred to as 'Mr Lawson', but if you're more comfortable calling me 'sir' that's fine by me too. Now, one of the things I've found out through these sessions today is that whilst I'm relatively well informed about my new staff - thanks to the personnel files - my new staff are relatively poorly informed about me. So please, think of this not as an interrogation for me to learn more about you - I know what I need to know for now - but more as a chance for us to have a chat about what's brought us both to this healthcare store and what we can do for the store moving forwards, okay?" "Yes, sir," I replied. "T-thank you, sir." Whilst that all sounded relatively innocent and positive, Mr Lawson's comment about knowing what he needed to know for now had a barb to it that worried me. "Fantastic. Now, let me tell you a little about myself and address some of the rumours I've heard floating around. Your friend Ashley was very helpful in informing me of some of the talk from the shop floor," Mr Lawson smiled. "Where to start? Well, what brings me to Lynton I suppose. Sadly, my wife Martha passed away after a long illness about 6 years ago. My sons and I moved to Lynton from Kirtlee for a fresh start shortly afterwards, and - well, I'd been the manager of a bookshop back in Kirtlee and wanted to do the same here if possible. I don't know if you know Holyoak bookshop down on Broad Street?" "I do, sir," I nodded. "My f-father works there doing the finances. And - and I'm sorry for your loss," I added. Mr Lawson gave a sad smile. "Thank you, Luke," he replied. There was a pause, then Mr Lawson's brow furrowed slightly. "Your father works at my bookshop? Remind me of his name?" "P-Peter Haynes, sir," I said. Mr Lawson's face lit up with recognition and a smile crept across his face. "Ah yes," he nodded. "Your father is one of my hardest workers. He's tireless. I feel guilty for not immediately remembering him from your surname. Do you still live with him and your mother?" "I do, sir," I replied, smiling with pride that my dad was renowned as a hard worker. A selfish thought briefly flashed into my mind that Mr Lawson might think that I would follow in my father's footsteps and be a hard worker too, and thus more likely to keep me on the payroll. "Both my sons still live with me, too," Mr Lawson smiled. "I'm a big believer in family, and I like to view my businesses as a family too. When I took over as manager of Holyoak bookshop I like to think I made it a far warmer and more welcoming place to work, and it all comes down to good communication. People being open and honest with one another, you understand me Luke? For example: my eldest son, Ryan, couldn't stand open water when he was little - so much so that he couldn't go near beaches. If I'd not listened to him, or if he hadn't felt able to tell me, then whenever he threw a tantrum about a planned day trip to the seaside I wouldn't have known why he was so upset. Instead, he was honest with me and I was understanding, and we worked together to move on from his fear. Now, whilst I can't say he loves swimming in the ocean, he can at least spend a day on the beach comfortably!" Mr Lawson chuckled. "T-that's very good to hear, sir," I smiled in acknowledgement of his story. I knew my father had certainly seemed more relaxed and happy since Holyoak had changed administration as well, which helped to soothe my concerns about what would happen here at Maxson's. "Anyway - as to why I wanted to branch out into managing a healthcare shop," Mr Lawson continued, clearing his throat and sitting forwards. "Again it comes back to family. It's probably a bit naughty of me, and certainly shows some nepotism - but my youngest son, Jake, has not long completed his business degree. I want him to get practice running a business and seeing as Holyoak is doing so well I was going to let him take the reins for a bit. What, then, was I going to do? I'm too young to retire, and I'm not one for lying around doing nothing all day. I'd heard on the grapevine that Mr Maxson was getting a bit old and a bit tired and wondering about retiring, so I rang him up one day and agreed to purchase the business from him. "And that, by and large, is why I'm here. But I was wondering if you could help me a little, Luke, about why you're here. I think I understand it, having pieced it together from your personnel file and a little chat with Ashley just now, but I'd like to hear it from you if that's alright?" "Oh yes, of course, sir," I nodded brightly, sitting even more to attention than I had been throughout the meeting so far. "I think the best way to go about this is for me to tell you what I know so far, then if you have anything to add or clarify, or if I need something clarified, you can jump in - sound good?" Mr Lawson asked. "Of c-course, sir," I nodded once more. "Right - so, you're a very bright young guy who was off to study pharmacology at Colford University - the same one my boys went to. However after a few weeks you were unable to continue with the course due to anxiety issues and moved back home to Lynton. After several months recuperating and adjusting, your mother arranged with Mr Maxson for you to have a job here in the pharmacy to gain experience to strengthen your application if you decided to reapply to university later on. Since then you've proven yourself a capable member of staff who mostly keeps himself to himself. Does that all sound accurate, Luke? I notice you've been quiet so far," Mr Lawson asked. "It's all accurate, sir," I admitted. "I-I've kept quiet because I have nothing to add." "I want you to know that I don't judge you for your mental health struggles," Mr Lawson said sympathetically, leaning forwards in his chair. "I know I struggled when my wife was unwell, and when she passed... well, let's just say I want you to know I'm very understanding when it comes to mental health difficulties. Do you feel you're getting adequate help managing your anxiety at present? I hope you don't mind me saying that I've noticed you still have a bit of a nervous stutter." "T-thank you, sir," I replied. I had to say I was surprised - Mr Maxson had never even so much as acknowledged my anxiety issues, let alone in such a sympathetic and gentle manner. I'd been terrified of the corporate takeover and my meeting with the new boss for weeks, but now I was cautiously optimistic that this was - genuinely - going to be all for the better. But now my mind turned to Mr Lawson's questions about me receiving adequate help. "Um... I have to admit I've... I've not really thought about it. I've been... I've been worried about this day for quite some time. My GP has... my GP has had to increase my anti-anxiety medication a couple of times recently." "And has that made any difference, do you think?" "N-not really, sir. Maybe a bit." I suggested. "I've never really found my medication to help all that much. My therapist makes more difference, I feel." "Which medication are you on, do you mind me asking?" Mr Lawson pressed. "C-citalopram," I answered, "though I've been on quite a few different ones over the years." "Have you tried Anxigen?" "I... I can't say I have," I paused, my brow furrowing. "It doesn't sound like one I've tried." "I'm not surprised in a way. It's a new medication, and not licenced for use in the UK yet, but it's had very promising trial results. I've got connections with people in the company that produce it - Simeon Paydes International - and I'm sure I could arrange a shipment of it to be delivered to this pharmacy if it's something you're willing to try? I could try to find an information pamphlet for you..." Mr Lawson trailed off. "I - I - that would be very kind of you, sir," I replied. Although I'd managed to cope with my anxiety over the past three years I'd never really got on top of it, and the chronic nervous stutter wouldn't be missed if that ever went. "I'd certainly give it a try. Thank you, sir." "You're welcome, Luke," Mr Lawson smiled. "I can't guarantee I'll be able to get hold of it but I'll keep you posted. Ensuring my employees' mental and physical health is a priority is very important to me. On that note," he continued, adjusting his position in his chair, "I think we need to talk about your workload going forwards, Luke. Then we'll be done with the meeting and you can go about your day - and hopefully this meeting will finish on time for the next one!" Mr Lawson laughed. "Of course, sir," I nodded. "What, um... what about my workload d-did you want to talk about?" I asked. With how well the meeting had been going so far, I was wondering if Mr Lawson was about to tell me that my hours in the pharmacy could be dropped. Whilst I was very grateful for the job, sometimes the early starts were unbearable. "Well, as you may or may not be aware, the current pharmacist who you've been assisting these past few years, Mr Rattley, declined my offer to continue on as staff at Maxson's this morning. He will be retiring from the shop, effective immediately," Mr Lawson explained solemnly. "Oh," I gasped. I'd expected Mr Rattley to leave, but not so soon. I hadn't expected him to decline an offer from Mr Lawson either. He seemed so caring - why wouldn't someone want to work for him? Unless Mr Rattley was a bit old-fashioned when it came to views on race, but then he'd never seemed that way whilst I'd been working with him. "Yes," nodded Mr Lawson sadly. "I had hoped he would stay on for a bit, but after our meeting we both feel it best he leave as soon as possible." I gulped. That sounded rather severe. "Unfortunately that directly impacts your position, as I'm sure you understand, Luke. You're not qualified enough to work unsupervised and I'd hate for your anxiety to worsen during a changeover period whilst we secure a new pharmacist, so I have a proposal for you if you're willing to keep an open mind." "I understand, sir," I agreed. "T-thank you. I'm happy to give anything a go if it means I get to stay employed here, sir." "Wonderful," Mr Lawson replied, his lips broadening in a wide smile. "I think we're going to get along very well, Luke. You and Ashley have exactly the sort of attitude I'd hope for from my workers. Which is why I'd like the two of you to work together for the foreseeable future." "Of course, sir," I said, my heart fluttering. I was going to get to work with Ashley? To spend even more time with her on a daily basis - and to be paid for the interactions? There was just one thing I didn't quite understand. "Um, one q-question though, sir - I didn't think Ashley had any pharmacy training. How is this arrangement going to work day-to-day?" "Ah," Mr Lawson paused, "I can see there's been a misunderstanding. My fault really, I wasn't that clear. Yes, I want you and Ashley to work together from now on - but you'll be moving from the pharmacy department to make-up and beauty. Ashley is too invaluable in that department to be moved, and seeing as Mrs Beverley Gint was another one who declined my offer of further employment she's a staff member down in her team. Therefore, as I'm sure you'll agree, the best course of action is for Ashley to be promoted to Make-Up And Beauty Manager and you to be transferred from Pharmacy Assistant to Make-Up and Beauty Assistant." "B-b-but sir," I stammered, my anxiety kicking back into gear once more, "I'm a guy - and I don't know a thing about make-up and beauty." "I'm not expecting you to use the products, Luke, just sell them," Mr Lawson grinned. "Besides, I'm sure your pharmaceutical knowledge was lacking when you started here - but you applied yourself and became a valuable team member. I've already mentioned the idea to Ashley and she's over the moon to have you as her assistant. Don't worry, Luke - she'll provide you with all the knowledge you'll need. It's only until our pharmacy department gets settled enough for you to work safely there without worsening your anxiety, after all. I'm doing this to help you." "B-but at the moment I'm not customer-facing! If I move to make-up and beauty surely I'll have to-" I stressed, but Mr Lawson cut across my flustering. "I'm sure Ashley will take very good care of you, Luke," he said slowly yet deliberately, as if drawing a line under the topic. "The only alternative I see is having to let you go from the store as well - which would be a tremendous shame, but I can't have a staff member having a nervous breakdown. You really need to look at the bigger picture here, Luke. I thought we were on the same page until now," Mr Lawson added, giving me a steady look. "Well, I... I..." I hesitated, before slumping somewhat in my chair. "I suppose I could give it a go, sir." "Very sensible," Mr Lawson nodded approvingly. "I'll get the paperwork sorted for your change in role - and I'll get in touch with my contacts at Simeon Paydes International about an Anxigen prescription for you." "T-thank you, sir," I replied, my head slightly bowed. I knew the day had been going too well. "You can go now, Luke," Mr Lawson said, rising in his seat. I stood up to match his actions, though obviously since he was around half a foot taller than me it took him longer to reach his full height. "Unless you've any questions for me?" "What, um... what do you want me to do now, sir? For the rest of the d- day?" I asked. "I'd report to Ashley and let her know our agreement is confirmed. Your hours and shift patterns will remain the same, but it'll be up to Ashley now what work you'll actually be doing. If that's all?" Mr Lawson asked again, his eyes darting to the clock and back. "Yes, sir," I replied, before allowing myself to be led back out the door again. Charlotte, one of the other staff members, who worked in the baby section and wasn?t someone I interacted with regularly, was perched on a plastic chair waiting to be called in. She turned to smile at me as I stepped out. "What?s he like?" she whispered, but before I could reply Mr Lawson had appeared in the doorway, looming behind me. Charlotte sprang to her feet and almost curtsied at the sight of him - obviously she was just as nervous as I had been about making a good impression on the new boss. "Charlotte Bloor, is it?" Mr Lawson beamed down at her, placing a hand on her shoulder and guiding her into his office. "Please, come this way. Very nice to meet you, Luke," he added as he stepped into his office once more and closed the door. I sighed and looked down the corridor that led back to the shop floor. Time to find Ashley, I thought to myself.