System Reboot || DC

Chapter Eight

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Shy Little Boy

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Saunders was more than pleased with the array of food I bought with me. The selection of simple loaves of bread and savories were enough to satisfy the old man's hunger, whilst being something other than creampuffs and cookies.

Saunders was also very enamored with Blueberry, who had his dog bed clasped in his jaws as he patiently waited to be allowed inside. The original plan was to take him to his usual playdate but the owner was sick and I didn't want to force another animal on them. So I brought the fluffy baby with me.

"What a polite young man" Saunders gave a soft smile, his eye folded under his wrinkles. With a shaky hand, he stroked Blueberry's soft coat before letting the dog pick a spot behind the counter to sit. The dog happily dragged the dog bed under the cash register and plopped inside the bed, tucked out by the long walk. "Ain't he precious".

"He is, thank you for letting me bring him" I tucked some loose hair behind my ear and smiled. Saunders waved me off and sat at the counter, breaking off some bread, dipping it in melted butter, and chewing thoroughly.

"Thank you for coming in to help this old man," his raspy chuckle reminded me of an old dog wheezing. Saunders wasn't as old as I make him out to be, in his late sixties. But he was bound for retirement and yet, despite the slight tremor in his hands, still managed to sew such beautiful objects of childish fascination.

"Anytime Saunders," I took a bread roll for myself and nibbled on the warm crust. "What are you planning this afternoon?" I asked, breaking some of the softer inner and feeding it to Blueberry. The dog lapped it up in a simple bite and rolled back over.

"Well, I have that regular client coming in, though he did say someone else might come to pick it up today. A younger fellow from what I was told," Saunders shrugged and spooned some strawberry jam into his mouth. I pretended to gag and he swatted at my arm.

"Want me to keep an eye out?" I asked, secretly giddy at the idea of meeting the mystery customer. Saunders excitedly called me when the client mentioned how much he liked our newer designers. At first, I was worried that Saunders would be upset that the change had become popular, instead, Saunders had put me in charge of that client specifically. Even got a section of the pay.

Who knew that I would take to fabrics and sewing so swimmingly? Quite a contrast to the blood and war of my previous occupation. Not that I'm complaining, I rather feel more in character with the change than I thought.

"If you don't mind, I've actually got a meeting this afternoon and it would be a great help if you looked after the shop for me."

Now that caught my interest.

"Saunders, would this meeting have anything to do with the widower from the jewelry store one floor up?" I tapped my chin in thought, licking at the cream on my lips. "What was her name? Alice, Charlie..."

"Charice, it's Miss Charice and yes, she and I are going out for some afternoon tea," his wrinkled cheeks reddened and the bush of his brows rose to reveal a sparkle to his brown eyes.

"Oh, I didn't realize I was in the presence of such an eligible bachelor," I pretended to swoon and fanned myself with my hand. Saunders rolled his eyes and stood up, wiping his hands with a wet wipe, and looking in the large decorative mirror to adjust the small tuff of white hair on his head.

"Going to the cafe on the first floor? The one owned by her daughter?" I walked over to help adjust the pink bowtie on his neck. The man was rather short and stick-like and looked boyish once he dressed in soft pastel colors.