Tenement Funster

Hoovering and Holidaying...

"Happy Christmas..."  Brian told the customer as he handed them their change.  Exchanging a warm smile with them as they walked from the counter.  Another customer stepping forward to make their purchase as Brian noted several people behind them.  The book shop had been bustling all day and he was glad for it.  Staying busy had helped soothe the ache of losing his career and his family.  It left little time to dwell on it.  What free time he had was spent with Roger or his friends.  Friends who had stepped up and been there for him.  Supporting him when he was at his lowest.  People he wanted to be a solid friend to in return.  

"I can take over....thanks for covering for me..."  Kathy told Brian as she stepped behind the counter.   She was back from a quick restroom break and Brian stepped aside to let her ring out the customers.  Returning to the floor to help any remaining people with their book selections.  Brian saw Gordon assisting a couple over in the cook books and Brian went to check to see if anyone had gone into the back rooms.  He checked his watch and saw the shop would be closing in 10 minutes. 

The back rooms were both empty.  Brian closed the door to the special request room and began walking the floor in case anyone was looking for help.  The line at the counter thinned out and the couple Gordon had assisted rushed up to pay as Kathy turned the sign over in the shop window to indicate they were closed.

"It's been a good day..."  Gordon remarked as he came up to Brian.  Watching the remaining customers pay and leave. 

"It has..."  Brian agreed as Gordon patted Brian on the back and went to the front door.  As the last customer stepped out, he locked the door and pulled down the window shade.  

"Is it okay if I head out?"  Kathy asked.  "I need to get to the market on my way home..."  she advised.

"We've got it...go on then..."  Gordon told her.  She smiled and disappeared in back to get her things as Brian and Gordon did the evening closing routine.  Pulling out the boxes of new stock for the shelves they had not been able to do earlier.  

"I hope you're finding time for your holiday shopping..."  Gordon remarked as he and Brian both emptied some boxes.  "You've worked every day we've been open..."  he pointed out.  Brian smiled at his boss.

"I'm happy to do it..."  Brian replied.  Placing the new copies of the best sellers on the table at the front of the shop.  Watching as Gordon walked to the counter to close out the register.

"I suppose your Roger is working just as much with him being in retail..."  Gordon surmised.  Brian nodded as he straightened the books.

"He is..."  Brian confirmed.  Happy that him having a boyfriend was an open topic and that both Gordon and Kathy were accepting.  "His shop has been just as busy..."  Brian told his boss.  

"I imagine..."  he replied.  Well...at least you've got Mondays off..."  Gordon pointed out.

"Roger does as well..."  Brian responded.  Gordon was glad to hear it.  Feeling bad that Brian was working everyday.   "Besides...the Christmas rush isn't forever..."  Brian reminded Gordon.  

"That is true..."  Gordon agreed.  Counting the money out from the till.  "The extra money is nice this time of year..."  he commented as he focused on the count.

"Yes..."  Brian replied as he emptied the last box and sorted out the books.  Carrying the cardboard boxes to the back room and checking for more stock.  He had been working here for a month now and was used to the routine.  Eager to be of help to Gordon who had kindly given him a job.  It wasn't his salary that he made at the book publishers, but it was something.  Brian grabbed his messenger bag and his coat and umbrella and walked back out to the front.