Down But Not Out

Chapter 6

Lizzie's POV

I was getting tired of having to wait for buses and then seeing the same places over and over again. I just wanted a day where I could wake up later than usual and then spend the day blasting music at home while Summer worked. Except I was here to attend an interview to try and get a job so that I would have money to help Summer out with bills and buying groceries. My savings were dwindling and Summer was struggling to pay the bills on her own. I'd be grateful to get a job even if it was minimum wage.

I walked over to the shoe shop where my friend Aaliya worked and saw that she was already there. I walked in, taking a deep breath and loving the smell of new shoes before walking over to the counter. She looked up and sent me a small smile before turning to a girl and ordering her to stock up on the trainers at the end of the shop. I frowned at not recognising the girl, which I found strange because I knew nearly every person who worked in my favourite shops.

"Hey Lizzie how have you been?" Aaliya asked and I smiled at her as she walked around the counter to hug me.

Her raven black hair was swept back into a high ponytail, which allowed anyone looking at her to see her brown eyes twinkling with delight. She was a lovely person, so easy to talk to and she actually enjoyed interacting with the public. I wouldn't mind either, except for the harder customers who would give you a hard time just for the sake of it, plus I'd have to watch my mouth because I'm ridiculous when it comes to swearing. Even Summer- who is also pretty bad with her swearing- has actually looked at me in shock a few times over the years of us knowing each other.

"I'm good, how about you?" I asked, knowing that she'd recently got engaged. She grinned at me.

"I'm brilliant" I nodded at her.

"And how about Alistair?" I asked, referring to her fiancé. She nodded.

"He's doing great. He got promoted last week" she said, the smile not wavering from her face. I smiled back, knowing how in love she was with him. I was happy for Aaliya- whom I'd known because we did a lot of the same courses in college- and couldn't think of anyone better suited to be with her. I truly was happy for her.

"So?" I started and Aaliya blinked before looking at me and grimacing. I frowned, this didn't look good.

"I'm sorry Liz, but my manager already hired someone, even though I told him not to until we'd interviewed you" she said and I smiled at her, trying my best to hide my disappointment.

"It's okay, don't worry about it. I wasn't expecting you to hold the place for me anyways, since it wouldn't be fair." She sent me a small smile.

Aaliya owned the shoe shop and had done so for about a year now. I remembered we partied when we found out and I'd saw how happy she was about it. She hired the manager about four months afterwards, and even though they didn't get on very well he did his job well, so Aaliya couldn't argue.

"Anyways I'd better be off" I said and Aaliya nodded, though I'm sure she could tell I was a little bit disappointed. She hugged me and apologised again before I walked out of the shop, deciding to drown my sorrows in the coffee shop.

The shop itself was large with the counter being a few inches away. The counter area was unusual as there were two sides to it. The side that I could see now was where Marie stood to take the orders, as well as where the food were displayed and prepared. Just to the left was where the freezer displayed the ice cream flavours and to my right was where the hot drinks were prepared. On the other side of the counter contained the sink, to wash all of the dishes and mugs that were used.

Marie smiled at me and asked if I wanted my usual. I told her that I did and she went about sorting out my milkshake and removing a chocolate muffin before setting it on a plate in front of me. While my milkshake was being blended, I paid her and received my change before she handed over my milkshake. We smiled each other and I walked through the opening next to the counter which led to where the tables were and saw that it was quite a busy day. Then again Marie's was the best coffee shop around and attracted a lot of people.