by Christina Morino
Claire stepped into the warmth of the coffee shop and was fortunate to snag the only unoccupied table, a small round table for two by the window. Shrugging off her coat and depositing it on the chair, she ordered a Cappuccino, and wavered when she caught sight of the array of tempting-looking Danish pastries.
The woman behind the counter smiled knowingly. "Are you going to treat yourself to one? We make them ourselves. Bad for the waistline of course, but delicious."
Claire smiled wryly. "I shouldn't, but what the hell. I'll take one of those please," she said, pointing to an exotic creation filled with spiced apple and drizzled with white icing. It was comfort food, and that was exactly what she needed right now - that and a job, and a place to live, and money in the bank... She paid for her order and went to sit down.
Outside, the wind gusted wildly, and the first spats of rain began to fall from a leaden sky. Ensconced in her temporary haven, Claire pulled out a newspaper from her shoulder bag and turned to the Jobs Vacant pages near the back, her eyes quickly scanning the list of vacancies. There were plenty of low paid part-time jobs, all equally mundane, and most of them required regular evening and weekend work which was not a pleasant prospect. She sighed, circling a position for 20 hours a week at a store in a retail park. It was a possibility if there was nothing else available. She continued looking through the lists, so caught up in the task that she failed to realise someone was speaking to her.
When she did glance up, it was to find a pair of vibrant blue eyes staring at her. "Oh. Sorry, I was miles away. What did you say?"
"I asked if this seat was taken." The owner of those blue eyes was already sliding into the vacant chair opposite Claire. "I hope you don't mind?"
"No. No, of course not." Claire folded the newspaper to give the newcomer more space on the table.
"Thank you." The woman smiled. "I think the weather has given everyone the same idea. This place isn't usually so busy at this hour of the afternoon."
Claire smiled politely. She intended carrying on with her search for a job, but felt a little awkward, as though it would be bad mannered to do so, now that someone had joined her table... and not just someone - somebody, for the 40-something woman seated opposite exuded confidence and gravitas. She was impeccably made up, shoulder-length blonde hair framing her face in a flattering style, and although plainly attired in a tailored navy blue business suit and cream blouse that must have cost a small fortune, her outfit managed to be both elegant and sexy.
It was the disgruntled comments from the next table that diverted Claire's attention.
"Just look at those two!"
"Disgusting. It's not natural."
Claire looked out of the window.
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