Kane and Abel (Kane & Abel 1)

'I know,' said Maisie, 'and he can have it.'

'I'm sure he'll be pleased to hear that,' said Florentyna, laughing as she turned to wait on a customer who was becoming impatient at Maisie's indifference to her presenm Maisi,e took advantage of Florentyna's move and rushed off to serve the gloveless young man. Florentyna watched them both out of the comer of her eye. She was amused that he kept glancing nervously towards her, checking that Maisie wasn't being spied on by her supervisor.

Maisie giggled away and the young man departed with a pair of dark blue leather gloves.

'Well, how did he measure up to your hopesT asked Florentyna, conscious she felt a little jealous of Maisie's new conquest.

'He didn't,' replied Maisie. 'But I'm sure he'll be back again,' she added, grinning.

Maisies prediction turned out to be corTect, for the next day there he was, thumbing among the gloves and looking even more embarrassed.

'I suppose you had better go and wait on him,' said Florentyna.

Maisie hurried obediently away. Florentyna nearly laughed out loud when, a few minutes later, the young man departed with another pair of dark blue gloves.

'Two pairs,' declared Florentyna. 'I think I can say on behalf of Bloomingdale's, he deserves you.'

'But he still didn't ask me out,' said Maisie.

Vhat?' said Florentyna in mock disbelief. 'He must have a glove fetish.'

'It's very disappointing,' said Maisie, 'because I think he's neat.'

Tes, he's not bad,' said Florentyna.

The next day when the young man arrived in the shop Maisie leapt forward, leaving an old lady in mid - sentence. Florentyna quickly took her place, once again watching Maisie out of the corner of her eye. This time the two of them appeared to be in deep conversation and the young man finally departed with yet another pair of dark blue leather gloves.

'It must be the real thing,' ventured Florentyna.

'Yes, I think it is,' replied Maisie, 'but he still hasn't suggested a date.'

Florentyna was flabbergasted.

Usten,' said Maisie desperately, 'if he comes in tomorrow could you serve him? I think he is scared to ask me directly. He might find it easier to - make a date through you.'

Florentyna laughed. 'A Viola to your Orsino.'

'What?'said Maisie, 'It doesn't matter,' said Florentyna. 'I wonder if I will be able to sell him a pair of gloves?'

If the man was anything he was consistent, thought Florentyna, as he pushed his way through the doors at exactly the same time the next day and immediately headed towards the glove counter.

Maisie - dug Florentyna in the ribs, and Florentyna decided the time had come to enjoy herself.

'Good afternoon, sir.'

'Oh, good afternoon,' said the young man looking surprised - or was it disappointment? 'Can I help you?' offered Florentyna.

'No - I mean, yes, I would like a pair of gloves,' he added unconvincingly.

Tes, sir. Have you considered a dark blue pair? In leather? I'm sure we have your size - unless we're all sold out.'

The young man looked at her suspiciously as she handed him the gloves. He tried them on. They were a little too big. Florentyna offered him another pair but they were slightly too tight. He looked towards Maisie for inspiration but she was surrounded by a sea of male customers but she wasn't sinking because she even found the time to glance towards the young man and grin. He grinned back nervously. Florentyna handed him another pair of gloves. They fitted perfectly.

'I think that's what you're looking for,' said Florentyna.

'No, it's not really,' replied the embarrassed customer.

Florentyna. decided the time had come to let the poor man off the hook and lowering her voice, she said, 'I'll go and rescue Maisie. Why don't you ask her out? I'm sure she will say yes.'

'Oh no,' said the young man. 'You don't understand. ies not her I want to take out - it's you.' '

Florentyna was speechless. The young man seemed to muster courage.

'Will you have dinner with me tonight?'

She heard herself saying, 'Yes.'

'Shall I pick you up at your home?'

'No,' said Florentyna a little too firmly. The last thmig she wanted was to be met at her apartment where it would be obvious to anyone that she was not a salesgirl. 'Let's meet at a restaurant,' shb added quickly.

'Where would you like to go?.

Florentyna tried to think quickly of a place that would not be too ostentatious.