The corner store down on main street isn't very popular despite the location, most passerbyers didn't need to stop for paper towels and cigarettes but they weren't barren.
As old Jimmy checked out another passing customer he glanced up at the huge open window beside the door and saw a familiar smiling face waving a hand at him. He quickly rolls his eyes and returns to gathering back the change for the man's items. The bell on the inside of the door rings and a voice sings hello as it enters.
“Jimmy,” she sang in a shaky and awkward pitch almost as if she was trying to sound like Celine Dian but ultimately failed. The other customer shoots an annoyed face at her before gathering up his stuff and leaving. Once the door closes the woman quickly apears at the counter, drumming her hands on the surface and humming.
The man is propped up against the counter on his palms and is staring at the woman across him with disbelief peeping above his glasses and when the new hire shuffles up next to him he glances over and takes a heavy breath.
“To what do I owe this wonderful pleasure, Betty?” he teases now standing to cross his arms.
“Let me show you, Jimbo,” She pops and reaches into her back pocket, the man lets out a breath of acknowledgement and a hint of a chuckle in response to the nickname. Pulling out some cash she starts unfolding it.
“Check it out, one, two, and three! Big bucks for you, Jim, spend this wisely,” she spreads each bill out like a fan and counts them onto the counter pushing them over to him winking and still holding that big smile.
“Three whole dollars?” He questions picking up the money and counting it out once again then hands it to the new hire “Count this, Maria, make sure it's all there,” Maria takes the money hesitantly with a heavy look of confusion and starts counting.
“Oh, it's all there alright,” she puffs out a confident chuckle.
“Maria?” he asks over his shoulder.
“Yep, all three...here,” she holds up the bundle and waves it slightly.
“Now that it's settled?” he asks slyly, almost under his breath.
“Subtract it from what I owe you,” she leans in winking with a smirk.
“You owe me a lot more than this, Bet,” he sighs, grabbing the money back from Maria and opening the register.
“We’ll see,” she draws while slowly taking steps to move away from the counter.
“How much is it now? A thousand?” He squints in her direction once again glancing over his glasses as she moves out of view.
“Could be, but i think logically speaking its nine ninety seven now” she raises as she gets further from the counter and then the only noise that remained is the opening of the cooler doors and
as the man closes the register with the extra cash the bell on the door chimes again and out walks the woman waving a quick “Later!” before the door shut behind her.
“What does she owe you all that money for?” Maria asks carefully.
“Drugs,” he casually says without laughing or smiling and Maria waits a few seconds before asking another question.
“Seriously?” she deepens now looking right at him.
“No, Maria,” he chuckles softly. “she’s here everyday doing some sort of skit, I assure you, you’ll get used to it,” he throws a wink back at Maria and she faintly smiles in return.