Mallory pulled into the closest driveway of the carwash where a female attendant waited excitedly in her red and white uniform.
Immediately wishing she had picked a different driveway, Mallory reluctantly pressed the window button on her car door, rolling down the tinted window.
“Hi, welcome to Red Carpet Car Wash. Could I get you a full service wash today?” greeted the bubbly, young teenage girl. Her nametag, which read ‘Nessi’, matched her exuberance in rhinestones.
“Just a regular, please. Thank you,” Mallory said.
“Could I talk you into a wax? It’s supposed to be sunny all week. No chance of rain to ruin the job if we get it done today,” the girl continued.
“That won’t be necessary,” Mallory placed her hand on the steering wheel, hoping the girl would take the hint that she was done with this conversation.
“Okay, then I just need to know what kind of air freshener you’d like today. We have cherry, pina colada, evergreen, cinnamon, or new car. What’s your pleasure?” Nessi smiled.
Mallory started rolling up her tinted window, “Surprise me,” she said looking straight ahead and drove on.
Nessi stepped back in a stupor, head cocked to one side, a little of her gusto lost for the next customer.
Mallory sunk in her seat, grimacing. She didn’t have to take out her frustration on the girl. A thickness in her throat formed as she glanced back at the girl in the rear view mirror. I should go and appologize.
I could take a sec and just go say sorry, let her know it’s not her fault. What else am I going to do for the next 15 minutes? Glancing at her watch, her stomach tightened. But she’s with another customer. No need to get another involved. Embarrassing me twice in two minutes.
Mallory’s blood started to race again. She pulled the hard plastic handle to the car door and exhaled sharply. What else will go wrong today?
Leaving the keys on the black leather driver's seat, she turned and briskly walked in to the sterile waiting area. Before reaching the door, Mallory sighed and glanced at the girl. I'd take your place any day.
Mallory’s blood started to race again. She pulled the hard plastic handle to the car door and exhaled sharply. What else will go wrong today?
Leaving the keys on the black leather driver's seat, she turned and briskly walked in to the sterile waiting area. Before reaching the door, Mallory sighed and glanced at the girl. I'd take your place any day.
