After about a couple of hours of rifling through racks, Chang came upon clothes suitable for her new job. Pleased with her findings, she bought an old faded Rolling Stones tank top with the iconic mouth and tongue across the front. As it bagged low in the front, she also purchased a small black lace camisole to go underneath to conceal her cleavage. As a backup she also got a navy blue sleeveless top that while was very clingy, it covered her from neck to navel. Sexy without leaving everything hanging out on main street.
To pair, she also bought a pair of tight high-waisted black jeans as well as a skort. She had grabbed it thinking it was just a cute pleated skirt that looked to be a good length but was pleasantly surprised to find it had a pair of shorts hidden underneath. It was comfy, had a cute twirl when she spun, and was a perfect length for work without being ridiculously short. Chang felt especially successful when it rang all up at under 20 dollars.
As she still had money to burn and time to kill, Chang got a small bite to eat and took a leisurely walk, effectively killing almost another hour. She knew it was still early, but with nothing else to do with her day, or the funds for it, Chang decided to head to work early, and help out with anything if possible. It only took her around a half hour to walk to the building. Heading right up to the door Chang was slightly surprised to see it locked, unlike last time.
'No one must be here yet.' Sighing to herself, Chang sat on the curb and resigned herself to waiting. It was not as if she had anything better to or any funds to do it with. Sitting there for however long Chang got lost in daydreams until a bright and clear voice broke her from them.
"Well hello there early bird. How can I help you?" From across the street, as he came out from an underground garage came Eric. Eric was a quiet, polite man, easily approachable with his kind demeanor. He stood about an average height and posessed a face that could be easily lost in a crowd, if not for the kindness and intelligence that radiated from his soft brown eyes. Wearing tan slacks, a button up , and Keds, it still struck Chang by surprise that he was the owner.
"Good morning Eric! Thank you so much for last night, I actually came early as I wanted to see if there was anything I could lend a helping hand with." Since she was already there and liked Eric, Chang decided to use her situation to butter him up a little.
"How thoughtful, you're definitely a keeper! I'm sure there's something I could have you help me with! Actually I've been working on a few new specialty cocktails for our bar, would you care to try them?" Giving her a grateful look, Eric held out a hand in proposal.
She really wanted to help him, but at the mention of alcohol though, Chang felt almost queasy. This morning was punishment enough! While she did not want to turn him down, she definitely knew that she would be unable to stomach any more liquor. As she debated the conundrum internally, Chang's eyes unconsciously grew wide.
Seeing her growing look of horror, barely contained by her eyes, Eric chuckled a little to himself. It was enjoyable to work with someone so animated.
"You know what I actually remembered the walk-in needs a good deep-clean. Think you can handle that?" Raising an eyebrow, Eric had mercy on her and gave her another task.
"Yes, sir" 'Easy-peasy' Nodding her head profusely, Chang accepted the far easier task eagerly. Once inside Chang went to town cleaning the inside of the walk-in. Humming to herself in enjoyment as she scrubbed everything vigorously. As she was so immersed in her task she did not notice that someone had come to the doorway and was standing just inside the entrance, watching her.
After having bent over to grab a tub of cheese, Chang noticed a figure standing right over her as she straightened. Startled at the close proximity, Chang swayed while struggling to lift the heavy tub, and almost spilled it everywhere. As it fell, Brandy rushed forward and helped her catch and reshelf the heavy, akward load, with a few grunts.
"Never fear, the calvary is here! Eric said you might need a hand cleaning, but it looks like you don't need me anymore for that!" Chang chucked hearing that but could not help but question internally how long the other woman had been standing and watching her work.
Even though she just seemed to be very friendly, Chang could not help but feel like there was maybe something off with her. Chang tried not to come to an early conclusion though and chatted with her happily, as Brandy helped her put everything back. Brandy mostly dominated the conversation though, which Chang did not object to, until the sound of a whistle interrupted them. Turning their heads simultaneously, they saw Eric, nodding his head appreciatively as he looked around.
"Looks great in here ladies, thanks a million!" Clearing his throat, the man wore a slightly sheepish expression. "Are you going to change before work, we're getting ready to open the front doors soon." Eric was almost hesitant to mention the attire. While they had an open dress code, sans showing up nude, but her attire would stick out like a sore thumb.
"Oh, I didn't realize that it was so late already. I have a change of clothes that I brought with me. Just a moment and I'll be all ready!" Surprised that time had already flown by so quickly, Chang quickly put the last few items on the shelves.
"Ok then, well I'll see you ladies out there." Giving her an ok with his fingers, Eric left to continue on whatever he was working on. At the mention of clothes, Chang turned to Brandy after the boss had left.
"Thank you for lending me those clothes yesterday. I'm sorry but I didnt bring them with me today, I need to wash them still, I will definitely return them to you tomorrow!"
"No worries, keep 'em if you want. They looked much better on you, much better.."Laughing Brandy waved her hand dismissively at Chang's embarrassed pledge. As she spoke the last bit in a darker voice, Brandy's eyes traveled up her in an oily way. "See you out there, chicka!" With a wink and a snap Brandy left Chang.
After their exchange Chang felt even more akward and uncomfortable with Brandy. Especially after Justin's warning to her last night. Taking a deep breath, Chang took her mind off the woman's predatorial behavior and gave her cheeks a crisp slap to wake herself up.
"Alright, time to get my game face on. It's showtime!"
1 Walk-in A giant refrigeration unit used in commercial kitchen work or fields that involve perishable goods.