Chapter 3

By the beginning of the following week he was ready to do his first shift alone. It was a Tuesday evening and a notoriously quiet time for the sale of dirty magazines and sex toys. There were a few people drifting in and out, mainly due to curiosity, but not many sales. He sold a humorous birthday card, three dildoes, and a piece of lingerie called a teddy.

“Pretty good,” said Maxine at the change-over of shifts on Wednesday. “For your first night. You need to sell at least double that tonight. Remember—sell, sell, sell.”

Tony groaned inwardly, but outwardly nodded and promised to do his best.

* * * *

Three weeks later, at the commencement of his Friday night shift, a tall, athletically built man came into the shop.

“Good evening,” said Tony as he made his way behind the counter. “Can I help you with anything?”

The man, who was in his mid-thirties and well-dressed for a night on the town, smiled. “Just browsing, thanks.”

Tony nodded and smiled back.