Cindy Parker

	Spec came down and opened the shop like he always did. He yawned as he opened the doors for Jen to enter and get ready for work. It had been a couple of days since Rigel had mentioned his former co-worker as looking for a new job. “Hey sunshine” she said to Spec as she walked past him to put her stuff up. “Haven't hand your coffee yet?” she asked as she came back and took her spot behind the check out counter. 

	“As a matter of fact... No, I haven't. You want some?” he asked as he went to the break room to brew a pot. “I'm good” she said as she stretched her arms above her body. “I could go for something sweet from Kassandra's though!” she yelled so that he could hear her from the break room. “Oh no!” he yelled back as he returned with his favorite penguin mug, now filled with coffee. “You want something from there, you can walk your perky black and white ass over there and get it. I am not awake enough to deal with that rabbit's sass right now”. 

	Jen smiled as she knew that would be his response. “Gladly” she said as she rounded the counter and headed for the door. “You want anything from your next door frienemy?” she asked before exiting. “Almond croissant if they have any, please and thank you”. “You got it boss. Oh, don't forget. Today is the day that skunk woman is coming in for the interview”. As Jen left, Spec looked to the ceiling in thought before going back to the check out counter to check the calendar. “Damn, she's right” he said to himself as he sipped his coffee.

	It was just before noon when a female skunk walked into the store. She wore a gray business suit and pants as she walked up to the check out counter. “Hi, I'm Cindy Parker. I'm suppose to have an interview with the owner”. “Nice to meet you. I'm Jen. One second. Yo boss! Interview is here!” Spec peaked from around a bookshelf to see who was there. He walked up to Cindy and shook her hand. “Hi, I'm the owner. You can call me Spec”. “Nice to meet you Spec. I'm Cindy, Rigel's former co-worker” she said as she returned a firm hand shake that impressed Spec. “Yeah, he spoke highly of you. Why don't we go to the break room and talk. Jen, mind the front please”. “Got it boss” she said as she stood up straight and drank from her coffee mug.

	“Please, have a seat” said Spec as he motioned to the break room table. “Can I get you some water or coffee?” “No thank you, I'm good” said Cindy as she took a seat and put at manila folder on the table. “So, you come highly recommended by Rigel” said Spec as he sipped from his mug. “He is such a sweet heart, I love him” she said putting her hand to her chest, causing her white wavy hair to bounce a little. It was at this time, Spec noticed Cindy's beautiful green eyes. Spec cleared his throat and recomposed himself. 

	“So... You used to work with Rigel. What did you do exactly?” “Well, I mostly did book keeping for finances. I also have a resume that better reflects my job history” she said as she handed him the folder. Spec opened it and gave the resume a once over. It was surprisingly well made and easy to read. Cindy could tell Spec was impressed as he raised his eye brows upon reading the information. “Okay... I'm not gonna lie Cindy, you are way over qualified to work here” he said as he closed the folder and handed it back to Cindy. “I mean, if you did work here it would be mostly working the register and stocking books customers misplace”. 

	“I know I am but if I'm being honest, it's not about the money or how qualified I am. I've been working corporate jobs for so long and I'm just tired of it. I have money saved up and I'm sick of ass hole males trying to play grab ass with me cause I'm driven... No offense. Rigel tells me you are a wonderful person”. Spec couldn't help but laugh as he put a hand over his eyes and shaking his head. “Well it's nice to know Rigel speaks so kindly about me” he said with a sigh of relief. Cindy joined with a chuckle as the tension started to fade. Spec sat back and looked at Cindy with a smile. “You seem like a nice lady Cindy. And Rigel would hate me if I didn't at least offer you a job”. He looked away towards the coffee maker as he rubbed his chin. “And Jen would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't give you at least a shot”. 

	Spec sat up straight and clasped his hands together. “I can start you off with register and stocking to start. Once you get used to the routine of the store, would you be willing to be a manager and maybe do my finances too? I keep them up just fine but it would be a shame to not use your skill set to the fullest”. “I'd be honored!” she said with a jubilant bounce that pushed her chair back a little. Spec couldn't help but smile as he asked, “When can you start?”

	“Finally” said Jen from the break room door. Spec turned around and yelled “Aren't you suppose to be watching the front of the store?” he asked with an annoyed tone. “There is no one out here. Besides, I had to make sure you didn't make the mistake of passing up working with this fine woman”. Cindy's cheeks felt flush as she heard Jen's words. “This is a book store, not a dating service Jen” said Spec as he shook his head and turned to Cindy. “I apologize for my outspoken employee. She can be a handful, but she is a good worker. Never boring when she is around. Do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?” 

	“Is there a dress code?” Cindy asked as she gathered her folder and stood up along with Spec. “Damn it, I don't have a smart ass remark for that one” said Jen as she gave the door frame a decent bump with her fist before going back to the front checkout. “Spec rolled his eyes and said, “Casual. Wear what ever is comfortable that you can move in”. “Thank you so much” said Cindy as she extended her hand. Spec took it and felt his heart race as as he felt her soft fur. “Welcome to Twilight books” he said with a smile. He took a long deep breath as he thought to himself, “What the hell am I doing?”