CUSTOMER SERVICE IS AT THE OTHER END OF THE BUILDING

I shift my weight
As the only customer service rep
Calls every store in the area
Looking for an inflatable pool the family ahead of me wants.
A suit walks behind the desk.
I try not to make eye contact,
My foul mood reeks.
He keeps glancing at me
And I keep looking away from the desk.
He walks out from behind the desk
Hesitates. Glances at me.
Walks behind the queue,
When I think the coast is clear
I turn and watch him go,
He’s looking at me again.
“She’ll be right with you.”
I nod.
He doesn’t know the procedure.
Probably hired in.
Shortly after, the queue fills.
Another employee comes to help.
Cash shifts from register
Back to consumer’s pockets.
Outside, it’s storming.
I inhale damp tobacco,
Turn key, wipers swoosh.
Orange light flashes low fuel.