Pictures on The Wall (Part 8 of 10)
"I mean, it wouldn't hurt. My picture is up there so many times it's starting to look like wallpaper. Do you think I should sell my face as wallpaper to the customers?"
Mark sat at his desk, watching the clock. It was nearly noon and the part needed to fix Sherry’s car hadn’t arrived. He took a sip from the hot chocolate at his desk and brushed his hand through his hair.
“What’s on your mind, Mark the shark?”
Mark noticed Jerry walking toward him. His friend took a seat across from him.
“The part needed to fix Sherry’s car hasn’t arrived yet. I’m not scheduled to be here much longer. I don’t even have any sales to finalize today, but I won’t leave until I know her car is fixed.”
“Look at the dedication on this guy. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re looking to take employee-of-the-month away from your pal.”
Mark smiled and rolled his eyes.
“Trust me,” he said. “I don’t want my picture up on the wall.
“I mean, it wouldn’t hurt. My picture is up there so many times it’s starting to look like wallpaper. Do you think I should sell my face as wallpaper to the customers?”
“If anyone could sell such an idea, it’s certainly you.”
As the two were sharing a laugh, Mark caught out of the corner of his eye Sherry walking toward his desk.
“Looks like your customer is here,” said Jerry. “I’d better take my leave.”
Jerry nodded to Sherry as he passed her. She took the seat he’d been sitting in.
“Hi, Mark,” she said. She placed her purse on his desk.
“Hey, Sherry. Can I get you anything to drink?”
“No, that’s okay. I haven’t heard from you, so I’m assuming my car isn’t ready,” she said. “This place was on the way to the yoga studio my mother goes to, so I took the free ride when it was available. Have there been any updates?”
“Not yet. I checked the garage about twenty minutes ago and the part needed hadn’t arrived yet. I’m sorry. I’m still hopeful it’ll happen today. How did your date go last night?”
“I wouldn’t even call it a date. More like a disaster.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. What happened?”
“I asked to meet at a diner. It was the same one I’d go to with my parents growing up.”
“The one on East avenue?”
Her face lit up as if he’d just told her she’d won a million dollars.
“That’s the one. You’ve been?”
“I love it there,” he replied. He picked up his hot chocolate and took a sip. When he lowered the cup he noticed she diverted her gaze to the ceiling. Had she been staring at him? He smiled. “They have the best food there.”
“I was so excited to go, but once we got to talking it seemed like I’d made the wrong choice. He wanted to be anywhere but there. Wait… You like the food there?”
“Like isn’t a strong enough word. I love getting a skillet with eggs and hash browns, sausage, and bacon. The whole deal. Add a cup of their delicious coffee.”
“Diner coffee is — ”
“The best coffee.”
“I couldn’t agree more!”
The phone ringing on his desk startled Mark. He’d been enjoying his conversation so much with Sherry he’d forgotten he was still at work.
He picked up the phone.
“Hello?”
As he listened to Kevin’s voice he tried to hide his disappointment from Sherry.
“I understand,” he said.
“I take it that wasn’t good news?”
“Good news and bad news. Your car will be repaired today, but not for at least a couple hours. The shipment is delayed.”
“That’s fine with me,” she replied. “What’s there to do for fun around here?”
Mark checked his watch.
“I haven’t gotten lunch yet. How about we get a bite to eat? I could go for some diner food…”
Thank you for reading Part 8 of Pictures on The Wall. If you enjoyed this episode of the series, please consider sharing with a friend. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it!
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