Piper paused in her writing to grab a nearby calculator. The dark screen had her setting her sunglasses to the side again, but after punching in some digits and writing down a final amount, she sighed. [i]This is stupid,[/i] she thought, irritated by the customer and his irritation with her. The paper-and-pencil paperwork did [i]not[/i] help the situation. She was just pushing the papers aside when the clipboard was slammed down on the desk in front of her. Now, she gasped and flinched away from the man for the first time, her head throbbing in response. It had been a while since she dealt with such an explosive customer (and her co-workers would agree: [i]she[/i] should be thankful for that). 

"For fuck's-- Do you want your piece of shit car back or not?!" she threatened, stepping back to the table, small hands smacking down in front of her as she glared up at the man. Despite her defensiveness, she was shaking slightly: she knew he was right. It had been a while since she's been confronted about her lack of professionalism so aggressively.

Co-workers were peering into the office from the door into garage and she felt her face grow hot and red in embarrassment, her mouth suddenly dry. And for the first time, she caught sight of another in the office: he had been standing there silently. [i]How long has he been there?[/i] she thought, eyebrows furrowing together. "I'll be--or someone will be--with you in a minute, sir," she told the man. She was suddenly flustered. "I have to key his car--I mean give him the keys to his car.

"Here's your bill," Piper said, suddenly quiet as she placed the receipt on the counter, hazel eyes avoiding...Christopher she learned after glancing to the clipboard. "Cash or credit?"