Behind the Scenes

S: The Bank

Seven Years Ago

Sara Winters

It was near closing time before the door opened once again. I sighed and tired to smile, my jaws and cheeks sore from the long day. I have never seen him before and I pride myself on knowing every single person that came to this bank. They didn't name me employee of the month for nothing.

"Hi," I smiled once he approached the desk. His handsome face did not look up; instead it was focused on the phone in front of him. I rolled my eyes as I thought great! He was one of those people. The ones too busy to acknowledge your existence.

I punched my computer back to life by entering my number code.

"I need this deposited," He placed a pile of cheques on the table with the account information. I could tell this was about to take awhile. It wasn't like I had a lot of people to attend to; it was that he was too rude to at least make eye contact.

I was to leave in less than ten minutes, and I wasn't about to start this right now. "Sorry, sir, but I am not able to-"

The lightness of his eyes caught me off guard. It was like honey mixed with a bit of sunshine. I froze with my mouth open as he flashed a very alluring smile.

"I really need this done tonight," he leaned against the counter as if I was the only one he wanted to see for the rest of his life. My breathing accelerated as I exhaled. "I know it's late but our banker decided to flight to the Bahamas without notice." His irritation returned with his explanation of the situation. "I would really love it if you could help me out," he smiled once more. "Please?"

I was caught up with his face and how gorgeous he was. My eyes flickered to the clock as it hit closing time. I sighed and collected the cheques, beginning the process.

His smile grew wider but in an instant, his eyes were back on the phone screen and I was left feeling like a complete i***t.

When I finally got home Elizabeth was still on the couch watching TV.

"I was worried about you," she announced, turning the screen off. I felt bad about not talking to her now considering she waited up for me but I was tired and disappointed.

___

The next day at work went by pretty quickly until the same man entered into the bank. I hurried to the back of the room, grabbing my jacket and my purse.

"Sara, where are you going?" Keith, my manager asked.

"Lunch," I muttered, making sure to cover my face as I snuck out of the bank. After a few minutes, Elizabeth joined me at our favourite restaurant.

"You left without me." she pouted as she took her seat.

"Sorry, I just had to get out of there." I admitted.

"Was if because of that guy?" She raised her brows suggestively.

"What guy?" I froze as I tired to swallow.

"The one you left me with because you ran out so suddenly. But ironically, he only came to see you."

"How do you know that?" I asked trying to seem uninterested.

"He asked for you?" she answered with a question as if it was obvious. He was probably looking for me to do his banking for him again. I was refusing to be used by anyone else any longer. He should be paying for services like that, not hustling for it.

I changed the topic subtly as we finished up our lunch. When we got back to the bank, I was surprised to see the lunch rush over. Usually everyone decided to do their banking during this time and only one staff remained around the desk.

I placed away my jacket and returned to processing cheques.

"Would you like anything else Mr. Redman?" Keith's fake monotone voice burned my ears, as I remained seated with my back to him.

"No, thank you for the tour." Said a familiar voice. The voice ran chills down my spine and my body buckled. I bit my lip as I thought of those eyes and that face. Just a pretty face with nothing to back it up, I reminded myself.

"It was my pleasure Sir. Thank you for choosing this bank." Keith continued to kiss ass. I punched away at the keyboard as I took out my anger on the buttons.

"Hi," came a voice behind me. I turned to look over my shoulder, puzzled as to why the voice was so close. "Nice to see you again." he smiled.

"You too," I faked a smile as I turned back to my screen with a roll of my eyes. I ignored how his captivating eyes held my interest and how his mesmerizing smile touched something in me.

"Umm," he stammered, tapping my shoulder. "I wanted to thank you for your help the other night."

"Don't mention it." I mumble, returning back to my work. I was not going to do it again, trust me.

"Would you like to have dinner?" He asked and it was the first time since I've sat down that my fingers stopped on the keyboard.