Even though the shoot was cancelled, Lara wanted me to come in and help. Actually, she didn't want, she practically begged, and I obliged, of course. She told me I didn't have to stay long, but I ended up staying longer than either of us had intended. It's such a relief to be able to work there and not have to worry about rides or punctuality or traffic. When I came in the shop, we were once again mellow, and Lara predicted that because it was Sunday she really doubted that we'd have that many customers. So, with that in mind, I windexed all of the corners, even moving the items on them to different places so that their whole surface shone. I wasn't counting on a load of customers touching the glass with their grimy fingers and ruining that lovely gleam. Of course, such is the way of a shopkeeper apparently.

After I had windexed the counters a few people wanted my help and opinion on a few pieces, and I even went down into the basement to pick out some cute '70s dresses for a woman also attending the 70s party the upcoming weekend. My day was busy and filled with filling out sales receipts and greeting customers. Then, when I was folding a hot pink polyester autographed racing jacket I looked around and noticed a little girl who was now behind the counter. Her mother, the woman who was searching for the dress, yelled at her daughter and asked if she was bothering me. I said no and smiled, telling the little girl I liked her pink tights with flowers.

That day became my day of babysitting, which I can tell you is hard work in and of itself. I tried to pry Ava away from the other room where we were sitting and playing house, but she wouldn't be persuaded. So I gingerly sat on the floor and let her braid my hair, button the disco jacket she'd dressed me up in, and scold me for wearing shoes in the house. I even hugged an invisible boyfriend and let her take a few pictures with my camera phone, although she did try to figure out how to call the police before I finally got it back. I don't understand why kids sometimes do that, although I do recall that I once did the same thing myself.

At the end of the day the store was a mess and the men's section was a complete disaster. Luckily Lara had guitar lessons and so she said we needn't deal with all the details of cleaning up, because we'd get it the next time we opened. So I have that to look forward to. Before Ava's mother left, after many outfit changes and self doubts and asking our opinion on alot if her choices, she asked for my number in case she ever needed a babysitter. I gave it to her and then leaned against the glass door, thankful that this 70s party was nearly over and the day was most definitely done.