She hated when she had to work alone, but Jess wasn’t feeling well these days and Carrie had no other help. Her other helper called in sick, too. She couldn’t blame him. Rodney sounded terrible on the phone, but if she found out he was skipping work to be at the rodeo, she’d kick his tail. The bell tinkled over the door. Standing down one aisle helping a young girl and her mother looking at some cowboy hats, she couldn't tell who came in. They sold all kinds of flashy things during the events, but hers were cheaper, bringing the participants and spectators alike to her store. “I’m not sure if I like this one or the other one.” The girl’s nasally voice grated on her nerves as she whined. “I think both look good on you, but this one fits your personality better.” She turned to see who had come in, but she couldn’t spot them over the shelves. “You keep looking, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” The girl’s mother and Carrie exchange exasperated looks before she smiled and headed back for the front.
