Steemit Challenge s28wk6: Unexpected Chat's True Twist

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Antony noticed the salesgirl's smile first, it was calm and friendly, the type that can make anyone feel relaxed. That captivated him, he walked in while the girl was arranging the clothes neatly in the shop, she was folding shirts and hanging dresses with care. Antony only wanted to pass time in the mall but he was shy and curious at the same time the moment he saw her.

He picked a blue blazer he didn't really need and asked her about the size. She politely explained, he asked questions upon questions just to keep the conversation going and the girl answers all. His heart was beating fast when he finally gathered the courage to ask the girl, "Would you like to have a coffee with me at the cafe nearby?"

He thought she would decline.

Instead, she smiled and said, "Sure."

At the cafe, time moved faster. A cup of coffee turned into two. They talked about so many things, life, work and childhood memories. Antony told her how his father was a tailor, and how he grew up watching clothes being made stitch by stitch. Tina talked about how she learned how to survive on her own, and meeting different calibers of people daily at work.

When the mall was about to close, Antony walked her to the parking lot, he was both happy and nervous. "This was simply amazing," he said.

Tina gently squeezed is hand and said, "Let's do this again next week, I know a place we can have dinner, their food is really good."

They hugged tightly before parting their ways. That night, Antony couldn't keep his mind off the moments, he kept thinking about the girl's smile and laugh.

The dinner date arrived. The restaurant was quiet and warm. They sat opposite each other, smiling. Tina was simple but elegant. As they ate she asked Antony about his work. Antony explained that he runs a small online clothing business. It's not always easy; sometimes delivery gets delayed, and customers complain. He was giving his best, though things got hard.

Tina was listening carefully.

After a moment she cleared her throat, "Antony, can I tell you something important?"

Anthony's heart skipped. "Okay."

"I don't only work as a salesgirl," she stated, "but I also help businesses grow and improve how they treat their customers. I checked how honest and organized they are."

Antony felt uneasy. "So you checked my business?"

Yes, she nodded slowly. "Not at first. I like you. But when you mentioned your store name, I recognized it. I saw some complaints online. Though nothing terrible, things need to be fixed."

Antony was embarrassed and quiet, and the happy evening suddenly changed.

Tina continued; "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, I just wanted to be honest. You're a good man Antony. You care that's why I decided to help."

"So this was business all this while?" He softly asked.

"It doesn't necessarily have to be," she replied. "I can help you fix the problems. Good communication, clear rules, and happy customers. I don't intend to take your business. I'll just guide you."

After thinking deeply, and remembering how hard it is to put things in places alone, Tina looked sincere. He accepted the offer

"Alright, you can help me."

They agreed to keep things professional for now. The next few weeks Tina helped him improve his business. She taught him how to answer customers politely, set clear delivery dates and choose better suppliers. Complaints reduce drastically, and customers start trusting his brand again.

They often met, but always talked about business and work. Still, something warm grew between them, and it was respect, trust, and understanding.

At the end of 3 months the work was completed, Tina sent her final report and invoice along with a short message that reads, "You work hard, and I'm proud of you."

Antony smiled when he read it. Then he gathered courage once again to ask her for coffee, this time without fear.

She paused, then replied "Yes."

At the cafe, they talked so freely, not about business this time, but their dreams and hopes. When Antony walked her to the parking lot again, the moment felt familiar but stronger.

Tina said, "This was amazing!"

Antony squeezed her hand and smiled, "You care for dinner next week? I know the spot."

They hugged, knowing that this time, their stories were built on honesty, patience, and real connection.

I'm inviting my friends @wilmer1988, @xkool24 and @okere-blessing to join this contest.