A Quiet Day at the Bank

Bobbie stood outside the bank, checking her watch. She was early, as usual, so walked across the street to sit on one of the benches that were scattered around the centre of The Glen. She took out her book and began writing notes.

It was a lovely morning and she was happy sitting in the sun waiting for Max to arrive. The bank hours of 10:oo to 2:00 suited her well, especially as she was only working three days a week. She spent the rest of her time on her studies. As she had to work to pay for her training, it had taken her much longer than normal to get to the point she was now…ready for her finals. Bobbie was going to be a vet; she was certain that she would pass, she had been studying for 12 years part time and she was as ready as she would ever be to hang out her shingle.

A shadow fell across her as she sat in the morning sun. Looking up, she knew it was her boss, despite not being able to see his face.

“Good morning, Roberta,” Max said, smiling down at the younger of his two bank clerks.

“Good morning, Mr. Skinner,” she replied, standing up. “When are you going to start calling me Bobbie?”

“Oh, I’d say about 30 seconds after you start calling me Max I should think.”

She smiled as she followed him across the street to the bank. He unlocked the doors, disabled the alarm and standing back to allow her to enter.

“Thank you…Max,” she grinned.

“My pleasure, Bobbie,” he replied, winking down at her. “Shall I do the honours?” he asked.

Bobbie nodded and watched as Max headed back out the door on his way down to Lucy’s bakery. She closed the door behind him and went into the staff room to put the kettle on, wondering what Max’s treat would be this morning.

He was soon back with a couple of cake boxes, placing one in the fridge and one on the table.

“Banana muffins for now, and a couple of vanilla slices for after we shut shop.”

“Thanks, Max. You spoil your staff.”

“Well, I don’t have many so have to treat you both well to keep hold of you.”

Bobbie smiled as she poured the tea, sitting opposite Max at the small table. She was happy working for him, and not only because of the cakes he always bought. She knew that she would soon need to speak to him about her future, and hoped that he would be able to advise her.

It was a slow day in the bank. Mrs. Bindi came in to transfer her account from the top end. Bobbie was delighted that she had decided to stay at The Glen. She’d admired her artwork for a few years and was thrilled to find out what a down to earth, warm and friendly lady she was. Miss Peeg came in to cash a company cheque, Bobbie knew that it was the petty cash for Mr. Richards’ office, and Jeff deposited some cheques into his business account. Bobbie was pleased to see that he seemed to be doing well, he was such a sweet man, and handsome too. Shame he batted for the other side; he and Stevo made a handsome couple though and seemed to be serious about one another.

Working at the bank enabled her to get to know most of the residents quite well, and she liked almost all of them. There were a couple she wouldn’t want to meet socially; one was Mr. Jessup, who owned the corner shop. He was too nosey by half for her liking, always watching what other people were doing, and she thought he was most likely a complete gossip at the very least.

One customer she dreaded seeing on the three days she was on duty had just opened the door and sleazed his way in. Mr. Sid Harbor…what kind of name was that anyway? She shuddered inwardly as he came up to the counter, and was almost sick when he reached over and took her hand, raising it to his lips to place a kiss on her knuckles. She tried not to make too much eye contact as she served him, there was something about his eyes that wasn’t quite…human. She knew that was a stupid thing to think, but she couldn’t help it.

She breathed a sigh of relief when he eventually wished her good day and left. A few minutes later Max came out of his office and walked over to lock the doors.

“Another day, another Aussie dollar,” he smiled. “You want to cash up while I make a cuppa?”

Bobbie nodded in agreement and smiled. Wasn’t it meant to be the other way around? She’d never worked for a boss who made her tea before. She smiled as she cashed up and locked everything away in the safe, then went into the staffroom where a steaming mug of tea and a giant vanilla slice greeted her.

“You okay, Bobbie?” Max asked.

“Yes, I’m fine, it’s just Mr. Harbor. He always manages to give me the creeps when he comes in.”

“I know what you mean, love. I think we’re lucky that he doesn’t lower himself to come in any more often. He’s charming, but I wouldn’t trust him further than I can spit…and being a gentleman, I don’t spit,” he added with a twinkle in his eye.

“Of course not, boss,” Bobbie giggled, taking a bite of the cake. “Oh my word, this is divine, Max. Thanks so much.”

“It’s my pleasure, Bobbie. On Monday and Tuesday I have to have digestive biscuits. I can go overboard when you’re here.”

Bobbie laughed, remembering at the old bank it was all that was ever in the staffroom cupboard. This was definitely a step up in the treat department.

After clearing up, they picked up their things and headed to the door. Max waited until Bobbie stepped outside, then set the alarm, stepping out quickly and locking the doors.

“Max, if it’s a quiet day tomorrow, I’d like to speak to you.”

“You speak to me every day.”

“Be serious for a minute, boss. It’s about my future.”

“Okay, love. I’ll set aside some time for you. What say we both come in early and have a chat before we open, would that be okay?”

“That would be great. Thanks, Max. I’ll see you in the morning, shall we say about 9:00?”

“It’s a date. Enjoy the rest of your day, Bobbie.”

Max stood outside the bank and watched as Bobbie walked down the street. She turned and waved to him before going round the corner to where she parked her car. Max walked round to the back of the bank, frowning a little as he opened his car door. He hoped that the bank had a place in the future that Bobbie wanted to talk to him about.