Hearing his murmured remark about customers lacking lives of their own, she nodded.  What a champ, to realize they were being watched and not make a run for it.  It was a bit discomfiting working with the public sometimes, like being a participant of a reality show.  “Yeah, it can be a pain but it’s a two-way street.”  There were stories Emily wanted to share how some customers actually struck up friendships and romances with other patrons.  There was even a couple who dated, married, and returned on their anniversary to celebrate.  She thought it would be wise to share these stories away from the café and avid eavesdroppers.<br/><br/>“Thank you, Boris.”  The surprise gift of gloves was a thoughtful gesture and fireworks went off in her brain at his mention of observing what she wore to the shop, celebrating his invite to swing by.  He was giving the green light for her to peruse the additional swag from Ernie.  Nothing was sweeter, knowing there was more than one person experiencing mutual emotions of crushing. A random sunbeam cast a halo around his dark locks, highlighting the lighter strands. Besides being handsome and thoughtful, he was generous!  How was she going to work in asking him out on a date?<br/><br/>Trying not to seem too eager, her slender fingers reached out to touch both pairs.  Inspecting the black gloves with<i>Joe Rocket</i>emblazoned in white, the design looked sporty, reinforced with hi-tech hardened armor at strategic points, knuckles and finger joints.  She liked how the Velcro at the wrists secured them snugly in place.  The skillfully crafted red pair though, had immediately caught her attention.  With her fashion background, Emily knew they could be an accessory at any fashion house, leather soft like butter and expertly dyed a deep rich red. The stitching was so fine that it didn’t pull at any of the seams. Holding them up for a smell, the redolent fragrance of leather tickled her senses.  Trying them on, the<i>Daineses</i>slid on like they were made just for her.  She couldn’t’ wait to try them out on a ride, probably using the<i>Joe Rocket’s</i>first since it seemed such shame to dirty the red pair.<br/><br/>As if the gloves weren’t enough, Boris pushed the brown gift bag towards her.  Was there more?!  His generosity was almost overwhelming.  “I love the gloves!” She murmured, looking into the bag and catching a glimpse of red.  Drawing the mug out, the bumblebee in the logo made her laugh aloud in appreciation, the reference to his shop was ingenious.  “I’m sure the mugs will be a collector’s item, being so unique.”  It was comical how some customers craned their necks to see the logo for themselves.  Thanking Boris again for the gifts, Emily wondered aloud just how much swag did Ernie send and if she could drop by in the next couple of days to look at the rest of the gear.  “If you like, I would be more than happy to whip up a dish or two as a thanks.  Just let me know what you like, I'm happy to make you anything.”  Emily was curious what he would come up with.  She also noticed a few customers nearby conversing quietly amongst themselves. Were they taking a stab at what Boris might say?