John's eyebrows raised appreciatively and a tentative smile crossed his mouth as he took in the unfamiliar face. She was attractive. His first thought had been she was new, or perhaps a seasonal employee from another department. Perhaps she was on her break, which would have explained the jacket.
But it didn't explain the shoes.
Of course John noticed the trainers with the pink laces. He had to look at shoes all day. Those shoes were far too casual for the department store's strict dress code.
His friendly expression became slightly bewildered.
"Hello. Uh..." John stood there for a moment. He'd never seen a non-employee walk into an employee's only area. She wasn't intoxicated, and there was so much confidence, the woman didn't appear the slightest bit lost.