Dave rested with his back against the front desk of the kiosk, eyeing the two new arrivals
awkwardly kicking their feet through the white, Florida sand. He hated using agencies. Sure,
it meant the shop owner could hire staff with an hour's notice. But it also risked getting idiots
like the two young men before him. Dave's business had a reputation and it was good that
the newbies were going to be dressed up as mascots. They sure as hell didn't give off the
chill, surfer vibe he wanted. The type of look given by the eight-foot surfboard sign above
which read SURF SHACK in embossed black paint.
Dave rubbed at his mouth with the back of a hand. He paused for a moment, studying the
two new staff members.
Nile had been the first to introduce himself. He was short, skinny, and clearly the nerdy type;
the faded grey band shirt was a dead give-away. A self-deprecating witty look and a mess of
brown hair only clarified his persona. Adam was bigger, taller, and had a well-kept black
beard that matched his hipster look. Denim shorts and a checkered shirt ruffled in the sea
breeze. At least he looked somewhat closer to the clientele that Dave was looking for. The
owner of Surf Shack puffed out a sigh.
"Okay then, dudes. It's going to be hot out and sweltering in your costumes there so like, take
regular breaks." Dave straightened, waving the two newest staff members of the Surf Shack
towards the changing rooms. "And I mean it about the breaks. These suits are my pride and joy and
I want you to treat them properly."
Adam just nodded. With a yawn, he swivelled his head to study the long stretch of beautiful
white sand. Beach hugged the coastline as far as the eye could see. Shops and restaurants
lined the seafront, as well as frequent car parks and kiosks for equipment hire. Surf Shack
was slightly more affluent than many of the other grotty stalls. It was more like a mini
complex consisting of an open shop front, a back storage shed, and a row of changingrooms for those hiring wetsuits. Apparently, competition was tough and the Surf Shack drew
extra customers by a pair of mascots shouting-out advertisements across the sand. Adam
gulped. He guessed that the business struggled to keep long-term staff if the employees
were wearing cheap, sweaty costumes all day.
The only reason the young hipster was here was for some extra cash.
"Cheer up, mate." Nile didn't help the situation, elbowing his newest companion with a
cheesy grin on his face. "Just think! Getting paid to work on the beach all day. It's a dream
come true!"
With a sniff, Adam decided not to comment. He'd never been the most social type. Besides,
he could tell right away that he wouldn't get on with this nerdy jerk.
"That's the spirit." Dave agreed, grinning. His eyes sparkled with something akin to mischief
as he passed a large duffle bag to each of the men. "Why don't you both get changed? You've got ten minutes to change then I want you out the front. The sun's out and
we're going to be doing big sales today."