I watch bored as the queue of people waiting to see me slowly grows. I am not in the mood to deal with the post Christmas return rush, while I appreciate some people are difficult to buy for has no one heard of actually asking what people want?

Out of the corner of my eye I can see a rather intimidating looking man walks over to the line, he does not look pleased to be here. I know how he feels but glaring at me is not going to make me get to him any quicker. As I explain to the woman in front of me exactly why she can’t return underwear yet again since she couldn’t understand it when I first explained just twenty minutes ago, I continue to watch the bald guy noticing his expression changes as a hand loops around his waist. Quickly moving my eyes to the left, I see the hand belongs to a guy who looks like he walked out of Playgirl magazine, a decidedly athletic built, amazingly adorable lips and eyes that I could happily stare into for weeks. Whatever the Playgirl guy is saying seems to be working as the bald guy gives an honest to God smile.

“Good morning, my name is Matt. How can I help you this morning?” I say the common greeting with a practiced fake smile.

The bald guy glowers at me saying, “I bought several T-Shirts and all of them are substandard, several have small holes.”

“I see. Do you have the receipt?” I say unsurprised at the news since there had been a number of similar complaints in the last couple of weeks due to the fact that the store had changed its supplier.

“No,” The angry bald man answered as if daring me to comment on it.

I raise my eyebrows in shock, what does the man expect is going to happen now. With my best poker face I answer, “It is against policy to issue an exchange or refund without a receipt, Sir.”

Bald Guy just glared saying snidely to Mr. Playgirl, “This is why I do not frequent the Mall, Clark. They have a ridiculous policy and they actually make me wait.”

I watched intrigued at the connection between the pair as Mr. Playgirl – otherwise known as Clark simply shrugged and shook his head in what appeared to be fond amusement.

Clark said calmly, “I warned you that you needed a receipt, Lex. It’s not my fault that you refuse to accept reality. This is normal for those of us who do not get all our clothes handmade by a personal tailor.”

“We wouldn’t even be here if you had let me arrange for Paul and Marc to make all your clothes but you have to have some crazy idea about it costing too much. I’ve told you that money doesn’t matter, I like buying presents for you.”

I watch the argument in amusement, it seems like this Lex had obviously only bought something from here as a compromise to his boyfriend. Maybe in future the guy would have the common sense to actually examine clothes before buying them. After working here for three years I can say that there are a lot of products that are not of a particularly high standard. I certainly wouldn’t buy anything from here and that’s saying a lot given that I get a half off the price of anything I buy in store.

Turning to me Lex commented, “I have to say this is bad customer service. How do you expect to keep customers if you treat people like this?”

I shrugged, “To be perfectly honest, Sir, that is not my responsibility. It is my job to answer any customer queries and complaints, not to manage customer loyalty or public relations.”

“I see. Are you going to replace these items?”

Deciding it was best to go with the company line I answered, “It is against policy to refund exchange or replace items without a valid receipt, Sir.”

“I know that, Matt. However, I was thinking that you could make an exception. Do you have any idea who I am?”

“Should I, Sir?” I answered tired of dealing with this particular customer. All I wanted was for the day to be over so I could go home and relax with a cup of Green Tea.

“My name is Lex Luthor.”

‘Shit! Why do I always end up with the customer from hell,’ I thought replying, “Very nice for you, Sir. I’m afraid that doesn’t change anything.”

“It should. I can have this company and you ruined in seconds.”

Knowing Luthor could easily fulfill his threat I explained quickly, “I’m sure you can, Sir, but I cannot issue a refund. If I did so, I would be fired and I cannot lose this job.”

Clark placed a hand on the billionaire’s shoulder saying, “Stop, Lex. I don’t want to be the reason why he has no job, please leave it alone. We can buy some more T-Shirts.”

Lex sighed, “If you want, Clark. Let’s go back to the penthouse, we can ask Paul and Marc to come over and take your measurements. They will make some suitable T-Shirts.”

“Have a great afternoon, Sirs.” I say with relief as the pair walk out of the room, one arm looped around each other’s waists. I must admit that despite the apparent differences in the background, culture and ages of the pair; Lex and Clark Luthor appeared to be a good couple.

End