The quote illustrates the narrator's anxiety about developing feelings for a customer. He imagines a scenario where he becomes fond of her, leading to an overwhelming anticipation for her visits to his shop. This fondness creates a cycle of nervousness and clumsiness, highlighting the vulnerability associated with romantic interest.

This internal dialogue reveals the narrator's fear of rejection and the awkwardness that often accompanies attraction. He contemplates the various ways he might approach her, fearing both misunderstanding his cues and facing outright rejection. This reflects a common struggle many individuals face when navigating the complexities of romantic pursuits.