Scented name and ghost

Elemi

I met someone recently (sort of met), he had one of those interesting names that make you ask questions like What does your name mean? I wanted to ask him so badly what it meant. Still, I didn't want him to read my curiosity as interest, as he had already made a few statements I found very shallow and sexist, so I kept my mouth shut and tuned myself into the universe of sweet, glorious scents.

 I was thinking about a perfume my uncle had given me many years ago. I can't remember its name, but for days now, the scent seems to hunt me. I could still smell it after a long shower. I figured it was in my head, maybe I miss my uncle, maybe there's a perfume phantom out there and it's come for me. I figured it was no use telling anyone about it; their reaction wouldn't be pleasant, and someone might succeed in finally convincing me that I have an obsession for perfumes; a love is never as creepy as an obsession. I've always believed the relationship between perfume and me is pure love.

 The guy with the interesting name said something and touched my arm. "Next customer." Apparently, the attendant had called the next customer"me" twice.  I walked to the attendant, leaving the s guy in the "next customer" spot.  I remembered I hadn't told him my name because he had done all the talking the whole six or so minutes he was behind me in the queue, and I had only uttered two words: Elemi? which was my only response to: It's so hot outside, I would say it's as hot as you, but you would wonder how I can tell you are hot, seeing that I can only see your back, but I am sure your face is just as hot as your back, or maybe even hotter. My name is Elemi.

Elemi? My mind went to work, where had I heard or seen that before? OH yes! During my compilation of perfume terms, I had discovered Elemi- the gum from the canarium tree. I wanted to ask if he was named after the fragrant gum, but like I said, he was offensive, and I didn't want to encourage him. Besides, it could have been an ethnic name that was unrelated to the fragrant gum.  I know what you're thinking; because I think in perfume, I hear and see in perfume. You could be right, you could be wrong. 

The only other thing I said was "Thanks" after he woke me from my trance to respond to the attendant.  I probably wouldn't have remembered him after that but for his name and the phantom smell that is yet to leave me.

I wonder, has anyone had that? A smell that just won't go away?