A robin landed on the porch railing, cocking its head at them. Renee tossed it a few crumbs from her apron pocket, and it hopped closer, pecking at the bits on the ground.
The purr of an approaching engine drew their attention, ending their conversation. Jake's dark blue truck turned into the circular drive, right on schedule.
"That's my ride." Harper stood, gathering her things. The tea had helped, settling both her nerves and her stomach. "Thanks for the company. And the tea."
"Anytime. I'm back to my kitchen, as well." Renee's smile was warm. "Have a wonderful first day."
Harper descended the porch steps as Jake parked and got out to open the passenger door for her. The gesture surprised her - such old-fashioned courtesy was rare these days.
"Ready for your first day?" Jake's grin was infectious as he closed the door after she settled in.
"As ready as I'll ever be." Harper buckled her seatbelt while Jake walked around to the driver's side. "Thanks again for playing chauffeur."
"I'm happy to help, and the inn's pretty much on my way anyway." Jake started the engine. "Besides, it gives me an excuse to grab coffee from that little place next to the bank. Their espresso is amazing."
"Espresso," Harper sighed wistfully. "Bring it!"
Jake laughed, setting the truck into motion.
Jake pulledinto a space at the far end of the bank's parking lot, and set the parking brake. He glanced sideways at Harper.
"You good?"
Harper wet her dry lips with the tip of her tongue before nodding. "I'm okay."
Anxiety churned in her stomach - as someone who preferred solitude and quiet, nothing was worse than starting at a new workplace where unfamiliar faces awaited introductions. Strange how meeting clients never triggered these jitters, but that was different. Those encounters were all about maintaining a professional facade. Dealing with colleagues required a whole other level of social interaction. She slung her bag across her body and grasped the handle to exit. When she circled to the truck's rear, she found Jake standing there with an encouraging grin.
"Don't forget, I'll be here for moral support." Jake's voice carried a reassuring warmth, which eased a fraction of the tension from her shoulders. His steady presence reminded her she wouldn't have to navigate this first day alone.
"I've got this," she told him. And she meant it. Just one standard workday, and the stressful initial shift would be over. "I really appreciate the ride."
"Don't mention it. It's temporary anyhow."
"Until Thursday," she replied, feeling a small surge of optimism. "Someone from the car lot will collect me after my shift and handle the purchase documents." She nibbled anxiously at her lip. "It's been forever since I've been behind the wheel. Back in San Francisco, I never had to - the buses and trains were way more convenient."
"You'll get the hang of it fast," he said, entering the security code for the back door of the bank and holding it open for her to go through. "This way."
He led the way down a short hallway, and into a brightly lit, open room. Tables and chairs were scattered about, with sofas and armchairs set randomly about the walls, flanked by potted plants. Fresh flower arrangements stood in vases on the tables.. There was a small kitchen area, with sink and microwave and a full-size refrigerator, as well as a stretch of lockers for the employees to put their personal possessions. Harper looked about in surprise.
"This is nicer than the bank in San Francisco, and that was a national bank!" Harper marveled at the unexpected homey touches, her hands unconsciously fiddling with the strap of her shoulder bag. The employee lounge radiated warmth, so different from the cold, sterile break rooms she'd encountered at her previous jobs.
"That's because the Clark family, who owns this, puts a heavy emphasis on the family, in family bank." The comment camefrom a slender lady in perhaps her 40s, her hair already heavily silvered despite her relative youth, though it suited her elegant bearing and sharp, intelligent eyes. Her tailored navy suit and confident stance spoke of competence and authority. She smiled, extending her hand to Harper with a warm, welcoming expression which immediately put Harper more at ease.
"I'm Lydia Metaxis, the general manager. Welcome to Carter's Bank - we're delighted to have you joining our team."
"Oh, yes! We talked on the phone several times." Smiling back, Harper put out her hand for a brief but firm handshake. Lydia was a shifter, like her.
Cat,Reyna confirmed.
"I'll leave you here," Jake told her. "You're in good hands with Lydia."
"Thanks again for the ride, Jake." Harper adjusted the strap of her bag, offering him a grateful smile.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Lydia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Though I suppose after working security here for three years, you'd know if I was trustworthy or not."
Jake chuckled and gave them both a casual salute before striding off toward the security office, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Harper watched him disappear around the corner, her last familiar anchor in this new environment gone. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the employee lounge. She inhaled deeply, catching the scent of fresh coffee mingling with the fragrant flowers.
