Page 37 of Searching for Love

ChapterThirteen

There were so many applications for Avery to go over the week after they put up the help wanted sign in the window. She’d printed the applications and had stuck them on the bar top for people to grab when they came inside.

Two days later, Avery sat behind her cluttered desk in her small office, a stack of resumes spread out before her. The soft hum of Parker and his crew finishing work somewhere on the outside of the building drifted in through the open doors.

She glanced over the first resume, her brow furrowing in concentration as she read the applicant’s qualifications. After a few moments, she nodded to herself and set the resume aside in the stack of people she would schedule interviews with.

As she worked her way through the resumes, Avery found herself impressed by the diverse range of experience and skills displayed by the applicants. Who knew it was going to be such a hard job narrowing them down to the dozen or so crew members that they needed? Each resume told a unique story, a testament to the rich tapestry of backgrounds and talents that made up their small-town community. Of course, she knew almost every local applicant but was surprised at how many out-of-town people were in the mix. More than a dozen applicants were from Edgeview. Two of them were from Portland.

Just as she was about to move on to the next resume, there was a soft knock on the door, and a large Hispanic man stepped into the room, a nervous smile playing on his lips.

“Hey, Avery,” he said, his voice tinged with excitement. “I’m Rico. Lucas told me to come on back. I’m looking to be hired on as waitstaff.”

Avery’s eyes lit up with recognition. Lucas had filled her in on running into the man the other night during dinner. The only thing he’d mentioned was that he was impressed with the man’s skills and that she should hire him if she agreed.

“Of course, Rico,” she said, motioning for him to take a seat on her new red leather sofa. “I’m glad you stopped by. Let’s chat.”

The man sat down, almost filling the entire sofa with his muscular form.

For the next half hour, Avery and Rico talked about his previous experience, his passion for food and hospitality, and his vision for the future. Rico spoke with enthusiasm and confidence, his love for the restaurant industry evident in every word. He spoke of his love for his family’s heritage and the food that he desperately loved more than the Italian he’d been serving over the past year.

As the interview drew to a close, Avery couldn’t help but be impressed by Rico’s professionalism and genuine enthusiasm. With a smile, she extended her hand across the desk.

“Welcome to the team, Rico,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “I think you’ll be a great addition.”

Rico’s face broke into a wide grin as he shook Avery’s hand, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you, Avery,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I can’t wait to get started.” He shifted. “I hate to ask, but what exactly is the name of this place?”

Avery laughed. “For now, we’re calling it To Be Determined.”

Rico laughed and nodded. “I wanted to chat with Lucas while I was here.” He glanced out the door. “Is he around?”

“He’s in the kitchen. They just delivered some of the equipment. Head on back if you want.” He turned to go but she stopped him. “You wouldn’t know of a good sous chef or bartender who is available, would you?”

Rico smiled. “I’ll have Yolanda give you a call or stop by later this week. She’s my on-again, off-again girlfriend.”

Avery’s eyes shot up. “You’re okay to work together?”

Rico laughed. “Yeah, she’s the mother of my unborn children but doesn’t know it yet.” He winked at her. “I’m just not smooth enough to ask her to marry me yet. The number one reason she keeps breaking things off with me.” He chuckled. “Maybe this place, a new start, will give me the chance to finally take that leap. Adiós.” He nodded and left.

After that, sitting in her office alone, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. With Rico and the other new hires on board, she knew that this place was poised for success, ready to welcome guests with open arms and delicious food for years to come.

Now all they needed was a name for the place.

An hour before quitting time, she had interviewed ten more staff, hiring six of them on the spot.

As Avery sat at her desk, reviewing the final stack of resumes, the door to her office creaked open, and the sound of familiar voices filled the room. She looked up to see her parents stepping inside, their faces glowing with excitement.

“There you are, Avery,” her mother exclaimed as Avery jumped up from behind her desk and moved around to give her mother a warm hug. “This place has come a long way,” her mother whispered.

Her dad followed her mother and stepped into her office with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with pride. “You’ve done an amazing job with this place,” he said, his voice filled with admiration. “You finally have your own office space.” He nodded to the pictures she’d hung on the walls of her family. “Well done.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. “I’m finally able to do something I love.”

Her mother glanced around the office, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. “This place is beautiful, Avery,” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “You’ve made it your own space.” She motioned to the red leather sofa. “I like this.”

“We got it at Ruby’s.” Avery smiled.

Just then, Lucas stepped into the room. A warm smile spread across his face when he caught sight of Avery’s parents. “Hey, Avery,” he said, his voice warm with greeting. “I see you’ve got some visitors.”