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The man, Devon, stared at me for a long time, probably trying to figure out if I was a diva or a crazy person. My hope started to fade the longer the silence persisted, but I kept my spine straight and my shoulders squared, projecting a confidence that dwindled with every passing second.
“Do you consider yourself difficult to work with?”
“No, and I don’t think anyone I’ve worked with in the past, other than Rodrick, would disagree. I pay attention to culinary trends, both in food and décor. I’m great with customers, listening to their needs and cooling tempers without running to the chef constantly or giving away the whole menu for free. I expect a lot from my staff because that’s what fine dining requires, but I’m easy to get along with as long as you do your job.” I sighed and prepared myself for what he would say next. “I won’t let myself be bullied or demeaned, no matter how talented the chef is.”
Devon took in my words and nodded before a smile lit up his face turning him from average to good looking. “Excellent to hear. You’ll love Chef Nina, she’s as quirky as her food, and she’s more of a hippie chick than a bully.”
I nodded at his words before understanding dawned. “I will? Does that mean that I’m hired?”
“It does. On a ninety day probationary period, of course. Either of us can part ways with in that time for any reason at all. If you make to the ninety-first day, we’ll start with a one year contract.”
“Oh, wow. Thank you, Devon. I promise I will not let you down.” My heart raced inside of my chest like I’d just finished a marathon. This was my second chance, one I desperately needed. “Thank you.”
“No thanks necessary. I need a solid house manager, and aside from that one incident, your credentials are good. I’ll double check them, obviously, but barring any deviant behavior, you have the job.”
I accepted his outstretched hand and shook it with far more enthusiasm than I probably should have. “Do you have a set schedule, or are you a hands-off owner.”
“Neither. I’m not the owner, I’m his assistant.”
“Oh. You’re so well-dressed, like every owner I’ve ever met.” It was like they had to make sure we all knew they wouldn’t lower themselves to do anything to help out in the front or back of the house.
“Thanks. I try.” Devon sighed and handed me a stack of papers. “The owner will be home in a few days, but you should expect to take the reins around here as we get ready for the Grand Opening.”
Take the reins? “Is he, um, does he...” I snapped my mouth shut before I insulted a man I’d never met.
“He is new to this business, this industry, but very eager and determined to make this place a success,” Devon supplied helpfully. “When can you start?”
“As soon as you need me.” I had a job. Not even twenty-four hours in town and I could tick one item off my to do list. “Is tomorrow too soon?”
“Tomorrow is perfect. Nine o’clock sharp and we can go over everything you’ll need to know.”
“I’ll see you then, Devon. Thank you again. So, so much.” He walked me to the door with an amused grin, that didn’t offend me in the least. I was happy to have this job, excited that I wouldn’t have to start over at the bottom of the ladder. At forty. I practically skipped back to my car with a grin so wide it made my face hurt, and the best part of all? The smile didn’t leave for the rest of the day.
For the first time in two months, I could relax. I could breathe again and it wasn’t all due to the dewy Tennessee air.
Chapter 5
Ryan
It feels good to be home.
That was the main thought that went through my head as I stood in the middle of my living room with the furniture covered and dust everywhere. Despite the fact that it took an extra week longer than planned to get back to Carson Creek, I felt nothing but glad to be home. I surveyed my place and sighed with relief to be in my own place, with my own things.
“Home sweet home.”
Never one to dwell on anything, I opened all the windows on the first floor to let the warm breeze through and cranked up the radio while I unpacked my bags and separated them between clothes that went into the laundry and those that went into my closet. The first day after a tour was always busy, because unlike my brothers, I refused to hire a housekeeper into my personal space to put their hands all over my belongings. Besides, hiring a housekeeper in Carson Creek meant hiring one of the older ladies who used to babysit me, or worse, teach me in school.
