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Frustration mounting, I consider what I’m going to do for the rest of the day. I don’t think I can take another rejection. I’m so tired of hearing no. But I have a few more hours to kill before Gabe will be able to come to get me.
Pulling out my phone, I decide to call Starla. She might be miles and hours away from me, but it would be nice to at least hear her voice and vent my frustration to her.
“Winter?” she answers on the third ring.
“Hey, Starla,” I say, slumping in sudden relief. I can hardly believe how good it is to hear my friend’s voice.
“How are you? How’s the new house? How do you like Whitfield? Tell me everything.”
I laugh at the rapid-fire questions she shoots off without giving me time to speak. “I’m good. And the new house is wonderful, though we have a lot of space to fill still. It’ll help once we get the rest of our furniture moved in. And we got our bed,” I say brightly.
“That’s good. You need your rest. You’re growing a whole new life, after all.”
That makes me chuckle. “I’m looking for a job today,” I say tentatively.
“Oh, fun! How’s the search going?” she asks, her enthusiasm sending a stab of rejection through me.
“Honestly, pretty poorly,” I admit.
“Just not enough places hiring?” Her sympathetic tone makes me wish that were the only reason no one wants to hire me.
“Some are. But I just don’t have work experience. No one wants to take a chance on someone who’s never had a job and can’t even offer references.” I sound mopey, but I can’t seem to find the bright side on this one.
“Well, what about all the community service and nonprofit stuff you’ve done with me?” Starla asks. “I mean, you weren’t getting paid, but I would be happy to serve as a reference to talk about how hard you work and your willingness to do anything people need. Plus, you’re a quick study. I mean, you learned how to bake banana bread in one day, when I’m pretty sure you started out not even knowing how to turn on an oven,” she teases, making me laugh.
“You would do that for me?” I ask, my voice rising hopefully.
“Of course. I think it’s silly that a company wouldn’t hire you if you’re willing to work hard for free.”
“Wow, I hadn’t even thought about it like that. Thanks, Starla.”
“Of course! I’m here for anything you need.”
We chat for a while longer, catching up on events of the last few days, and then she sends me on my way, wishing me good luck before we hang up the phone. I walk with a new bounce in my step as I make my way back up the other side of the street.
Next to the little sandwich shop is a cute clothing boutique called Honey Bee’s. As soon as I step inside the doors, I feel at ease. This is my kind of environment. While the clothing labels aren’t high-end like I used to wear, the shop has a unique style that I quite enjoy, a mix of sassy and fashion chic.
“Hello!” The curly-haired sales associate greets me, popping her head out from the back momentarily to let me know she’s here. “Feel free to wander and take a look around. I’ll be right out if you need me.”
Smiling, I wander as I wait for her to appear, looking over the small display of delicate gold jewelry hanging by the register.
“How are you today?” the woman asks when she finally reappears. I would place her in her mid-thirties. Upon closer inspection, I realize her hair is actually made up of locs styled into curls, and their black-to-golden ombre color contrasts beautifully with her dark skin. The hint of a nose ring that sparkles in the light enhances her sassy appearance, and I’m fully confident that she’s the person who chooses the clothing to fill the shop.
“I’m good, thanks. How are you?”
“Oh, fine, fine. Thanks for asking. A bit short-handed at the moment, but that’s not your problem,” she says, waving the worry away.
“Actually, I was looking for a job, so it just might be fate.” I smile widely, keeping my metaphorical fingers crossed as I hope she doesn’t notice my baby belly.
“Really? Are you new to town? I don’t recognize your face.”
“Yes, actually. My fiancé and I just moved in.”
“Welcome to Whitfield, then,” the woman says, extending her hand. “I’m Mallory.”
I take her hand with all the confidence I can muster and shake it firmly. “Winter. It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Have you ever worked retail before?” she asks, and my heart starts to sink.
