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Chapter Thirteen
Clark
The GPS said to turn right in two hundred feet, but the restaurant was right here. I put on my turn signal and pulled into the parking lot. It didn’t really look like a place where she’d need to dress up for work. But it also explained why she didn’t care for pizza. If you work with it all the time, you probably don’t want to eat it.
Thankfully, it was early and only a few cars were in the lot. Most likely they belonged to employees preparing for the day ahead. The timing was perfect. I wouldn’t need to concern myself with any customers overhearing what I was about to say. Not that I was going to threaten the guy, but I planned on making my point known.
You’re hiring PJ back or you’ll regret not doing so.
Nothing was going to be accomplished by sitting in the car. I got out and went inside.
A young woman in a t-shirt and shorts said, “Sorry, we’re not open yet.”
“I’m actually here to see the owner,” I said.
“My dad is in the back.”
She wasn’t great about checking why I was here, but with experience, and training, she might become a better employee. I wouldn’t be heading to the back if PJ was at the door.
I found the door that said OFFICE and I knocked.
“Come in.”
I opened it and found an elderly gentleman sitting behind the desk. Not sure if this was her dad, or maybe her great granddad. This just changed everything. I wanted to help PJ, but no way could I strongarm someone like him. Hell, he had a walker beside his desk.
“What can I do for you, young man?” he asked.
Give PJ her job back.
I couldn’t just walk out. I was here for a reason, a very important one. “May I sit down?” I asked. Standing made me feel as though I was here to intimidate him. For now, I was hoping for a civil conversation.
“Sit. But if you’re here to sell something, I’m not interested. I buy everything from my local suppliers.”
“I’m not a salesman.”
“Looking for a job?” he asked.
Not for me.
“Not exactly. I’m here for a…friend. She used to work here. I believe there was a misunderstanding and she was dismissed.”
He nodded. “I remember. It was a very sad thing, but I had no choice.”
“There’s always a choice. Termination should be the last resort.”
“I did not want to involve the police,” he stated.
Hell, no.“That’s not what I meant. I was thinking about sitting her down, having a conversation with her on what is appropriate and what’s not. For all you know, this might not have been her fault at all.”
He laughed weakly. “Calling me a ‘decrepit old geezer’ in front of customers is certainly her fault. Which she did because I caught her stealing money from the cash register.”
Wow. That didn’t sound like PJ at all. Granted, she was a strong individual, but never disrespectful, at least not what I’ve seen. Then again, we’ve only known each other a week. What do I really know about her? And stealing, well I’d have fired her ass too.
“I’m sorry. I was under the impression that she was let go due to the fact I sent her flowers here yesterday.”
“Flowers? Why would I fire someone over flowers? Flowers show love, affection, care. I gave my wife flowers every week for sixty years.”
“I sent PJ flowers here yesterday,” I stated.
