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Those feelings of love she’d had were still there and growing more. He didn’t say he loved her but cared. That was still on the same train tracks in her eyes.
“I’d love to be able to spend more time with you,” she said. “Are you going to interview for a manager?” She waited for a brief second and then found the courage to ask, “Is this something I can apply for?”
“I’m not interviewing,” he said.
“Oh,” she said. “So it’s just a thought.”
“No,” he said. “It’s something I’m going to do. I’ve got someone I want to have in the position, but I need to work on the transition of it.”
“Okay,” she said.
He held her stare. “Hadley. It’s you.”
“Really?”
“Yes.” He was smirking at her. “I wouldn’t have even thought of it if you didn’t bring it up. Just like so many other things that have happened in the past few months. But I know this isn’t the career you thought you’d have or wanted. I just need to know what your thoughts are. As much as I know you can do it and will be great at it, I also need to keep the business in mind if you think it’s still short term.”
“That’s fair. But yes, it is what I want. I never thought this months ago. But I know I can do it. I love doing what I am. I know that would mean not being a server or maybe not.”
“That is what we are going to work out. I think if you’re willing or want to still do one or two shifts, that is fine with me. I’d like the manager there on busier shifts anyway. You fill in as a hostess. One of the new hostesses has been asking to be a server. If you don’t mind switching jobs, that frees those shifts up. You’d get a raise. I’d figure this out and probably make you salary. You won’t be losing out because of tips and you’d get to walk around and talk to people like you are now. Find out how the meal is.”
“That sounds awesome,” she said. “I like talking to people. I’ve heard other customers say they wish there was someone to give compliments to aside from the servers. That sometimes they want to say how good the server is.”
“Or how bad,” he said.
“Yeah, that has happened too,” she said. She hadn’t wanted to say that.
“That is the nature of the business and sometimes you can’t please everyone. So, do you want to be the new manager of Southside?”
“I do. And in three more months when you make your decision on whether to purchase it or not, I’ll figure things out from there.”
“Hadley,” he said. “I know what I’m doing. I knew from the first month.”
She laughed. Somehow that didn’t surprise her. “Why wait then?”
“Because it’s the smart business move. No one is losing out and everyone seems to be gaining. Your parents aren’t incurring any debt while we do this or once it’s sold.”
“Ifit’s sold,” she said. “Anything can happen in a few months.”
“You’re right. Anything can. If or when it’s sold, they will make a nice profit.”
“And then can enjoy their retirement even more,” she said.
“Yes,” he said. “Now that I’ve said everything I needed and wanted to say. What about you?”
“What?”
“I asked what you want or need to say.”
She jumped up and went to hug him. “Thank you for that?”
“For what?”
“For giving me the chance to have my say in things. I never feel like I get it. But I was going to try to this time. I knew I could with you.”
“You’ll always get it with me. Even if I’m an ass and it’s a few days later. Which I’ll try not to do.”
“I’m the one that left,” she argued.
