AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Well, Irene hired me to fill that position but let me grab her from the back. Just one second.”
She turns, walking towards the back where there is a server window and a door she disappears through. Just my luck that it’s an old listing.
An older woman with salt and pepper hair walks through the door in the back, heading in my direction. She has a flour-covered apron on, some of it even making it into her hair.
“I’m Irene. Are you the one asking about the job listing?” Her sharp gaze assesses me from across the counter.
A nervous smile curves my lips. “Hi, I’m sorry to bother you. I saw this flyer at the grocery store last night. I’m new in town, and I’m looking for a job.”
“I didn’t think I recognized you. It’s a small town, so we know just about everyone around here. Come have a seat over here. Let me see if I can help you.”
Irene walks toward a small circular table in the back corner and takes a seat. As I fumble with my jacket, I wonder if she might know someone around who’s hiring if she isn’t. I’ll take all the help I can get right now.
“Have a seat.” She gestures to the chair across from her.
I finish taking off my coat, hanging it on the back of the chair before sitting. I’m grateful she’s willing to speak to me at all. Anywhere else I’ve been, they would have bluntly told me they couldn’t help and then slammed the door in my face.
“So, what’s your experience with baking and making coffee?” She props her chin on her hand, gazing at me.
“Oh, does that mean you haven’t filled the position yet?” I shift uncomfortably as hope blossoms in my chest that I misunderstood.
“Charlie took the position listed on the flyer close to a year ago. They never update those boards. But I’d like to retire here soon and can always use good help.”
I grin. Irene is warm and has a weathered smile with creases around her kind eyes. It seems she laughs often. At the very least, she smiles often.
Clearing my throat, hoping my answer doesn’t lose me an opportunity. “I don’t have much experience in a business setting, but I love coffee and pastries, and I’m a quick learner! I’d love the opportunity to help you here.”
Pushing all my optimism to my expression, I try to convey how much I want this job, pleading silently with my eyes.
“What’s your name, hon?”
I shift in my chair. “Andi Sparks” I fidget with my scarf, uncomfortable with the lie, but I need to get used to it.
Irene’s eyes zero in on my neck, and I drop my hand too fast, knocking it on the table on the way down. If she saw the bruising under the knit material, she doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, her gaze wanders back to meet mine, and she sits quietly for a moment.
Finally, she taps the table and smiles. “I think we could use an extra hand around here if you’re willing to put in the work.” I open my mouth to say I have no problem doing that, but she halts me mid-sentence with a hand in the air. “It’s not an easy job. It’s early morning hours, long days on your feet, rude customers sometimes, and the pay isn’t anything to write home about. If you’re okay with all of that, we can give it a try.”
I nod my head enthusiastically. “Thank you so much! You don’t know what this means to me.”
Irene smiles gently before whispering, “I think I may have an idea of what it means.” Pushing up from the table, she gestures for me to follow before heading to the back. “Let me show you around. I need you to fill out some paperwork before you start.”
The possibility of needing to produce identification temporarily dampens my excitement. I knew it was coming. I knew it would be a factor, but I told myself I’d figure it out later.
Well…
It’s later.
An ID and bank account inAndi Sparks’name doesn’t exist. I don’t even know how to go about creating a fake ID. I assume something like this would be easier to do in a place like Sacramento. Bigger place equals a larger number of shady people.
But I kind of doubt I can go ask Jim Bob down at the hardware store if he knows where to get an entirely new identity made.
I need to think of something fast.
Irene shows me around the kitchen. There’s an industrial oven and stovetop in the back while all the coffee machines are up front. This café makes cappuccinos and espressos, but the regular coffee and scones are the big hits around here.
It’s a small space, but they’re using it as efficiently as they can. Irene said the pastries usually sell out by late morning. They have a few sandwich choices for the lunch crowds and close at 2:00 PM every afternoon, and they’re closed on Sundays.
She whips around and stares expectantly. “I’ll need you here bright and early at 4:00 AM to get ready for opening at 5:30. Will that be a problem for you? Where are you staying?”
