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“You as well, Ms. Sparks. Stay upright,” he replies with a chuckle.
“Jack is as protective of this town as it gets, but damn. Hedefinitelywants to serve something, alright,” Charlie says under her breath as she walks past me.
My mouth hangs open for a moment at her suggestion.
She shrugs. “Just saying, friend, just saying.”
We both laugh but say nothing else on the subject as we go about our work. I’m grateful she took the hint this morning that I didn’t want to talk about it. She still makes her little comments, but she doesn’t try to turn it into a conversation.
Irene comes through the front door, a smile on her lips. “Morning, ladies.”
“Morning,” we say in unison.
“You get those feet rubbed by good ol’ Joe?” Charlie asks with a giggle.
I nearly swallow my tongue at the question. Within a very short time, I’ve learned one thing for sure about Charlie, and it’s that she has exactly zero shame.
“I did,” Irene replies with a wink.
I’ve never seen coworkers so open and personal with each other before. We all seem more like friends than coworkers though, so it makes sense.
Charlie is watching me. “What is it?”
“Nothing, really.” I laugh. “It’s just that everyone is so open with each other here. It’s an adjustment from what I’m used to.”
“We’re all friends here; you included. So loosen up!” She crosses her eyes at me again, and I let out a bark of laughter.
What a goof! I have friends,genuinefriends here. After only a few days, I’ve made more friends and met more friendly faces than I can remember in a lifetime in Sacramento. It warms my heart.
The remainder of the day goes by pretty quickly. About thirty minutes before closing, I clean the dining area, then head to the back to start on the dishes in hopes of getting out of there right after closing today.
I enjoy my new job and the company even more, but the mornings are early, and I wouldn’t mind a nap. Luckily for me, my plan actually works out. No other customers come in the last fifteen minutes, which allows us to count down the drawer early and lock the door at closing time on the dot.
After saying our goodbyes, Charlie and Irene get in their cars as I head off on the sidewalk, waving as they drive by. It isn’t warm by any means, but I still thoroughly enjoy the walk back to the motel again today. The views in Fraser are absolutely breathtaking.
I’ve been itching to paint. It feels like it’s been an eternity since I last put a brush to canvas. Instead of settling in at the motel, I decide against the nap and for exploring the little town I’m growing to love more and more every day.
I wander in and out of different shops along the main street. I even go down a few side streets, and I’m so glad because I find a little craft store.
“Welcome!” a voice says from the back of the store.
“Hi!” I reply as I look around.
“Let me know if you need any help finding anything,” the boy behind the counter says with a friendly smile that’s so common here.
Nodding, I weave my way through the store, feeling as excited as a kid on Christmas while looking at all the available paint supplies. I have to be smart with my money. I don’t get my first check for several more days, but a canvas or two, some paints, and a few brushes won’t hurt.
Andi… You’re negotiating with yourself and trying to justify an unnecessary purchase at this point.
While that thought is pretty spot on, I also know I need something more than sleep and work. I need to express my creativity, or I’ll go crazy.
Feeling better about my decision to spend the cash, I pick out a few inexpensive things I think will give me a good start. When I put the items on the counter to pay, the cashier gives another kind smile. He’s a younger kid, probably sixteen or seventeen. He has blonde hair and a freckled nose.
“Is this all for you?” he asks.
“For now.” I nod, barely able to contain my excitement.
“You must be, Andi,” he says indifferently as he continues to bag my items.
