AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Because it’s awkward. Haven’t you ever heard the expression,Don’t shit where you eat?” I ask.
“Whoa, no one’s asking you to shit anywhere,” he says as he lets go of the steering wheel and puts both hands in the air.
I punch him in the ribs. “You know what I mean.”
He grabs his side. “Hey, that’s abusing an employee. Don’t make me report you to Human Resources, woman.”
I point at him and yell, “See, that’s what I’m talking about.”
He grabs my finger and pulls it down. “I’m kidding, Zoey. You don’t have to isolate yourself from everyone because you think it’s improper to hang out with us. Around here, people treat their coworkers like friends and family.”
I ponder that for a moment.
He reaches over and taps my nose. “You came to Balsam Ridge, looking for a change, so you might as well fully commit to it and try things our way.”
I look back toward the group, who are laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
Maybe he’s right.
“I need them to respect me.”
“I promise, as long as you’re good at your job and you treat them with respect, you’ll get it in return.”
Joanna spots us and starts waving us over.
“I guess it couldn’t hurt to get to know everyone a little better,” I say.
“That’s the spirit.”
We make our way to the crowd, and Scooter immediately hops to his feet, offering me his chair.
“Thank you, Scooter.”
I take a seat, and Joanna passes me a glass.
“I made margaritas,” she sings.
“Tequila and I aren’t really on speaking terms,” I say.
“That’s okay. It’s like breakup sex. Enjoy it now, and you can regret it in the morning,” she urges.
I laugh and take a sip of the drink.
“Good, right?”
“It really is,” I agree.
“The secret is mango and basil. I puree the mango myself,” she says as she clanks her glass with mine.
“I’m adding it to the cocktail list at the Cantina,” one of the girls I don’t recognize shouts.
“I’d better get credit on the menu,” Joanna teases.
“That’s Leeza. She is running the Mountaintop Cantina in the hotel. Her husband is using the kitchen in the mess hall to make us all albondigas for dinner.”
“What’s albondigas?” I ask.
“Mexican meatball soup with lots of veggies, rice, and a rich broth. It’s his specialty,” Leeza answers.
