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Josephine nods. "The reindeer spend all their time outdoors in the winter, so I won't need you to muck stalls. I really just need another pair of hands around here for the reindeer visits."
"Reindeer visits? Xavier mentioned that, but what does it mean, exactly?"
She laces her fingers together at her waist. "I've got a spot in town where folks can visit reindeer from eight to five, Wednesday through Sunday. I rotate out the deer I take to town, so no one gets overworked. Kids and adults can feed the reindeer and pet them. Sometimes we have visits to schools in the outlying areas. Manure scooping is a big part of the job."
"I'll be working more with customers than the reindeer?"
Josephine smiles. "I have some administrative tasks and personal stuff that'll keep me too busy to be talking to tourists and school children all day."
I smile with relief. "I love people. Especially tourists." I'm not entirely sure about that second part, but as often as I've been a tourist, I can relate. This is a job I can do.
"Perfect. Be here tomorrow at seven to help me load up the reindeer."
I stick out my hand for her to shake. I'm going to have to leave my place at six in the morning to make it here on time, but I'll manage. "Deal."
Josephine shakes my hand as Xavier walks over.
"Cherry doesn't have a car." Xavier puts a hand on my back, supportive and comfortable. "Any chance one of your old trucks run well enough for her to use?"
Josephine narrows her eyes at me. "You know anything about truck repair?"
I smile sweetly. "I know how to call a tow truck."
Josephine laughs, the sound gruff. "That's not gonna cut it. All my trucks are high maintenance."
Xavier winces. "I'll be your chauffeur until we find you something reliable."
"You don't have to do that." I turn to him so he can see how serious I am. "Now the driveway's cleared, I won't have a problem getting up here."
"Take him up on it." Josephine slaps his back. "Xavier's never happier than when he's martyring himself for a cause."
Xavier rolls his eyes like he's heard the same from Josephine before. "I like to help people. There's nothing wrong with that."
Josephine lifts her brows. "Who's running your shop while you're helping all these needy folks?"
Xavier starts past us toward the exit to the barn. "My shop's doing just fine. Do you need to show Cherry anything before we head out?"
"No. I believe in on-the-job training. Thank you for stopping by, Cherry. I like to look someone in the eyes before I decide to hire them."
"It's been nice meeting you." I wave. "I'll see you tomorrow."
She waves and heads back to wherever she'd appeared from when we showed up.
I catch up with Xavier and walk with him back to the truck.
"Some packages arrived at the shop this morning," he says. "I think it's the stuff you ordered for the window display."
I squeal with excitement. "Perfect. I'll get started on that right away."
"How about some lunch first?" He opens the passenger door of his truck for me.
My stomach grumbles. I guess nearly dying works up an appetite. "Sounds good."
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Xavier
"Please tell me you're joking." I wipe my eyes with the heels of my hands. I can't remember the last time I've laughed so much or so hard.
