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“Of course. Without complaints.”
“Alright. You’ve garnered my attention. What’s your name, Miss?”
“Cara.” I extended a hand. “Cara Gallagher.”
He gripped it and squeezed, but not in the death grip way in which I’d become accustomed to over the years from the bigwigs. He wasn’t trying to dominate me, and I appreciated that.
“Well, Cara Gallagher, I like your gumption, and I do believe everyone should have a second chance in life.” He broke the handshake and dipped below the counter, producing a piece of paper and pen. “Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll hire you until the end of December, but after that, well, that’ll depend on you, Miss.”
That gave me five weeks to get things figured out. Totally workable.
“Thank you, Sir.” I wished I could add ayou won’t be disappointed,but it wouldn’t be the truth, and I was desperately trying to start on the right foot.
“Can you start tonight? I have a full workshop and there’s just me hosting. I’d be grateful for an extra set of hands.” He scribbled across the paper, but I was unable to discern what he’d written.
“I’d be honoured.”
He dropped the pen onto the counter. “Fabulous. Workshop starts at six-thirty in the space next door, but I’ll need you here by four, to help bring over the mini trees and all the materials.” He eyed me up and down. “And as professional as I run my business, do you have anything else to wear?”
I gazed down at my black linen pants and white blouse. Perhaps I had overdressed, but I wasn’t sure how to answer.
“Jeans are acceptable, as is a thicker sweater. You could ruin your nice shirt working here and it can sometimes be a little chilly as there’s a draft in the space next door. Wear a decent pair of runners or work boots, do you have those?”
“I brought a pair of sneakers.”
“Excellent, wear those since you’ll be on your feet all night. I’ll provide you with an apron and gloves and the coffee’s always on. Sound fair?”
“Exceptionally.” I extended my hand once again. “Thank you. I’ll be here at four o’clock sharp, Sir.”
He nodded. “Just call me Stanley, please.”
“I will. Next time. Thank you.”
“Alright. See you at four.” With that, I grabbed my jacket and pulled it on before I stepped out, took a few steps toward the vacant building where I hoped Stanley couldn’t see me, and air-punched the air.
There was a spring in my steps as I headed deeper along Main Street toward my favourite coffee shop, but first I needed to call Amanda and share the good news.
My call went straight to voice mail – she must’ve been in court. Dang.
I ascended the steps into the Coffee Loft and beelined straight to the counter, ready to spend part of my first Ridge Heights paycheck before I’d even worked the hours to earn it.
Scanning the boards, there was a new flavour of donuts, and despite the scream from my waistline, I just had to try it.
“Let’s change things up a little. One lofty-sized Maple Macchiato and a maple cream dipper, please. In the Snoopy mug please.” I pointed to the eggshell blue mug with Snoopy on his back atop his doghouse.
“Sure thing,” Nina sang out. “Give me a cuppa,” she tossed a wink in my direction, “and I’ll bring that over to ya.”
“Thanks.”
Turning, I headed to my favourite spot, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw Beatrice and Carter talking in hushed tones down the hallway. It was definitely Beatrice with her short blond pixie cut which brought out her high cheekbones, and a sense of class radiated out of her. Based on her appearance alone, she would’ve fit in perfectly as one of the senior partners of Baker-Bloom. She almost looked out of place in a coffee shop.
Tucking my chin down, hoping neither spotted me, especially her, I scoured the place to find a seat to keep me out of sight. Carter, I was okay with seeing again, but not his sister.
Slinking my way to the darkened corner, instead of taking the seat with the view, I faced into the corner but it rubbed me the wrong way as I had my back to the place. Warring against seeing the people and being exposed versus cowering, I chose the first option and swung over where I was visible but had the better view. I tipped my head down, covered my face with my left hand, and typed out a quick message to Amanda.
Didn’t have the greatest sleep, but I got the job. Now, onto plan whatever comes next.
It would be some time before she got back to me, so I flipped over to my social media pages and scrolled. Nothing caught my attention. I looked up Daisy & Dahlia and scanned their page. It was lackluster with a few dozen posts, and only one mentioned the workshop.
