Page 51 of Shark 2

I arrived at Gina’s place at nine o’clock like she asked. Thankfully, I wasn’t super hungover even though I had drunk a lot the night before to drink away my blues.

“Morning!” Gina called out as she walked into the walk-in fridge when I entered through the backdoor.

“Morning,” I replied.

She exited the fridge, three of her tentacles sticking out from under her dress, each carrying a bucket. “So, I didn’t really talk to you about it last night, but I don’t want you to work here and cook. I want you to work here as a manager.”

“A manager?” I asked, eyes wide.

She nodded. “I have enough workers who can make the pizzas and they get paid starting wages. What I need you for is to manage them and manage the customers. Basically, my other employees will run the back of the shop here, while you run the front of the shop. So, let me give you a rundown on things. Then, we can talk money and I’ll have you sign some paperwork. Okay?”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

It only took her ten minutes to explain things to me, but the register was the hardest part for me to learn because she was stubborn and hadn’t gotten a new one in a decade. Once I finally did learn it, we went to her office so I could fill out the paperwork. She offered me more than I anticipated, so I gladly and gratefully accepted.

After that was finished, we exited the office and she introduced me to the first shift workers, Tyler and Marie.

“Kass is our new manager, so be nice to her and cut her some slack as she learns the ropes,” Gina said and patted my shoulder.

“Be extra mean and expect her to know everything now, got it,” Marie said with a smile.

“Marie likes to joke to try to make the day go by smoother,” Tyler said and sighed. “It makes it go by slower.”

Marie rolled her eyes. “Only because you don’t appreciate my humor.”

“Kass will be starting her first day tomorrow,” Gina informed them. “Nine o’clock sharp tomorrow, okay?”

I nodded. “You got it, boss.” Waving, I headed out and down the street to my parents’ restaurant.

As soon as I opened the door, Mom started yelling at me, but it was in her native language, which I did not understand.

“Hello, Mother. It’s nice to see you, too!” I said with a wide smile as I walked up and hugged her.

She sighed and hugged me back. “You’ve been away too long.”

“Are my handsome boyfriends not helping enough? Do I need to beat them?”

She rolled her eyes. “Dramatic as always. We all know you don’t beat them.”

“How are you?” I asked and leaned against the counter. “And where’s Dad?”

“He’s in the back. I’m fine. When are you getting mated?”

Snorting, I shook my head. “When I’m asked, I suppose.”

Her eyes widened. “Do they know you feel that way?”

I shrugged. “Most likely.”

“Hm, I do not think so. I will find out.”

“You can’t just ask them, Mom.”

“Course I can,” she said and patted my arm. “I find out for you.”

Shaking my head, I changed the subject. “How’s the restaurant? Getting enough business?”

“Oh, yes. Lots of business with the twins here. Lots of female customers.” She smiled when she noticed my irritation. “If you mated them, you wouldn’t have to worry about the female customers.”

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