Page 2 of Time for Change

“The specific position we’re looking to fill today is a floating shift. It would be a mixture of day and evening shifts, which I’m hoping fits your availability with school.”

“Yes,” I blurt out, taking a moment to pause and breathe. Clearing my throat, I add, “Yes, I can make that work. My schoolwork is done by deadline dates, so I don’t have to be present during certain times of the day. And when we have conferences with the professors, those are scheduled ahead of time based on a convenient time for me.”

He smiles. “That’s a great setup.”

“It is. It comes in handy so I’m able to still work.”

“All right, so what do you think? Are you interested in the position? I think you’d be a great fit here.”

I almost sigh in relief. “Yes. I’m interested.”

“Great,” he states, pulling out a sheet of paper and sliding it toward me. “This is the availability schedule for the next two weeks. Since we’re in the middle of a pay period, it’s already set, but if you’re unable to work sometime on here, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.”

I take the paper and glance down, not noticing anything too alarming off the top of my head. “It’s fine, really. I’m incredibly flexible.”

“Okay, well, if you want the position, it’s yours. You start tomorrow morning.”

A wide smile spreads across my face. “Thank you so much, Mr. Taylor,” I blurt happily, extending my hand.

He chuckles and gives me a shake. “Just Garreth, please, and you’re welcome. I’ll get your company shirts ready. Would you prefer to fill out the employment paperwork today or come in a bit early tomorrow? Either way, you’ll be paid for your time.”

“Oh, I can do it now,” I tell him.

“Great. Let me grab a tablet and we’ll get started.”

While he walks down a hallway to retrieve the electronic device, I take a look around the bar. It’s comfortable and clean and I’m really excited to start working here. I’m not above the hard work it takes to be a good server. I know I’ll be on my feet a lot and my arms will get a workout carrying those heavy trays, but I’m up for the challenge.

“Here you go,” Garreth says when he returns with the tablet. “There are three tabs of paperwork. The first one is the tax forms, and the other two are employee documents. It’ll ask you for your email address after you complete each one, and the program will email you copies. Any questions?”

“Nope,” I tell him, taking the device.

“Okay, I’ll be at the bar. Just holler if you need me.”

When I nod, he walks away leaving me to it. The man working behind the bar isn’t familiar, but that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve really only been able to find information online for the owners, not the staff. They talk quietly for a few seconds, and even though I try to focus on the task at hand, my eyes are drawn back to their interaction.

Just as I complete the last form, I hear a heavy door open. My eyes are drawn to the hallway, and as soon as a man emerges, my breath catches in my throat. Walker Meyer. I’d recognize him anywhere. His photo over the last several years has been on their social media pages and website as the man who manages the bar. He creates their specialty drinks and is the one who used to dance on the bar top on Friday and Saturday nights—there are plenty of fan pics and videos of that online too.

“Hey,” he hollers as he steps behind the bar and slips off his jacket.

Garreth waves before glancing my way. “All done?”

I nod, watching the man behind the counter instead of the one who conducted my interview. Walker is a good-looking guy, even though he’s twice my age. He has dark hair with a hint of gray around the temples, striking blue eyes, tattoos cover his arms, and fills out a fitted T-shirt pretty damn well. Pair all that with his charisma and wicked smile, and I can see why the ladies go crazy over him.

Garreth glances over his shoulder when he sees me looking and waves Walker over. “Walker this is our newest server, Stevie Clement. She’ll join our crüe tomorrow and train with Marla.”

Walker flashes me a grin. “Welcome aboard,” he says, extending his hand.

My much smaller hand fits easily in his much bigger one. “Thank you. Happy to be here.”

“Jasper’s in the kitchen, but we won’t bother him today,” Garreth continues. “You’ll be able to meet Numbers and Jameson tomorrow too.”

I swallow over the lump in my throat and nod. “Okay.”

“Let’s run to the back and grab you some shirts,” he says as Walker goes to return to the bar.

“Nice to meet you, Stevie,” Walker hollers before turning his attention to the employee pouring a draft beer.

The rest of my time goes quickly, as Garreth pulls five shirts in my size from the shelves in back. They’re black, with the company logo across the front, and another wave of excitement sweeps through me. “Tomorrow come at ten thirty, and when you get here, we’ll have your security code for the doors. Most staff come in through the back, which needs a code to gain entrance. Tomorrow, come in either of the front entrances and come find me. Glad to have you on board, Stevie, and again, I appreciate you coming in on a Sunday.” Garreth extends his hand once more and gives mine a shake.

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