Page 12 of Single Chance

“Thank you. I miss her like crazy, but with Alzheimer’s, there’s this whole aspect of relief that she isn’t suffering anymore. No one should have to go through such a horrible disease.” I swallowed hard at the emotions that welled up, then attempted a bittersweet smile.

“I can’t imagine what either of you went through. Presley said you’re planning to search for teaching jobs for the fall eventually, but you’re in need of income right away?”

I nodded. “I’ll be frank with you. I never planned to quit teaching, but my grandmother couldn’t afford a caretaker and wasn’t safe alone. I had to choose between making money and taking care of her full-time. Through some of my education connections, I tried writing science curriculum at home, but that work wasn’t steady, and it became too much for me to handle deadlines as my grandmother required more of my time.” I shook my head and shut out the emotions, wanting to paint the rest of the picture briefly so we could move on.

“I’d make the same decision again if I had to do it over,” I continued, “but it’s put me in a dire financial situation. We were living on her social security, and of course that ended when she died. I considered substitute teaching, but I really need something a little more predictable.”

“Substituting would be a challenge,” Chloe said. “Even if you could get a position each day, I shudder to think of facing a classroom of kids. Of course, I’m not cut out to be any kind of teacher.” She smiled. “Teachers are special souls, for sure. I have the utmost respect for them. For you.”

“Thanks,” I said. “It’s definitely not for everybody, but I did it for three years and loved the kids. I do want to eventually get back to it, but I need some time before I walk back into a classroom full of teenagers. I’m flexible and a fast learner. I’m reliable and get along with all kinds of personalities. If you have any positions available, I’m all ears.”

“I’m looking for an assistant for Holden and me,” she said, watching me closely. “We’ve grown to the point where our small staff is stretched to the limit. We need a detail person. Particularly as we begin marketing our venue for events. Asmuch as I’d love to have my hand in everything, there are only so many hours in a day, and we have a one-year-old at home.”

Since I hadn’t known much about Chloe’s business before, I’d figured I would be involved in serving or bartending or something similar. This sounded even better.

“I’m intrigued,” I said.

She told me more about what she envisioned me doing on a daily basis. It would be a wide-range, kind of do-whatever’s-needed position, as it was new, and she was still figuring it out. She was apologetic for the lack of structure.

I was fine with it and relieved as hell she might be willing to hire me in spite of my plans to return to teaching. I could put up with a lot to have a full-time paycheck right away.

“What questions do you have for me?” she asked.

I laughed. “What can I do to convince you to hire me? I love the atmosphere here, and you seem like you’d be wonderful to work with.”

“I like to think I’m nicer than a classroom full of teenagers,” she said. “Most days. We’re a baby company, but Holden and Kemp really know what they’re doing. Thanks to our ties to the restaurant, which already had a sterling reputation, we’ve been getting regional attention almost from the start, so we’re growing fast. One of the challenges of growth is the pace of hiring additional employees. We’ve needed an assistant for months but dragged our feet. Then Presley called.”

“Presley’s amazing,” I said of the girl who’d lived next door to me for half of my childhood. We’d reconnected at my grandmother’s funeral and met for lunch a few days later. If Chloe hired me, I didn’t know how I’d ever pay Presley back for the connection.

“She’s the best. Like the sister I never had,” Chloe said. “She vouched for you completely, but even if she hadn’t, I like youand suspect we’ll work very well together. That’s a lot more important to me in this position than your specific skill set.”

I asked her about work hours, and then before I could inquire about money, she spelled out the salary and benefits, which mostly kicked in after six months. I wasn’t too concerned about paid vacation, but the health insurance would be welcome. I’d had to drop mine months ago because I couldn’t afford the premiums.

“Everything sounds great,” I said. “I’d love the opportunity.”

“Can you start on Monday?”

“Absolutely.” I sat up straighter, hope pumping through me.

“Then I’ll see you then. Eight a.m.”

“I’m hired?”

Chloe held out her hand for me to shake. “Welcome aboard, Rowan.”

Chapter Five

Rowan

My wardrobe had two settings: teacher and not-leaving-the-house.

I wasn’t sure what brewery-appropriate outfits consisted of, but for my first day at my new job, I’d decided on a multicolored knit blouse under a cropped blazer with stone-gray slacks. I paired it all with suede booties with chunky heels. It was comfortable but professional and lent me a little confidence as I embarked on this job I had zero experience doing and almost as few ideas about what to expect.

I liked Chloe though, and I trusted Presley. If she thought I could work with her bestie, then I likely could. I hoped the rest of the brewery employees were easy to work with too.

Oh, who was I kidding? I just needed to do whatever was necessary to earn a paycheck. If I ended up enjoying the job, it would be a bonus.

I arrived twenty minutes early. Chloe was there, and I met her husband, Holden. The two of them were impossible not to like.

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