Page 15 of Chomp's Challenge

“That would be great.” This is perfect, except for the fact that I don’t have a job. “I don’t have a way to pay for rent,” I admit, feeling vulnerable. “My ex had control of everything.”

I don’t have to say more. Callie gets it. “Then we help you with a job too. I know a secretarial position that’s opened up. Are you interested?”

“Sure. I have a degree in that field of work.” Granted, I probably won’t get a good reference from my former employer since Perry managed to get me fired when he came up to my job and threw a hissy fit because I had to work late. He was angry because his dinner wasn’t ready on time.

“Oh, that’s perfect!” Callie exclaims with excitement. “There’s just one tiny hitch. I hope you won’t mind your new employer.”

Uh-huh. Was he a jerk or something? “Who is it?”

“Chomp.” She shrugs. “He runs a canoe and rafting shop on the river. It’s one of the club’s businesses. He also gives tours, oversees the campground, and takes kids on school trips onto the lake, and handles guided fishing trips. On top of that, he’s got to run the store and oversee the finances. It’s a tall order for one person. While he has part-time helpers with the tours and stuff, no one but a club member or someone affiliated with the club handles the paperwork aspect. Unfortunately, while I help where I can, I’ve got my own business, so it’s been hit or miss. He is organized, though.” She grins at my confusion then explains further. “I’m a professional organizer. I come in, assess a company’s needs, then make recommendations. He didn’t have a filing system at all, nor did he have the right software. He has all of that now, but it’s still not been fully filled in since this is one of their busiest seasons.”

“He must be swamped.” While I’m a tiny bit worried about working alongside him given the current circumstances, what she’s talking about that his business needs is right up my alley.

Her lips twitch with humor at my reference. “He is. That’s why he’s been looking for help. Someone to handle the appointments, keep the books up to date, work in the store, and keep everything organized. Also, inputting all the old data into the computer system while keeping up with the demand on current sales.”

I can do that. In fact, I love to keep things organized. “I think this could work.”

“Good. You want to let him know, or should I?” she asks.

“I can.” I’m not afraid of Chomp, I just need a little space from the eager, caring, intense gator shifter who thinks I’m his mate. Working together shouldn’t be too hard. And at night, we’ll go our separate ways. “How soon does Michelle need a roommate?”

Callie rises to her feet, and I stand, hopeful I’m taking the right steps to put my life back together. “Michelle has been looking for a month. She’s going to be thrilled to meet you.”

“Do you think she’s working? Could we see her now?”

“Not sure, but we can drive to Beanie’s and get a cup of coffee anyway. I’ll call her if she’s not there, and you can talk to her about the room.”

“I could use a good cup of coffee. It’s been a long time.”

“Then it’s my treat. Let’s go.”

Beanie’s Brew, as I find out, is always busy. A steady stream of traffic is constantly present, but there’s a friendly vibe as soon as you walk in the door, regardless of how crowded the shop seems to be. It’s a stroke of good fortune that Michelle is working as we enter.

Callie greets her as we approach the counter, and Michelle takes our order. “So, you still looking for a roommate, Chelle?”

“I sure am. Why?”

Callie gestures to me. “My friend Ariel just moved here and needs a place. Thought you might like to have a chance to talk and see if it works for you.”

“Ariel?” Michelle asks as I nod. “Nice to meet you! I’m off in thirty minutes. Mind hanging around so we can talk after my shift ends?”

“Hi. Not at all.”

“Yay! I’m so excited. Let me get your drinks while you find a seat.”

We manage to find a table in the corner and sit, striking up a conversation as we wait for Michelle to deliver our drinks. While there’s a line for people ordering to-go, the staff takes the time to deliver the orders to each table for those who are dining in. The shop has a glass case filled with the most tempting pastries, brownies, and cookies. If I had money, I would have bought one of each! Desserts were always my favorite as a kid, and Perry knew it. He never let me eat sweets. God, I crave them now.

Blinking, I focus on Callie and realize I haven’t been paying attention. “Sorry,” I mumble as she catches my distraction with a laugh.

“No worries. You’ve got plenty to keep your thoughts occupied.”

True. While minimal, I still have stuff at Perry’s that I want to get. Mementos from my mom, an antique hutch, some clothes; nothing major, but it means something to me, and I wonder if Callie would ask Kodiak to go and retrieve it for me. I don’t know if the room Michelle has will be big enough for the hutch, but maybe they can store it for me until I get my own place. I also know where Perry hid his money, and quite frankly, I have no problems getting it since he won’t need it anymore. I’ll just consider it payment for all the hell I endured at his hands.

“Are you okay with this? Getting a room in a stranger’s house?”

“Well,” I admit, “not under normal circumstances, but I’m taking my recommendation from you. Someone who’s proving to be a friend and trustworthy.”

Callie looks surprised before a dazzling smile lights up her face. “Yeah, I think the same about you. We’re going to be close. I can feel it.”

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