Page 5 of Spring Showers

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you more.”

“Don’t even worry about it. It’s hard to keep up when we’re thousands of miles away. But now you’re here and we can catch up properly.”

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to see you this week. Thank you so much for getting me this job,” Thandie said.

“I didn’t get you this job. I only suggested it. You got the job and I’m sure you’re going to be a big help. America and Leo are seriously the best, and they need a partner to help get this place off the ground.” JB placed her free hand on Thandie’s forearm. “Let’s get together sometime next week, after you settle in around here.”

Thandie’s heart was full. Her mom had always professed that certain people would come in and out of her life at exactly the right time, and this was no exception. “Thank you, more than you know,” Thandie said.

“Don’t mention it. I have to get to the grocery store and back before this one’s nap time,” JB said as she opened the door with her free hand. “Good luck this week!”

Thandie waved goodbye to her friend, who she was glad was only a phone call away. Even though they didn’t talk often, having a familiar face in a new town or at a new job counted for a lot. She waited for JB to pull out of the drive and turned back around. America and Leo were out of view.

“Hello?” she called out.

“We’re in thecucina,” America called back.

Thandie made her way around the wall and entered through a saloon-style door that swung both ways. America sat on a shiny silver workstation that ran down the center of the kitchen. From the stove to the wide refrigerator with glass doors, everything glistened and smelled of lemon-scented cleaning products. She doubted the kitchen had ever been used.

“She told me to keep her visit a secret,” Leo said. “Probably in case something happened, and she wasn’t able to make it over here. I’m glad it worked out for you.”

“I appreciate it more than you know.”

“So, where do you want to start?” America said while Leo busied himself making a plate of sandwiches.

“Honestly? I don’t even know fully what the job is and what you expect. Maybe we should begin there?” Thandie said shyly. “All I know is I’ll be the events coordinator for a wellness week retreat.”

“You didn’t tell her, Leo?”

“No, I thought you did,” Leo said back with a playful tone.

“Tell me what?”

“You’re in charge of the whole thing. The entire guest experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave,” Leo said. “It’ll be fun.”

“Is that all? I could have used a few more days to prepare. Do I have any staff?”

“You’re looking at it,” Leo said.

Thandie had it in mind to bolt right then. But whatever the job required, she needed the paycheck. “So, what exactly do you need me to do?”

Leo took a platter filled with sandwiches out through the swinging door. “Come on,” America said and led the way out to the dining area situated below thecucinasign. She handed Thandie a paper napkin. “I’m sure you’re hungry after the drive. Grab one of these things and I’ll take you to the office.”

Thandie eyeballed the delicious-looking sandwiches. Multigrain bread was piled high with Vermont white cheddar, thin shaved turkey, tomatoes, and lettuce. Her mouth watered as she imagined biting into the best lunch she’d seen in days. “I’m so sorry. I can’t eat this. I have celiac disease and can’t have any gluten products.” Thandie turned her eyes from the platter.

“Oh, don’t worry. These are all gluten-free,” Leo said with a smile about to break from the confines of his face.

“How...?” she said and spied the sandwich she wanted.

“Jenny told us,” Leo said. “And our chef has celiac disease too.”

“So, the wholecucinais gluten-free. Isn’t that great?” America clapped her hands with excitement.

Thandie picked up the sandwich she was sure she was drooling over and took a huge bite. Her eyes closed, and she savored the soft bread and fresh ingredients. Eating on a budget meant she usually didn’t get to enjoy gluten-free bread. She took two more bites before finally coming up for air. “I don’t know what to say. This is a fantastic surprise.”

America threaded her arm through the crook of Thandie’s. “That’s what the chef said would happen. Now let’s get to the office. I assume Leo showed you around a little before I got here?”

“He tried?—”

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