Page 52 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Oh, she loved it! Thank you so much for the suggestion. Unfortunately, Marcy and her husband Brandt have separated. They both have lawyers now, and my poor grandbabies don’t know which way is up. She needs to find a job soon, but who will look after the children? I want to help, of course, but what can Ido with a shop to run here while they’re way over in Pittsburg? It just breaks my heart!”
Aiden sympathized with her, and an idea presented itself.
“Maybe you could try what Caroline over at the coffee shop is doing. Her daughter just had major surgery and is now recovering at home. Caroline dropped back to working three days a week, and spends the other four in Philadelphia caring for her.”
Loretta frowned but seemed to consider the idea.
“Well, it might work for a while, but that’s a lot of driving back and forth. And then there’s the shop... perhaps Doris could take over in my absence. Oh, dear, I’ll have to think about it and let you know what I decide. Be sure to tell me when they catch the vandals!”
With a wave, she returned to Puzzles & Crafts, leaving Aiden to deal with his own set of troubles.
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The month of July passed without further incident. In some ways, Aiden hated the gaps between the attacks because they left him on pins and needles—wondering when and what the next would bring. His shop was a sitting duck and at the whim of a person hellbent on revenge for something he wasn’t even aware of. Worse, his employees were in the direct line of fire because of their association withDelicious. If anything happened to them, he would... what could he do? Worry more? Hire armed guards?
His employees weren’t the only thing on Aiden’s mind these days. On top of a major expansion of his business, he also had Dash to consider. Through it all, he and his bear were prepared to topple heaven and earth to protect him. While the devoted shifter’s heart was in the right place, Dash simply couldn’t be everywhere at once. Nor could he neglect themyriad responsibilities involved with completing and opening the resort.
Millions had already been invested in the property and hundreds would rely on the Pocono Ridge Resort for their livelihoods. It wasn’t fair to burden him with trying to catch a pesky vandal whom Dash considered a direct threat to his mate. Until the criminal was dealt with, they would do their best to continue on; support one another, and put their plans into action without fear.
Chapter 19
Early August
On Friday, Toby received a long-awaited letter from the state regarding his application for college financial aid. It began with‘Dear applicant, we regret to inform you...’and his hopes of getting a degree vanished like fog in the sun. His mother worked hard to support them, but there simply wasn’t enough for college expenses no matter how much they scrimped and saved.
It was pointless to contact his father since he’d basically disowned Toby after the divorce. Child support payments ended in May when Toby turned eighteen, but state courts couldn’t force the man to love his gay son. That left only one option; go to work full-time atDelicious,if Aiden’s offer was still on the table.
Normally, Toby enjoyed going to work, especially on Saturdays. He felt needed there, and his coworkers were fun and friendly. He arrived early for his shift to explain things to Aiden. The guy was a great boss, and usually taught him something new in the kitchen until things got really busy out front. As it happened, Aiden noticed his early arrival and downcast expression. They met in the break room for a little chat and Toby explained the situation.
“... so, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to work forDeliciousfull-time.”
Aiden kept a neutral expression on his face, but it was hard. While hecouldgive Toby a simple yes or no answer, he and Dash had already discussed the young man’s future and came up with an alternate possibility. Toby, however, feared the worst when Aiden didn’t answer right away, hope ebbing away with every passing second.
“I have another idea I’d like you to consider, so hear me out. Even if traditional college seems out of reach right now, thereare other ways to get an education and help your career. Instead of working full-time in the shop, I’d like you to enroll at the community college in Scranton. They offer one-year certificates in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, or Retail Management, as well as an Associate degree in Business Administration.
“I would arrange your part-time work schedule around classes and teach you everything I’ve learned over the years. That way, you’ll be getting real-world experience on top of the formal instruction. After a couple of years, you would be qualified for a number of well-paying jobs, or you can remain here and become part of the management team. What do you say?”
In theory, the plan sounded fantastic, but Toby was stuck with the same depressing reality.
“How could I pay for school if I’m only working part-time? Plus, I’d need a car if I’m taking classes in Scranton.”
Aiden didn’t seem fazed at all by the gaping hole in his plan, leaving Toby confused.
“Sorry, let me explain this a little better. Though you would only work part-time, I would pay you a full-time salary as long as you are attending classes—either in person or online. Plus, Dash and I will pay for your tuition and books and provide a vehicle for you to use.”
Toby’s jaw dropped as Aiden explained the extremely generous offer, and his first reaction was to reject it.
“But.. but you can’t do that! It’s way too much, and I don’t deserve...”
Aiden cut him off.
“Listen, I won’t force you into something you don’t really want, and I promise you’ll always have a job atDelicious. But here’s the deal—Dash and Iwantto do this, and you deserve the chance I never had. Please say yes.”
Overwhelmed, Toby stood and gave Aiden an awkward hug, tears streaming down his face.
“You guys are the best! If you’re sure, then yes!”
When he’d regained his composure, Aiden invited Toby and his mother to come to their home on Sunday for supper.
