Page 19 of Sugar Coated Lies
“Never mind him.” Millie waves him off and leads me out a back door. “We’ll have more privacy out here.” Another porch, with tables and chairs, wraps the back of the building. It overlooks more pecan trees. “Have a seat here while I get your paperwork. Would you like something while you wait? Coffee, tea, a pecan donut? I made them fresh this morning.”
“You made the delicious-smelling donuts?” I say in awe.
“I make most of the pastries, but I hear you’re my new help, and that will be a wonderful break for me. My last assistant had her first baby not long ago and decided she wanted to be a stay home mama—can’t say I blame her. That little baby’s as sweet as a peach.”
I smile, wondering if one day I’ll be lucky enough to marry, have a baby, and afford the luxury to spend at least the first year at home with him or her. “That’s wonderful. Uh, not for you, but for her. And I am very eager and ready to help however I can.”
“That’s what I want to hear. Now, what can I bring ya? It’s on the house?” She winks. “Employee discount.”
In that case… “A coffee and donut would be amazing. Thank you. I can get it myself.”
“Another great answer, but let’s wait until I show you where everything is. It’ll be faster for me to get it, and I have to get your paperwork—uh—eForms, anyway. I’ll be back in a few.” She stops at the door leading to the store. “Cream? Milk? Sugar? We have sweeteners, and oat and pecan milk if you prefer non-dairy.”
Oh wow.“Sugar and any creamer would be great. Thank you so much.” I feel weird being served when I’m here to work.
“You got it, darlin’” She winks again and goes inside.
I stare across the beautiful landscape. The breeze, charm, and hospitality of it all is overwhelming.Am I awake?I pinch myself to be sure.Yep. How is this real? And how long can I hold on to it? Because at this rate, I’d shovel dirt to keep a job here.
Millie returns with an iPad and a tray of goodies, including my coffee. She sits across from me. “I thought we could eat together. Two birds, one stone, and I’m starving. Daire pulled me away right when I was about to serve myself some breakfast. We all wait to eat until we get here. It’s free and too delicious to pass up.” She pushes the tray closer to me. “I got a variety. Take whatever you’d like. Try them all if you want. It will help you learn what you’re serving. Soon, you’ll be making everything along with me. Daire says you haveextraordinarypie skills.”
I laugh, but it’s tight and airy from nerves. “I don’t know about extraordinary”—Did he really say that?—“but I make a good pie. I love it. My grandpa is a huge fan.”
That draws a warm smile to her face. She taps on the iPad as she speaks. “Grandparents are a great judge of food, especially in the south.” She takes what looks like an iced tea and a pecan and peach fritter and sets it on a napkin next to her. “This has all the questions and forms for you to fill out. It’s an easy process. Much easier than the paperwork we used to go through. Daire is slowly bringing us the technology we’ve been missing for a while. His daddy is old school, which is why Daire is essential to our progress. I’ll admit the words,going greenfrightened me at first, but I don’t miss the old filing system.” She glances at the tray. “Eat up, sugar. I’ll be a bit longer.”
I put a pecan donut on a napkin and mix up my coffee. The first bite is like heaven in my mouth. I can’t help but moan.
Millie beams. “That’s right darlin’. Let it all out. The more moanin’ the better.”
“This is incredible. The texture and moisture are perfect, and the flavor with a hint of cinnamon is delicious. Is that honey I taste?”
She lifts her head and stops working on the iPad. “No one has ever guessed that. It’s my secret ingredient. You are going to fit in wonderfully.”
It’s my turn to beam. All good signs that I’ll be happy here, appreciated even.
Millie hands me the iPad. “All right, sugar. I’m going to let you fill this out and enjoy your food while I get some things done in the kitchen. Take your time. No rush and come on back in when you’re done.” She stands. “Do you need anything else?”
“No.” I wipe my mouth. “Thank you so much. I…I’m…” Tears fill my eyes again.Jeez, Everleigh. Get a grip.“Thank you.”
A sincere smile curves her lips. “You’re very welcome.” She touches my shoulder, then gets her fritter and iced tea and disappears inside.
It takes me a moment to collect my emotions. Kindness like this from employers or anyone really doesn’t happen to people like me.
I wipe my eyes dry with another napkin and focus on completing the online employment paperwork.
It takes less time than I thought it would, which is good. I’m eager to get to work, prove my worth, and show my gratitude. I clean up my mess and arrange everything, including the iPad neatly on the tray so I can carry it inside. Before going in, I text Sadie that everything is fine and I’m still alive.
Her reply says for me to text her on my way home and when I get there. And to be extra safe.
Again, I roll my eyes.
On the other side of the porch, movement catches my eye.
Three people exit from doors over there and walk down the steps toward the pecan trees. It takes me a moment to realize it’s Easton, Tennessee, and… Is that Daire?
Easton glances over and waves with exaggeration. “Hi, Everleigh.”
I stiffen and wave back. “Hi.” They probably can’t hear me, since my voice is still ruled by my nerves. That’s my boss and his brother, and I look like I’m relaxing on my first day.
