Page 9 of Wild Wolf Betrothal

“Would you believe that I’ve been there my entire life? This is the first time I’ve ever been out of the area.”

“I believe that all states have their own natural beauty, but I might be a little biased in saying that Colorado is the most incredible of all the states. It has mountains, prairie, high desert, and anything else you could wish for.”

“It sounds like I’m going to enjoy exploring,” Lucy said. “You don’t by any chance know of anyone who would want to hire someone for at least a couple of weeks, do you?”

The woman scratched her head and then said, “I do. A wonderful woman, by the name of Clara, owns a café. She recently lost her manager, who quit suddenly and left town. I’m sure that she could use the help for a couple of weeks until she could find someone else to replace her.”

She wrote the address of the café on the paper and said, “Tell her that Helen sent you.”

Lucy put her belongings in the room assigned to her and stretched out on the comfortable bed. In just a minute, she was sound asleep. She was amazed when she woke up the next morning with the sun shining through the windows.

“I guess I was a little tired,” Lucy said to herself.

The little restaurant inside the inn wasn’t too busy.

“Did I miss the breakfast rush?” Lucy asked the waitress.

“We aren’t as busy in the wintertime,” a smiling woman named Carley said. “In late spring, summer, and early fall we are so busy that we need to clone ourselves to keep up with everything. However, when there is snow on the ground, we are slow.”

“That makes sense.”

“What brings you to Ivy Springs?” Carley asked.

“Just taking a short vacation from life.” Lucy smiled.

“I understand that, completely.”

Lucy waited until about ten, hoping that the business at the café would have died down a little by then. The smell of coffee and danishes tickled her senses when she walked in.

“This smells like heaven,” she said.

“I’m glad you think so,” a smiling woman said. “How can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Clara.”

“You have found her.”

“My name is Lucy. Helen sent me. She said that you might be able to use a hand around here for a couple of weeks.”

“Helen sent you, huh? Then you must be good people.”

“I like to think that I am,” Lucy said. “I’m sure that there are those out there who have a difference of opinion.”

“I think that can be said about all of us at one time or another,” Clara said. “What brings you to Ivy Springs.”

“I’m on a personal odyssey.”

“That sounds very grand. There are no cyclops or sirens in Ivy Springs, but we do have mountains and beautiful sunsets. Have you ever worked at a café before?”

“No. After high school I got my bachelor’s degree and my master’s degree in social work. I’ve been in that field in one way or another since high school. But I’m a quick learner.”

“I’m sure you are. When can you start?”

“Right now.”

“Terrific,” Clara said. “Here’s an apron.”

The coffee and expresso machines were easy to figure out, and Lucy learned how to make a delicious mocha, cappuccino, latte, and anything else that a person could want quickly. The ovens were easy as was the grill. By the end of the day, Lucy was tired but felt good that she had managed to learn the equipment.

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