A shadow passed over Kennedy’s eyes, but she shook her head. “No, nothing like that. I had some family issues, and it was just time for me to stand on my own two feet.”
I so understood the desire for that. “Do you have any experience working in a restaurant environment?”
Kennedy straightened the napkin in her lap, picking at a thread on the corner. “No. The only long-term work experience I have is interning at a law firm and some volunteer work. I served food at one of my volunteer jobs, but I’ve never prepared it. I promise I’m a hard worker and a quick learner.”
I fought the sigh that wanted to surface. Teaching someone from the ground up would be a pain in the ass, but there was just something about this young woman that made me want to help her. It was the same tingle I’d gotten when Tessa had shown up looking for a job, and hiring her had been the best decision I’d ever made. “You found a place to live?”
Kennedy shook her head. “I’m staying at the motel for now until I’m sure I found a job. Then I’ll start looking for somewhere to rent.”
My face scrunched up. “That place is awful. You can’t keep staying there.”
Kennedy let out a light laugh. “It’s not so bad.”
“You should be scared of catching something incurable from those rooms.”
Kennedy took another sip of her tea. “I did do a pretty thorough cleaning after I checked in.”
I shook my head. “Well, at least there’s that. How many hours a week are you looking to work?”
Her face brightened. “I’ll take as many as you’re willing to give.”
“We start early here. Six a.m. to four p.m., usually. I’ll pay you an hourly rate, and I’ve got a studio apartment upstairs that you can stay in if you’ll help me with inventory each month.” I freaking despised inventory.
Kennedy straightened even further in her seat. “Could I see the apartment?”
I stood from my chair. “Of course, come on.”
I motioned to my mom, who was helping out behind the counter, telling her with gestures that I was taking Kennedy upstairs. She smiled. I led the way down the hall and up the back steps. Unclipping a keyring from my belt loop, I unlocked the door. When I pushed it open, Kennedy gasped.
“Oh my God. This is perfect.”
I watched as she glided through the space, running a hand across the worn quilt at the end of the bed, peeking in the bathroom, checking out the kitchen.
“All utilities included. There’s internet, but no TV.”
Kennedy beamed at me. “That’s amazing.” Her smile faltered a bit. “There might be one problem.”
Uh-oh. “What’s that?”
She nibbled on her lip. “I have a dog. He’s small,” she rushed on. “Around twenty pounds. And very well behaved.”
“Does he bark?” I loved dogs, but I couldn’t have one barking all day when customers came into the shop to relax.
Kennedy shook her head. “He’s deaf as a doornail so he wouldn’t even know when there was something to bark at.”
I chuckled. “Then he’s welcome.”
Kennedy jumped up, clapping her hands together and doing a little squeal. Then she threw her arms around me. “Thank you so much. This is amazing. I promise I will be the best employee you’ve ever had.” She pulled back as if suddenly realizing that she was hugging someone who was basically a stranger. “Sorry, I’m just so damn excited.” Her cheeks heated. “Eeeek, and I’m sorry for cursing.”
I laughed harder. “Believe me, cursing around here is just fine. Just try not to do it in front of any customers. Or my nine-year-old.”
Kennedy sobered. “Of course.”
“Let’s go downstairs and get your paperwork all filled out, and a copy of your driver’s license made.” I braced to see if she balked at that. I wasn’t totally convinced that Kennedy wasn’t running fromsomething. But she just nodded and followed me down the stairs.
When the paperwork was done, I looked across the desk. “Do you need someone to help cart all your stuff over here?” Kennedy had arrived on a bicycle, and riding that thing in the snow and ice did not give me the warm and fuzzies for her.
“That would actually be great. I can get around fine walking or on my bike, but with my suitcase and Chuck, a car might be the safer bet.”
