I just knew that I needed to make some serious changes in my life, because what I'd been doing so far wasn't working at all.
From somewhere in the back room, Sam, the only remaining co-worker, called out, "Three minutes 'til closing."
Just then, as if his announcement had cursed both of us to stay past the allotted time, the bell on the door jingled to announce a new customer.
I gave an inward groan as I turned to look. But then, at the sight of who'd just walked in, I felt my eyes widen in surprise.
It was Mitchell, my former co-worker.
When he spotted me standing behind the counter, he didn't look happy.
In fact, he looked downright ticked off.
Chapter 40
Lexie
Mitchell was tall and lanky with spiky red hair and light brown eyes. Tonight, he was wearing black slacks and a long wool overcoat, as if he were heading someplace special for Christmas Eve.
And yet, he still didn't smile as he approached the counter.
Gamely, I tried to smile big enough for both of us as my sister and I both called out greetings.
In return, all we received was a sullen look as Mitchell stalked up to the counter and tossed a wrinkled sheet of paper onto the smooth glass surface.
I looked down. "What's that?"
"A job application," he said. "You wanna take a look?"
I didn't really.But it seemed rude to refuse, so I picked it up anyway and scanned the single sheet.
Yup, it was an application, alright. It was for a job here at the candy store, and it was already filled out.
Right there, in bold blue ink, was Mitchell's full name, along with his address and phone number, followed by his education and work experience, which primarily consisted of nine years at Winterville Chocolates.
As I stared down at his application, I said, "So…you want to workhere?"
"Not really," he admitted. "But Grampkin promised you'd hire me."
He had?
Well, this was awkward.
I looked up to meet his gaze. "I would, honest, but I'm just a regular employee. The manager does the hiring, not me."
"It figures," he grumbled.
I hated to burst his bubble, especially on Christmas Eve. "But Icouldput in a good word for you. Still, I've got to be honest. With the holidays winding down, they probably won't be doing much hiring. In fact, I've already been told that I'll be getting fewer hours after the new year, so…" I winced in sympathy. "I wouldn't get your hopes up."
His mouth twisted into a grimace. "Not much danger of that."
Oddly enough, I knew exactly what he meant. When it came to looking for work, my own hopes had been dashed too many times to count.
Hoping to take the edge off his disappointment, I said, "And besides, you could do better thanthis. You're way overqualified." Heck, evenIwas overqualified, and Mitchell had far more experience.
Mitchell looked to my sister. "Didn't you tell her?"
"Of course I told her," Harper said, looking a little miffed. "I promised you I would."
