“I know it’s unusual to go straight to the interview process, but since we’re both here, I figured why not.”
“That’s great.” I set my hands in my lap and lace my fingers. Hopefully that’ll keep me from waving them around like I do when I’m nervous.
“Great.” Amy pulls a piece of paper from the folder. “Have you worked in a coffee shop before?”
“No, but I’m a quick learner.”
Her eyes dart away, and my heart sinks.
She looks back at me, and when her expression remainsopen, I exhale in relief. “Any experience with an espresso machine, at least?”
“Yes,” I fib, keeping my shoulders back and my chin high. If she hires me, I’ll spend some time watching videos on YouTube. That way I won’t look like a complete novice.
She arches a brow in doubt, and that confidence shrivels a bit.
So I double down and lie through my teeth. “M-my friend has one at her house,” I stammer.
She moves on to other questions without calling me out, thankfully. Questions about my job history and skills that don’t include making coffee. I’ve worked in retail and the backend of a restaurant, as well as a little waitressing. That should help sway things in my favor.
She taps her pen against the table and blows out a breath. “Experience as a barista is typically a must?—”
My heart sinks.
“But”—my heart dares to soar—“I have a good feeling about you. When can you start?”
I resist the urge to get down on my knees and thank her. “As soon as you need me.”
“How about Monday?”
That gives me four days to make some progress on the house and figure out how to use an espresso machine.
“Monday is perfect.”
“Good.” She breaks into a genuine smile. “Welcome to the team, Halle.” Standing, she holds her hand out once again. “Order a coffee on your way out. On me.”
“Thank you.” I infuse the simple phrase with as much gratefulness as I can manage. “I’ll see you Monday.”
Normally I wouldn’t take her up on the offer for a free coffee, but oh boy, do I need it.
I ordered an iced caramel latte and walk out with a pep in my step.
CHAPTER 3
HALLE
It looks like my old middle school mascot threw up in my brothers’ bedroom. The yellow and green assault my eyes. So badly I have to literally raise a hand to shield them.
“It looks … great.”
The boys look at me, wearing matching grins and almost as much paint as they’ve managed to get on the walls. They won’t hear any complaints from me. They got the job done, and it doesn’t look half bad.
“Thanks.” Casen scratches his nose, leaving behinda streak of paint.
“Would you be up for helping with painting the kitchen?”
They exchange a silent look and shrug. “Sure,” Quinn replies.
“After, I thought we could go to the grocery store.”
