“I’ll order you a box for the Sheriff’s office.” She beams.
“What about you, Z? Part of the proceeds go toward helping with the local dog shelter.” She casts me a pointed, yet hopeful look. Jo-Beth is a do-gooder from way back. Realistically, how can I say no to a dog shelter? She means well. I’m just grumpy because of the mound of paperwork waiting for me back at the office.
George whacks me on the back again. “He’d love to order a box, wouldn’t you, Z?”
“I’m sure the staff will appreciate it,” I say, shrugging him off. “I’ll take two.”
She beams, running her hands down her apron excitedly. “Thanks, guys, I knew I could count on you. You can pick them up tomorrow after eleven.” She sidles off to take an order.
“If only she’d come work for you,” Rich sighs. “She’d revolutionize the place.”
“I know,” I say. “I already asked her last year, but Sally-Ann and Mrs. Thorne would kill me if I poached her for the farm.” Mrs. Thorne is the long-time owner of Butterfingers.
“You definitely don’t want every woman in town on your back for all the wrong reasons,” George agrees. “Better let Iz deal with it. She’s your only hope right now.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter, knowing he’s right.
I don’t have time to interview. I’ve got trees to tend to and a business to run.
And now, apparently, snowballs to feed everyone with.
It’s just another Merry Christmas in Alpine Falls, Wyoming.
Even if I do enjoy this time of year, I’m not going to dress up like a dork and go overboard like everyone else in this town.
Someone has work to do, and it’s not gonna get done sitting here.
CHAPTER 5
Sadie
When I’ve almost gotten over the shock from Bailey’s message about me moving to Wyoming, I sit with the idea. I mean, I laughed it off at first, but when I take another large sip of my coffee and rest my head against the headboard, I think about what that would look like for a moment.
I mean, New York has been home for such a long time. I’ve never considered ever moving from here. It also never occurred to me I’d be fired from my job, either. And then there’s the housemate that skipped out on me, leaving me to deal with an eviction and back rent all by myself.
I’m excited about the prospect of going to Alpine Falls with Mindy. I’ll visit my parents while I’m there, but moving permanently? That’s a whole other issue.
I don’t know how I feel about saying goodbye to New York for good.
Me
I still think there’s a chance you’ve gone nuts
I finally type back.
The gray bubble reappears almost immediately as Bailey texts back.
Bailey
Just think about it. There’s a job practically lined up for you. You could just come and see out the season? No commitments
Since these two life-changing events only just happened, I haven’t started looking for another job yet, and I still need to talk to Mom and Dad. I’m not sure if I’m in the right frame of mind to be making such big decisions like this. But maybe it’s the perfect time to see where the road takes me. I can’t stay in my apartment. I’m technically homeless, and my savings are dwindling to nothing.
Me
It looks like the universe could be giving me a nudge in a different direction after all
Bailey
