If it wouldn’t hurt, I’d facepalm myself right now. “To make sure she’s not a criminal and going to rob us or something.”
“Butwe’recriminals. If she has a record, then we’re all in good company.” He shrugs a shoulder.
“Oh my God…” Blinking, I shake my head.
I swear if we didn’t share a womb…
“After the rush, we’re calling,” I demand. “Do you have her application or resume?”
“In the office.”
I nod in parting and return to the bar. Many of the patrons have cleared out, leaving money on the tables to cover their bills, including the sheriff.
Good riddance.
Benny picks at the basket of fries I brought him earlier. “Ya gotta be careful, kid. He ain’t gonna tolerate that disrespect for long.”
Ignoring his warning, I begin bussing the empty dishes. After dropping off my second load in the kitchen, Kaitlyn waves me down.
“Hey, Knox! We’re ready for our check.” She gives her shoulders an extra shimmy. I know she thinks she’s temptingme, but it’s the opposite. Twenty-two years ago, in high school, Kaitlyn was one of the people leading the charge on the “Hate the Montgomery Twins” campaign, which is part of the reason Griff and I won’t touch her or her friends. And she doesn’t know that we know.
Instead of replying, I go to the register and print out their receipt. When I hand her the scrap of paper, she purposefully runs her fingers down my wrist and palm. I keep my face blank, letting her know she has no effect on me, but I know it won’t deter her. She’ll be back tomorrow with her little posse and do the same thing all over again.
When the bar is finally clear except for Benny, I meet Griffin in our office. He has the woman’s resume in his hand and begins dialing the phone number for a place called Abstract Dreams.
There are only two rings before someone picks up on the other end. “Abstract Dreams. This is Dahlia. How can I help you?”
“Hi, Dahlia. This is Griffin Montgomery. I’m calling because Raven Henry put Abstract Dreams down as her last place of employment. I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about her as an employee.”
“Oh, yeah. Raven. Love that woman,” Dahlia dramatically replies. “She was a star employee. It was tough losing her, but she wanted a fresh start. She’s great with customer service and a hard worker.”
Griffin shoots me a smug smile.
I roll my eyes and butt into the conversation. “Is there anything we should be aware of when it comes to Raven?”
“Oh, hi, second person. Umm…No. Raven is a good person with a good heart. She’s just wanting to start over.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“No problem! Bye!”
I press the end call button without returning her sentiments.
“See?” Griffin puffs up his chest.
“Not so fast. One good reference doesn’t mean shit. Call the next one on the list,” I instruct.
Griffin punches in the phone number for the next place. Somewhere called Sal’s Pizzeria.
“Sal’s Pizza. This is Alma. How may I take your order?” The female voice has a Hispanic accent.
“Hi, Alma. This is Griffin Montgomery. We’re calling about Raven Henry,” Griffin greets, annoyed that I’m making him go through this again.
“Ah,sí,sí. We love Raven. Miss her so much. She was a fantastic worker,” Alma responds.
“Do you know why she left your employment?” I butt in.
“Oh,sí. She was offered more money at another job,” Alma answers mournfully.
