“Alright, I’m in,” I say. “When do I start?”
“As soon as possible,” Bear says. “There is a lot of training involved.”
I nod once. “Okay, let me know what you want me to do.”
Rick asks, “Aren’t you gonna ask how much you get paid?”
“I figured it would be a fair wage.”
Bear slides one of those white business cards over to me. It has a salary handwritten in black ink that seems absurd. “Are you two being for real right now?”
Rick nods. “We’re takin’ you on as a partner. That’s thirty percent of what our company makes. Bear and I draw the same salary and ten is reserved for operating costs.”
“You can’t… you barely know me!” I blurt out.
“You’re Rick’s sister, if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me,” Bear says.
I tear up because it’s clear my older brother and his friend are setting me up for life with this job. “You don’t have to do this,” I tell them. “I don’t want to take money that you might need.”
Bear answers, “We’re not vesting you in our business, at least not right now. We’re just saying that for as long as you partner up with us, you’ll be earning your fair share of what we bring in.”
I nod, feeling emotional, grateful and overwhelmed all at the same time. “That’s a very generous offer and I thank you.”
“We’ll train you,” Rick assures me.
“Don’t worry, I learn fast. I won’t let you down.”
“Welcome aboard,” Bear says, with a pleased expression on his handsome face. The way his eyes linger on me causes something warm to wash over me.
To cover those feelings, I reach for another chip and say excitedly, “Guess I’m employed.”
Rick lifts his glass. “To MedEx’s expansion.”
Bear raises his drink as well. “To finally getting some help in place so I can have a fucking day off.”
I clink my glass against theirs, feeling like part of their crew. For the first time since I left my foster home, my life finally feels like it’s taking off.
***
Rick and Bear eat lunch and go back to work. Only this time, I tag along for the ride. They want me to spend the rest of the day getting a feel for what they do. I end up in the truck with Bear. He took the truck rather than his motorcycle because he’s delivering bulkier items today.
He pulls into the first pharmacy parking lot and cuts the engine. He reaches behind the seat for a clipboard and a temperature log before he even opens the door. These two hard-working businessmen clearly have a system in place and I mean to learn it.
“This is the Las Salinas compounding pharmacy. It’s our largest contract, representing almost half of our income. I’m always careful to be respectful and make sure I’m responsive to their needs,” he tells me. “I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
When we go inside the pharmacy there are customers everywhere. A bell chimes as we enter, and an older woman behind the counter looks up and smiles at Bear.
“Afternoon, Bear,” she says. “You’re early.”
“Traffic was light,” he replies. His voice is still calm, but warmer. “This is Natalie. She’s a new hire. She’ll be training with us for a bit before making deliveries on her own.”
Her attention shifts to me immediately. “Good. About time you two got some help.”
Bear says, “Natalie, this is Miss Penelope. She’s the general manager here.”
I reach out one hand. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She shakes my hand. “How polite you are. Bear and Rick did a good job hiring you.”
