“You’rearealjackof all trades, aren’t ya?” Bobby asks me the next morning in his office.
“Yes, sir. I wouldn’t say I’ve done it all, but I’ve done my fair share.”
He scans the papers I’ve given him once more. “You’ve certainly got lots of experience in the service industry. Waiting tables, tending bar … club promotion?” He raises an eyebrow and I shrug.
“It paid the bills for a while. Wasn’t really my thing, though.”
He grunts in acknowledgment. “Even done some cooking, I see.”
“Uh-huh. I’ve done the short-order thing a time or two. Greasy spoon stuff, you know?”
He nods. “Says here you managed a diner in Albuquerque.”
“Yes, sir.”
His face scrunches up in annoyance, and he waves a hand at me.
“Enough of this ‘sir’ crap.”
I chuckle.
“Bobby.”
“Bobby,” I acknowledge, my shoulders relaxing.
He nods, then leans back in his seat, dropping my resume onto the desk between us. “Here’s the truth of it, Riley. I’m looking to scale back on my time here. Hopefully, do some more fishing.” He pauses. “You like ice fishing?”
“Never done it.”
“Huh. Seems to me your daddy used to like it. He and Jack Hudson used to go out around Brechin Cove. Guess you were too young …” he trails off, his eyes going distant. Then he shakes his head and continues, “Anyway, the long and short of it is, this place isn’t where I want to be spending all my time anymore. See, I opened it a little over a decade ago with my Ellie—it had been our dream. But I lost her three years back, and it just ain’t the same doin’ it without her.
“And, well, much as I like to avoid thinkin’ ‘bout it, the fact remains I’m gettin’ older. I’m tired, kid. Wanna spend more of the time I have left doing the things I enjoy. Ellie would want that for me.”
“I understand,” I say, and he holds up a hand.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking to retire quite yet, but I do want someone to share the load with me like Ellie used to do.” I nod, while he studies me. “So here’s what I’m proposin’: you start bartending a few nights a week and also shadowin’ me here in the office a coupla days. We’ll feel this thing out with the goal of making you my assistant manager. And then, maybe eventually, you take over running things.”
“That would be … amazing,” I say, stunned. I came in here prepared to take whatever Bobby was willing to give me. But …this? This has long-term potential and would go a long way towards helping me establish roots. Shit, I’m afraid to get excited.
“Full disclosure, I first offered the position to Lola. She works the bar most evenings, you mighta seen her last night …”
I nod again. I’d noticed the tall brunette behind the bar.
“But,” he runs a hand over his thinning hair, “she doesn’t want the responsibility. Says she likes showin’ up for her shift, flirtin’ up the regulars, and then checkin’ out.” He chuckles. “Lord knows I can’t blame her. Would be nice ta be able to shut off your mind at the end of the day. Anyway, I know you haven’t managed a place this large before, one that serves both food and liquor, but your experience tells me you’re a quick learner and adaptable. Ithink you’re a capable guy an’ you might just be a pretty good fit.” He gives a single firm nod, as though to emphasize his statement.
I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is this a done deal?
Do I … thank him now?
Shake his hand?
I’m about ready to do just that when he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. “Now,” he says, narrowing his eyes on me. “Gimme the truth of it. You got some shady past I need ta know about?”
And there’s that shoe.
I suck in a deep, bracing lungful of air, then blow it out in a long, slow, resigned breath. I’d been expecting this question based on our conversation last night, but things had been going so well up until this point I guess I’d hoped Bobby might let me off the hook. Steeling myself with another deep breath, I look him straight in the eye and admit, “I spent some time in prison.”
He grunts as if to say, ‘Go on.’
