“Because it’s against the rules at the 709. A couple have to be married.”
“In the twenty-first century? I don’t remember anything about that coming up when we first visited the place.”
“Why would it have? Gran’s been single since Grandpa died, and none of us ever imagined she’d meet a man and fall in love. When you think about it, the rule makes sense. If an unmarried couple move in together and one of them passes on, a definite possibility when you’re in your late seventies, who owns the unit? I’m no lawyer, but that’s my take.”
“That makes sense. Let’s hope Gran lives for a long time yet.”
“Amen. Anyway, Blake and I met up after we left the 709 to discuss the situation. We’re both in shock. We need a strategy of some kind to stop them or at least slow them down and?—”
“Hold it right there. Don’t say another word till you tell me about Blake.”
“But you have a massage to get to.”
“Yes, darn it. When I’m home again, I want to hear about him.”
Vi doubted there’d be much to say. If all went well, by then he’d be out of her life.
On the otherside of town that same morning, Blake contacted Ace Recruitment. Unfortunately, the company was closed on weekends. He called Ross, a buddy and biking partner who’d worked at the original BW Bikes store several years earlier. Ross knew how the business worked and could do the preliminary interviews. “It’ll be a short-term gig,” Blake said.
“You got me at a good time. I’m looking for a new job.”
“You didn’t mention that when we went out riding a couple weekends ago.”
“Because I hadn’t given my notice yet. If this hiring thing works out and you’re happy with me, maybe I’ll stay. I need a steady job.”
“That’d be great. I could use a hand getting this new place ready to go and then running things when I’m at the other store.” Blake wasn’t going to hold his breath, as Ross’s employment track record proved otherwise, but for now he’d do.
He set up a meeting at the new store for that afternoon. Then he texted Vi with the time and place to meet the following day. Good thing she’d agreed to get together on Sunday.
An hour later, Ross showed up right when he’d said he would, a positive sign. He and Blake were roughly the same height, six feet, both of them lean and mean, thanks to the cycling they enjoyed.
Blake showed him around the shop. “As you can see, there’s a lot more to do here before it’s ready, but the construction team tells me they’ll finish up in the next week and a half.”
“When is the opening?”
“May first, a good three weeks from now.”
“That’s soon. Cool, though—cycling and tourist seasons will be in full gear then. This is a nice space and a great location. You’re gonna be busy. Tell me about this work you want me to do.”
Blake explained about interviewing prospective employees and, if Ross stuck around, training them. “Heading up HR,” he added.
“I thought Daisy was in charge of that.”
“She was, but we broke up Thursday night. Then she quit.”
“Say what? This happens a lot with you. I mean break ups.”
“Yeah, I know. She invited me out to dinner after work that night, at least that was the plan. Then in the parking lot, she proposed.”
“No way. That’s a new one.”
“Caught me by surprise. She wanted a man to take care of her and chose me. She thought I was a fat cat.” He wasn’t hurting, was more than comfortable, but not wealthy by any stretch.
“That’s harsh. You guys were together for what, two months?”
“Barely six weeks.” He shook his head. “Can you believe that?
“I’d run the opposite direction so fast.”
