“I understand. And I know I don’t have the qualifications, but I’m a hard worker. I don’t mind cleanin’ rooms and learnin’ the ropes. Once—”
“You misunderstand,” Rex said, interrupting. “There’s only one position. Someone who can live here full-time. And that’s non-negotiable. I don’t think it’s a secret we’ve been buildin’ a house at the back of the property. We’ve just started movin’ stuff over now that it’s finished. I don’t think apartment living is workin’ all that well for us.”
“Apartment?”
Rex pointed toward the ceiling. “Third floor. Two bedrooms, one bath, small eat-in kitchen, nice-sized den. There’s a lot of light from the windows and a balcony, as well as a private entrance at the back.”
Bailey felt her heart thump hard in her chest. She’d thought they’d offer a manager the use of one of the guest rooms, and she’d been thrilled with that. But the idea of having a real place of her own … it would solve so many of her problems. She hoped one day, she could work her way up to that position.
“It’s part of the compensation package,” Rex informed her. “There’s also a salary, time off. All the stuff Jack informed me was a requirement for getting a strong candidate in here.”
Bailey laughed.
“There might be a small transition period,” Rex continued, “while Jack and I move out, but there’s a private room on the main floor in the interim. We use it for those in need of handicap-accessible accommodations. You’re welcome to stay there if that helps.”
Bailey’s eyes widened. Was he saying…?
“That is, if you want the job, Bailey.”
Her smile widened until her face hurt. “Really? Me?”
“Yeah, really. Shit. We’d be lucky to have you.”
“But I thought y’all got a lot of applications?”
“We did, but we got yours first. As soon as it came in, I told Jack you were the one.”
“But aren’t there people with more qualifications? I’ve never managed anything on my own.”
Rex’s eyebrow quirked. “Are you trying to talk meout ofhirin’ you?”
“No,” she blurted. “Definitely not.”
“You’re it, Bailey. You’re the one we want.”
She smiled as wide as she could, trying to hide the tears that threatened.
“I’ll still be around most of the time, but I’ll lean on you to manage the place. I’ll handle the maintenance and repair, shit like that. You’ll oversee the guests, plus cookin’ and ensurin’ the rooms are cleaned. I suggest you hire someone to help with that. If you think you can do it yourself, you’ll quickly learn you’re wrong. We’ve been usin’ a service, but I’d prefer to keep it local. Unfortunately, keepin’ up with demand’s been difficult. We’ve been booked solid every weekend for the past fourteen months, and the weekdays aren’t doin’ too bad, either.”
She was still hung up on the part where he’d offered her the job.
“Why don’t I show you the compensation package,” he said, turning and retrieving a file folder that was lying on the counter.
He handed it over, and Bailey opened it. Her eyes widened when she saw the yearly salary. It was twice as much as she made at Moonshiners, not counting tips. She skimmed the page, saw that room and board were included, as well as two weeks of vacation each year to start.
“I can’t do much on givin’ you all holidays off,” Rex noted, “but we can work together to come up with a fair schedule.”
When she looked up, Rex was staring at her expectantly. She honestly didn’t even know what to say.
“Sorry, kiddo, but I’ve shown you all my cards. I don’t have any more to play.”
Bailey frowned. “What?”
“You want the job?”
She shook herself out of her stupor and smiled giddily. “Yes. Absolutely, yes. I promise you won’t regret hirin’ me.”
“Like I said, from the day we got your resume, the job’s been yours,” he said kindly. “We’ve just been waitin’ for you to show up.”
