Chapter Twenty-Five
Clara stared at the man leaving the library. He was her third interview of the day. She’d gone through the entire interview wondering why an admittedly single man would want to work in a cleaning position, especially since he already had a job. She turned him down because his leering looks made her feel uncomfortable. She shivered. Once he was gone, she walked to the foyer and called in the last interviewee.
“Zaria Wallace?” The twenty something brunette rose from the chair.
Holy crap. ItwasZaria Wallace, the model, standing in front of her. She hadn’t thought, even for a second, that her interviewee would be famous. She’d chalked the name up to coincidence.
“Yes. I am Zaria.”
“I’m Clara Everett. Come into the library and we’ll chat.” Zaria was beautiful. Sparkling green eyes. Willowy thin with wavy brown hair hanging down to the middle of her back. Wow.
“Nice to meet you.” Zaria offered her hand.
After shaking hands, Clara let the tall, thin woman into the library and gestured toward the chair. “Thanks for applying for the job. Can you tell me why you want to work here?”
“Honestly? I don’t need a job, but it is important for me that my daughter learn the value of hard work. I’ve never been a maid before, except for cleaning up after my five-year-old daughter. I’m new to town. My daughter was having trouble with bullies at school. We decided to make a fresh start. I’m looking for a position that will allow me to be home before and after school so I can be there for Ivette.”
“To be blunt, the job is tough physically. It not only involves basic housework, but also drapery and carpet cleaning. Heavy furniture will need to be moved. We’ll be doing two major cleanings per year that will include washingallthe walls. I might need you for when I host large events. I’d want you to be a server. You’ll also need to work the check in desk if I’m not here and you are.”
Zaria stared at the floor and seemed to be taking the time to consider the job. “Is the job flexible? Would I be able to start work after I drop my daughter at school at nine? And could I be off by three thirty? I’d also like to be off early on Christmas eve and have Christmas day off.” She held up a hand. “This is a lot to ask, and I’m prepared to be flexible. But this is Ivette’s first Christmas here and I’d like to make it special.”
“You’ve given me a lot to think about,” Clara admitted. She hadn’t considered the inn’s needs on Christmas day. Of course, she’d be preparing breakfast, but where would the guests go for dinner? It was something to consider later. “You know what? I think I can make those conditions work.” She was going with her instinct on this one. She liked Zaria. She was open and seemed honest. Plus, she had an excellent reason for wanting the position. “When can you start?”
“Really? You’re hiring me? I don’t have a lick of experience, but I promise you, I am a hard worker.”
“I believe you. I’m a bit surprised you gave up a modeling career to move to Coyote Creek.”
“I did it for my daughter. I was tired of the rat race and all the traveling. Ivette wasn’t excelling with nannies caring for her. She’s only five and in kindergarten this year. I want the best for her, and small-town life will be good for both of us. I’ll be out of the spotlight and able to focus on my relationship with my daughter. She is the most important thing in my life.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why do you need the job? You’re a famous model. I’d have guessed you earned a lot of money. Feel free not to tell me, but I am curious.”
Zaria laughed ironically. “I have money. I wasted a lot of it on drugs and booze. I’m clean and sober now. I have been for three years. I have savings. Not enough to last the rest of my life. Iwantto work. I need to be useful. Modeling was good money, but I’m tired of feeling like a trophy. I want to earn my way. Most importantly, I want to teach my daughter about hard work and work ethic. I feel the best way to do that is to show her.”
“I think we’ll be a nice fit. I’ll need you to work Monday to Friday. You can start after you drop Ivette off and you’ll work until the day’s chores are finished. I’m anticipating about five or six hours a day. Half an hour for lunch and two coffee breaks. You’ll be working with one other woman. You’ll be on equal footing with her. I have separate staff to clean the rooms on weekends.”
They discussed wages. “I’d like you to work my grand opening party on the evening of the twentieth. You can bring your daughter if you wish. She can play with my cousins’ children. You’ll be my support hostess.” She paused. “That is, if you are comfortable being in front of the entire town like that. I’ll understand if you aren’t.”
Once again, Zaria considered her words. “I’m fine with that. I’ve been in town a couple months already. My identity isn’t a secret. People know who I am, and have been good about not bothering me. I think your party will cement the idea that I’m just a regular person.”
Clara stood and offered her hand. “We’ll fill out paperwork tomorrow. I’ll see you after you drop off Ivette. Good to have you on board.”
She showed Zaria out and sat behind the check in desk. So far, her day was turning out fabulously. She’d met a famous model and hired two women as cleaning staff. Now, she had time to party plan before her gym equipment arrived.
Zaria’s life must be difficult. Clara knew how tough it was to relocate because of uncontrollable circumstances. In her case, she’d been lucky to inherit Sweet Dreams right when her studio music career imploded. But to have to move because your child was being bullied? That had to be extremely difficult, and brave. She was thrilled to be able to help.
Speaking of which, she’d better check with her cousin Jennifer and see if she was still up to working at the inn this evening. Clara was scheduled to help organize the applications for the Christmas food and toy drive. The committee needed help determining what this year’s needs were so they could get the donations list online and set up the angel gift trees in local businesses. The meeting started at seven.
