“I grew up here, and I feel a responsibility to give back to the community that raised me. I didn’t want to just leave them high and dry. And the search has been—well, challenging. But I think you’re a really good fit. So, if you’re interested, I’d like you to have the job,” she repeated. “Your next step would be to complete a bunch of paperwork and meet the board of directors. And I’d stick around for a week or two to help you transition into the role.”
“I’m sorry.” I gulped. “I wasn’t expecting this. I don’t even have a place to live. I’m still living at camp.” I laughed sheepishly.
“Well, I can offer you the apartment over the laundromat if you’re interested. I would have to talk to my parents, but I’m sure it would be fine. They’re looking to rent it out after I leave. Most of my stuff is gone—Danny took it down to D.C. with him. But the furniture that’s in there would stay. There’s a bed, a couch, a dresser, and a table and chairs.”
My head was spinning.Is this really happening?“How much would the rent be?”
“I don’t know. But I’m sure my parents would be fair with you. They know how much I want to find the right person for this job. And right now they make zero dollars a month in rent from me,” she laughed. “So anything would be an improvement.”
“I’m flattered, and super grateful,” I replied.
“It’s a one-bedroom, one-bath. It’s clean, but small. And it always smells like fabric softener.”
Mix that with a little cigarette smoke and some Old Spice deodorant, and it might smell like home. “I just need some time to think about it. It’s a lot to consider.”
“That’s fair. How about this? Can you take the weekend, and let me know by Monday? I know that’s Labor Day, but I’ll be here anyway. And in the meantime, I’ll take a few pictures of the apartment and e-mail them to you. And I’ll talk to my parents and get you a number about the rent.”
“Sure. That works. I’m sorry. Your offer is so generous. I don’t want you to think I’m not grateful.”
“No, I completely understand. You walked in with an interview, and left with a job offer and an apartment,” Gabby noted. “That’s a lot for one afternoon.”
“Seriously! But thank you,” I replied. We stood, shook hands, and Gabby walked me back to the lobby.
“You have my contact info if you have any questions. I’ll be in touch with those pictures later tonight,” Gabby promised.
“Sounds good,” I agreed. “Thank you again.” I waved to the lady at the front desk.Miss Lamont, I remembered.
Back at my car, I marveled at just how appealing the thought of sleeping over a laundromat that I used to frequent with my mom might be. It wasn’t ideal, since it wasn’t with Matt, but I could certainly think of worse scenarios. I smiled as I put the key in the ignition, feeling something in my stomach that was unfamiliar.
It took me a minute to realize what it was.
Hope.
~
I spent the ride back to camp turning thoughts over in my mind. I needed to talk to someone. Anyone—except Matt.
Instinct told me to call Jess. I punched the numbers into the phone as I got on the highway. It rang four times, then went to voicemail.
I hung up.
When I returned to camp, instead of heading straight to Green Pines or the Gate House, I went to the Lodge. I was famished, and Dottie was good about always leaving out some kind of fresh-baked treats, even if Pat was usually the only one who ate them.
Sure enough, there were muffins on the counter, covered in plastic wrap. I grabbed one, neatly returning the plastic as I’d found it.
“They’re really good,” a gruff sounding voice said.
I turned around to find Pat sitting at a table in the far corner of the room. “Hey, Pat. Whatcha doing over there?”
“Just thinking,” he replied. His jolly demeanor had been replaced with a solemn face.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Sure.” He gestured at the nine empty chairs at the table. “Plenty of room.”
I sat down and split my muffin in half on a napkin. I handed half to Pat.
“I shouldn’t. I had three already.” But he took it anyway.
