cash register and things like that, but also styling. There are some clients that will come in and pay for our stylist services, which is a premier service we offer. Think you can handle something like that?”
I tried not to jump out of my skin. “Let’s just say I’ve always had a passion for fashion, especially when it comes to bigger women. I’m definitely your gal for this one.”
“Oh, please tell me you’re a plus-sized woman. I know that seems so weird to ask, but we have so many women who come in here and make the complaint that they’re surrounded by women that don’t look like them.”
“Well, you’re in luck. Because I happen to be a plus-sized woman.”
“You’re hired!”
I threw my head back, laughing. “Who knew my fat would come in handy like this someday?”
“Oh, nonsense. Screw what your references say. You tick all the boxes, and you’re going to help make future customers much more comfortable coming into my store. That, in and of itself, is invaluable. When can you start?”
“There’s something you should know upfront before we talk about that?”
“Oh, boy. What is it?”
I cleared my throat. “I was in a car accident the day before yesterday.”
She gasped. “Oh, my goodness! Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Home from the hospital. On a bit of medication, but nothing that impedes my sensibilities. I do look a bit rough around the edges right now. I can start work as soon as you need me, but you might not want me in front of customers for at least another week.”
“That’s totally fine. I need your input on some inventory space I’ve got anyway. I want to get some more plus-sized fashion in this store, but for the life of me I can’t seem to find decent-looking plus-sized clothing.”
“I’m your gal for that job. You sit me in front of whatever catalogue you’re looking at and I’ll fill your entire store with clothes that’ll fit a woman like me just fine.”
“You’re a lifesaver, you know that?”
I smiled. “Trust me, you’re saving mine as well right now.”
“Can you come in tomorrow morning? The boutique opens at nine and we stay open until seven. You’d train for the first week for three hours a day, then I’d get you a regular part-time schedule that’s around twenty-five hours a week. How does that sound?”
“How much does the job pay?”
“10 bucks an hour for training, then that goes up to thirteen once you start part-time. And after your six-month review, if things are going well, that gets upped to fourteen an hour. With chances to keep getting raises every six months, provided that you meet review marking standards.”
My heart filled with delight. “I’ll take it.”
She squealed. “Oh, this is fabulous! I can’t wait to meet you. I’ll go ahead and get everything in the back office set up. My back office is usually for all employees, but until you’re comfortable being on the floor, it’ll be your personal space.”
“One week is all I’ll need. I promise.”
“This is fantastic. Meet me here in the morning promptly at nine. You’ll train until noon, then we’ll start the process all over again the next day.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Brandy.”
I heard the sound of a motorcycle off in the distance just as I hung up the phone and I leapt from my seat. A job. I finally had a job! And I couldn't wait to tell Ash all about it. I knew he’d be happy. I knew he’d support me. But more than that, I knew this meant that I was finally solidifying my life with him. Here, in this small upstate New York town.
He’s gonna jump out of his skin with happiness.
However, when he finally walked through the front door, I knew something was wrong.
“Uh oh,” I said.
He dropped his helmet. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”
I furrowed my brow. “What happened at work?”
He walked up to me. “I promise I’ll be back soon.”
“No.”
“Hannah…”
I shook my head. “We just got back, Ash! Where the hell could you possibly be going now?”
His hands gripped my shoulders. “Skeleton’s reared his head again, only this time he’s taken out three of our friends.”
My face paled. “Are the guys okay? Who’s hurt?”
He shook his head. “No one from our crew. But some good friends from a crew we play poker with once a week are in critical condition. Skeleton’s making some moves that have all of us nervous. Not just for our safety—or yours—but for the safety of this town.”
I sighed. “When do