yesterday and knew it would take guts to go back there again. He also knew the interview today would be okay because Henry Owens was a good man. He hoped, for her sake, she got the job.
Gracie was semi-sorry that she'd even agreed to this second interview, but she'd said she would go, and she never went back on her word. But today, she was confident of the gray tailored slacks and a white blouse with three-quarter length sleeves she was wearing, and she'd put her hair in a braid. Her new shoes were flats, and her only makeup was lip gloss. She was as ready as she was going to be to do this again.
She had the window down in the car as she backed out of the garage. The air smelled rain-washed fresh, but she was uneasy—like there was something she'd forgotten to do. It made her antsy.
Just as she was about to drive away, her phone signaled a text. She put the car in park and read the message, then sat a few moments before responding.
Now she had one more interview today besides The Beef Master. An interview for a job at the concierge desk at one of the hotels. Options were good. She may, or may not, get a job offer from either, but this felt like progress.
It was straight up 10:00 when she pulled up in front of the restaurant, called Henry's number, and then waited, watching the front door. When he appeared, she got out, slung her purse over her shoulder, and headed for the entrance.
As she did, she shivered. That same, "didn't feel right" vibe was still with her, and then an older man with gray hair was holding the door open and smiling, and she let it all go.
"Good morning, Gracie. I'm Henry Owens. Thank you for coming. I've already spoken to the staff. They know I asked you back. They want you to know you are welcome, whatever you decide."
"Thank you," Gracie said.
"Of course," Henry said. "Let's go to the office to talk, shall we?"
Staff saw her entering and stopped what they were doing out of curiosity, maybe wondering if Henry would offer her a job. Or wondering if she would take it.
Again, Gracie sat in front of the desk as Henry took a seat behind it, then he looked up at her and smiled.
"I've already read your resumé. You are over-qualified for the job. We both know that, but I like to know my employees beyond just names. It makes for trust that works both ways. That's how I found out about what happened. My employees trusted me enough to call, so I could hear it from them as to why they'd walked out."
"I don't talk about myself much. Why don't you ask questions and I'll answer," Gracie said.
Henry smiled. "I can do that. What caused your hiatus from the work force?"
"I was a caregiver for my mother. She had dementia. She recently passed."
The lack of emotion in her voice said a lot.
"I am so sorry," Henry said. "My mother had Alzheimer's. Our family called it the long death."
"It is that," Gracie said. "I didn't get to ask any questions when I was here before. May I?"
"Of course," Henry said.
She proceeded to question him about working hours, second shifts, pay scale, raises, and what, if any, benefits were attached to the job.
Henry answered without hesitation, answering all of her questions and concerns and ending with the rate of pay.
"Hostess positions pay fifteen dollars an hour, which comes out to $2100.00 a month for the shifts they work, or more if you wind up working extra hours for someone in an emergency."
Gracie nodded. She knew it would be less after everything was taken out, but considering her rent, and the fuel costs to drive out here and back every day, it would be tight.
"Just so you know, I am offering you the job," Henry added.
Gracie sighed, still feeling uneasy. "I appreciate it. I do have another interview today, so I will hold my decision until that's over."
Henry sighed. "I understand. I so wish you had not had such a bad experience yesterday, but I am grateful you trusted me enough to come back. I hope you decide in our favor." He stood. "Thank you for coming. I'll walk you out."
Gracie felt all eyes on her as they moved through the dining room but didn't look up. Yesterday had poisoned this place for her. She needed a positive vibe, and this wasn't