So Wright (The Wrights 1)

Gypsy smiled. “Okay.”

“If you’re going to be hanging around, you’ll need a job. I doubt you’ll have any trouble finding one in your field, but I could get you some shifts at the bar. It’ll give you pocket money until you find something better.”

“That would be great. I could use the cash, and I wouldn’t mind seeing how things operate firsthand. Might give me more insight to share with Marty.”

“I’m working tonight,” she told Gypsy as she rounded the truck to the driver’s side. “I’ll have the manager put you on the schedule.”

13

Miranda clutched the necks of four beers between the fingers of each hand and thrust them overhead as she pushed through the door between the storage room and the bar.

“We just got a shipment!” she yelled over the music.

A rousing cheer rolled across the space, and Miranda popped the tops and slid the anticipated new IPA from a local brewery to customers down the bar.

The front door opened, and Miranda cut a glance that direction, secretly hoping to find Jack there. But she was disappointed. Again. Earlier in the week, he’d said he was going to try to be back by the weekend. But it was already ten p.m. without any word from him.

She reminded herself it was only Friday and forced her mind back to her work.

The bar wasn’t all that crowded tonight. One of the bartenders should probably go home, but like she’d told Marty, this was her happy time. Her fun in lieu of a real life. So she took the opportunity to catch up with the regulars.

Zeke and Leroy were always prime entertainment. They worked for the same IT company nearby, Zeke in human resources, Leroy in management. Tonight their snark was directed at a file folder overflowing with résumés.

“I’m adept in all office management software,” Zeke read from one résumé.

“Which translates to,” Leroy said, “I’ve used Microsoft Office.”

Zeke pulled another résumé and looked it over. “I’m adaptable?”

Leroy scoffed. “He’s had a dozen jobs in as many months.”

“I’m highly motivated to succeed,” Zeke read.

“The minute I get a better offer,” Leroy said, “I’m out of here.”

Miranda laughed out loud.

“I’m extremely professional,” Zeke said.

Leroy tossed a pretzel in his mouth. “He probably carries a fuckin’ Day-Timer.”

Back and forth, back and forth, they tore apart the résumés, making Miranda grateful she wasn’t looking for a job.

“Miranda.”

She turned just as Travis Mills pushed through the swinging door separating the customers from the bartenders. He was smiling like a maniac, laughing as he wrapped his arms around her, pulled her off her feet, and spun her in a circle.

“Travis, what in the hell?”

Still holding her off the floor, he leaned back and grinned up at her. “I got the job.”

She’d forgotten all about the reference she’d given him for an entry-level welding job with a pipe-fitting company. “That’s fantastic.” She gave him a hug, then said, “Travis, put me down.”

He immediately obeyed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m just, God, so excited.” He wrapped her in another bear hug. “Your reference made all the difference.”

This was a one-hundred-eighty-degree change from the guy who’d lost his job three months earlier.

“I’m so happy for you.” She gave him a playful push. “Now get out from behind my bar.”