I promised Tee-Tee I wouldn’t be gone long on the day of my interview, even though she said it wasn’t necessary for me to hurry back. However, I couldn’t see myself feeling good about interviewing for one job while shirking the responsibilities of another.
The pastry chef, Susan—which, yes, I found ironic—told me late mornings were best for her to meet. After breakfast was served and the kitchen was clean at the dining hall, Edge drove me to Austin.
“I appreciate this.”
“Yes.”
“Edge…are you listening to me?”
“Of course.”
He seemed distracted, but then, so was I. I was far too nervous to focus on a conversation, so I don’t know why I was trying to start one.
I looked out the window and took several d
eep breaths. There was a part of me that had already decided Susan was granting me the interview solely as a favor to Steel. A much smaller part of me hoped that I, at least, had a chance at the apprenticeship.
When we spoke on the phone to schedule the appointment, Susan told me it wasn’t a full-time position. I’d be required to be at the restaurant three days a week—Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. At some point, I would also work Friday and Saturday evenings to help plate dessert when the restaurant was busy.
“Who will you say you are?” I asked Edge, suddenly realizing how unprofessional it would look if I brought a man with me. Would they think he was my boyfriend? It would probably make it worse if I told them he was more of a bodyguard.
“I’ve worked it out with Steel.”
I didn’t know what that meant, but I guess I didn’t need to.
Lingering in the back of my mind was what I would do for transportation if I was actually offered the position. It wasn’t like I’d made enough money to save for another car.
When Edge pulled up a few doors down from the restaurant, I saw Steel waiting nearby.
“Break a wooden spoon,” he said as I got out of the car.
“Thanks. I’m nervous.”
“You’ll do great.”
I could see the sincerity in his eyes. No one had ever been as good to me as Edge was. I wouldn’t have dared to dream that one day I’d have a boyfriend that was anything like him—not that that’s what he was. We were friends, at least I hoped we could be.
“Susan has everything ready,” Steel told me as he unlocked the door and escorted me into the closed restaurant.
The interview went far differently than I’d anticipated. It was more of an introductory meeting and tour. When I explained I had no formal training nor had I attended school for a job like this one, her only response was, “Good. I won’t have to break your bad habits.”
I filled out the employee paperwork, gave her my sizes for my uniform, and we agreed on a start date after the first of the year. As she’d told me on the phone, I was expected to be at the restaurant Thursday through Saturday mornings, and would add Friday and Saturday evenings after the first two-week trial period.
By the time Steel walked me out, my mind was reeling.
“I got the apprenticeship,” I told him once we were outside where Edge was waiting.
“I knew you did.”
“How? I mean, she barely interviewed me.”
“You’ll have to ask Tee-Tee.” Sometimes I forgot how small Barton Creek was. Of course Steel would know Tee-Tee.
I looked at Edge, who shrugged and then congratulated me.
“See you in January,” said Steel, hugging me. “And have a Merry Christmas.”
“Right. Thanks. You too.”