Chapter 3 #3
She leaned back in her chair. “Okay, that’s the end of my commencement speech. Is everything I said fair enough?”
It was a lot to take in, but the business apparently ran efficiently and thrived as a result. Lou came across as a fair and understanding boss who was good to her employees, as long as you didn’t cross her. Shylo felt like the place was a good fit for her. “Um... absolutely, yes.”
“Any questions?”
Only one question popped into her mind. “What shifts would I be working?”
“Oh, I forgot that, didn’t I?” Lou laughed.
“Once you’re trained—which I doubt will take long—you’ll work Monday and Tuesday from four to nine, Thursday from five to ten, and Friday and Saturday from five to eleven.
Mondays through Wednesdays we run two-for-one dinner specials, so even the slower nights stay busy.
The dining room closes at ten on weekends, but you’ll stay until eleven to finish with the late customers.
“You’ll have Wednesdays and Sundays off, though overtime is available if you want it. Shift swaps are fine with at least two days’ notice, and if you’re sick, let us know as early as possible so we can cover you.
She shrugged. “I’m a hands-on boss, so you’ll see me bartending, serving, bussing tables, and even playing hostess when I have to.” A grin tugged at her lips. “That’s my least favorite job.”
She tilted her head. “So, after all that, do you still want to apply?”
For some reason, Shylo didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I do. And I can start right away.”
“Awesome. Let me have the phone number for that restaurant you worked at and who I should talk to. I won’t bother with the BJ jerk.
” She gave Shylo an order pad for her to write on.
“While I’m doing that, fill out the application.
If everything checks out, even though today is Wednesday, you can start training tonight at six if that’s okay.
I’d like you to get comfortable with the place since we have a big party tomorrow night.
Nothing formal, but a lot of people will be here to celebrate my friend’s birthday.
All the waitstaff will be here because we’re expecting a large turnout.
It’ll be a buffet setup, which is so much easier. ”
“Sounds good.”
After getting the name and number she requested, Lou left the table and disappeared again, leaving Shylo to fill out the application. She had to use the Moody Moon Motel’s address as her current residence and hoped that wouldn’t be a problem.
After completing the form and signing the bottom, she had to wait a few minutes before Lou returned.
When she did, the owner had a smile on her face as she sat down.
“Your old manager gave you a glowing recommendation. She was sorry you left because you were such a good worker. She sends her best, by the way.”
“Sue was nice to work for. I felt bad leaving, but I need to spend time with my mom.”
“She said she understood. I would have too. Family comes first.” She took the application from Shylo and scanned it. “You’re staying at the Moody Moon?”
“Yes. Is that a problem? I just got into town and haven’t had a chance to look for any available apartments.” Not that she planned to be in Hazard for long.
“No problem at all. If I hear of anyone renting, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that,” she lied.
Lou stood again. “What size shirt are you?”
“Um... it depends. Women’s large or men’s medium.”
“They’re unisex, so medium. You get four polo shirts in different colors, and it doesn’t matter which one you wear for a shift.
The motel has a laundry room that you can use.
Make sure you have black jeans or pants—not faded or distressed—and comfortable black shoes.
Sneakers are fine, as long as they’re all black.
I’ll also give you an apron unless you still have yours from the other place. ”
She thought for a moment, but honestly couldn’t remember what she’d done with her old one after she quit. “I don’t think I have it anymore.”
“No worries. I have some extras in the back. Come with me.”
She stood and followed the other woman into the bar area, where Lou stopped at the end, just outside a door marked “STAFF ONLY.” She called out to the bartender. “Dean, c’mere a second.”
A tall man behind the bar ambled toward them. With dirty blond hair, hazel eyes, and a trimmed mustache and goatee, he was definitely eye candy.
“Dean Miller,” Lou said, “this is Shylo Kellerman, our new server. Dean is the daytime manager and bartender, Tuesday through Saturday.”
He shook Shylo’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same here.”
Lou opened the private door. “Let’s get your shirts so you can leave and do whatever you need to do before coming back at six. You’ll be working with Giselle tonight. She’s a sweetheart and will show you the ropes.”
Five minutes later, shirts and an apron in hand, she thanked Lou for hiring her and said goodbye to Dean. As she climbed into her truck, she realized that at least half an hour had passed since she had thought about the reason she was in Hazard Falls in the first place.