Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
A urora tied the green apron around her waist. She put her order pad in one pocket and her pen in another. Ruby Lou praised her work yesterday, and it added a bounce to her step today.
Her confidence grew. The customers were mostly easy-going country folks. They didn’t put on airs or look down on her for being just a waitress.
Just a waitress…
Changing ingrained ways of thought proved difficult.
The children had surprised her the most. She rarely visited restaurants that allowed children. Where she came from, children were expected to be seen and not heard. And sometimes not even seen.
It certainly wasn’t that way here. She’d had to corral a couple of toddlers during the lunch shift.
“Mr. McKeegan is here. He likes coffee and the biggest cinnamon roll we have. Don’t talk too much,” Ruby warned, handing her the coffee pot. “His family owns the largest ranch around here.”
A glance revealed the sadness in his expression. With a bright smile on her face, she approached his table.
“Good morning, Mr. McKeegan.” She made an effort to sound cheerful.
“Aurora. I see you found some sneakers, and the name is Stewart.”
“Yes, Stewart, you were right. The Daily Provisions is a fine store.” She filled his cup with coffee. “Your cinnamon roll will be coming right up.”
“Thank you.” Hmm… He wasn’t displaying the same arrogant demeanor she’d seen the day before.
She returned behind the counter to put the coffeepot down and as soon as her hands were empty, Ruby Lou handed her the plate with the warm roll.
“Let’s make sure we don’t disturb him.”
“I know.”
“I just saw you talk to him.”
“He asked a question about my sneakers.”
Ruby didn’t need to say anything. Her raised eyebrows spoke volumes.
Hopefully, Stewart wouldn’t come in every day.
No talking, no talking, no talking. She placed his roll on the table.
“Thank you.”
With a smile and a nod, she turned away.
“Wait, Aurora. Where are you from?”
A wave of dread washed over her. Ruby Lou would be mad.
She forced a smile. “I’ve lived many places.”
“Army brat. It’s a good way to see the world.”
Neither confirm nor deny. It was the safest way.
“I should get back. Ruby Lou?—”
“Will understand. Do you have family in Tyrone?”
“To be honest, I needed gas, and I figured a small town would be a nice change of pace. Driving into Tyrone, I was pleasantly surprised by its quaintness.
“Where are you staying?”
“Over Gus McCallister’s garage. It’s a nice, cozy place. And I can walk to work.” She glanced over her shoulder and spotted her boss. “Ruby Lou is glaring at me like the devil himself. She warned me against chatting with you. Have a great day.” Finally, she slipped away from the table.
“Aurora, I need to see you in the kitchen,” Ruby Lou said, stepping through the door to the back.
Swallowing hard, Aurora nodded and followed.
“Listen. You’re a nice girl and all, but I’m going to have to let you go. My best customers are my priority, and your preoccupation with finding a husband is putting that at risk.”
“I’m not?—”
“I’ll collect your tips and get the money to you. I’ll need your apron.”
“But—”
“The apron.”
Fighting back tears, she removed her apron and handed it to Ruby Lou. “Thank you for giving me a chance.” With head held high, she left.
He watched Aurora leave. Something felt off. Her posture had become rigid, her chin lifted in a determined manner.
Guilt washed over him. He’d gotten her fired. He needed to talk to Ruby Lou. She could potentially take Aurora back. But Aurora appeared to have too much pride. Maybe he could find her another job.
The job search hadn’t yielded any positive results. He sat back in his office chair and let out a groan. He was already burdened with too much to take on the problems of others. But it had likely been his fault she’d been fired. He was the one who’d created the problem, and that made him responsible for helping her.
He rubbed his hand over his face and rose from his seat, heading to the front door. He retrieved his hat from a hook then stepped outside and hopped in his truck. Back to town. He had an idea, but she wasn’t likely the best fit for the task. The salary might entice her, though. As soon as she had enough money for gas, she’d probably be gone.
He smiled. It would be amazing to have that kind of freedom. He had so many burdens, he was shocked he hadn’t developed a hunchback.
He slowed down before he got to Gus’s house. Gus McCallister was half owner of The Morning Glory Café. He was a good soul.
After parking, Stewart wandered around back to the garage. The car parked there seemed out of place. Who around here is rich enough to own a car this luxurious? It couldn’t be Aurora’s, could it? The situation didn’t make sense.
“Like it?” she asked from the top of the steps leading to the place above the garage. “My father gave it to me as a graduation gift. I should probably sell it, but I’d have to go to a city to do that. What brings you out here?”
“I’m the one who cost you your job, and I’m trying to make things right.” He suppressed a groan. What was he doing? He couldn’t be anyone’s lifeline.
Her descent was graceful, as if she were walking into a grand ball.
“Do you know of a job? I know there is another restaurant, but I don’t have enough experience for them. I spoke to the owner about an hour ago.”
Stewart kicked at the dust at his feet, then took the plunge. “We have a big fundraiser for the community center each year. Having new equipment and a space for kids after school is beneficial. That type of thing. I need someone to coordinate it. It mainly involves communicating with vendors and volunteers. There is a list and instructions. We alternate putting it on, and this year it’s my turn. I’d really appreciate your assistance.”
It was intriguing, and she wanted to give plenty of consideration, but ultimately it was her only choice. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. If things fall through, I just need enough money for gas. Oh, and to pay Gus. How far away is your office?”
“I work from home. I have an office and a separate spot for my secretary, though I don’t have one now. She didn’t have a lot of work, but enough that I shouldn’t have caught her on her phone with her feet up at my desk.” He shook his head, releasing a frustrated sigh. “Does starting tomorrow work for you?”
“I’m not sure if I have enough gas in the tank to make it.” The way he stared at her for so long, with such intensity, was unsettling. It seemed like he was trying to gauge her or read her mind.
She stood nervously, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “Maybe I could find a ride?”
“No, that won’t be necessary.” Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew a money clip. He peeled off a few twenty-dollar bills and gave them to her. “This should be enough for now. Have Gus give me a call if rent is due before your first paycheck.” He walked toward the street, where his truck was most likely parked.
With each bill counted, her heart raced faster. She’d received two hundred dollars from him.
Lord, help me to be worthy of his trust. Ruby Lou extended her hand to me, but I blew it. Please help me to persevere and be able to tackle this new job. Amen.
At least her clothes were appropriate for office work. She had been constantly provided with the most up-to-date designer clothing. The only thing missing from her life were her parents’ and love. Any nanny who got too friendly with her was fired. So many people around and she wasn’t allowed to have a conversation with any of them.
At boarding school, she’d had a few friends, but social standing and money played a significant role in how the girls made friendships. She had both, which unfortunately attracted the rich mean girls. Their backstabbing conversations had made her uneasy. They’d probably done the same to her.
Grin and bear it, had become her personal motto. No matter what the situation was, she was to act as if she should be the one to shine. She’d heard the words poor little rich girl often , never in a kind way, but they hadn’t made sense to her. When she had finally recognized what it meant, she’d realized it was her. She never bemoaned the fact.
The many faces of Aurora. Smiling with joy. Smiling politely. Smiling in a mean way. Smiling, even though she had no idea what she was smiling about. She could stop her peers from approaching her with a look. She had her I don’t like you look down to perfection, but she only used it when it was given to her first. She could pretend to be a snob of the highest order.
Rarely did she get to be herself.