Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
But I’d never seen anything quite as gorgeous as the mountains framed in my windshield as I drove down the highway. I had planned to be on the road for a few more hours, but I found myself taking the next exit instead.
The town’s main drag looked like something out of a romcom with quaint little shops and pretty window displays. Snow still clung to the edges of the road even though spring was technically underway, and it only made the scene more picturesque.
My eyes scanned the awnings for anything that might mean a job opportunity and finally spotted a diner. It sat on the corner with big front windows and a flickering sign that promised Breakfast All Day. The parking lot behind the building wasn’t full, but it wasn’t empty either, which I took as a good sign since it was smack-dab between the usual times for the lunch and dinner rush.
The only problem was that I didn’t see a Now Hiring sign in the window.
I hesitated anyway, my foot easing off the gas.
Even if they didn’t have an opening, I could at least go inside and get a cup of coffee. Pretend, for a few minutes, that I was just another person passing through and not someone low on options.
I pulled into the lot and shut off the engine, taking a breath before climbing out of my car.
The bell above the door jingled when I stepped inside, and warmth washed over me instantly. The scent of something savory made my stomach rumble, and I second-guessed my decision. It’d been too long since I’d had a decent meal because I needed to make every dollar stretch as far as it could.
I paused just inside, suddenly aware of how out of place I probably looked. I was an exhausted stranger with a backpack slung over one shoulder, which held my documents and cash. I couldn’t risk anyone breaking into my car, so I took it everywhere with me.
A woman behind the counter glanced up and smiled. “Seat yourself, hon.”
I slid onto a stool a few seats down from her, tucking my hands between my knees while I waited.
“What can I get you?” she asked a moment later, her name tag glinting against her uniform.
“Just…black coffee, please.”
Sharon nodded and poured without comment. When she set the cup in front of me, I wrapped my hands around it and soaked in the heat.
“Cold out there today?”
I nodded. “Yeah, more than I expected.”
That earned a small smile before she moved on to the next customer.
I watched plates slide past, loaded with sandwiches piled high with meat and toppings, hoping my stomach would behave. Breathing out slowly, I took a careful sip of my coffee.
At least I was warm. For the moment, that was enough.
I waited until my coffee was almost gone. Wrapping my hands around the mug, even though it had gone lukewarm, I rehearsed the words in my head. I’d done this enough times over the past year that I should’ve been good at it by now.
I have serving experience and thought I’d ask if you’re hiring?
My heart still beat a little too fast when I finally cleared my throat.
“Excuse me.” I caught Sharon’s attention as she passed by again. “I was wondering if you might need an extra server. Even part-time.”
She paused to study me, and hope flared before I could stop it.
“I’ve worked in diners before,” I rushed to add. “I’m used to long shifts. Doubles if you need them. And I can start right away.”
Her eyes softened with apology as she set the coffee pot down. “I’m really sorry. We just hired someone last week.”
I pushed my disappointment down. “Of course. I understand.”
She disappeared into the kitchen after that, and I told myself not to be discouraged. There were plenty of other towns ahead where I could find work.
I stayed where I was and finished the last sip of my coffee. The sizzle from the grill carried through the diner. My stomach twisted, and I focused on the crack in the counter instead of how hungry I felt. But then a plate landed in front of me.
I startled, my gaze snapping up to a cheeseburger with a heap of golden fries. The bun was toasted, the patty thick, and the cheese melted perfectly over the edges. Lettuce, tomato, and pickles were piled neatly to the side.
My mouth watered as I mumbled, “I didn’t order—”
Sharon waved a hand, already turning back toward the kitchen. “Customer didn’t want cheese. Just a hamburger. Would’ve gone to waste.”
We both knew that wasn’t true.
I stared at the plate, heat rising behind my eyes. “I don’t have—”
She sighed and finally faced me fully. “Can’t help with the job, but at least I can fill your belly with food I would’ve thrown out.”
My chest ached at her kindness. I pressed my lips together and nodded. “Thank you.”