by Cheryl Wyatt
“Your eyes aren’t funny, Hutton. They’re uniquely yours. But I’m glad you liked Amelia.” Ben had introduced them the previous night. Hutton and Reece had hit it off big time.
“I know God gave me my eyes, Benny. And at least I can see. Some people are blind. Did you know that, Benny?”
“I did. Sad, isn’t it?”
Benny nodded his head then blinked fast.
“He also gave you a good heart, Hutton. And I hope you see with your eyes and with your heart how much I admire you.”
“I mire you too, Benny. Always have. Even when—” Hutton chewed his tongue, effectively cutting off his words.
Ben reached over and took his brother’s hand, and didn’t care how it looked. “Even when I was mean to you?”
Hutton stared at the table then nodded. “Yeah, Benny. Yeah. But you’ve always been my hero.”
“Yeah? Well, seems we have more in common than we realized, because you’re my hero, too.”
Hutton’s face squished up in a grin. Ben pushed the dessert menu in front of him. “Another thing we have in common is milkshakes. So pick which one you want.”
Hutton snorted laughter and pointed to a large chocolate shake domed with whipped cream.
Hutton had opened up to Ben more this week than he had in years.
“I really enjoy hanging out with you, Hutton.”
Hutton grinned. “Me too. When did you say I go to my job interview, Benny?”
“In a week.” Ben gave Hutton the same answer he had all day. He supposed Hutton repeatedly asked out of nervousness.
“Would it help if we practice the questions they might ask you?”
“Yeah. Benny. I want this job more than anything besides having you as a brother. And a friend. That’s the most thing I ever wanted, Benny. I always wished you would be my friend.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t a better friend growing up.”
“But we can be best friends now. If you want.” Hutton chewed his tongue and scratched his head.
“I definitely do want that. I’m honored you do. So, are you excited about your interview?”
“Yeah, Benny. But kinda scared too.”
“That’s natural.”
“Do even normal people feel this way before a job?”
Interview. He hoped Hutton understood it wasn’t totally in the bag yet. He needed to prepare him, in case he didn’t get chosen. After all, there were five applicants, but only one position. “I’m sure the other applicants are as nervous as you.”
“Are they getting interviews next Thursday too, like me?”
“Yep. Miss Evie’s son said she’s doing all of them on the same day.” Ben hadn’t mentioned Hutton to Miss Evie because he wanted Hutton to be able to get the job on his own.
“I’ll take you there and wait outside the door.” If Hutton faltered, he’d venture into the room for moral support. But he wanted Hutton to see he’d gotten the job on his own credentials.
“I understand if they want to give somebody else the job besides me. Especially somebody normal. I might be very sad if I don’t get the job. But I’ll understand.”
“Hutton, don’t think negatively. If the job is meant to be yours, God will make sure you have it.”
“Yeah Benny. God will work this out how He wants. I just hope he wants to work it out how I want it so that I can have the job.”
“He knows how bad you want a job. He’ll do what’s best. Honest.”
“God knows how bad you want this, Amelia. Stop fretting.” Glorietta followed Amelia into the bathroom Thursday morning of her scheduled interview.
Amelia patted makeup beneath her eyes. “I barely slept a wink last night. Thanks for agreeing to watch Reece today.”
“No problem. I’d better head out, but know I’m praying for you. Also know that God has your best interests at heart, no matter what happens, okay?”
She nodded and brushed a hand down herself. “Okay. And, thank you for bringing this business suit by.”
Glorietta hugged her. “You look very professional in it. It looks much nicer than those boxy clothes you’ve been wearing. I’ll bet if Ben sees you today, he’s likely to have a coronary at how this hugs your figure.”
Amelia blushed. “I’ve always worn my clothes four sizes too big. Ever since Reece was born.”
“I see your caricatures all around town. They’re becoming quite popular. The rave of Refuge, in fact. Word on the street is, tourists have even started asking about them.”
“I still need another job so I can start paying Miss Evie rent.”
“She’s not hurting for money, hon. Her husband left her with a huge life insurance policy. That man took care of her before he died, and afterward by planning ahead.”
“I think Gus kinda likes her. He gets nervous when he drops me off at the B and B sometimes when Ben’s gone on trainings. It’s cute to watch the two of them.”
“That’s another one who has money.”
“Gus?”
“Yeah. You wouldn’t know it by the way he keeps his garage, but he got a multimillion dollar settlement out of the corporation that knowingly served booze to the minors who smashed into his daughter and took her life. But he can’t bring himself to spend the money. Says it won’t bring his daughter back. So he’s waiting to find a community project to donate it to.” She eyed her watch.
“It’s time?” Amelia’s breath fell short. Interviews made her so nervous. Especially this one, since she’d invested hope.
“Me and Reece are gonna go to Cone Zone and have a good time, and you’re gonna go blow Miss Evie’s socks off during your interview.”
“Pray for me, Glorietta?”
“Rest assured. Call me soon as you know something. She happen to say when that’d be?”
“Said she’d decide today. I’m fourth to be interviewed. There is one other person after me. So wish me luck.”
“You don’t need luck. You’ve got God on your side.”
“Have a seat, Amelia.” Miss Evie waved to a chair across from a gleaming mahogany desk. The warm colors in the room set Amelia at ease. Except her stomach, which suddenly twisted up.
Miss Evie pulled out a folder with her name on it. Amelia glimpsed at the other folders to the right of Miss Evie. Folders much thicker with papers than hers.
No.
No.
Was written in red on each tab. Beside those two folders was another with Maybe on the tab. A red Sharpie lay on top of the stack. Another folder rested to Miss Evie’s left, and there was no red mark on it. That must be the appointment after hers.
Which meant the job was between Amelia and two other persons. Hope soared.
Until her eyes lit on the name.
Hutton Dillinger? Hutton? Ben’s brother applied for the job? Her heart sank. This was the job Hutton had talked about so excitedly to Reece?
Miss Evie finished flipping through the pages. “Not many references here.”
“I—I know.”
Miss Evie ran her finger down Amelia’s skill list.
Her very. Short. Skill list.
She set the folder on the desk, then removed her glasses. She folded her hands on the desk and smiled in a sympathetic manner. “I don’t conduct interviews like most people, Amelia. I don’t much care about your credentials. I want you to tell me about you. And before you get more nervous than you already are, know I’m more apt to base my hiring decision on whether I think a person can be taught, regardless of experience.”
Miss Evie closed the résumé folder. “So, without further ado, tell me about you. Never mind about your experience. What are your hobbies, your interests? What’s your family like? People’s personalities come out when they talk about their passions. Tell me about your drawings. When did you know you wanted to do that?”
“From the time I can remember…”
After several moments, Amelia realized she’d been rambling. But Miss Evie was smiling.
Until she put her glasses back o
n. “You don’t have many references here. Only one I could reach in fact was your mom.”
Amelia nodded and lowered her head.
“Among other things we discussed, she assured me you have the drive to learn, which is important to me in an employee. And I happened by the garage yesterday to get my oil changed. I nearly walked right back out of Gus’s office, thinking I’d gone into the wrong building. I hardly recognized it. He told me you’re the one who cleaned and organized it.”
Amelia nodded. Tried to focus on what Miss Evie was saying, but her eyes kept veering back toward Hutton’s folder. How disappointed he’d be if he didn’t get the job. Thankfulness hit her though that her mother had said good things about her. But, if Amelia got the job, that meant Hutton wouldn’t.
I don’t understand why You pit us against each other like this. There’s only one job and two of us. I need to feed my daughter and Hutton needs to feel a vital part of society.
She tuned back in to Miss Evie.
“Gus then showed me how you created a filing system for him and organized his office. I’m impressed with your work ethic, people skills and efficiency. He said he got lots of positive feedback the two hours a day that you answer his phone. Word on the street is you are helpful, friendly, polite and professional.”
She was about to get the job. She could tell by Miss Evie’s excited chatter. Her heart soared and sank at the same time.
Until Miss Evie drew a breath and sighed. “I’d hire you for the dishwasher position for that alone, Amelia, but…”
But she needed a job!
“I’m afraid you’re overqualified. You’re worth more than minimum wage.”
“B-but please. I’m willing to work for minimum wage. I understand.”
Miss Evie held a hand up. “Before you get upset, I’m not finished. Hear me out. I was saying that I think you’re overqualified for the dishwashing position.”
“Can I say something? I didn’t know Ben’s brother had applied for the same job. I think the position belongs to him.”
“I agree. He needs to be made to feel like an active member of society and that’s one way he could contribute. So, out of the three of you, I’m leaning equally toward you and him. But mostly toward you.”
“I can’t do this to Hutton. Or to Ben. I’m sorry, Miss Evie for wasting your time today. I’m retracting my application.”
“I think that’s prudent. And honorable of you, considering the dire straits you’re in.”
“I understand.” And truly she did. She couldn’t be angry with Ben for looking out for his brother and putting him first. Though she really needed that job, she’d humble herself and concede it for Hutton. What would she do now? She could barely afford a fifty-cent paper to look for job listings.
“I’d really appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell Ben that I conceded the job to Hutton. Ben has been so kind, I don’t want to make him feel bad.”
Nodding, Miss Evie plucked on her bifocals and turned to a credenza to rifle through papers.
Amelia assumed that meant she was dismissed. She stood, fighting tears, but longed to be polite without her voice quavering. Her possibilities in Refuge were exhausted. She’d have to look elsewhere for a job. The thought of leaving Refuge made her throat ache.
“Thank you. I appreciate your time.”
Startled, Miss Evie looked up. “Well, Amelia, where are you going? Please sit down. Our interview is far from over.”
Amelia sat, confusion weighing her down. She wouldn’t take Hutton’s job. She wouldn’t. And she had to get out of here before she embarrassed herself by bursting into tears. Then everyone would know how weak and scared she really was.
Pray, then trust and believe.
Ugh. Glorietta’s stupid words coming back to stalk her again.
Pray, then trust and believe.
I did that. And it didn’t work.
Pray. Then trust. And believe.
Understanding suddenly dawned
Pray and trust didn’t always go together. Trust was tougher when what you believed for didn’t come true.
I believed but it didn’t happen. But this time, I’m gonna choose to trust You anyhow.
And what on earth was the woman doing, pilfering through her own drawers?
Miss Evie continued to rifle through papers a moment more before tugging a file out. “Aha. Here it is.” She turned back to face Amelia. “I was saying, however, I do have something else you may be interested in. Take a look at this.” She tugged papers from the file and handed them to Amelia.
Amelia’s eyes scanned the header. She further she read, the more confused she became.
“But, this is a list of duties for a salaried management position here at the bed-and-breakfast.” A position that paid three times what the dishwasher position did. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” She looked up.
Miss Evie grinned over her bifocals, hands folded on the desk in front of her. “Don’t you, Amelia? Because I think you’d be perfect for the job. You’re sharp. What you don’t know, I’ll teach you.”
“But Miss Evie, what if I’m not qualified?”
“How will we know unless you try? You could set up a caricature station in the kitchen if you like. Tourists would love them. That’d be extra money. Many of these duties you could delegate out to employees. Also, the budget there is off. The salary is about twelve thousand more a year.”
“Twelve thou—” Amelia coughed, emotion having closed her throat. With Refuge’s cost of living, she could nearly exist on that alone. Could this moment be possible? Tears sprang to her eyes. Was she dreaming?
Miss Evie lifted her brows. “Well? What do you think?”
Amelia surged to her feet. “I think you’re plumb crazy—and wonderful for giving me this chance.” Amelia couldn’t hold back the tears and she lunged around the desk and hugged Miss Evie’s neck. She squeezed and squeezed and just couldn’t let the woman go. “And I think I’ll love working for you, and with Hutton. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Laughing, Miss Evie dabbed Amelia’s tears. “Well, this is a first. I’ve never had an interviewee get me in a headlock. It’s quite nice. I think we’ll work well together.”
“What do I need to do? How should I dress? When can I start?”
Miss Evie held up a graceful hand. “Hold on to your horses. Here’s my suggestion. You’ll need to register Reece for school. Why don’t you spend the day doing that? I can give you a stipend to live on until your probation period is up in thirty days.”
Amelia smiled. “What is it with this town and their overwhelming generosity?”
“Refuge is like that. Most of it, anyway. We have a few trouble spots, but all in all, we’re praying for it to be just what the name says.”
Praying.
No wonder.
Maybe the woman’s faith was why she was doing all this. That would be the only reason Amelia could think of that a person would give without expecting anything in return. Though she held her own faith struggles, she wanted to raise Reece in church.
“Where you go to church, is it Christian?”
“Yes. Refuge Community Church. Would you like to visit?”
“If I could sit by you. I’m nervous to walk in by myself.”
“We’ll ride and sit together. Pick you up at nine. They have a wonderful kids’ program. Reece will love it. I have a feeling you will, too. You’ll recognize some faces there.”
Amelia wondered who. She also wondered why she didn’t have reservations about going to this church. She knew why. Leaned forward, she hugged Miss Evie again. “Thank you. Before meeting true Christians like you and Ben, Manny, Celia, Amber and Joel—”
“And Gus.” She patted her hair.
Amelia grinned. “And Gus, I never believed people extended goodness without agenda.” She eyed the wall clock. “Time for Glorietta to return with Reece. I’d better scoot.”
Miss Evie smiled and opened the door. “Sounds good. Hutton’s interv
iew is in ten minutes. That’ll give me time to grab some coffee.”
Amelia rounded the corner of the B and B and was run over by a haze of fur. “Ooomph!” She sat up and blocked her face from wet slurps. “Hey!” She peeked. Then stood. “Shasta?” The dog barked and spun in circles, wagging its entire behind. “Shasta?”
“Hello, Amelia.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and she whirled around. “Mom?”
A wary-eyed woman approached cautiously. “H-hi.”
“Mom?”
Seeing tears streaking down her mother’s face, Amelia dashed off the wraparound porch and wrapped arms around her.
After several moments of sniffling and murmuring and holding tight, both women pulled back.
“What are you doing here?” Amelia whispered.
Her mom tugged more tissues loose and handed half to Amelia. She then looped her arm through Amelia’s. “Let’s go for a walk. And I’ll tell ya.”
After leaving Glorietta a note explaining where she was, Amelia led her mom down one of the trails behind the B and B. “You don’t know how bad I missed our walks.”
“Not half as bad as I’ve missed you and Reece.” She drew a breath. “Which is why I’m here.”
“I noticed you brought suitcases. Lots of suitcases.”
“You left without some of your things. And one of the suitcases is mine.” She met Amelia’s gaze. “I left your father.”
Amelia gasped. “Mom! Why?”
She reached down and scooped up a pinecone, then met Amelia’s gaze again. “Because I can’t live without having a relationship with you and my grandbaby. Not even for your father.” She tossed the cone at a tree. Hard. “Your very stubborn father.”
Amelia laughed. “I heard you said I’m courageous. Is that true?”
Her mom nodded. “Very. You have more courage than I do. I should have stood up to him years ago.” Tears flooded her eyes again. “I’m sorry, Amelia. I’ve so much to be sorry for.”
Amelia put an arm around her waist. “Let’s not be sorry. Let’s just start over.”
“Gramma!” Reece squealed on the way back when they came into view.
Glorietta stood, grinning. “You made it, I see.”
Amelia’s mom nodded.