* * *
Later that evening, Rose and Tulip were talking again.
“I want to get a job like you’ve got, Rose.”
“What would you do?”
“I don’t know exactly. I can cook and clean and I suppose I can sell things like you do. I’ve helped at the flower stall often enough.”
“What about Audrey Fuller’s cake shop? She’s expanding it. She’ll need more staff.”
“Is she really?”
Rose nodded.
“That’s a good idea. I’ll get in before she starts advertising for people.”
“Yeah, do it. I think you’d like working there.” Rose looked around the room and then she fixed her eyes in one spot.
“What is it, Rose?” Tulip turned her head to see what Rose was staring at.
“Look at Mamm over there. It looks like she’s interviewing for a new husband for you.”
Tulip shook her head. “You’re lucky you found Mark when you did.”
“I didn’t need to find him; he was there all the time.”
Tulip sighed. “I’ve got nobody who’s been there all the time like that. What am I going to do about Mamm?”
“If you get a job, she mightn’t be so focused on you.”
“I hope so, and then she can start on the twins,” Tulip said.
“Yeah, they’re nearly old enough to marry now.”
The two sisters giggled.
Chapter 8
The next day, Tulip put Nathanial out of her mind and wasted no time in setting about looking for a job. She’d already done most of her morning chores when she walked into the kitchen to ask her mother for permission to be gone for a good part of the day.
“Mamm, can I take the buggy to go into town today?”
Her mother turned around from the stove where she was cooking breakfast.
“What for? You went into town yesterday.”
“Rose told me that Audrey Fuller might be looking for someone to work in her cake store.”
The twins giggled, and Daisy said, “Haven’t you had enough cake? You ate your birthday cake nearly by yourself yesterday.”
“Yep, and no one else could get any,” Lily added.
“I only had two pieces and they were small ones.” Tulip looked back at her mother as she sat down at the kitchen table. “Rose said Audrey’s expanding her store, and I want to get in first before she thinks about putting an ad in for someone.”
“That sounds like a good idea, but I didn’t even know you wanted a job.” Her mother placed a plate of eggs in front of her.
“I do. I’ve been thinking about it for some time.”
“Well, you better get into town and see her.”
“Denke, Mamm.”
“Now, eat your breakfast.”
“If you can fit it in after all that cake you ate last night. It’s a wonder you’re not twice the size.”
“Hush, Daisy,” their mother said.
“You don’t have to work, Tulip,” Lily said.
Tulip had a mouthful of eggs, and when she swallowed, she answered, “I know that, Lily, but I want to.”
“Could we go into town too, Mamm?” Daisy asked. “While she goes to the cake shop we can do something else by ourselves.”
Tulip frowned, hoping her mother wouldn’t let them. She didn’t want them around distracting her or saying silly things when she was trying to get a job.
Thankfully, her mother read her anxious expression.
“Nee. It’s best if you stay here. We’ve got a big clean-up day ahead of us.”
The twins’ mouths dropped open, and Daisy said, “That’s not fair! Tulip should help; it was her party.”
Tulip ate her breakfast in silence, feeling relieved that she was escaping the clean up.
* * *
Tulip walked into the cake shop to see that the space had already been extended. When she’d been there last, there was no room for anyone to sit down. Now there were tables inside, and more outside on the pavement. She stepped past the tables to speak to the young girl behind the counter.
“Is Mrs. Fuller in today?”
“Yeah, she’s out in the back.”
“Could I speak with her?”
“I’ll get her.”
The girl she’d been speaking to wasn’t Amish, but she knew a couple of the girls who worked for Audrey were Amish.
When Audrey came into the front of the store, she looked pleased to see her. “Tulip! Happy birthday for yesterday. I heard you had a big birthday dinner at your place last night.”
“Denke. I did.” Tulip gave a little giggle.
“What can I do for you?”
“I was hoping you might be looking for an extra person to work here?”
Audrey narrowed her eyes as she scrutinized her. “I am looking for one more person. Have you had any experience?”
Tulip’s shoulders drooped. “Not really. I’ve only worked for my mudder at weddings and things like that.”
“That might count for experience. Your mother is a very good manager. I could give you a trial for three weeks and see how we work together. I start all my girls on trials. I’d have to show you how to work the register and how to make coffee barista-style.”
“Really?”
“Jah.”
“I’d love to learn how to do everything. Denke so much.”
“Are you looking for full time or part time work?” Audrey asked.
“Full time, but I can do whatever you’d like.”
“I’m looking for someone full time. It wouldn’t be until the first of next month. Would you be able to start then?”
“I certainly would. Denke again, Mrs. Fuller.”
She chuckled. “The girls here all call me Audrey when we’re in the shop.”
“Okay.”
Chapter 9
Tulip had been working at the cake shop for the past three months. She’d done well right from the start, and Audrey had quickly offered her a permanent position. She got along fine with the other staff. Stacey, the girl she’d met that first day, was the only Englischer, and the rest of the girls were Amish. Melinda, a girl in her mid-twenties, was the manager whenever Audrey was absent. Audrey started work early and generally left at eleven in the morning.
Tulip was wiping down the counter in the back room, and when she heard the girls giggling, she looked into the store and saw Jonathon Byler buying a cupcake. When Tulip went out front, she noticed that Jonathon was now outside by himself, drinking a cup of coffee with his cupcake on a plate on the table.
“Look at him, sitting out there by himself. That’s why he’s so fat! He eats cake every day. He looks ridiculous,” one of the girls said while another one giggled.
“Back to work,” Melinda said, trying to break things up.
“Why aren’t you laughing, Tulip?” Stacey asked.
“I don’t think it’s funny to be like that with people.”
“Tulip’s in love with Jonathon,” Stacey said.
“I’m not in love with him. I just know that he’s nice, and it’s mean to laugh at him.” She glanced at him and hoped he didn’t hear their laughs. “I’m going to wipe down the tables outside.” After she had picked up a cloth, she headed outside.
“Hello, Jonathon,” Tulip said as she wiped down the table next to his.
Jonathon glanced up at her. “Hello, Tulip. I didn’t know you were working here. How are you today?”
“Fine! Is there anything else you’d like?”
“Nee, denke. My cousin’s joining me today. You could join us if you’d like. Do you get a break or anything?”
“I’m actually due for a half hour break.” She glanced at the girls inside who were smiling at the pair of them talking. “I’ll get myself a cup of coffee and something to eat and I’ll come back out.”
“Okay, gut.”
Tulip hurried inside and asked Melinda if she could take her break right now.
After Melinda agreed, one of the girls sai
d, “You are in love with him; you’re having coffee with him.”
“So what?” Once she had paid for her coffee and a raisin bun, she made herself a coffee, placed a bun on a plate, and hurried outside with them to join Jonathon. She hated anyone to be made fun of.
“Which cousin are you waiting for?” Tulip asked.
“I don’t know if you’ve met him. He comes here every now and again when my vadder has work for him.” He looked over her shoulder. “Here he is now.”
Tulip glanced behind her. It was the same man she’d seen a few months ago, around the time of her birthday. She looked back to the front and he sat down with them.
Jonathon introduced the pair of them. The handsome man’s name was Wilhem Byler.
“Actually, we’ve met before, but I didn’t get your name last time.”
Tulip giggled. “I remember.”
His eyes dropped down to her food. “I hope you’ve paid for that?”
She laughed. “Your memory is too good. I paid for it and I work here.” She told Jonathon about forgetting to pay and leaving the café and the waitress having to come running after her. Then the three of them laughed.
“Actually,” Wilhem began, “I was at your schewschder’s wedding a while back. That’s when I first saw you.”
“At Rose’s wedding?”
He nodded.
“I didn’t see you there.”
One side of Wilhem’s mouth twisted into a crooked smile. “I saw you.”
Tulip was pleased about him saying that. He was almost flirting with her and his voice lowered when he spoke. “How often do you come here?” she asked.
“Every now and again when my Onkel Phillip has construction work for me.”
“That’s my Dat,” Jonathon said.
Tulip nodded at Jonathon. Of course she knew Jonathon’s father. She looked back at Wilhem. “Ah, so you do construction work—building work?”
“Jah. There are a few builders I work with back home, and now my onkel is going to be needing me from time to time. I’m happy to help out here.”
Tulip smiled at the thought of him visiting their community more. Through the large glass window, Tulip looked to see that the girls weren’t laughing anymore—not with the handsome man now sitting at the table with them.
Tulip was so nervous sitting next to him that she barely heard any more of the conversation. She hoped she was responding with the right words in the right places.
When Jonathon’s cousin said goodbye and left, Tulip suddenly realized her break time had nearly run out. “I’ll have to get back to work, Jonathon. Denke for inviting me.”
“I’ll see you soon. Denke for sitting with us.”
Tulip stood and gathered the empty cups.
“Wait, Tulip!” Jonathon said.
“What is it?”
“Do you think you could put a good word in for me with Chelsea?”
Chelsea was one of the young Amish girls she worked with. “You like her?”
He nodded.
“Okay, I’ll do it. But not right away, or it will seem phony. I’ll wait for the right time.”
“Denke, Tulip. I’ll leave it in your hands.”
Tulip walked back into the store with the plates and cups they’d used.
“You were a while,” Chelsea said.
Glancing up at the clock, Tulip said, “I only had my half hour.”
“Did you have fun with your new boyfriend?” Stacey asked.
Tulip spun around. “He’s very nice.”
“Who is? Jonathon, or that man who sat down with you? That was the real reason you sat out there with Jonathon, wasn’t it?” Stacey asked. “He didn’t stay very long.”
“He’s Jonathon’s cousin.” Tulip ignored the rest of the comment.
When Stacey said something else about Jonathon, Melinda cut across her, “Back to work now, and no more talk about the customers.”
The girls stopped talking.
Later in the day, Stacey whispered to Tulip, “No need to get upset. Maybe you really are in love with Jonathon.”
To Tulip, all the teasing and gossiping was just like being at home with the twins.
Chapter 10
Nathanial had never gotten back to her about the buggy ride he’d mentioned. Now that she’d met Jonathon’s handsome cousin, Wilhem, she was dreaming about him instead.
The next time Tulip saw Nathanial again was at Lucy and Peter Bontrager’s wedding. There were many visitors from out of town at the wedding, which was held at Lucy’s parents’ house, in their yard. As always, Tulip’s mother was at the forefront of organizing the food, along with the bride’s mother.
“Do you know who’s here, Tulip?” her mother asked her.
“Who?”
“Jacob Schumacher’s bruder. His name is Nathanial.”
Tulip was pleased he was there. Maybe they would go on that buggy ride soon. She hadn’t seen Wilhem again and didn’t know if he’d ever be back. “Okay. I haven’t seen him about.”
“I think he was one of the boys you were talking with at Rose’s wedding.”
Tulip shrugged her shoulders. “Not sure. It was a long time ago.”
“Stay away from him, if you happen to see him.”
“Why, Mamm?”
Her mother’s mouth fell open. “You know what happened when Jacob visited the community, don’t you?”
“Jah, but his bruder can’t be held responsible for Jacob’s actions. Anyway, Jacob did the right thing and married that girl, so that’s at least a gut thing.” She had to make her mother think that he was okay, otherwise she’d never be able to go anywhere with him.
“Shh! Someone might hear.” Her mother shook her head. “They are branches of the same tree. There are such things as bad seeds. I’m just warning you that if he’s anything like Jacob, he’ll be looking for prey. And by prey, I mean young girls who don’t know any better.”
“Jah, Mamm.”
“I mean it, Tulip. I have the benefit of many more years’ experience than you do. You’d do well to listen to me.”
“I do. I listen to you all the time.”
“Gut! Now help Rosemary take those dishes out.” Her mother pointed to the large collection of plates that had to be carried out and placed on each table.
Tulip did as she was asked. As she walked amongst the crowd, she looked around for Nathanial. Just as she placed half a dozen dinner plates on one of the tables, she caught a glimpse of him, and he caught her eye and smiled. She quickly looked away in case her mother was watching, and then she hurried back for more plates. Tulip believed there was no such thing as ‘bad seeds.’ Her mother was simply being over-protective.
When her mother allowed Tulip time to eat later that day, she hurried to one of the tables at the back of the yard, hoping there would be food left in the bowls in the center of that table. There was. She picked up an empty plate and spooned food onto it before she sat down.
“Did you cook the food?”
She looked up to see it was Nathanial who’d just walked up to her. He sat down next to her as she finished her mouthful. If only she knew why he’d never gotten back to her about going on the buggy ride. That really bothered her. Did that mean he wasn’t interested in her after all?
“Nee. I just had the job of running the plates in and out. I’m on a break, and soon I’ll have to take the plates back to the kitchen.”
He put out his hand as though he was meeting her for the first time. “I’m Nathanial Schumacher.”
She kept the charade going. “Hello, I’m Tulip Yoder.”
His gaze dropped to her food and he tipped his head. “Go ahead. Don’t let me stop you from eating.”
“Have you moved here or are you visiting?” she asked to carry on with the act of having just met him.
“I’m doing some visiting around different places to see where I’d like to settle down.”
Tulip finished what was in her mouth. “Where are you from?”
�
��Oakes County.”
“Are you Jacob’s bruder?”
“Jah, but don’t hold that against me.” He laughed.
“I met him. He visited here a while back to work for your Onkel Harry.”
“Before your new bruder-in-law, Mark, stole his job.”
Tulip narrowed her eyes at him. That’s not how she remembered things at all.
“I’m joking. I’ll have to brush up on my funny skills—humor.”
She smiled. “It’s not that. I was just trying to remember what happened. Jacob wasn’t here long before he went back home and since then Mark’s been working with your mutual onkel making buggies.”
“That’s correct.”
When he smiled, Tulip saw kindness in his eyes. Her mother had to be wrong about him. Although she wasn’t sure if she’d forgiven him about forgetting their buggy ride.
“And now you know all about me, Tulip, tell me something about yourself.”
“There’s not much to tell. I started working in a bakery a few months ago and that’s what I do every day.”
“Your familye?”
She pointed to her father who was talking with the bishop. “That’s my vadder, and my mother is in the kitchen, unless she’s spying on me right now to see who I’m speaking with. I’ve got three sisters around somewhere and two older brothers.”
“Your vadder’s a deacon?”
“Jah.”
“That must be hard.”
“Nee, not really.”
“I have a friend whose vadder is the bishop and she finds it awkward. She says that everyone thinks she should be perfect.”
“It’s a little like that sometimes.”
“Where is the bakery?”
“Just off Church Street, in Baker’s Lane.”
“I might have to try some samples.”
Tulip smiled as she ate another spoonful of food. Maybe he did have some unreliable traits, as his brother had.
“We never went on that buggy ride,” he said.
“Buggy ride?” She wouldn’t let on that she remembered anything about that.
“Jah, you promised you’d go on one with me.”
“Did I?”
“Jah, you did.” He laughed. “I’m not going to let you back out of it. How about we go on one this week?”
Amish Tulip Page 4