“Oh.” She nods. “That’s fair. It’s just that we already met, and I like you. For interns, the most important requirement is that you’re likable, empathetic and down to earth. We don’t expect our interns to know everything, but we expect them to be eager to learn and help. And that’s the impression I got, so I think you’re good to go. Unless you disagree?”
“No,” I say hurriedly. “Thank you. I’m just…surprised. I didn’t know you were… I mean, I didn’t realize the shopping trip was an interview.”
“And that matters even more, since I got to see you the way you are, rather than whatever you want to present at an interview. Plus, Tolyan already sent me the background check on you—”
My whole body tenses. What did he put on it? Anything about Roy?
“—and it looks good.” Her expression remains warm and friendly.
I guess not. Whew. I just don’t like talking about Roy. It’s just embarrassing and weird. Like telling somebody you have cooties, which isn’t that far from the truth, since he is the cooties of the family.
“The pay is as posted on the site.”
I give her a blank look, so she names a figure that leaves me speechless. Holy shit! That’s more than I make at both my part-time jobs! I can quit like Tolyan said, and still come out ahead!
“I guess Tolyan didn’t tell you…?” she says, amused.
“No.”
“Unfortunately, the job doesn’t come with dental or vision, but you get access to the concierge medical service the foundation supplies to all employees. Rhonda or Patrice can give you the details, but it basically covers your primary care in full, and you can access a team of doctors at any time to consult about your medical needs. We also have medical catastrophe coverage if you want, where the foundation covers seventy percent of the cost.”
Wow… I never had anything like that at my other jobs. And I never expected dental or vision from an internship, so having any coverage at all seems awesome.
“The full-time internship is for three months, but it’s renewable, with an opportunity to be hired for a permanent full-time position later.”
“Thank you,” I say, still processing what this means. I hope my alarm clock doesn’t go off because I’m going to cry if this turns out to be a dream. “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. Just let Rhonda know when you can start.”
I want to tell Elizabeth I can start right now, but I should tell Maggie at the café first. The risk-averse part of me says I shouldn’t quit my barista job since the position at the Pryce Family Foundation is only for three months, even if it is renewable. But at the same time, Tolyan said it’d be difficult for him to keep me safe if I’m not where he is, and being at the café doesn’t qualify.
Making things easier for Tolyan comes first. I can always get another barista job.
“Okay. And thanks again,” I say.
“Welcome to the foundation.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Angelika
When I come out of Elizabeth’s office, Tolyan’s not at his desk.
I go over to Rhonda and tell her I’m going to be the new intern.
“Oh, great! We can always use the extra help,” she says. “When are you starting? Maybe tomorrow, hint hint?” She gives me a friendly wink.
I smile, enchanted with this super-nice lady. It would’ve been a disappointment if she turned out to be a female version of Eric. “I think so. But let me check with my other boss first and adjust my schedule.”
“Awesome. Just text me when you know.” She gives me her number.
I put it into my contact list, then look back at Tolyan’s desk. He’s still not back. I borrow a Post-it from Rhonda and leave him a short note.
I got the internship! :) Going to the café now for my shift. I’ll see you at 5:30.
Then, just in case, I leave him my number. I don’t think I gave it to him. Actually, now that I think about it, I don’t have his number, either. Have to remember to ask him for it later.
I walk the two blocks from the foundation to the café. There are enough pedestrians that I don’t feel too nervous. Maybe it’s a bit naïve, but I feel like having people around makes it less likely for Roy’s guys to come after me. Leaving too many witnesses and all. Actually, my worry is Roy sending another package to the café. He doesn’t normally send one so soon after another, but he’s already broken pattern by sending me a package on Saturday. Usually he waits a little longer before letting me know he’s found me and he’s watching.
Let’s hope he doesn’t break it again and make another move against me.
But even if he does, I doubt he can really hurt me, not when Tolyan’s on my side. My gut feeling is that not many things can get past the man. My first impression of him was right: he’s like an angel of retribution and justice.
Thinking of him suffuses me with more confidence and knowledge that I’m not alone anymore. That I have somebody in my corner. It’s been so long since I felt this way, and it’s such a blessing. The universe or whatever amazing force up there sent him to me, like fate.
The walk to the café is spectacularly uneventful. I open the door and step inside, feeling like I’m walking on clouds. But I could be walking on broken glass and still feel like everything’s awesome.
“Hey, you look nice,” Sean says.
“Thanks.” I smile, then add, “So do you.”
He clears his throat, nods and starts tapping on his phone.
Eric comes out from the back. He gives me a once-over, then frowns. “You’re late.”
I glance at the clock. I’m one minute late. But based on his tone, it might as well be hours.
“Sorry,” I say, since he’s right that I’m late.
“You gotta take your job seriously,” he says, staring down at me.
“Like I said. Sorry.” I don’t want to argue with him. I’m in too good a mood.
“It’s not like you had a good reason to be late.”
I just smile. I don’t want to tell him, because he was talking about applying for the internship. He’ll probably be annoyed that I got it but he hasn’t—if he had, he would’ve bragged about it for sure. And I don’t want to deal with him being passive-aggressive for the rest of the day. “It won’t happen again.”
“See that it doesn’t. Or your ass is out the door.”
I just give him an “ooo-kay” look and go to the employee room to put on an apron. What’s up with him today? A fender bender on his way to work? Or maybe somebody called him Erik with a K. It’s seriously irritating he’s acting like he’s the manager when it’s his mom who’s really in charge.
I clock in. The café’s not too busy, but I wait until every customer has their order to text Maggie. I let her know about my new job and that I’ll be quitting Coffee Heaven.
–Maggie: I wish you’d told me you applied when we talked. It’s a pain to hire somebody just to have them quit right after you train them.
She can’t possibly mean she had to train me. Eric showed me how to use the register, but I already know how to make all the fancy drinks on the menu and do latte art. I even made one with a flower for her during our interview, which she absolutely loved.