Page 7 of It Never Was

Reading my blank stare as I wasn't listening, he clarified, “Can you cover the shifts till I hire someone?"

"Yeah, of course. Anything for you, Paul," I say blinking my eyes, trying to come back to the room fully.

Marge is gone.

The faint smile comes back on his face and disappears just as quickly as it appeared. "Thanks."

I go to stand up when Paul stops me. "Wait, that's not the only thing I wanted to ask."

Sitting back down in the chair, I ask, "What else can I do for you?"

"Interviews."

"Interviews?" I parrot.

"Yes, I want you to be there for the interviews. I'll make sure they are on your shifts and everything, so you don't miss any classes," he says almost in a fatherly way.

Paul has always encouraged me to go to college, so when I told him I was going to be attending the local community college here in town, he was set to make sure I was able to do both work and school.

"Why do you want me there? You are the boss," I ask.

Why would I need to interview the new candidates for the position? I've never been a part of the hiring process except for training someone once they got the job. It's not my say, it's his and I am glad it is not on me, because talking to strangers and asking them questions seems awkward and unpleasant. I'd rather just keep doing the pastry cook's job on top of my job, instead of sitting with strangers asking them the same three questions.

"You are gonna be the one who works with them the most, being the opener and all. I want to make sure it's someone you are comfortable with. And I might be the boss, but you make it run." Breaking eye contact, he looks back to the papers.

"I guess I could be there for the interviews." My cheeks go warm with the compliment he just gave me. I like it when he lets me know that he appreciates me. What do they call that…oh right, daddy issues! I don't remember much of my dad. He left when I was about four years old. He packed a bag and never came back. I'm not sure if it was that he was unhappy in his marriage or if he was unhappy being a father. Paul has been the closest thing to a father figure that I have had. Even though he has no kids of his own, he has always been there for me like a father would be, or at least how he would be if he was a father.

"Was that all, Paul? I need to head to campus," I say, still feeling the warmth on my cheeks. Good thing the lights are dim in his office.

"Oh yeah, yeah. I'll post the position and let you know when we have some bites, might be a bit." He digs back into his papers as I walk out of his office. "Have a good first day of the fall semester, Rye."

"Thanks," I say as I close the door behind me.

Grabbing my bag, ready to head to campus for the first day back from summer, I say bye to Willow and Chrissy.

Willow looks as if she is dreading the rest of her shift and Chrissy gives me a blank stare, her eyes following me till I am out the door. I can't get a read on her, and I don't plan on trying too hard to crack that code.

3

Ryen

Of course, it's just my luck that I am late for my first class of the day. My dumbass didn't realize the class was in the building on the furthest side of campus. That talk with Paul set me back a bit, but I didn't think I would be late! The campus is a ten-minute walk from Morning Cup.

I am never late!

I pant as I run the rest of the way down the hall, opening the door in such a rush that I practically fall into the room. I stand there with all eyes looking at me as I try to catch my breath and wipe away the sweat beads on my forehead.

I make eye contact with the professor. The door closing behind me seems louder than it should in contrast to the void of noise in the class.

"So sorry I'm late. I didn't realize how far this room was on campus," I rush out in a hushed tone to the professor as I scramble to find a seat. Bumping into a few backpacks and desks, I finally find one.

"Now that…Ms. McKenny, I presume?" I nod hesitantly, all eyes in the class turning to me, I can't help but feel the anxiety build inside of me. As if I am in a nightmare, one where I am in front of the whole class and somehow just now realized I am wearing nothing but my panties and bra. We all know that feeling.

The professor straightens his blazer, "Has graced us with her presence, let me continue," he says, not breaking eye contact with me as he walks across the classroom.

I grab my laptop and start to take notes and highlight the syllabus as he reviews it. Finally calming down my anxiety, I take a deep breath and find my flow in the lecture.

A muffled hum comes from beside me. I ignore it and focus on my notes trying to make sure I stay in sync with the professor talking a mile a second, but the phone just keeps getting one alert after another.

---