Page 17 of It Never Was

"Eleven years old actually. I started off as the bus girl," I reply, smiling at my own answer remembering my first shift here at Morning Cup.

I was nervous as hell about starting work, but I knew it was for the best because it was the only way I was going to be sure I would have food in the house. Paul was the reason I was nervous; he was so tall and broad, and his face always read like he was mad at the world. I rode up to the store front Saturday morning at 8 am sharp, placed my bike on the side of the building before walking in. I didn't own a bike lock so I was hoping to the heavens that no one would steal it. It was a rusty old thing so I didn't think they would. Paul was at the front register checking a customer out, then looked my way as the customer stepped aside.

"Where's your bike?" He asked me dryly.

"Outside, sir," I choked out, trying not to sound too shaky from my nerves.

"Bring it in. We will keep it in my office. I don't want anyone stealing it."

He walked around to where I was standing and walked past me out the door before I could step outside myself, coming back shortly after with my bike in hand.

"I'll bring it back out after work. I will be right back to get you ready for your shift," he said to me before turning to walk down the hall that led to his office.

I stood there twiddling my thumbs as I waited for him to come back. Looking at the floor, I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I jumped back startled at the touch, and when I looked up, I saw a pair of ocean blue eyes and fair blonde hair looking at me with such sweetness in them.

"I am sorry, dear! I did not mean to startle you!" My body calmed at the sound of her voice. "My name is Lisa. I am Paul's wife. I heard you were starting today and wanted to wish you luck on your first day. Are you nervous, hun?" I could see actual concern in her eyes as she looked at me. I wondered why a stranger cared so much about how I felt.

"A bit, but I will be fine," I whispered as I brushed the wrinkles out of my shirt, hoping she couldn't tell it hadn't been washed in weeks.

"Oh, I don't doubt you will kick this job's butt! I see the fire in your eyes, dear." Her eyes fell soft again. "Here, I brought you a shop shirt. That way you have a uniform. I will order more of your size. That way, you have more than one," she told me as she handed me the black shirt that had my name on the top left corner and Morning Cup written in the middle.

"Thank you, ma'am," I said, holding the shirt to my chest.

"Alright Ryen, are you ready to start!" a deep voice called from my side as Paul came up beside Lisa putting an arm around her waist and leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. "I see you have met the new hire, honey," he said as his mouth left her cheek.

"I sure have, and I think she is a keeper. I have a feeling she will be the best employee we will ever have," she said, winking at me.

I looked between her and Paul, and for the first time I saw softness in his eyes. As he watched Lisa talk to me, his eyes smiled down on her. I knew then that this was going to be my new home away from home. I knew this was the place for me.

"Wow, eleven years. That is a long time. You must really like it here then." The warming sound of Parker's voice snaps me back to the table, not realizing how far gone I was in the memory.

"I better, right?" I chuckled, glancing at him to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous smile on his face.

"What have I missed?" Paul walks up beside the table looking between Parker and me.

"P-Paul, this is Parker. Parker, this is Paul Wilson, the owner extraordinaire of Morning Cup," I stutter, gesturing between the two, my cheeks growing pink.

Why am I so fucking flustered?!

"Hello Mr. Wilson, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am glad to be considered for the position and have this interview with you," Parker stands to shake Paul's hand, "and Ryen." He stays standing, locking our gaze again.

"Just Paul, no Mr. Wilson. Let's start then." Paul pulls away from the handshake, scooting out the chair to sit.

"Paul it is, thank you." Parker returns to his seat.

"I am not sure what Ryen, and you have discussed so far, but by the looks of your application you are a bit overqualified for this position, wouldn't you say?" Paul states, handing me a copy of the application to see his past work. He hands me a second copy as he sees me trying to look at his from my seat. Once I look, I see records of him working in five-star restaurants and hotels.

Okay, Mr. Fancy.

He even graduated top of his class from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. My mouth gapes at his work history. Why would he want to work here? He should be working at a five-star restaurant in Seattle at least.

"Can you ever really be overqualified for a job, sir?" Parker says from across the table, grinning between Paul and me.

"Yes, and you are," I state before Paul has time to answer. "You have five-star restaurants on your resume along with one that has a Michelin star. I would expect you to be in Seattle trying to get a job or knocking on the door of The Makenzie Room in Vancouver. Not here at a coffee shop making pastries," I babble out, Parker's eyes looking over my face as I speak, watching my lips. It prompts me to look away. "So, why here?" I ask, putting the application on the table.

"My brother is attending his first year of college here. He has been wanting to move here since he was in junior high, when his school went on a trip near this town. I came along with him so he wouldn't be alone. I thought this would be a nice chance at a fresh start. A new, more relaxing journey, away from the hustle and bustle I am used to at the restaurants I usually work at." I can still feel Parker's eyes on me.

"I see. Well, that is admirable of you to be there for your brother," Paul says while clearing his throat. "I know you are more than qualified to handle this position, so there is no need to test your knowledge on how baking works. How confident are you about having creative control for new menu items and making new recipes as the menu adapts? Ryen here, she has made changes to the menu and recipes depending on the customers and the latest trends that she knows the customers would enjoy. She knows the ins and outs of this shop, being able to fill any position. I wish I had five of her working here," Paul says with pride in his voice, nudging me with his elbow. My cheeks start to feel even warmer.

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