Page 16 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
Skye’s neck blotched pink. “Well, my ex-boyfriend is the executive chef where I work right now, and it’s awkward, to say the least.” She let out a nervous chuckle. “I really enjoyed my job until I found out he was cheating on me. It’s hard to see him every day under the circumstances.”
This was exactly why Uncle Anthony’s rule was in place. I scribbled on my tablet:relationships with coworkers. Possible issue.
Holly stated, “We have a no fraternization policy here. Will that be a problem?”
Skye shook her head. “No, it won’t. I’m done dating coworkers.”
“Good.” Holly smiled. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
She grimaced. “I hope this doesn’t hurt my chances, but I really want to open a farm-to-table diner.”
If I ever owned a restaurant of my own, I’d want to start with something similar. I loved the idea of taking food someone planted, nurtured, and cared for in the rich soil of the earth and then preparing it for others to enjoy.
“I think it’s great you have a goal in mind,” Holly said. “A lot of people don’t. How do you handle stress?”
“I kickbox every morning. It’s a great outlet for my emotions while keeping my arms strong for work.”
I had a punching bag hung up in my basement with the rest of my workout equipment. Skye was right: punching and kicking the crap out of a bag released built-up tension. Even better when I pictured someone’s face in the middle of it.
Holly perked up. “What are your greatest strengths?”
Skye’s lips pulled back on one side, lost in thought. After a moment, she said, “I’d say my ability to be flexible and my time management.”
I jotted down a few notes about Skye.Easy-going, goal-oriented, seems laid-back but focused.
Holly nodded. “Those are great skills, especially in our environment. Would you say you’re a team player or prefer to be on your own?”
Skye shrugged. “I’m good with either. I’m fine getting my tasks done on my own or coming together when the need calls for it.”
Skye was the ideal candidate. Part of me worried she was saying all the right things just to get the job, but my gut—which I trusted—said she was the real deal. Like we’d somehow found our wagyu beef amongst all the round steaks. My eyes widened. I wasnotcalling Skye a cow. Good thing neither woman had mindreading abilities. Sheesh, that would end badly.
Holly asked Skye a few more questions, and Skye answered as expected. The only red flags came from her ex-boyfriend working with her and that she wouldn’t stay forever. All in all, Skye was our girl.
“We’ll be in touch.” Holly stood, offering her hand across her desk for Skye to shake. I did the same, then Skye left, a smile on her face as she went.
“That went well,” I hedged. I’d stayed silent, just like Holly wanted.
“It did. Goodbye, Darby.” She waved one hand, then the other.“Hello, Skye.”
“As soon as Skye accepts the position, we’ll pull Darby in and terminate her employment.”
Holly ran her hands down her sides. “Yeah. Okay.”
I went to squeeze her shoulder but dropped my hand. Holly most definitely did not want me touching her. “Hey, I’ll be there the whole time. You won’t have to face her alone.”
Holly’s lips pulled into a straight line. “I’m not saying Ineedyou to be there, because Icanhandle it on my own.”
I shrugged. “If that’s what you prefer.”
She held out a hand. “But—it would be nice to have your support. Darby isn’t a fan of mine, and I can already tell this won’t go over well.”
“Want me to do it on my own? I haven’t known Darby long. She can place the blame entirely on me and leave you out of it.” Though I didn’t love the idea, I would do it for Holly.
Holly rubbed her forehead. “I appreciate the offer, but this needs to come from me.”
I smiled proudly at her, my heart expanding at the way she hadn’t backed down from a hard situation. “Okay.”
We went back to the front, waiting for the next candidate. When he walked in, I got an immediate vibe that he was a no-nonsense type. Still, he greeted Holly and me politely, answered the interview questions with ease, and even cracked a smile a few times. Compared to the other people we’d interviewed, I was satisfied Marcus would perform the job just fine and that he would be a better employee than Josh.
