Page 8 of Before the Storm
“I noticed you didn’t put a home address down,” Phoenix said. “We’re going to need that.”
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t found a place to live yet. I just rolled into town and saw the sign for a waitress needed in the window when I stopped for breakfast.” Janelle had done everything that Jason had told her to do. She paid for things in cash when she could. She moved every couple of months. She did her best to blend in. While she was friendly, she didn’t make connections. It could be lonely at times, but it was better than living in Arizona at the compound in what she now knew was a cult led by her father.
However, it had been three years, and Jason had told her that with space and time, she could settle down in one spot and live her life without fear. Once out, they had no claim. They couldn’t force her to return. They certainly weren’t going to report her missing. That would expose them and the culture. By now, she should be a faded memory in their minds. She hadn’t come forward, and she had no plans to, although she carried a fair amount of guilt for not doing so.
“I see your last employment was at a bar and restaurant in Buffalo. But you only worked there for four months. Before that, it was Cleveland. Same thing.” He leaned against the podium. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
This was always one of the most challenging questions to answer. She never quite knew how to spin it. The longest she ever stayed anywhere had been five months. “To be honest, I’ve been looking for that perfect place to land after losing my family.” Not a total lie. She had lost everything she thought at one point she held dear.
“I’m so sorry,” Phoenix said. “If I were to consider hiring you, I’d need a commitment for longer than the summer rush.”
“When I left Ohio, I had planned to make my way here. This has been where I wanted to be for a while now. I can make that promise. As long as I can find a place to live.”
Phoenix glanced over his shoulder, rubbing his chin. “I might be able to solve that problem for you too.”
“Excuse me?”
“Hang on.” He stepped away from the hostess station to the board by the front door. He pulled down a piece of paper and handed it to her.
She glanced over the words on the page.
“I happen to be the landlord,” Phoenix said. “Since we do background checks here at the restaurant, I wouldn’t need to do a second one to rent.”
“Is it furnished?” Thankfully, her hands didn’t tremble. She’d learned to control that fearful response about two years ago. But her heart thumped in the center of her throat. Her palms grew sweaty and she could feel the heat rise across her chest. Being frightened of her own shadow had become a way of life. She’d gotten better over the years at being alone, but she’d grown tired of it. She wanted to experience all that life had to offer.
Jason told her that one day, things would be normal.
But she had no idea what that even looked like. She could barely function in the real world.
Sure, she’d learned how to drive. She’d gotten a high school equivalency. Every single employer hated seeing her go. Her previous landlords all adored her and the last one was absolutely willing to give her a good recommendation as a renter. She’d managed to function without ever standing out.
“Scantly,” he said.
“What does that mean, exactly?”
“It has a bed with a dresser. A sofa and television. Along with a two-person table with a functional kitchen. But that’s about it.”
“That’s enough for one person,” she said, staring at the price. “Is it available now and do you require first and last months’ rent?”
“Yes, and yes. Would you be good with a one-year lease?”
“I want this job, so yeah. I would.” This was it. After three years, she was finally going to start her new life.
“I need to?—”
“Phoenix, I’m so sorry to interrupt.” Veronica appeared at Phoenix’s side, gripping his arm. “I just got a call from my husband. His dad had a stroke. I hate to do this to you, but I have to go. Now.”
“Veronica, don’t apologize. Go take care of your family. We’ll be fine.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Please call me later and give me an update, okay?”
“I will.” Veronica nodded as she raced out the front door.
“I don’t know why I thought she was your wife.” Oh my. Janelle did not mean to say that out loud.
“That’s the first time anyone has ever said that. We’re more like brother and sister.” He chuckled. “How do you feel about working the hostess station? Breakfast this time of year is slow. Lunch might get a little busy today, but we have a great system for seating and I can show you that. Our other hostess is coming in at four, so you can go after that. I’ll start the paperwork for both employment and rental and if all goes well, the job and apartment can be yours.”
“Thank you so much. I won’t let you down.” She glanced at her clothes. “But I don’t think I’m dressed appropriately.”
“I’ll get you a Blue Moon shirt. Jeans are fine in this establishment. We’re pretty relaxed unless we’re doing an event,” he said. “The only other thing I’ll need from you is to fill out the official application for my rental, with references.”
