Page 8 of Peach Tree Family

"I don't have much choice," Seth said and turned it around so the duct tape was less noticeable. "It's my grandpa's old bag. The only other bag was his big, blue suitcase or a trash bag."

Theo sighed. "You'll make a better impression without it. If you don't mind coming back for it, you can leave the bag here. As you see, I can lock up now."

Seth was so surprised at the offer he didn't answer right away. "Yeah. I can leave it," he finally said.

"Are we going together?" Ace asked looking between them eagerly.

"We're going to the same place, so we might as well," Theo said.

They went out and headed for the road with Theo showing Ace where the dirt driveway was. It was a little overgrown, but it wouldn't take much to clear it again. Picturing Theo having to do the work himself, Seth thought it was too bad he wouldn't be there to lend a hand. He didn't know why he was thinking that way.

For a while they walked along the road and Ace kept saying, "I don't see it." He couldn't catch sight of the town, but then something did come into view. "I see something," Ace announced.

It was two well-dressed men coming toward them, and Seth noticed that one of them walked with a limp. With them was a good size black and white collie.

"Look, a dog," Ace said excitedly.

"Just don't try to pet him," Theo warned him.

As they got closer, the dog barked but not in a way that was too unfriendly.

"Settle down, Huey," one of the men said to the dog.

"Huey? Is that his name?" Ace asked.

"It is," the man said. He looked like he was hiding plenty of muscle under his coat while the other guy was slimmer and looked kind of snobbish.

"I'm Ace," Ace said like he was introducing himself to the dog. "This is my brother, Theo, and that's our friend, Seth. He's a new friend."

"It's nice to meet you," the snobby guy said sounding all formal. "I'm Andy and this is Leo."

"Nice to meet you as well," Theo said sounding just as formal. "I hope you don't mind if I ask. Are you Andy Brighton, the owner of Stone Creek Inn?"

"I am," the guy named Andy said cautiously.

"I was doing some research about businesses in this area," Theo explained. "I came across your inn and saw some photos of you. And I know the new manager of the inn is Leo Copland." He looked at the guy named Leo, who confirmed he had it right.

"I am Leo Copeland."

"My brother and I just moved here and I'm looking for a job," Theo said.

"We do have an opening. We haven't had time to advertise for it yet. It's an entry level position and you would train on the job," Copeland said.

Theo nodded then looked at Seth. "He's looking for work as well."

"You can both apply. Ask to speak to Mrs. Tamil," Copeland told them.

"Some computer skills wouldn't hurt," Brighton threw in.

Seth didn't like the sound of that. Computers weren't his thing.

"Thank you," Theo said with a smile.

"It was good meeting you," Copeland said and they moved off.

"Wasn't that lucky," Seth said though he didn't think he stood much of a chance at that job.

"It was," Theo said. He had been very businesslike, but now he looked anxious like he wanted to rush off and apply for the job that very minute.

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