Please Forgive Me

Chapter 21 - Madison

The next morning, right after Maxon leaves for practice I decide to leave right after him. I'm giving this job search one more try. Getting into one of Maxon's cars, I drive down to the city and try to catch a glimpse of a few coffee shops that are small businesses.

I drive for about thirty minutes or so when I finally come across a cute coffee shop. Mae's Cuties and Café.

I pull up and sit in the car for a moment, gathering courage.

Before I have the chance to overthink how this encounter will go I get out of the car and walk inside.

I take in the tables filled with a few patrons and the overall ambience of the place. It feels warm and welcoming and the smell of a few baked goods permeates the air causing my stomach to let out a rumble.

"Hello! Welcome!" The girl behind the cash register greets me and I give her a grin, approaching her. "Hi." I greet her and she gives me a bright grin. " Hi, how may I help you?"

"Actually, I'm here to inquire about the poster outside? It says you guys are hiring?"

She taps her chin for a few moments and it reminds me of Vanessa. "Actually, yes. We are. Let me get my Mama Mae. She's in the back. Can never get her to stop baking."

"She makes all of these?" I gesture to the croissants, madeleines, and many other goodies.

The dark haired girl nods. "Everyday. Hold on a moment while I go and get her."

"Alright." I nod, feeling a bit more at ease and while I wait I take the time to scan over the desserts. I think I may order some to go. This is a really cute shop with delicious looking confections.

"What? This better be–" I turn around and find a short, elderly lady trying to brush off the girl who's the cashier. "Oh, hello. Don't tell me this beauty is the one inquiring about the job?"

"She is Mama Mae. It's her."

A big grin stretches over her now aging face and she walks up to me. I hold out my hand. "Hello, I'm Madison."

"Hello, dear. I hear you're looking for a job?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Well, you've come to the right place. We have been needing the extra help for a while. Have you ever worked in a café before?"
I shake my head. "No but I have worked at a sports bar and bistro. I'm also a quick learner and know how to handle rush hours as well as dealing with...uh, a bit more difficult clients."

She eyes me with a sharp gaze and I stand there awkwardly. I have a feeling nothing gets past this woman so if I were to lie she would've seen straight through me. "Hmmm, alright. Are you available to work tomorrow?"

My heart stops, "Tomorrow?" Is she saying what I think she's saying?

It starts racing again as she says. "Well, yes. Are you looking for part time or full time?"
"Um, aren't I going to have an interview?"

She gives me a sharp grin. "You just did, hon. So how about it? I'm flexible."

Oh thank God. "Yes, I'm looking for part-time only. But if necessary I will work extra hours. Since I'm a full time student though I would like to stick to part-time as much as possible."

She nods. "Very well. My granddaughter here, Laila, is a full time student as well so I completely understand."

"Thank you."

"Well how about it? Are you available tomorrow?"

"Yes, yes I am."

"Great! Can you get here at six?"