The Strength of Ms. Hart

Wait! What?

My first interview was, honestly, life changing! I am never eating at McDonalds again! The way they make their chicken, buns, and hash-browns is disgusting! I was out!

My next interview wasn't too bad. Costco was almost the perfect place to work. They had good pay, a good company, great hours, and a great building! But, I got the feeling that it just wasn't for me; it didn't feel right.

As I drove down towards the beach, I contemplated what I would do at my interview. What would I say? What was she going to ask me? I say she because my cousin Rikki is the owner and manager of the motel.It belonged to her father, Jeremiah, but he had recently passed away. Rikki made the decision to "pull the plug." She loved him very much; it almost killed her to see him go. It was devastating for her, even though he abused her as a child, he was still her father and had made an effort to become better for her. She threatened to walk out of his life and never come back, but he didn't want to see her go.

Would letting him go be considered as an act of hate for all the bad things he had done, or was it an act of love because he wanted her, loved her, changed for her? This brought me to remember my second question in my notebook, "How unconditional can one person's love be?"

I pulled into a parking space and turned off my pick-up. I made sure I looked responsible and nice. Most of all, I made sure that I was prepared for almost anything that I was asked to do. I got out, and walked in the front door confidently and saw Rikki waiting at the front desk. As soon as she saw me she came around the desk to greet me. "Hey Dani!" she hugged me tightly.

"Hey Rikki! How are you? I'm so sorry about your dad!" I grasped her shoulder and tightened my hand comfortingly.

"It was the right decision to make. He would have wanted to go." she smiled and moved to sit on a bench in the small, homey lobby. I followed, sitting next to her.

"So what do I have to do?" I asked.

"Do you want this job?" She looked at my eyes inquisitively. I nodded my head confidently and firmly. "Well then, you start tomorrow morning!" she stood and walked back behind the desk.

"Wait! What?" I asked and followed her confused.

"You showed up on time and came ready for anything. That's the kind of person I need in my cafe." she reassured me with her gentle smile. "Here. You start as a waitress tomorrow morning. Here is a schedule for this month." she handed them to me and sat in her chair.

"When you come tomorrow morning, there will be an apron for you in the break room to the right of the cafe counter. Cecilia, the cook, will show you the ropes. as far as the dress code goes, just come in a blue shirt and jeans. I'll have a name tag for you in a couple of days."

I started to walk out to my pick up. I was very happy that I got the job, and I was sure that the hours and pay would would be great! "Rikki has always taken care of me." I whispered. I started my truck and backed out of the parking space.