Page 19 of The Perfect Melody
“The US, and I was a waitress.”
Vague much? From the look in her eyes, I can tell she knows I was looking for more details like, oh, I don’t know, a businessname, not just the country. Hell, I’d take a state, but something tells me she won’t give any more details even if I push.Fine. She can keep her secrets. The only reason I bothered asking when I’ve already given her the job is for my peace of mind. Mum may want to help Cassie, but something about her is off. At least if I speak to a reference, I’ll have some assurance Cassie is who she says she is and that she won’t cause me any more trouble.
She reaches across the table, looking between her phone and the paper as she jots down a phone number and the name Liam Clarke next to it. The name niggles at me as if I know it from somewhere, but I can’t think why.
Cassie’s about to put down the pen, but I stop her. “You need to fill in your bank details too.”
“I thought I was working for free to pay for…” she waves a hand in the direction of the carnage outside, “you know.”
“True, but you said you might be interested in staying on afterwards, so…”
“Oh, right.” Her light-blue gaze darts around as if she’s been put on the spot. “I don’t have a bank account here.”
I sigh. Of course she doesn’t, because nothing about this woman is straightforward.
“Could you just pay me in cash?”
Barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I reply, “Fine.”
Her relieved smile is shaky and only makes me more suspicious. If she’s truly shady, I’m sure her reference will have something to say about it.
“Be here Tuesday at ten AM for staff training.”
“Got it.” She gives me a tight smile and picks up her bag. “Oh, that reminds me, I brought this. I know it won’t cover all the damages, but I figure it’s a start.”
I eye the cash in her hand. “You can still afford your room at The Dragonfly if you give me that?” I check. The last thing I wantis for her to run off without paying Esther and Thomas because she’s spent all her money paying me back.
Cassie nods. “Yeah, this was my ‘in case of emergency’ cash.” She smiles sheepishly. “I didn’t expect to need it so soon.”
“Alright.” I accept the money, counting it quickly, even more surprised when the total reaches two hundred. “This will cover the outdoor heater you broke. Your first week of shifts will cover the rest.” Some of the tensions eases from her shoulders.
“Great. Listen, I really am sorry for wrecking your garden. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to make it up to you.”
“Just make sure you’re on time for training on Tuesday,” I reply, uncomfortable in the face of her gratitude.
The hopeful look on Cassie’s face is replaced by a carefully neutral expression.
Fortunately, Mum saves me from putting my foot in my mouth any more than I already have. “Here’s your ID.”
“Thanks.” Cassie accepts her passport and hastily shoves it into her bag, eager to get away from me. Can’t say I blame her.
Sensing the tension, Mum looks between us.
“Where did my car end up?” Cassie asks.
“It’s with Gem, at her garage. They close early on Sundays, but you can pop round any time from eight tomorrow morning to check on it.”
She gives Mum a grateful smile. “Thank you so much for sorting that out for me.” Cassie shoots a nervous glance my way. “Both of you. Anyway, I should get back to the B&B. See you on Tuesday, boss.” She scuttles out the door before either of us can say another word.
Mum smacks me on the arm. “Be nice.”
“I’m always nice.”
Her ginger brows lift as she gives me an incredulous look. “I mean it, Austin. I don’t know what’s going on with that girl, but it’s obvious she’s having a tough time. You’re upset about theoutdoor seating area, and that’s understandable, but she’s doing her best to make it right. It was an accident that could have happened to anyone, so cut her some slack.”
Properly chastised, I hang my head. “You’re right.”
“I’m your mother—I’m always right. Now, sit down and finish walking me through the new menus.”
