"It sounds great. Thank you for allowing me to interview,” she said.
"The pleasure was all mine."
When Natalie left, I waited to hear feedback from Abby.
"Well, what do you think? I know you could hear us talking from across the room."
Abby didn't seem as enthusiastic.
"She seems sweet and all but, meh,” she said.
"Seriously? I think she's a great fit. She's in school, she gets good grades, which tells me she's responsible, and she has experience with customer service. What more could I ask for in a part-time assistant?"
"I wouldn't discount her. But you will have to start this process all over again as soon as she graduates."
"Abby, if that's your only reason, I can live with it. I could say the same for any part-timer. I'm not offering a full-time career. If that were the case, then I'd have to consider someone else."
"True."
"What about the older retired gentleman that you interviewed this morning?"
"No way. He spent most of the time telling me what days he couldn't work because of this club or that club. He didn't sound like he had enough time for a job. Honestly, I like Natalie. I had a good vibe with her. I think we'd work well together."
"If that's the case, then you have your answer. I know Wyatt will be happy to hear you found someone. He's about to lose his mind trying to juggle the kids while they're on summer break, and he's working from home."
"Aww, poor thing. I'll have to treat him to something nice to say thank you."
"Hey, Payton, not to change the subject, but isn't your coo-coo clock supposed to you know, coo-coo? I haven't heard a peep out of that clock since you opened the store for business."
"Haha. You're right, but what was one to expect from a clock that came from a second-hand thrift store? It keeps the time, and it looks cute. What more could a girl ask for?"
I started sorting through various backdrops that were delivered in the mail.
"Do you need help?" Abby said.
"Sure, if you could just help me open each box, remove the backdrop, and then break down the boxes, that would be great."
"My goodness. I didn't realize people use these things in their pictures anymore. I thought folks were more into taking their pictures in the great outdoors."
"They are for the most part, but occasionally, I still have a special request here and there. I just want to be prepared. Not everyone comes in here for a family photo shoot. I had one woman who wanted some professional shots for a modeling portfolio. Another guy wanted something simple for his brochures. You just never know."
"The last time I stood in front of a plain canvas backdrop was probably for my elementary school pictures."
"Oh, man, those pictures are a hoot."
"Tell me about it." Abby continued unpacking boxes.
"Those were the good old days,” she said.
"Speaking of the good old days, wouldn't it be nice if we could go on a family vacation again?"
"That would be nice. I think mom could use a break. I know Wyatt and I could use one. I'm not as confident about traveling with dad right now, and I'm sure mom would say the same."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm dreaming more so than anything else, but it would be nice."
The idea of dad's health taking a turn, and my parents not having a chance to do all the things they dreamed about in retirement, made me feel sad.
Abby continued. "I know who would be ready to travel in a heartbeat."
"Who?"
"Rebecca. Except it wouldn't be for vacation. That girl is on a mission to rehab that old, dilapidated house."
"Abby, stop! You stop talking about your sister like that."
The way she said it was so funny she had me in stitches.
"I'm telling the truth about our sister, and you know it. I don't know what's gotten into that crazy little head of hers. I have two young little kids, and you're about to become Emmie's step-mother, and you run a business."
"Wait…what?"
"Oh, don't play dumb. You know that man is going to ask you to marry him."
"Abby, you must know something I don't."
"I promise I don't know any more than you do. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that he's in love with you. Now, getting back to the topic at hand. You don't have time, I don't time, and none of us have the money,” she said.
"You know Rebecca has always been an ambitious go-getter."
"That's all well and good. She just needs to figure out a way to go get the house on her own. If there's any way my name can be removed, she can have at it."
Good grief. Where would the Matthews sisters be without a tad bit of drama and a healthy dose of spice? I guess it's what added flavor to our family dynamic. Regardless, I loved my sisters and didn't know what I would do without them.
Later that evening, I wrapped up things at the store. I was thankful for another day’s work and even more thankful for a text from Cole that read, "Meet me at sunset for a romantic walk along the beach."
"Hello, Mr. Romantic."
I did as he instructed and met him on the beach just a few feet away from his backyard. He gave me a peck on the lips and reached over to take my sandals out of my hands.
"Hello, Beautiful. I'll carry these for you."
"Thank you."
"Come. Walk with me. Tell me about your day."
I could feel the tension of the day releasing as we walked. I exhaled.
"Was it that bad?"
"No, not at all. It was a good day. There's just nothing more relaxing than being out here and listening to the waves and enjoying the sunset with you."
He put his arms around my shoulders, and we continued to walk.
"Okay, about my day. I conducted more interviews this morning, and I think I found my new assistant."
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you. Even though it's
