Now I’m the Boss

Kim Barrett / Cindy

By Elise

The shop was perfect he thought walking though with a money tray for the register. It was a modest place, not a great deal of variety but a little bit of everything to suit almost everyone’s needs. There was a large sign also stating that he would take special orders. Not many shops offered that service, hopefully it would be the pull to keep people coming in. Well that and the fact that there were no other General Stores in the small but booming town.

Looking around he had the sense of ownership he’d longed for all his life. The bell on the door rings and he looks up at his first customer. Kim plastered a smile on his face. "Good morning."

Cindy looked around walking though the store stopping to admire a lovely summer dress. This was a nice quiet little place maybe she could stay here. Maybe not… What was she going to do the money she was traveling on is almost gone. Picking up a candy bar she saw the refection in the security mirror. The man behind the register was putting a help wanted sign in the window.

Going up to the register she smiled and pointed to the sign. "You’re hiring?"

Ringing her up enjoying the sweet sound the register made Kim sized her up. The woman was clean but rumpled. Probably couldn’t count higher than her fingers and toes. "Yes, I just opened the store and need a clerk slash stock person."

Giving him a winning smile Cindy pulled out her change purse. "I’d like to apply."

He watched her dump the remains of her coin purse in her hand. The woman actually started counting out five and ten cent coins to pay for the candy. When she frowned and sighed he knew she was short. Figures.

With a sigh he leaned against the back counter and crossed his arms. "Have you had any experience working a shop?"

Cindy paused from trying to find more change in the bottom of her purse. "Yes, I’ve worked for a few vendors and curio shops, a produce market."

"Education?" Nicer way of asking just how stupid are you anyway?

"I graduated high school."

Hmm well she can count at least then. "Have any problems lifting boxes or climbing ladders that sort of thing? And have you ever been arrested for anything?"

Cindy shook her head hoping. "No, I’m in perfect health and I’ve never been arrested. I don’t even spit my gum on the sidewalk."

Kim gives her a serious look rumpled clothing, though she’s clean and her hair tied back in a pony tail a bit of it falling out in front. Small towns love charity and giving this woman a job would be charity. "When would you be able to start?"

Cindy smiled and nodded. "I can start today."

He took off the apron with his shop name embroidered on it and handed it to her with the candy. "Good you can start now. What is your name?"

Tying the apron she looked up with a wide smile. "Cindy. Thank you so much."

Nodding at her he moved from the register and ushered her in his place. "If you have any questions Mindy, I’ll be in my office in the back."

With a wide smile he walked back and reclined in the chair. Propping his feet up on the desk and locking his hands behind his head he smiled wider. "Well it’s official. I’m the boss."