Begging for rides got her most of the way to the Glen but she had to walk the last 2 miles. Backpack slung over her shoulder she found the square relatively quickly and Braddock’s grocery was easy to find after that. "Here goes nothing" she said as she pushed open the front door. Looking around she was surprised a grocery in such a small town was as well stocked as it was.

Hearing the door chime Ian got up from the office desk to see who it was. "Can I help you?’ he asked. Sitting her backpack on the floor she smiled. "I came about the job advertised in the paper." Ian just stared at her. The door to the back room opened and Ivy emerged. "Ivy this young woman came about the job. Do you have time before your appointment?"

"Sure, I have time." Ivy smiled. "Do you want to come into the office? Ian can you watch the front?" frowning Ian nodded. Ivy led the way to the office. "Have a seat. You can put you bag anywhere. I’m Ivy Braddock and that was Ian Gabriel, he’s my uncle."

"I’m Melanie Brooks. I have a resume (here she pulled a crumpled paper out of her backpack). Sorry it is a little worse for wear. I moved to the Coff’s area a few months ago with my boyfriend. But it didn’t work out so now I am looking for someplace to settle and get some money together while I figure out what to do with the rest of my life. I’m hoping if I get the job you might be able to suggest someplace I could stay as well."

Ivy looked at Melanie. She was young but she seemed sincere and it had to be difficult to end up on your own without a place to stay. Glancing over the resume there seemed to be several stores on it. "When can you start?"

Melanie sat up. "Would now be too soon?"

Ivy smiled "Well enthusiasm is appreciated. I tell you what. I’ll tell Ian to get you familiarized with the store and then when I’m done with my appointment I’ll come back and pick you up. You can stay at my house I have an extra room. That way you can save some money while you decide where you want to stay or there is a boarding house in town if you’d prefer."

"You’d really put me up at your place? It really would help me get back on my feet."

"You’ll always have a ride to work. Ian is at the house too. "

A knock at the door made Ivy jump. Poking his head in Jim smiled. "Are you ready to go to your appointment? I thought I’d come a few minutes early and take you myself."

"Actually I was just finishing up with Melanie here. She is going to be helping out in the store."

"Nice to meet you Melanie. I’m Jim. Ivy we had better get going or you’re going to be late."

"OK. Ok, let me get my purse and let Ian know." Ivy grabbed her purse from the desk drawer and headed out front with Jim following her.

"I can see I’m going to like working here" Melanie thought as she watched Jim leave.