Page 4 of Edge

Taking one last look at the Help Wanted sign, I took a deep breath and entered the diner. I desperately needed a job, but I could only work under certain conditions, and I hadn’t had any luck finding a place willing to meet those conditions. I was quickly running out of options.

Taking a seat at the counter, I pushed my sunglasses closer to my face and glanced around the room. The place was busier than I expected for the middle of the day.

“What can I get ya?” a woman asked, appearing out of nowhere and causing me to jolt in my seat. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”

“I saw the sign in the window and would like to apply for a job. Is the manager here?” I asked.

“You’re looking at her,” she smiled. “I’m Irene, manager and owner.”

“Hi,” I said and extended my hand. “I’m Evie. What positions do you have available?”

“I need a server. Full-time hours, probably more. Minimum wage plus tips. Are you interested?”

“Yes, but…,” I started and paused. I wasn’t sure how to ask for what I needed. “I, um, when I asked about a job at the gas station on the corner, uh, they told me to come talk to you.”

She gave me an appraising look and lowered her voice. “Let me see what’s behind those glasses.”

I froze. I didn’t want to remove my sunglasses, but something told me it might be the key to getting this woman to employee me. Slowly, I slid the glasses down my nose, allowing her to see my bruised and swollen eyes.

Her eyes narrowed briefly before her face softened. “You’re hired. You can start tomorrow.”

“But I?—”

She waved her hand dismissively. “You don’t have to explain. I know why Gus told you to come see me. You got a place to stay?”

“My car,” I said quietly.

“Well, it’s nothing fancy, but I got a place you can rent,” she said and patted my hand.

“I don’t have money for rent,” I admitted, overwhelmed with shame. I was broke, beaten, and begging for help. Everything I never wanted to be.

“I know, honey. We’ll work it out,” she said. “Let me get you something to eat while I clear out a few tables. Then we’ll go over to your new place and get you settled. You like cheeseburgers?”

“Yes, I do. Thank you,” I said.

“Great. I’ll be right back.”

I sat there wondering what had just happened. It seemed too good to be true. A job and a place to live. I thought I would be living in my car for months, if not longer. And I was okay with that. Anything was better than still being in Fairbanks.

Sooner than I expected, a plate with a cheeseburger and fries appeared in front of me. “I forgot to ask what you wanted to drink.”

“Water, please,” I said.

She raised and eyebrow. “Is that what you really want? Or did you say water because it’s free?”

“Sweet tea, please.”

She smiled. “Coming right up.”

Who was this woman, and how did she seem to know everything?

“Thank you.” I hoped she knew I meant it for more than the meal.

“You’re welcome,” she said and gestured to the food. “Eat up while it’s still warm. I’ll be finished soon.”

I almost groaned when I took a bite of the cheeseburger. All I had eaten since I arrived in town was vending machine and gas station food. Before I could stop myself, I inhaled the burger, followed by the fries.

“Did you get enough?” Irene asked, seeming to appear out of nowhere.