Page 22 of Sunkissed Colorado

“How?”

“Exactly,” Zandra chimed in. “What is it you have in mind?”

“A two-month trial period. You’ll work together. Callum, I want you to help Zandra get to know Hearthstone as it operates today. Show her the ropes. She knows plenty, but she’s never worked for a restaurant or brewery before, much less been in charge ofthisone.”

“Okay,” I said. “I can do that.”

“And Zandra, you’ll help get Callum up to speed on the business, logistics, and management side. With plenty of input from me, of course, because I need to make sure neither of you messes this up. Hearthstone is special. I’m sure we can all agree on that.”

We both nodded.

Meanwhile, my brain was working. Could I really manage this?

“But what if Callum and I don’t work well together?” Zandra asked, her voice tight.

“Then you’ll figure it out. That’s what good managers do. At the end of the two months, I’ll hire the best person for the job, whether or not they’re related to me.”

I felt the muscle in my jaw pulsing. “Are you sure about this, Manny? Can’t you just let us interview, and you decide now?”

Z nodded along, for once agreeing with me.

But he studied us shrewdly. “That wouldn’t be any fun. Alsoa lot less effective. A trial period means the winner will take over with all the knowledge they need. The loser still has a job at Hearthstone regardless. But onlyoneof you will be the boss.”

Shit. Sounded like we had no choice.

“Not afraid of a little friendly competition, are you?” Manny asked.

“No, Grandpa,” Zandra murmured. “I can handle it.” Her eyes locked on mine like she was sighting me through a scope and ready to pull the trigger.

I put my hands on my hips. “Same here. Bring it on.” Though inside, I didn’t feel nearly as confident as my voice sounded.

Zandra had already made it clear how she felt about me, and now I was supposed to work closely with her, train her, and somehow come out ahead in this competition?

I was pretty much fucked.

But, hey. That had never stopped me before.

SIX

Callum

Russ leanedagainst the bar counter, watching me inventory our liquor bottles. “Dude, you’re so fucked.”

I snorted and shook my head. “I don’t need you to remind me.”

Manny had started a group text with Zandra and me last night, listing in minute detail everything he wanted us to do on our first day of the two-month trial period.

Which would betoday.

I’d woken bright and early, hitting the gym to clear my head. After my shower, I’d opted for nicer jeans and an athletic polo and skipped the ball cap, trying to dress up more than usual. Then grabbed some breakfast and got here early to finish my inventory, all so I’d be ready when she arrived.

But I wasn’t feeling nearly as down as I had at the hospital yesterday. Last night, while I’d been staring at my ceiling and trying to get to sleep, I’d faced up to some hard truths.

Was Zandra most likely going to win this competition? Yes.

Was I going to give up because of that? Nope.

“But she’s his granddaughter,” Russ said. “Of course he’s going to hire her over you.”