"I am glad you decided to come in to talk with me. So, did your acquaintance leave?"
"Who? Uh-h…. Oh, him….no, no…. He's not my friend. I met him today because there were no available tables; he asked to share my table. I am unsure if he is still out there. Why? Is there something wrong? So, you know him? I have never seen him in here before."
"Lola, you must be careful about the men you date or entertain. I have never seen him in here, either. Did he mention where he is from or what he does for a living?"
"Ms. Anderson, I appreciate your concern and thank you for caring. I do not know what you are insinuating, but with all due respect, I am always careful about whom I associate with or date―men and women alike; I remain alert and cautious. His name is Allen, and he is retired from the military. He didn't say much about where he is from, but he just moved here a few days ago. I understand we cannot always trust strangers, but I am 27 years old, and I believe my parents raised me well."
"Oh, I apologize if I gave you the wrong idea. I was not insinuating anything, dear. I simply want you to be careful. But if you ever feel uncomfortable with someone in my café, just raise your hand as if you need to place an order or ask a question. Ask for Dawn, and we will know it means you need immediate assistance. I advise my employees to suggest the customer request to see the manager, and that takes away any threat or causes a distraction from an irate customer."
"Anyway, let us discuss employment. We have been getting quite busy since the café was featured on the news as the new "hot spot" for coffee and conversations. I can offer you part-time work, five days a week, and no weekends. You will receive two 15-minute breaks or a 30-minute lunch off the clock. You may start tomorrow if you are available, and I will have Abbie train you on the register and taking orders at the beginning of your shift."
"Yes, I am available, but I'm taking the bus because my car needs servicing. Once I start receiving paychecks, I can save up to have the repairs done."
"As long as you arrive on time and work your assigned schedule, I have no issues with it, Lola. In the meantime, I will schedule you for the morning shift so that you do not have to leave in the dark. We close at 7 p.m., but your schedule will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You will have a locker to store any personal items, and you will wear a smock or an apron over your clothing."
"Here is the employment handbook; please read it thoroughly for the rules and regulations regarding your employment rights. Fill out the application and return it to me before you start your shift. My phone number and the café 's number are also listed in there. Please, call me if you are running late or if you can't make it to work."