Chapter 209
“Yes. You’re…” I started.
“Ryan Jennings,” he jumped in. “Wow, you really do forget people fast. It’s not like it’s been ages since we last met.”
I let out a couple of dry laughs. “Seriously, what’s up with you? How come you’re suddenly showing up here for a job interview?”
Ryan ducked his head, those long, striking eyes glinting for a second before he said, “My family cut off my allowance, so I figured I’d earn some pocket money.”
The chubby HR manager was moved. “Aw, poor kid. Must be tough at home, huh? Ms. Murphy, I think he’s great. We still need a few porters, anyway. Let’s take him in.”
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He looked all clean and polished, with this air of sophistication that set him apart.
Plus, the last time I ran into him in Shariport, he was dressed in some seriously expensive clothes. No way he was actually strapped for cash.
“No, he’s not cut out for this kind of tough work,” I shot him down right away. “Besides, you’re studying in Shaville, so why come all the way to Hachester for a summer gig?
“There are tons of jobs back home. Why make things harder for yourself? Doesn’t add up to me.”
Ryan blinked, caught off guard. But he quickly lowered his voice and said, “I just really like Hachester. I want to stay here for a couple of months. Victoria, come on, let me crash here for a bit, please.”
The HR manager burst out laughing. “Young man, she is married. Mind your distance.”
I crossed my arms, fixing Ryan with a sharp, no-nonsense stare.
Under my gaze, his cheeks flushed, and he looked at me like a lost puppy, eyes full of pleading. “I really need this job,” he said.
“Did you actually see what the job involves?” I asked.
Ryan nodded. “Yeah, I did. Don’t judge me by my looks. I’m stronger than I look. I can handle the heavy lifting.”
“You’ll have to do sales, run errands, and the job description is pretty vague. Might be cleaning up, making coffee, or even passing out flyers downtown. You sure you’re up for all that?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
Ryan didn’t even flinch. “I’m good with all that,” he said, totally serious.
The HR manager was already won over and chimed in, “Ms. Murphy, trust me, these college kids are usually super reliable and easy to manage.”
Ryan nodded like his life depended on it. “Honestly, I’ll do whatever. I just need the cash.”
I couldn’t help but feel confused. This young guy–no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t read him. His eyes looked so clear and innocent, but for some reason, I kept thinking he wasn’t as simple as he seemed.
“Alright, I’ll let you stay on for a month’s trial,” I said. Honestly, I could really use someone to help out right now.
And just like that, Ryan was hired and set up at a desk not far from mine. He really looked like a total newbie.
He spent forever just admiring his not-quite-new chair, his puppy-dog eyes all wide and innocent, with this adorably clueless look.
By lunchtime, everyone else had headed out to eat, but Ryan was still at his desk, flipping through some files.
I asked, “How are you handling lunch? We don’t provide meals here.”
Ryan answered right away, “I’m fine with everything. Where are you eating, Victoria?”
Since we’d met a couple of times before, I figured I’d treat him to lunch. “There’s a good spot nearby. Want to come with me?”
“Sure,” Ryan said, getting up right away and tagging along to the restaurant.
We’d barely sat down when suddenly a crowd poured in, and the tables around us filled up in no time.
The lady taking our order, a cheerful older woman, came over grinning. “Wow, you two really bring in the crowd! The place was almost empty just a minute ago, and now it’s packed since you walked in.”
I glanced around, smiled, and started ordering. Ryan was idly scrolling through his phone, but every so often, he’d sneak a look at me.
After we ordered, it wasn’t long before a waiter rushed over, looking a little flustered. “I’m sorry, but we only have one fish left, and the table over there already ordered it. Would you mind switching to something else?”
I was about to say something when a middle-aged guy at the other table stood up and raised his hand. “We’ll pass on the fish,” he said.
The waiter’s face lit up. “Great! They don’t want it, so it’s all yours now.”
Ryan just glanced over at their table, and instantly, everyone there went dead quiet.