Page 48 of Nuts

His eyes widened. “I see.”

He reached into his back pocket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to me. “That’s your monthly bonus check, and another check for setting a new sales record. We’ll add a plaque on the wall for you back there.”

He motioned to a row of bronze plaques in the hallway. I found the thought of being added to the hall of fame humbling.

“And, you’ve earned two weeks of paid vacation,” he said. “Whenever you want to take them, just let me know. One week at a time, though.”

I accepted the envelope. “Oh. Wow. Thank you.”

“You don’t have a college education, do you?”

I set the envelope aside. “No, Sir.”

“According to your file, you don’t have any management experience. Is that correct?”

“I don’t. No.”

He glanced down at the floor, let out a sigh, and then looked up. “I don’t know what else to do.”

I had no idea what the problem was, but he looked worried.

“About what?” I asked.

“Big Hank’s going to have to be operated on, and the recovery is going to be a tough one. Long story short, he won’t be returning. I need a new manager for this department, and I always like to hire within. I’ve been crunching the numbers, and making the purchases, but I can’t keep it up. Not forever.”

My heart rose into my throat. “I can. I can do it. Give me a chance. Show me what needs done, and I swear, you’ll only have to show me once. I’m a whiz on anything computer related, and I’m a walking calculator. I swear, if you give me this chance, you’ll never regret it.”

He folded his arms. “You’re twenty?”

“Twenty-one in a matter of weeks.”

“You are great at sales.”

“I love Harleys and the people who ride them.”

He gave a nod. “It shows.”

“Please?”

“The Snake’s daughter, huh?”

“I sure am. But, I don’t want the job because I’m someone’s daughter. I want it because you think I’m the right person for it. And, I’m the right person for it. I really am.”

“It’s a tremendous responsibility.”

“I’m a responsible woman.”

He cocked his head to the side. After looking me up and down for a moment, he checked his watch. “I’m going to have that kid’s ass.”

“Back to what we were discussing,” I said. “Your thoughts?”

“Panhead model was made from when until when?” he asked.

“1948-1965. It was replaced by the Shovelhead, which was manufactured from 1966-1984. A few Shovels leaked into 1985, but not many. The Evolution, or Evo, replaced the Shovel, and it ran from 1986-2000. Twin Cam followed, coming out in late 1999 in some softies, and it’s still made today, although there’s been some fairly significant changes since the first model.”

“Damn.” He chuckled. “Walking dictionary, too?”

“Yes, Sir.”