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She’d been the youngest. Nineteen. Super sweet.
“Yep.”
Shocker. He and I were on the same page. We could pretend like we weren’t normally, but it’d be a lie.
“And Penny.” We both said it at the exact same time.
A giggle got free of me, and Trevan smirked. Arrogant pride rippled out of him that he had me pegged.
She was middle-aged and had a gentle spirit, plus she’d worked in retail most of her life.
I swallowed my bite then asked, “Which one do you think is the best option?”
I didn’t hesitate to snatch up more.
“Why don’t you hire both?”
My lips pressed together with the shake of my head. “It’s not in the budget.”
The store would be closed on Mondays, and I’d work Tuesday and Wednesdays by myself. Thursdays through Sundays would be busier, so that’s when I’d need backup.
I planned on working every day of the week until the store was fully up and running and whoever I hired was confident enough to work alone.
“You know Silas—”
I stuck up a hand to cut Trevan off.
“And you know me paying back my brother is important to me.”
For now, one employee was going to have to do.
Trevan pressed more weight onto his hands as he leaned across the counter.
So big and dark against the cozy vibes of the store.
“You want my opinion?” he asked in that rough voice.
“You know I do.”
“My vote goes to Penny. She seemed to be the most flexible and has the most experience. Though Heidi had a whole lot of exuberance and personality going for her. Kind of like someone else I know.”
He shot me a grin.
My panties melted.
You’d never think that was a real thing until you met Trevan Niles.
“I liked her a lot,” I whispered.
“Yet you’re uncertain?”
“No. I…I just want to make sure I do it right.”
“You’re already doing it right, Elena.” Trevan’s voice dipped in emphasis. “You’re thoughtful and caring and pouring your whole heart into this thing. You can’t do it wrong. And if you mess up on the little details, then you learn and fix them.”
My heart skipped and scattered. “Thank you for saying that.”
“No bullshit.”
