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I stood to greet her. “I’m Kade Raven.”
She put on a wide smile. “Such an honor to meet you, Mr. Raven.”
Morgan came to stand next to me. “This is Morgan Andrews. She’s the owner of this establishment, and would be your boss.”
“Oh? This isn’t a Raven Industries restaurant?”
I noted the hint of disappointment in her voice. “This is part of our new program to help small businesses. I’m actively involved, and eager to see Ms. Andrews’ success. We’re looking for people who can be a part of her team.”
As if catching herself, the woman said, “Yes, how wonderful. I’m Candace Gillian.” She reached out and shook Morgan’s hand.
We sat at the booth, with Morgan sitting closer to me as we faced Candace on the other side.
I was ready to take the lead, but Morgan jumped right in. “Ms. Gillian, you clearly have worked in many establishments, but my sense is that most people don’t change quite as much as you have. I’m wondering what has you changing jobs so frequently, especially in the last three years?”
Well, that was going right to the point, I thought as I glanced at her. Candace must have thought so too, as she flinched.
“I assure you I’m a good worker. If you call my references, they’ll tell you— ”
“I’m sure they will all be complimentary, but I need someone I can count on for the long haul. While we can’t know what changes life will bring, I am looking for someone who is committed to being here, not a stepping-stone … say… to a Raven-owned restaurant.”
I bit my lip to keep from grinning with pride at Morgan’s direct yet gentle approach. She continued this method through all the candidates to the point I worried we might not find one that suited her.
Our fourth of the five applicants to interview was John Parker, who I worried she’d dismiss because he had experience in a Michelin star restaurant. I was sure she’d think he, too, was looking at this as a stepping stone to one of my places.
He was the youngest of our interviewees, probably around my age. He dressed well, and I suspected that part of his success so far was that he was good looking guy with charm. He could probably make patrons feel important, which in turn made them feel positive about their eating experience.
As expected, Morgan didn’t waste time asking why he was applying when he clearly was overqualified. “If you want to work in a Raven restaurant, you should apply there,” she finished.
“I could see where you’d think that,” he started with an affable smile to Morgan. The fact that he spoke to her, and seemed to ignore that I was there would bode well for him, I thought. “The truth is, while there is a lot of prestige to that, I like getting into a great restaurant early and helping them build up to that. I like the challenge of it and feeling a part of its success.”
She studied him for a moment. “What sort of success do you see yourself helping this place achieve?”
“Part of that is up to you. I’d work for you, so I’d be working to achieve your goals.” He looked around the restaurant. “From the appearance, it looks like you want to appeal to affluent people. You’ll be competing with many great restaurants, including the Raven ones.”
She leaned forward. “Do you think you can do that?”
He leaned toward her, and there was a little zap of energy between them that I didn’t like. “I know I can, Ms. Andrews.”
“I like him,” she said when she finished the interview.
“I bet,” I grumbled.
“What?”
I shook of this strange feeling. “He’s got good experience, and your customers will like him. He’s a good choice.”
“But?” She turned to face me in the booth.
“No ‘but.’ He’ll work with you to see your vision, and help you get the restaurant on the map.”
“Why does it seem like you don’t like him?”
“You just want to be careful around guys like him. He’s shiny, like floor wax. You just want to make sure you don’t slip.”
She laughed. “Sort of like you?”
I jerked back. “I’m not shiny. Arrogant, confident, and maybe an asshole at times, but what you see is what you get with me. I’m not so sure that’s the case with Mr. Parker.”
She seemed to think about that. “You might be right. Do you think he was just feeding us a line?”
“No. I think he does want the challenge of starting from scratch. He’s right that there is a thrill in it. Just watch that he doesn’t take over things. It’s your place, Morgan.”
She looked at me and blinked, and again she looked like she might say more, but then she turned away.
“Hey.” I reached out for her. “Do you know what the hardest part of this whole thing has been for me?”
