Page 97 of The Reluctant Roommate

“It could be. But who calls two days after Christmas?”

“A bar that’s had staff fail to show over the holidays? Someone who’s realized how awesome you are? Robert, begging you to come back? Answer it, Heidi. I need to know.”

Heidi swiped the green button. “Heidi Lincoln.”

“Heidi, have I caught you at a good time? This is Franco from Oscar’s Tavern.”

“It’s a good time if you don’t mind traffic noise. We’re on our way to the airport, so can’t pull over.”

“Oh.” Franco paused. “Are you flying into or out of Denver?”

“In,” Heidi said. “I’ve spent Christmas with my girlfriend’s parents in New Jersey.” Just saying the words sent a thrill down her spine.Girlfriend’s parents.It sounded so mature.

“I hope it was good.” Franco paused. “Remember I told you when you dropped off your résumé some weeks ago that we didn’t have any positions? Well, my assistant manager walked out over the holiday. He’s upped and left for Idaho. Something about a log cabin in the forest, and—well, I don’t think you need to know the rest. I’m not sure his plans are legal.”

Heidi raised her eyebrows. If this conversation was going the way she thought it was, then she’d be celebrating big on the plane to Denver. A tickle of anticipation twirled in her stomach.

“So I have an immediate opening for an assistant manager, and I thought of you. You were so efficient on our snow day, and I think you said you’d worked as a manager in the past?”

“I have, yes. In Australia, but I also took on managerial duties at the FlyInn.” This was so going her way. Heidi glanced at Morgan who gave her a quick thumbs up.

“I remember you saying that,” Franco said. “The position here is flexible hours and involves some bartending, so it’s salary plus tips. If you’re interested, I’d still need to interview you formally, check your references, and so on, but if that all checks out, the job’s yours if you want it.”

If she smiled any wider, her face would crack. “I would love to work at Oscar’s. I’ll be home this evening—I can come around anytime you want after that.”

“Is tomorrow too soon? I’m scrambling to cover shifts right now.”

“Tomorrow is fine. And I quit my job before Christmas, so if you hire me, I’m free to start immediately.”

“Perfect!” Franco’s voice hummed. “Can you be here at ten tomorrow for an interview?”

“Sure can.”

After a few pleasantries, the call ended. Heidi turned to Morgan. “Did you catch that?”

“Some. Most. That’s fabulous, Heidi. Your favorite bar.”

Heidi wiggled in her seat. “Salary plus tips. That’s gotta be better than the FlyInn.”

“I’m sure it will be. And you’ll have the easiest commute—a short stroll.”

Heidi sighed. “My life is falling into place, and the best part of it is you.” She leaned across the gearshift and kissed Morgan’s cheek.

The car swerved briefly before Morgan corrected it.

“Sorry.” Heidi shook her head in bemusement. “I’m finding it hard to believe how great everything is. There’s still one thing that would make it better, though.” She tilted her head. “How do you feel about getting a dog?”

Epilogue

Nine Months Later

Heidi sat on the edge of the king bed, her hands gripping her thighs. “What if no one talks to me? I’m too old for this. Everyone else will be nineteen. What if I can’t understand the lectures? Can’t do the study?” She absently fondled Poppy’s ears, and the cockerpoo gazed at her in adoration.

Morgan sat next to her and smoothed the skirt of her maroon business suit over her thighs. “You can talk to anyone. And why wouldn’t anyone talk to you? You’re interesting.”

“What if I recognize someone I had to throw out of the bar? During orientation week, there were a few underage kids trying to sneak into Oscar’s. They’ll hate me because of it.”

“To be honest, I doubt they’d remember. And if they do, they’ll be way more embarrassed than you.”