Her natural reserve had gotten in the way of her being a real part of this town. She could never figure out whether people liked her, or were awed by her background, or wanted to cozy up to her father’s wealth.
But the owner of Tonio’s was a friend, Maria Colantonio, a woman not much older than her with whom Monica had formed a bond over a love of good food. With Maria, she felt at ease. Maria liked her for herself, no doubt about it. For that, Maria had Monica’s undying affection.
“Hey, Maria,” she called to the open indoor window of the office through which Maria watched the store. “What’s good today? I have fresh asparagus and garlic scapes.”
Short, round Maria ran down the four steps out of the office, clapping her hands. An attractive woman, her deep-set brown bedroom eyes lit up. “You have scapes already? Where did you get them?”
“Noah Cameron’s farm.”
“Oh, that guy.” Maria flipped her hand in a disparaging gesture.
“He’s a good guy.” After watching what Noah did for local families, and seeing how much they appreciated him, Monica felt compelled to defend him. Lord knew why, except that maybe she was developing an appreciation for his charity, even if he was doing it all wrong. “He does good work.”
“Oh, I know. He’s wonderful.”
“Then why do you seem disgusted by him?”
“Because he won’t sell me his lovely vegetables! He’s the only one around here growing organic. He could make a fortune selling to me, but he gives it all away.”
“For the needy.” A swell of warm, fuzzy pride arose in Monica that she was helping him. But she was also proud of Noah, that he had the guts to buck financial common sense and everyone who screamed at him that he could be making money, so he could feed people in need. She smiled. “He’s a decent guy.”
Maria sighed. “Oh, I know, I know, but you have garlic scapes and I don’t and I’m jealous.” She laughed and directed Monica toward the meat counter.
“Joseph,” she called to her husband. He came out from the back, where he butchered meat. Big and handsome, he carried his dark Italian good looks humbly.
Maria surveyed the meat on display and ordered, “Give Monica a couple of those nice thick center-cut pork chops.”
“I live to serve.” Despite the sarcasm, Joseph’s tone was also filled with amused affection. Monica had seen him give his wife a pat on her butt or place an arm around her waist when he thought no one was looking.
When Joseph handed Monica the wrapped meat, she blew him a kiss. He slammed his hands against his large chest, over his heart. “My day is complete.”
Maria laughed. “You two are shameless. Monica, stop flirting with my husband. Joseph, stop playing to the balcony.”
“Me and Monica, we’re running away together.”
Maria drew Monica toward the front of the store, stating loudly enough over her shoulder for her husband to hear, “You can have him, Monica. He’s more trouble than he’s worth.”
“Ha! I’m the guy who puts up with a wife with a sharp tongue.”
Monica giggled. “If anyone tried to come between you and Joseph, you would fight her tooth and nail.”
Maria grinned. “True, but don’t tell my Joseph that. It’s good to keep him on his toes.”
Monica became serious. “Maria, is there any way you would be able to hire a friend of mine?”
“To do what?”
“Anything. Working on cash, or filling produce bins, or stocking shelves.” She explained about Kayla Keil’s situation.
Maria tsked. “The poor woman. Every day I thank my lucky stars that I have a good life. Problem is, I can only hire part-time right now.”
“Maria, trust me, Kayla will take anything.”
“Okay, send her to me then.”
Monica paid for her items then walked down to her lawyer’s office. Maybe having two part-time jobs would work for Kayla.
Just inside the lawyer’s doorway, she stared at the empty receptionist’s desk. She glanced at her watch. Of course. It was after hours. But the office should have been closed and the front door locked. She called, “Hello?”
John Spade stepped out of his office, brows raised. A warm smile blossomed when he saw her. He took both of her hands in his and kissed her cheeks, cloaking her with a sophisticated aftershave he had applied with a light hand. Nice.
She liked the scent. Maybe she should try to develop men’s colognes.
A handsome man, polished and well-dressed, John had asked Monica out in the past. She had gone out with him on several dates, but there had never been enough chemistry between them. There was, however, plenty of respect and affection.
Many in town thought him cold. She hadn’t had that experience with him. She’d bet the man could be as cutthroat as he needed to be in business, though.
“Working so late in the evening, John?”
“Of course. The clock never stops.”
And didn’t that sum up John Spade in a nutshell?
She explained about Kayla needing part-time work, but having few skills. “Unless you can give her full-time hours?”
“No. My receptionist, Linda, is more than capable.” He tapped her empty desk. “Though she has been missing work lately because her grandmother is sick. She’s running behind on a few things. I’m sure she could use support with filing, answering the phone, or filling in when she has to take her grandmother for appointments. We can start Kayla on simple stuff, a few hours a week, and train her to do more.”
“John, thank you. I mean it. Kayla needs this badly.”
He delivered one caveat. “She will have to dress well. I have an image to maintain.”
“She will. Not to worry. May I bring her in tomorrow morning for an interview?” She crossed her fingers that Kayla would be available. She wanted to get her out and earning a paycheck as quickly as possible.
“Yes. I’ll be here.”
Before she left, Monica said, “John, she’ll be nervous in her interview, especially with you.”
“Me? Why?”
“You’re polished, attractive and rich. She’s a farm girl. She will be intimidated, guaranteed. Go easy on her.”
“I’ll be gentle,” he promised.
Satisfied, Monica stepped out of his office and took her groceries home. Once there, she got on the phone to a delivery company and arranged for them to not only pick up the bike and parts, but to also bring a box large enough for her to package it in.
By dinnertime, it was on its way to California. Monica crossed her fingers that the repairman would be able to fix it. It was the least she could do for Noah.
After dinner, she got Kayla’s number through directory assistance and phoned her.
During their conversation, she made the determination that Kayla would love two part-time jobs as long as she could work the hours out with both employers.
As far as clothing went, Kayla thought she might have something nice enough to work in a grocery store, but not a law office.
When the young woman started to fret, Monica assured her, “No problem, Kayla. Let me handle that part. I have to be at work by ten tomorrow. Can I come out to your place before eight?”
After she hung up, she searched her closet for something that didn’t look too expensive.