I smile and nod. I don’t know whether she’s having a dig at her colleagues or not, so best not to say anything.

“Can you tell me why you’ve been at Wild and Free Range for so long? Have you been actively looking for work relevant to your degree?”

Um, I needed the money? Loyalty? Better the devil you know?

“There’s a few reasons I guess, but truthfully, I only just got up the courage to put myself out there, and I’m both excited and terrified, but I know that it’s time.”

“Yes, it’s not always easily, but I applaud you for taking that first step. It’s always the hardest.” Julie lifts up the top page of her notepad and scans the page. “And you’re familiar with workplace OH&S laws?” she asks.

“Yes I am. Last term I studied them in great detail, and my first-aid certification is current. I’ve also recently spent time reviewing various enterprise agreements and code-of-conduct policies.”

Julie straightens the notepad on her desk, and raises her eyebrows. “Tell me, in your opinion, what do you think makes for an attractive work environment for an employee?”

“I think staff morale is very important. Staff should be given an opportunity to contribute to decision-making, where appropriate, and should be supported with learning and development. Above all, I think communication with staff is the key.”

“Excellent. Yes, all very important things for a happy workplace.”

She turns to her computer and types in a few words, then double-clicks her mouse a couple of times.

“I may have a position I could potentially put you forward for. Do you think you could obtain a reference from your current employer?”

“Not a problem,” I answer without hesitation. I’m gonna hate having that conversation with Tony, but I need it to move forward, and I can’t do that without a recommendation. I know we’ve had our differences, but I’ve always had the best interests of his business in mind.

“Just shoot that reference through and either myself or one of the team will get back to you as soon as we can.” Julie writes something down on her notepad, and then stands and hands me a business card.

I take the card, and then shake her hand. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

“Nice earrings, by the way,” she says, with a wink.

I immediately grab at my ear, recognising the small silver skull and crossbones by touch. I guess you can’t take the grunge out of the girl.

“Thanks.”

As I walk out into the crisp winter day, I have to stop and take a breath. There’s a blooming feeling inside my chest. Hope. There’s a bounce in my step. Heat rises to my cheeks and I swear, if it’s such a thing, my soul is tingling.

It’s hope.

Jesus Christ, I’ve missed this feeling.

 

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

SOPHIE

When I walk in through the front door of the café, it’s evident that Tarsh is flat out. Her cheeks are flushed and her hair wild, teamed with a sweaty brow. She can still manage a smile for me. Smiling back doesn’t seem to take nearly as much effort as usual.

Fridays are always busy, but Tony made the dipshit decision to cut my shift today. Regardless, after I’ve said what I need to say to him, I’ll offer Tarsh a hand.

“Hey, you’re not supposed to be in today,” she says and sighs.

“I know. Are you coping okay? Can I do anything?”

“We’ll be fine, but I appreciate the offer.”

“Is Tony in?”

“Yeah, he’s out back,” she says, with an eye roll. I guess she gets fed up as well that he doesn’t seem to lend a hand when it’s crazy like this. All he’d have to do is make a few coffees or take a few orders so customers weren’t waiting as long. It’d make the world of difference, and his staff wouldn’t be run off their feet.

“I’ll just pop my head in then I’ll come and see how you’re going?”

“Great.”

With a rap of my knuckles on the open door, Tony’s eyes look up from his laptop. “Hey. What are you doing here? You’re not on today,” he says, and rubs at his stubble-free chin.

“No, I’m not. Do you mind if I sit?” I ask. Any other time I’d just plonk myself down by his desk, but not today. I need to be considerate with what I’m going to say. I don’t want to get fired. Although there’s hope of something more out there for me, I can’t risk this. I still owe so much, and I need to keep this job until the last moment before I move on to something else.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Tony, I’ve worked for you for a long time …”

“This I know.”

“Yes, and I know you’re busy trying to run things—”

“And you’re one of my best,” he interrupts.

Since when does he throw out compliments like that? Like, never.

“Ah, thanks. I was wondering if, maybe—”

“Maybe what, Soph?”

“If you would write a reference for me?”

“You’re leaving me?” His tone is higher pitched and his eyes widen.

“No, um, well I’ll be finishing my degree soon and—”

“Can I tell you something?”

I nod.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for years, Sophie. You’ve always been above everyone else. You put the other waiters to shame. I’m glad that you’re finally putting yourself forward for something better.”

Heat rushes to my face. I am going to get somewhere. Somewhere better. Today was the first step. I wish someone had’ve kicked my arse into action earlier. I just never expected it to be Rocco.

“Wow, thanks, T.”

“I’ll be sad to see you go.”

“I’m not leaving yet.”

“You might not think that, but someone will see the potential in you and snap you up. I just wish Tarsh had your smarts.”

Way to insult her intelligence, T. She has what it takes. Tony might discover that if he left the office every once and a while.

“Hey, she’s a good kid. She’ll get there. It all comes with experience, but you have to support her. Everyone has to start somewhere.”

“Do you think you could give her a bit of intense training before you go? I’d be happy to give you a few extra shifts.”

“Not a problem.” If this will make the transition smoother for everyone and I get to earn some dollars in the process, then it’s a win-win.

“I’ll put something together for you now. Rebecca should be starting in ten minutes, and Tarsh is due for a break then. Why don’t you make Tarsh and yourself a coffee and I’ll have the boys in the kitchen rustle you up something nice for lunch?”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Tony must be in a good mood today,” Tarsh says, as I place two coffees on the staff room table in front of her.

“Yeah, must’ve got lucky last night.”

Tarsh blushes and makes a weird sniggering kind of noise. “Ha, yeah,” she says quietly. We have a casual chat while we eat a chicken and roast vegetable salad that the guys prepared. It’s kind of nice—the chatting, that is. It makes me realise that I’ve probably been coming across as a bitch. I really need to put in more of an effort to make new friends. If I’m going to succeed in a new job, I’ll have to push the self-doubt side and really try.

I give Tarsh some pointers on how to deal with the guys in the kitchen, particularly Theo. She was very excited to find out that if you simply bat your eyelids at him, he’ll pretty much do anything.

“You heading back out there, Tarsh?” Tony’s familiar deep voice comes from behind me.

“Sure am,” she says and stands. “Thanks for lunch, Tony.” She places her hand on my shoulder and smiles.

“I’ll see you next shift, Tarsh,” I say, mirroring her smile.

“Awesome,” she says sweetly, and walks quickly from the room.

Tony hands me an envelope with my name written messily on the front. “I’ve emailed a scanned copy to you as well so you can easily forward it on.”

“Cheers, Tony.”

****

On the way to my car, I stop at an ATM and take money out. Not even the fact that my account will be bone dry after I pay rent and then the bank will get me down today. Hopefully the bank won’t come down too hard on me for being a week late. Once I’ve paid Rocco rent, I’ll have a hundred and twenty bucks for food and stuff until next pay.