I smile.
“I’m glad to help. It’s important to be home with your family, especially during a time like this.”
“I agree.”
A familiar urge rushes through me. I can’t wait to be a mom. I hope I’m as dedicated and devoted to my family as Kathy is. She’s clearly an amazing mother to her three children, and in fact, reminds me of my own mom a lot.
“Well, that’s that,” she says after showing me the milk and eggs. “Let’s go to the register and hope a customer comes in.”
We stand behind register three and continue to chat. This time, our conversation veers toward John.
“This store has been in his family for four generations. His parents ran it before him. His grandfather and his great-grandfather, too. ShopMore is a true family business.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. I knew it had been in his family for a while, but I didn’t know it has been around for that long.”
“Not many businesses survive the way ShopMore has. But I’m worried this quarantine might threaten it because things are just so impossible right now. Mr. Hemsworth is smart, though. He’ll find a way to make it through.”
“He seems really sharp. I mean, I’ve only talked to him a couple of times, but I got an intelligent vibe from him.”
Kathy nods.
“Oh, he is. Graduated at the top of his class in high school and in college. Then he went on to get a master’s in business. He is also quite humble. He never brags about himself, even though he’d be more than justified in doing so. Mr. Hemsworth was born into luxury, but you wouldn’t know it by talking to him. He’s not spoiled at all, and he’s constantly giving back to the community.”
My stomach flips. I didn’t think it was possible to like John any more than I already did, but this information solidifies my schoolgirl crush. He’s perfect.
How have I never heard of him before? I mean, I’d heard rumors about the owner of the grocery store, but nothing specific. Even my friend Jen knew more about him than I did.
I’m going to change that. This job is my chance to get to know the elusive man who owns ShopMore.
The bell over the door chimes, and a female customer walks in. Kathy looks at me.
“This is your chance, sweetie. Let’s see your cash register skills.”
Kathy quickly goes over all the different buttons I might need while the customer shops. Soon, the lady comes up to the counter with a basket full of items. I nervously scan each item and place them into bags while trying to make small talk.
Kathy smiles and encourages me. I manage to check the woman out without making any mistakes. She leaves with her bags, and I turn to Kathy.
“How did I do?”
“Oh, sweetie, you’re a natural. I’m not worried about you at all.”
I grin. I didn’t know it would feel so good to have a job. I love it here already, and it’s just my first day.
The only thing that could make it better is being able to spend more time with John. I hope future shifts give me that opportunity because I want to get to know him better.
I only pray that he wants to get to know me better, too.6BritneyI look out the window and sigh. The rain is really coming down out there, and I watch idly as storm clouds brew ominously.
But I’m only watching with half an eye because I’ve been working at ShopMore for two weeks now, and it’s been so-so. For the first week, I shadowed Kathy every day. This last week, I’ve been allowed to work by myself, and it’s been disappointing to be frank. John is technically here, but he rarely comes out of the office, so I never see him.
My heart is crushed. I tell myself not to be so silly because only a teenage girl would be infatuated by her gorgeous boss, but I just feel how I feel. I’ve been secretly hoping to get to know him better, but instead, there’s been nothing. The minutes tick by with each shift, and my heart yearns for him in the lonely silence of the store.
How pathetic. I seriously need to shake myself out of this obsession. He’s your boss! I reprimand myself again. Why would John Hemsworth, CEO extraordinaire, be interested in you?
But the heart wants what it wants, and I can’t help but think of his dark hair, gleaming blue eyes, and that amazing body in a suit. He’s gorgeous, like a romance novel hero come to life.
A crackle of thunder startles me from my thoughts, and I jerk back to reality. This is what I get for not checking the weather before I left for my shift. I didn’t wear my rain boots or rain jacket because I didn’t know it was supposed to storm. The sky was clear when I left the trailer, with nary a hint at what was coming.