”
Brenda shot one last venomous glare at Chloe, but Chloe didn’t flinch. The doors clicked shut. Silence filled the boardroom. Harrison sighed.
“Now, Chloe. Let’s talk about you. ”
She swallowed. “Am I getting my waitressing job back?
”
“No. ”
Her heart plummeted. “You aren’t going back to waitressing because the Rusty Anchor needs a new general manager. ”
Chloe’s jaw dropped.
“Me? I don’t have a business degree. I’ve never managed a restaurant. ”
“You have something a degree can’t teach.
You have character. We’ll provide corporate training and operational support. Starting salary is eighty-five thousand a year plus full executive health benefits for you and your daughter. ”
Tears spilled over her cheeks.
Eighty-five thousand. Full benefits. She thought of the eviction notice. Lily’s winter coat.
The weight of poverty that had pressed on her chest for four years evaporated. “I don’t know what to say. ”
“Say yes. ”
She wiped her eyes and sat up straight.
“Yes, Mr. Miller. I won’t let you down. ”
The next evening, the neon sign of the Rusty Anchor flickered to life in the Seattle rain.
Inside, the staff moved with renewed energy. The kitchen smelled of fresh ingredients. At the front door, greeting every guest with a warm, genuine smile, stood Chloe Bennett. Not surviving.
Finally thriving.