He put the wallet away. “You’re right. I apologize. ” He paused.
“But please let me replace your dinner. There’s a pizza place two blocks down. We’ll all go. ”
Clare hesitated.
She was hungry, and her cupboards were bare until payday. “Okay. ”
They walked to Marco’s Pizza. James Anderson looked out of place in his expensive suit among the plastic tables, but he ordered a large pizza and insisted Clare get a drink.
As they ate, Lily chattered about school and piano lessons. Clare found herself enjoying the company. “So you’re working toward your teaching certificate? ” James asked.
“What age group? ”
“Elementary. I love working with young children. They’re still excited about learning.
”
“That’s noble. Teaching is undervalued. ”
“Tell me about it. The pay certainly reflects that.
”
“How many more classes do you need? ”
“Four, plus student teaching. Another year and a half if I can keep up this pace. ”
James studied her.
“Clare, would you be open to a conversation about a job opportunity? ”
She blinked. “What kind? ”
“I own Anderson Educational Solutions.
We develop learning software and educational tools. We’re always looking for people who understand child development and are passionate about education. Your experience, your compassion, your patience — those are valuable. The position would be full-time with a significantly higher salary than restaurant work, plus benefits and tuition reimbursement for education degrees.
”
“You’re offering me a job? Just like that? ”
“I’m offering you an opportunity to interview. I don’t make unilateral hiring decisions.
But I can make sure your resume gets serious consideration. From what I’ve seen tonight, I think you’d be an excellent fit. ”
“I don’t know what to say. I don’t want you to feel obligated because I helped Lily.
”
“This isn’t about obligation. You showed judgment, compassion, and integrity. Those are qualities we value. The rest can be trained.
”
Lily looked up from her coloring. “Can Clare come work at your company, Daddy? Then I could see her sometimes. ”
James smiled.
“If she interviews well and our HR agrees, then yes. But that’s up to Clare. ”
Clare thought about her double shifts, the barely making rent, the slow progress toward her degree. She thought about a job that aligned with her goals, that paid enough to live on, that would help her finish school faster.
“I’d like to interview,” she said. “Thank you. ”
“Excellent. ” He pulled out his phone.
“Let me get your contact information. ”
They exchanged numbers, and James insisted on calling her a car service. As they waited outside the pizza place, Lily hugged Clare tight. “Thank you for the sandwich and for being nice to me,” Lily said.
“I hope you get to work with Daddy. Then maybe we can have pizza together again. ”
Clare hugged her back. “I hope so too.
”