The next day after I left my last test, I powered my phone back on and was surprised to have a call from the first cafe I had applied at yesterday asking me to come in for an interview. Calling back right away I was greeted with a "You've reached Jitter Bean how can I help you?" A bright feminine voice spoke.

"I got a call for an interview. I was in a test, so I just got the message." I tried to be as cheerful as the girl on the phone.

"Okay, let me connect you to the manager on shift. Is it okay if I put you on hold?" She asked.

"Yes, of course," I answered automatically.

Soft music began playing and I found myself humming along to it as I walked toward a bench near my testing site. It was a few minutes before a breathy and masculine voice picked up the line. "Hey sorry about the wait we just got through the noontime teacher rush. I'm James, it seems you turned in an application yesterday. I would like to have you in for an interview as soon as possible. We are currently short-staffed for afternoon shifts. Seeing as you are a student, I assume you will be available after school hours?" He questioned his voice was soft and silky making a shiver go down my spine.

I nodded my head like he could see it, "Yes, I am available afternoons and weekends."

"When are you free to come in?" He asked.

"I just walked out of my last test of the day, so I'm open the rest of today and tomorrow after two. Do either of those work for you?" I asked hopefully.

"Yes, please come in. We are currently in a lull if you want to head over now?" He said the last part as a question even though grammatically it wasn't.

"Of course. I will be there in fifteen minutes." I spoke looking down at the time.

"Good to hear. I'll see you soon."

I hung up the phone and turned towards the cafe just now realizing I was still wearing my school uniform. I guess if the campus says the pleated red plaid skirt that falls four inches above my knees, white button-up blouse and grey-crested blazer is appropriate then it would be okay for a job interview. Besides he knew I was a student and what I would be wearing to classes so he may even be expecting it.

When I arrive at the Jitter Bean it was pretty calm inside and I was able to walk right up to the counter and talk to the girl who must have answered the phone if her personality and voice are anything to go by. "What can I get you today?" She smiled brightly her canines in full view from his wide smile.

I smiled back but shook my head. "I'm here to see James about a job interview."

The girl smiled. "Of course, just one moment, he's in the back."

She walked over to a door and poked her head in. I couldn't hear what she said but a few seconds later she was walking back with a thin guy in his twenties trailing behind her. "You must be Sage. It's good to meet you."

I nodded and he held out his hand at the same moment that I held out mine to offer a shake. We shared a small laugh before he spoke again. "What can we get you to drink? Interviews over coffee have got to be the best part of my job description." He joked.

"Um, just a latte please." I smiled.

James nodded to the girl still behind the counter with him her name tag read Mandy, "Can we please get two lattes, please. We will be sitting over at table three." He gestured to a table with two seats in a corner.

Mandy nodded and we walked over to the table together where we got right down to business. "So, what exactly are your hours of availability?" He asked.

"Well, I haven't gotten my schedule yet as I am taking placement tests this week. Tomorrow I am free after two and the rest of the week it's afternoon. I will get my schedule after I've taken all of the tests, so I don't know what my day looks like. The school day ends at three though so let's just say three-thirty, so I have time to get dressed and walk over here." I answer as best as I can.

He nodded his head. "I don't want this to come off the wrong way but why do you want to work here? I mean you're going to an exclusive school that costs a lot and doesn't give out scholarships."

I pursed my lips unsure if it was okay to get overly personal during a formal interview. Mandy gave me a moment to think when she arrived to give us our coffees. "Thank you." We both said in unison before stifled laughs.

After she walked away, I took a deep breath before answering. "My mom is sick and can't work. She's on disability and I would just give her the money from my trust but my allowance isn't enough to pay for my needs and hers. Now that I won't be living at home and all of my expenses for the year are paid here, she won't get the allocated child support she has been for the last few years. So honestly whatever I make would be going right to her."

James' eyes soften and he set the papers down before looking around and then back at me. "You're hired. Just if someone asks, I made sure you were qualified and didn't fall for your sappy story, okay?" He gave me a mock-serious face.

"Yes sir." I had to physically restrain myself from giving him a salute.

"You can start Wednesday at one. Hopefully, we can have you trained before school starts." He stood and held his hand out for another shake that I returned.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, James. I won't let you down, I promise." I smiled and walked away feeling more relieved than I had all summer; terrified I wouldn't be able to find a way to help my mother. Things were starting to look up and all I could do was hope that it continued.