“My apologies. I think I neglected to introduce myself this morning. Because of the surprise you handed me, I forgot the niceties. I’m Hunter Bedford and, as I said, I represent the Hunt Corporation of Denver.”
“Good evening, Mr Bedford. I’m sorry, but I think you’ve made a wasted trip,” Sally answered, relieved that she at least knew his name now.
Hunter smiled at her again, his perfect teeth gleaming. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“Mr Bedford, I have only just heard of this arrangement between my father and your grandfather and like I said this morning I’m not interested in training you without a non-compete agreement.” Sally was determined that she wasn’t going to be railroaded.
“I realize that, not knowing my grandfather, that would be your position. I talked to him on the phone after our meeting this morning and told him of the situation. He was sorry to hear of your father’s death and passes on his condolences. He also told me that the agreement they had was a verbal one, between gentlemen, but he has no problem giving you a non-compete agreement if that would make you happier. He is very keen for me to stay here in Bailey and get to know more about your store. And I think you could maybe use some help for the rest of the month—free of charge.”
Sally was silent for a moment, thinking about Mr Bedford’s words. She knew he was right about the help, but didn’t want to appear desperate for him to stay. She said, “We could manage.”
They were interrupted by the waitress who stepped up to their table.
“Good evening, folks. Have you had a chance to look at the menu?”
“No, we haven’t. Could we have a couple of minutes?”
“Sure thing.” The waitress was listening to Sally but was smiling at the stranger.
Sally picked up the menu, though she knew it by memory, to make a decision about what she would eat. Her dinner partner did the same.
After a moment, the waitress reappeared at their table and took their order, both deciding on the meat loaf. “I’ll have that right out for you,” the waitress said brightly, again smiling at Sally’s dinner partner.
“The service here is certainly efficient,” he said after the waitress had walked away.
“I believe you think it’s because you’re a visitor, Mr Bedford, but I suspect it has more to do with your good looks.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Sally, and please, call me Hunter.”
“Very well, Hunter. So, what do we have to talk about?”
Hunter smiled. Sally had to admit it was an attractive smile. One that would draw attention anywhere.
“You haven’t heard me out. Assuming we have a non-compete clause, would you consider me working in the store?”
Sally took a drink of iced water and returned Hunter’s smile. “Tell me, how did you hear of our store? I’m intrigued.”
“From our suppliers. The volume of your orders speaks of big sales, larger than a small town store usually handles.”
“We have a large range of coverage because there aren’t that many towns nearby.”
“I noticed that on the map. I even visited some of the stores in the area, what there were of them. But your store is by far the largest and carries the largest range of goods. Why do you suppose that is?”
“I think it has something to do with how long we’ve been trading for. My grandfather’s father opened the store in 1922 and we’ve grown over the years. Isn’t that what stores do when they are successful?”
“Of course it is. And that’s why it’s attractive to our company. We have five stores in Denver, three in Colorado Springs, and one store each in Pagosa Springs, Fort Collins and Boulder. We want to expand.”
“Why don’t you consider other states?”
“We’ve thought of that, but we prefer to keep our properties close together.”
“I see.”
“Would you be willing to consider hiring me for the rest of the month if we have that non-compete clause in place?”
“I don’t know. I’d have to think about it.” Sally looked at him intently, his blue eyes seemed genuine and honest and she found herself liking Hunter Bedford more and more.
“You wouldn’t be paying me a salary and I promise not to ask too many questions.”
“What kind of questions would you ask? I’m new at this myself so I’m not exactly sure what you’d expect to learn.”
A wry grin settled across his face. “That’s a good point and I don’t exactly know myself. I’d have to talk to my grandfather about that.”
Their waitress returned with their meal and she immediately asked Hunter if there was anything else he wanted.
“No, thank you, this looks great,” he said with another of his special smiles.
The waitress practically floated her way into the kitchen.
“You really should stop flirting with the waitress. She won’t be the same…until she realizes it was a one-time visit.”
“Will it be?”
Sally stiffened in her chair. “I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”
“I might hang around anyway, so I can soften you up a little.”
Sally took a bite of her meat loaf and chewed it before she answered his suggestion. “I wouldn’t think your grandfather would agree to sign a non-compete clause. After all, the area has a lot of appeal, surely he’s looking to open nearby?”
“Well, he assures me that he’s not interested in competing with you. How long did you say you’ve owned the store again Sally?”
“It’s been in my family since 1922, but running it alone is still all new to me.” Sally took another sip of her water and felt the prickle of tears threatening at the back of her eyes.
“You are probably having a hard time handling everything. Why would you turn down some help?” Hunter’s voice was gentle.
He’d hit soft tissue. Sally was finding herself overwhelmed with all that had happened. Some mornings, she didn’t think she’d manage to do everything that had to be done. But why would this man be willing to help her? She was trying to fill three roles—hers, her mother’s and her father’s. Eventually she’d be able to manage everything. They would hit the slow season after Christmas.
But now?
“Do you think you’d be that big a help?” Sally asked, eager to know more about the man seated in front of her.
“I thought maybe you would be interested in any warm body, at this point, especially at this time of year. And I do have some experience in working in a store.”
“You’ve worked as a salesman in your grandfather’s stores?”
“Yeah. He’s one of the old school who believe you have to learn from the bottom up.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “I take it you didn’t enjoy that kind of work?”
“Actually I enjoyed a lot of the jobs. Selling was one of the fun ones. I like people.”
“Aren’t you anxious to return home to be with your family for Christmas?”
“My grandfather expects me to work until Christmas Eve. I think I may enjoy working here rather than returning to Denver.”
“Is your grandfather your only relative?”
Hunter gave a small smile. “My first name comes from the family name. My grandmother is dead. My parents are divorced and have been for a while. My mother probably won’t be in Denver for Christmas.”
Sally could tell that Hunter found it difficult to talk about his family. “I don’t think your grandfather would appreciate your staying here until Christmas, Hunter. I bet he’ll ask you to come home before Christmas so you can spend the holiday together.”
“My grandfather would work everyone until midnight Christmas Eve if it didn’t get bad publicity! I’d like to stay on a little longer. What do you think?”
“I’ll think about it, Hunter. That’s all I can promise you tonight.” The evening had been pleasant and Sally had enjoyed Hunter’s company more than she thought she would. But could she really let him work at her store every day?
“Okay, you
’ll see me tomorrow,” Hunter said, with a gleam in his blue eyes that Sally just didn’t want to think about!
CHAPTER TWO
THE next day, Sally found herself looking forward to going to work. She argued with herself that this was just because she had a lot to do in time for the Christmas Festival and not because Hunter Bedford had promised to return. It shouldn’t make such a difference to her life anyway. She’d stalled him, but deep down his promise to come back added a sparkle to going to the store.
Once there, she kept waiting for Hunter to reappear. By noon, she gave up thinking he’d walk in any minute. Obviously she’d convinced him he’d be wasting his time. She had actually considered what he was offering. Having an extra hand in the store would be appreciated, especially if she wasn’t paying him a salary.
Of course, the store was doing well enough that she could afford to pay him; she could even give up work herself if she wanted to. Her father had consistently saved a portion of income for the past twenty-five years, investing it in several mutual funds. In addition to the life insurance her parents had carried, the savings were enough to pay for at least twenty years of living well, without working at all. But she knew the store was in her blood.
“Aren’t you going to eat your lunch today, Sally?” Mary, one of the ladies who came in to work at the store, asked.
“Oh, yes. I was just daydreaming. I’m going to eat now, Mary, thank you.” Sally went to the back room, where a section had been set up for break time, including a table and chairs and a small refrigerator and microwave.
When Sally sat down at the table with her lunch, she told herself she should be glad Hunter Bedford hadn’t come back. But she had to admit that his visit had provided a little excitement for her. Something to lift aside the doldrums of her mourning and the pressure she was experiencing. But she could manage on her own. Of course she could.
Just then, Ethel, the other woman who worked for Sally, came into the back room.
“Yes, Ethel? Is there a problem?” Sally asked.
“No, not exactly. But there’s a man here who—”
“I’ll be right out,” Sally said as she jumped up from her chair. So he had come back!
She brushed back her hair, hanging loose and flowing today, and hurried out into the store. But there was no terrific smile waiting for her. No snappily dressed man standing around. No sparkle.
Just a farmer dressed in his overalls.
“Hello. Can I help you?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m Joe Sanders. My wife picked out a gadget she wanted for Christmas and I’m wondering if you could show me what it is?”
“Oh, Mrs Sanders. Yes, of course, I know exactly what she wanted. Come this way with me, please.”
“Ma’am, I have a little problem.”
Sally stopped and looked at the man. “A problem?”
The man flushed slightly and shifted nervously in front of Sally. “Well, my wife said it costs a hundred dollars and, well, I don’t have a hundred dollars. I wondered if you’d consider letting me pay it out. I have thirty-five now, and I can pay thirty-five the next two months. I promise I’m trustworthy.”
Sally smiled. “I’m sure you are, Mr Sanders. And yes, I’ll sell it to you for thirty-five today and thirty-five in January and February. If that’s what you want?”
The man’s face turned red. “Yes, ma’am. My wife would be very disappointed if she doesn’t get it for Christmas, even though I told her I didn’t have the money. I think she still believes in Santa Claus.”
“I understand. I’ll write out a paper for you to sign. But let me show you what she chose, first.”
When the man had seen the gift his wife wanted and signed the paper, paying his thirty-five dollars today and taking his gift with him, Sally returned to her lunch.
The request from Mr Sanders had reminded her again of the importance of the service they provided here at the store. Her father had first introduced a long payment plan about fifteen years ago. Since then, he let it be known that he could trust a few people to pay out their Christmas gifts. After all, her father had said it served the Spirit of Christmas.
It wasn’t something that regular stores did. They would let someone pay out the cost of the gift, but they didn’t let a customer take home a gift until it was completely paid for.
Sally felt sure Mr Sanders would pay his debt. And she felt good about following in her father’s footsteps.
She’d been disappointed that the man waiting for her wasn’t Hunter Bedford. She’d thought about him a lot this morning and especially when she had been serving Mr Sanders. She had been sure that a man from the city like Hunter wouldn’t have approved of the paying out plan and she would have liked to have talked to him about it. Too bad she wouldn’t be able to do that now. That was the only reason she was sad that he hadn’t come back, of course.
When the store closed at eight o’clock, Sally went home. She hadn’t been in the house more than fifteen minutes when the phone rang. It was probably Penny. She hadn’t talked to her since she’d gone out to the ranch for dinner. She moved to the phone. “Hello?”
“Sally?”
“Yes, who’s speaking please?”
“It’s Hunter. I just wanted to apologize for not coming in today. I had to drive back to Denver today to pick up the non-compete agreement signed by my grandfather. I thought you’d need it in hand before you agreed for me to work in the store. Anyway, I’ll be in tomorrow bright and early.”
“Hunter, I haven’t agreed—”
“Wait until you read what Granddad wrote you and then make your decision.”
“Fine. I can certainly find jobs for you if you’re willing to work.”
“I’m willing. There’s just one problem. Your dad was going to provide me with a place to stay. I know that won’t work now with just you in the house so I was wondering if there is anywhere in town that I can stay?”
Sally thought for a moment about Hunter moving in here with her. She knew the idea was absurd, but part of her thought about recommending it. But Bailey was a small town and people would certainly talk so instead she said, “There’s a bed-and-breakfast in town. It’s the only place, but it’s very friendly.”
“Good. I’ll see if they can get me a room, then I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Sally.”
“Good night, Hunter.”
Sally hung up the phone, feeling a little breathless at the thought of Hunter returning in the morning. She knew that his visit was only business and to prove this she began to make a list of possible tasks for Hunter to do. She stayed up a little later than normal and got totally involved in thinking up jobs for Hunter. It was an enjoyable thing to think about.
When she finally crawled into bed, she was pleasantly tired and immediately fell asleep. The ringing of the alarm clock the next morning didn’t really wake her up. Until the thought of Hunter arriving this morning told her she needed to get out of bed.
Unfortunately this was half an hour after the alarm had gone off and Sally had to dress hurriedly and make her lunch and dinner in less than half the time she usually took. She simply tied back her hair after hastily brushing it and ran the short distance to the store.
Billy was waiting at the back door to get in, and had been for half an hour.
“I’m sorry, Billy. I overslept. You must be cold.”
“Naw, I’m wearing a coat,” he answered, rubbing his gloved hands together.
“Yes, but take some time to warm up. Make yourself a cup of coffee,” Sally replied, feeling bad for keeping the elderly man waiting in the cold.
“Okay, Sally. Would you like one, too?”
“No, thanks, Billy. I’ll get one a little later,” Sally said as she hurried through the store. Quickly Sally began raising the shade on the front door, ready to start the day. Hunter was standing there.
“I thought you might be here a little earlier than this?”
“I’m sorry, Hunter. I overslept this morning,” Sally answered,
a little annoyed that his first day had started so badly. What would he think of how she ran things around here?
“Not a problem. I got here a little early, anyway. Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
He followed Sally into the store. “So, what needs to be done first?”
“Well, I usually tidy the store from the previous day. You know, straighten all the goods, make sure the dressing rooms are empty and rehang any clothing left in them.”
“All right. I’ll check the dressing rooms first,” he said and made his way over to the other side of the store.
Sally stood looking at him as he walked toward the dressing rooms. Could she have expected him to do the menial tasks as well as the more important ones? She didn’t think so, but she began straightening the shelves to make the store look neat and attractive.
Half an hour later, the store was in pristine condition. Sally invited Hunter to join her in a cup of coffee.
“I’d love a cup. I didn’t know if you were a coffee drinker,” Hunter said with a grin. “But, what if someone comes in to shop?”
“We’ll hear the bell over the front door.”
“That’s something we don’t have in a big store,” Hunter said.
“I know. But you usually have more customers than I do.”
“True.”
When they reached the break room, they found Billy still there nursing his cup of coffee.
“Billy, this is Hunter Bedford. He’s going to be working here in the store for a couple of weeks. Hunter, this is Billy Johnson. Billy has been with us for a long time and handles most of the heavy work for the store. We couldn’t be without him.”
“Hi,” Billy said, holding out his hand.
“Hello, Billy,” Hunter said, returning the man’s handshake. “It’s good to meet you, too.”
“Okay,” Billy said. Then he tipped his coffee mug up and finished off the coffee. “I’m going to work now, Sally.”
“Thanks, Billy.”
Once Billy went back to the delivery area, she said softly, “My dad and Billy were old friends and he always said that Billy was the hardest worker he knew. He’s been here for a long time.”
Snowbound with Mr. Right Page 2
