Chapter 5

Almost a week later, Sarah saw Callum walking out of his apartment. She was about to call out, but then she saw his smile.

His smile wasn't a happy smile or a smile of amusement. It was an unhinged smile that made people avoid him.

'Maybe I shouldn't talk to him for a while.' She thought, both concerned for Callum and for any idiot who messed with him while he still wasn't over his brother.

Sending a prayer to whomever was stupid enough to mess with them, Sarah continued on her way to work. When she arrived, her boss actually cast a fearful glance her way.

'I wonder why he's like that.' She wondered as she clocked in. Walking up to the cash register, she saw why. The district manager was here for an employee re-interview.

As if he could sense her gaze, he looked up at her, checked the roster, and looked at her again, his mouth opening in an unconscious 'Wow'.

Walking towards her, he tapped the roster. "How long ago were these pictures taken?" He asked.

"I don't know when they were last updated, it's been so long." She replied, shaking her head.

Nodding his head, he then went to speak with Frank about the outdated photos.

He returned after about five minutes. "You will be the person leading my tour around the place." He said. "If you have any complaints about the current state of this place, let me know."

"Oh! In that case, let me conplain about Frank." She said, pleased. "Whenever I come in early, I have a 50-50 chance of getting an unhinged rant about how I am screwing up the schedule, or a heartfelt thanks from him."

She watched as he scribbled on his clipboard.

"He treats all of the employees here like servants. Whenever he makes a mess, it is up to us to clean it up; regardless of whether or not we're on the clock." She continued. "I think every employee will tell you the same."

He finished scribbling on his clipboard. "Oh! I forgot to introduce myself, didn't I?" He said, scratching his head with his pen. "I'm Alan."

They shook hands.

"Do you mind if I go and verify this story with the others?" Alan asked.

"Go right ahead." She said, smiling widely.

As he left, she began taking orders from the first customers of the day. 'It's a wonderful day.' She thought to herself.