Martin Marten (9781466843691) by Brian Doyle Read Free Book Online Page A

question was actually proposing or sort of musing about what might possibly happen someday if the stars aligned, said Miss Moss. I think maybe he was talking about how a proposal might happen rather than actually proposing. It was very confusing. You’d have to count that as a half proposal at best.
    Yes, ma’am, said Dave.
    Whereas the second time was a legitimate and honest proposal, and made while he was kneeling too, which was impressive, said Miss Moss. An excellent proposal. The best I ever received, no question. A really memorable proposal. My favorite ever.
    Did you say yes? asked Dave.
    Well, now, Dave, what exactly were your reasons and ideas for employment here?
    But her swift shift of gears caught Dave by surprise, and for a moment he was silent, trying to replace the thought of Miss Moss being proposed to with the coherent and persuasive speech he had memorized.
    Dave?
    Ma’am. Well, ma’am, there are several areas to discuss. One is what the store needs right now to get up to its best speed. The second is what the store could use to open new commercial vistas. The third is the character and responsibility of the candidate for employment.
    Vistas?
    Yes, ma’am.
    Vistas.
    Vistas, yes, ma’am. Areas of possible lucrative trade and income growth.
    Dave, are you sure you are fourteen? Did you go to college already and not tell anyone?
    Almost fifteen, ma’am. Heading to the Zag in September.
    Hmm.
    Let’s look at each area in order. Right now, it seems to me that the store is efficiently run but not perhaps sufficiently staffed. It could be that the staff, because she has to do every aspect of running the store, is weary and cannot do more that needs to be done.
    Good point, said Miss Moss. Such as?
    Repair the bell over the door, said Dave. Computerize inventory and organize storage. Create and execute advertising and marketing plan. Establish social media presence. Research and execute online sales. Do something about the backyard. Research possibility of expanding hot food sales beyond soup and coffee. Other repairs and renovation as needed.
    Persuasive, admirably detailed, and slightly embarrassing to hear, said Miss Moss. Excellent points. And the third area? The character of the applicant?
    Honest and ready to work any hours possible, starting today, said Dave, mentally thanking Maria for that last touch. Starting today, that’ll sound impressive, Maria had said, and she was right—it did sound impressive.
    References?
    Ma’am?
    Character references. Anyone able to attest to your character?
    Yes, ma’am. My parents. My teachers.
    Maria?
    Ma’am?
    Your sister will attest that you are kind, honest, generous, diligent, steadfast, reverent, thoughtful, responsible, energetic, self-sufficient, creative, and good at heart?
    I think so, Miss Moss, said Dave. I think she would. I’m sure she would.
    Then you’re hired, said Miss Moss. Anyone whose kid sister thinks the world of him can work here anytime. Welcome to the staff.
    Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.
    Eight bucks an hour to start, raised to ten in a month if you earn it?
    Yes, ma’am. Very fair, ma’am.
    Can you really start today?
    Yes, ma’am.
    Start with that damned bell, said Miss Moss, smiling. I have fixed that bell ten times, and obviously we need an expert on that project. Then go around and make a list of everything you see that needs repair, and we will prioritize. Give me four hours today, and then go home. Thank your sister for her character reference.
    I’ll do that, ma’am. And thanks, ma’am.
    Good to have you on staff, Dave. I’ve never had a staff before. At the moment, you are the finest staffer I’ve ever had. Stay in that exalted state.
    Yes, ma’am, said Dave, and he suddenly had a powerful urge to ask Miss Moss about the marriage proposal again, but somehow he knew this wasn’t the moment. He went to fix the bell.

 
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    THE BEARS ON WY’EAST had many centuries ago quartered the mountain according to mysterious