“Your sister putting you to work already, huh?” Bev pulled down her oval-framed glasses.

I pouted and shot Mattie a look. “I was lured here under the false pretense of wine and cheese.”

Bev made a tsking noise. “And now she’s got you working like a dog. Sounds like Mattie.”

“I’m finishing up a few things,” she insisted again, placing the papers she’d printed into a folder. “Besides, Frankie wanted to help.”

Bev and I exchanged a knowing look.

“Regardless if that’s true or not, we’re happy to have any help we can get. It’s been a real challenge getting seasonal workers this year.”

Even though I knew Bev had no reason to lie to me, this all still felt like some elaborate scheme my sister had concocted to make sure I didn’t feel disoriented and restless with my current state.

“I’m here if you need me,” I offered.

Bev tipped her head in acknowledgment. “I’m sorry about your job. That’s tough,” she said.

Even though I hadn’t expected her to bring that up, I took the stray comment like a champ and forced myself to appear unshaken. “It’s alright. Life happens.”

Bev shifted her weight and the kindness in her eyes almost made me waver. “Just because life happens doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. You feel what you need to feel, okay?”

Her words instantly brought heat to my eyes. It was like she knew I had fallen asleep the past two nights crying my eyes out. Change was hard for me. But change out of my control? This was really throwing me for a loop.

“Thanks, Bev.”

Mattie looked between the two of us, her eyes softening before Bev gave a curt nod toward the entrance into the restaurant, Marie’s. Beyond the giant fireplace at the center of the lobby, there was a floor-to-ceiling opening that led into the bustling lounge. The murmur of distant conversations and the clink of wine glasses floated all the way to the reception desk.

“If you’re really serious about working here temporarily, Marie’s has been absolutely slammed lately. We’re getting more visitors than normal this time of year, and we just had three people quit on us to work at a new brewery in the next town over. My daughter-in-law, Erin, used to help out a lot, but with her gone, too, we’re really struggling. Hell, I’ve even taken over running the bar most nights.”

Me, a bartender? Now that was something I’d never pictured for myself. But since I wasn’t in a position to say no, I said, “I’m at your service.”

“Marie’s? Really?” Mattie sounded nervous. “The only thing you know about bars and restaurants is how to order takeout.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said dryly. “Weren’t you the one who wanted me to help out?”

“I thought you’d be behind the desk.” Mattie gestured to where I was currently sitting.

Bev threw a hand up. “Please. Frankie will be fine, and we need the help. I didn’t know how to make a basic cocktail, and now I’m back there every night slinging drinks. It’s exciting. Plus, a great way to get your mind off things.”