Complete

Kayla looked around the tiny office in the back of Scrappe. There were papers stacked a mile high on the metal desk. Sample cookies filled a basket atop the filing cabinet. Some weird New Wave music played softly from a radio in the corner.

Kayla had applied at the shop just a week ago, and she was now, officially, an employee.

Holly, one of Kayla's bosses, walked into the office. "Okay, thanks for waiting. How about we get that paperwork out of the way and then go on a tour of the shop?"

"Sounds good."

Twenty minutes later, with the necessary paperwork completed, Holly led Kayla from the small office by the back door into the kitchen. "Here's where we make our sandwiches." There was a long white countertop with several compartments filled with meats and veggies and other sandwich necessities.

In the middle of the kitchen was an island, pots and pans hanging above it. There were several shelves below it with more pans and utensils and other small kitchen appliances.

Holly led Kayla to a small room off the kitchen.

"And this is the break room. You can leave your bag in here. There are aprons in the cupboard above the sink. You're welcome to put whatever you want in the fridge."

Kayla grabbed an apron. They were forest green with the Scrappe logo-a river with a cherry tree-printed across the front.

"Oh, and here's the rest of the morning crew," Holly said as they filed into the break room.

"This is Nancy," she said, nodding at the fortyish woman. "Rachel." She was the one with long blond hair. "And you know Fred."

"Hi," Kayla said, nodding at everyone.

"Nice to meet you," Fred said, shooting her a quick smile and ducking behind her to grab an apron.

♥♥♥

By the end of her shift at four o'clock, Kayla's feet felt like they were going to fall off. Her forehead was slick with sweat, her apron covered in purple onion juice and avocado mush.

The lunch rush had been chaotic and the cleanup afterward lasted even longer.

Kayla tossed her dirty apron in the hamper and grabbed her bag.

Fred met her in the break room. "How was your first day?"

Kayla thought about her response. She didn't want to come across as whiny. "It was tough," she said. "It was a lot more work than i thought i'd be. Easy, though. A lot of stuff to get done in such a short time, but easy. Do you know what i mean?"

He nodded, curly hair falling over his forehead. He swept it back with quick fingers. "It'll get easier," he said, giving her an encouraging smile. "When do you work next?"

"Um... Monday."

"Me too. I'll see you then." He said good-bye.