"A little," Faith admitted. "It's been a while since I worked for someone else." "Mrs. Abernathy is fair," Colton assured her. Strict about some things, but reasonable. The morning passed in a blur of introductions to regular customers, and learning the store's organization system.
Mrs. Abernathy was indeed fair but exacting, expecting Faith to remember prices and locations of items quickly. Emma thankfully was on her best behavior, content to play with the wooden horse Colton had made her and charm the customers who cooed over her. At noon the bell above the door jingled, and Faith looked up to see Colton entering, his hat in his hands. Madam, he greeted Mrs.
Abernathy then turned to Faith with a smile. Mrs. Sullivan thought you might appreciate some lunch on your first day. He placed a cloth wrapped package on the counter. Inside were thick slices of fresh bread, cheese, and what looked like leftover venison from the stew he had brought the day before.
"That's thoughtful of you, Mr. Reed," Mrs. Abernathy said, a knowing glint in her eye. Faith, why don't you take your lunch break now? You can use the back room.
Faith felt herself blushing under Mrs. Abernathi's gaze, but nodded. Thank you. In the small back room, which served as storage in Mrs. Abernathy's office, Faith settled on a chair with Emma in her lap.
Colton leaned against the wall, looking slightly out of place among the boxes and ledgers. "How's your first day going?" he asked. Well, I think, Faith replied, breaking off a small piece of bread for Emma. Mrs. Abernathy has been very patient.
Colton nodded. Good. That's good. He hesitated, then said, "Faith, Mrs. Sullivan, there's something I wanted to ask you." The sudden seriousness in his tone made Faith look up sharply.
"Yes, there's a social at the church this Saturday evening," Colton said, his eyes fixed somewhere over her shoulder. Mrs. Abernathy mentioned it. Thought it might be good for you to meet more folks in town, especially the other ladies. He cleared his throat.