Customers left the cafe unhappy, their comments echoing in her mind, “She can’t do it alone,” and “This place won’t last a week.”
The next day, with a heavy heart but determined spirit, Margaret decided to find an assistant. She posted a job ad and spent the morning conducting several interviews.
One candidate talked too much, another seemed uninterested, and a third didn’t even show up. Margaret turned away each candidate, feeling more discouraged by the minute.
In the evening, just before closing time, a young man came in. He had a friendly face and a calm demeanor. “Hi, I’m Andrew,” he introduced himself, smiling warmly. “I saw your ad and wondered if you’re still looking for help.”
Margaret sighed, feeling tired and unsure. “I am, but I’ve had a long day. I’m not sure…”
Just then, a customer walked in, looking unsure about what to order. Andrew stepped up and began chatting with him, suggesting drinks and pastries.
The customer smiled and nodded, finally choosing a caramel latte and a slice of carrot cake. Margaret watched, impressed by how easily Andrew handled the interaction.
“Well,” Margaret said slowly, “I suppose I could give you a chance. Come in tomorrow, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Andrew’s eyes lit up. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”
Margaret was very picky about Andrew and his work. Even after Andrew had been working with her for several weeks and hadn’t made a single mistake, Margaret still didn’t trust him.
She often thought she would be better off doing everything herself. She watched his every move, correcting him even on small things.
But there was something about Andrew that she couldn’t ignore, and that’s probably why she let him keep working.
He reminded her of her late husband, John, in so many ways. Andrew had the same calm demeanor and the same thoughtful habits, and sometimes, she even thought they spoke the same way.
