Wedding Night – Olive and Liam

One day I was interviewing applicants for a stockroom opening and into my office marched Oliver. He was dressed much better than I had ever seen him before. Without his cap, his dark hair was longer than shoulder length but it was pulled into a neat ponytail down his back. I looked down at the application. He was 18 and had been part-time at the other job for about a year. He had recently graduated and wanted a full-time job.

I had many more qualified applicants for this position but by the time I had finished speaking with Oliver, I had had a brainstorm. I offered him a job helping me at home. I explained that I worked such long hours and was often traveling to the other branches, even out of the country; that I needed a house sitter and errand-runner. I could pay him more than he was making now and the job would include free room and board. He would have his room at my house and use of one of my cars.

Oliver started smiling even before I finished. He stood and offered his hand. I shook it, remarking how soft and wonderful it felt in my hand. “Thank you, sir,” he said politely.