Excerpt from Second Chance in the Northwoods by Lyn Cote
Heading to a job interview at 9 a.m., through the thick green forests of far northern Wisconsin to Rhinelander, Carrie couldn’t shake the feeling that people were watching.
She knew it wasn’t true. But she was hiding the truth, afraid someone would find out. She turned off Highway 47. Ahead, she saw the sign along Lincoln Street for MIKE’S AUTO REPAIR. Her heart pounded at the thought of what this job could mean for her. If she didn’t find work, and soon, she wouldn’t be able to stay here near . . . She slowed.
A horn beeped behind her, prompting her to turn in. She pulled up to the area near the door. Already the sound of tools emanated from within. Two bay doors stood open. She got out of the car, pressing down her bad case of nerves. Most of the time she felt as if she’d accomplished a lot in the past two years. Now that feeling deserted her.
She entered the building. The desk was unattended. Of course. She was here to apply for the position of receptionist and parts manager. She shifted, uneasy about what to do. Finally, she walked to the door marked “Shop” and opened it.
The noise level shot up. She stood at the doorway, debating the best way to get someone’s attention. A German shepherd stood up and walked slowly toward her. A guard dog? Her alarm rose.
Then the power drill, or whatever it was, stopped. A mountain of a man – Mike? –climbed out from beneath a vehicle on the hoist. She gasped, and her back bumped against the door.
In worn jeans and a gray T-shirt with “Mike’s Auto” on it, Mike commanded attention. He moved with a grace she didn’t expect from such a large man. Then she glimpsed his deep-brown eyes, his gentle gaze telling her not to be afraid. Jeannie had assured her that the Becks had lived in this area forever and were good people.
“Hi, I’m Mike Beck. Are you Carrie Baker? Jeannie McClure’s friend?” He wiped his hands on a towel attached to his belt. The dog moved to his side, the animal’s sharp eyes trained on her.
It still pained her that no one knew Jeannie was more than her friend. She cleared her throat. “Yes.”
The man’s large, slightly greasy hand gripped hers and shook it vigorously. The dog woofed once in welcome.
“Glad you could come. I didn’t want to advertise if I could find someone who knew someone. I heard about you when I took Greta to Jeannie’s husband, the vet.”
Greta sat back on her haunches, panting.
Carrie’s head swam with all of those connections. She’d grown up in a large city, feeling invisible, but here it seemed everybody knew everybody.
Then Greta lifted a paw toward her. Carrie automatically shook it, watching the big man beam at his pet.
Mike tried not to stare, but this young woman with long dark hair was so pretty and looked so nervous. “I hear you qualify as an executive assistant?”
Her head bobbed.
“Great! You need to fill out an application and then start work.”
Her eyes widening, Carrie didn’t immediately respond. It must have been tough for her trying to get settled among strangers. The vet’s wife had told him Carrie was shy. Or maybe his size made her nervous like it had others.
“Start?” she squeaked.
“Sure. If you want the job, it’s yours.”
Carrie hid her surprise as best she could and hurried to keep up with her new boss. And that’s how she got the job at Mike’s Auto Repair.
(continues…)
Lyn’s Tart and Cheesy Green Beans
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon onion flakes or ¼ onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
2/3 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
3 cups fresh green beans, cooked/drained
½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 slices crisp bacon
Melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, onion, pepper, yogurt (or sour cream) and cottage cheese (or ricotta). Mix well. Heat to bubbling. Stir in green beans and ½ cup breadcrumbs. Pour into sprayed casserole dish. Sprinkle on the rest of the breadcrumbs and cheddar. Crumble bacon over top. Bake in 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Serves 4.
