Luscious Love by Zach Sweets Page B

sure if he said the words correctly, which made him nervous, but from the look on Caleb’s face, he could see that Caleb understood.
     
    Caleb started to speak, apparently assuming that if Wendell could talk, then he’d understand him as well. Wendell was having a hard time trying to read Caleb’s lips, though. He held out a hand and said, “Hold on.” He fished out the notepad and pen he carried in his pocket and wrote, ‘I’m sorry, you talked a little too fast. I can talk but I don’t read lips that well.’ Wendell hoped it wouldn’t affect the interview.
     
    Caleb mouthed slowly, “That is okay.” He gestured for Wendell to follow him to the office where the interview would be conducted.
     
    As they walked through the shop toward the office, Wendell inhaled deeply. The place smelled so good, the scent of rich chocolate heavy in the air. He was lost in his thoughts, imagining himself working behind the counter or in the backroom making chocolate candies. He came back to reality when Caleb tapped his shoulder.
     
    “Sorry. The place smells so good.” Wendell chuckled nervously, hoping Caleb understood what he was saying. He had no confidence in his speaking ability.
     
    Caleb laughed and nodded showing he agreed with Wendell.
     
    They sat down and proceeded with the interview. Caleb mouthed, ‘Resume?’
     
    Wendell took his resume out of his bag and handed it to Caleb.
     
    While Caleb was reading the resume, Wendell wrote, “Would it be easier if we communicate via Google Chat on my iPad?”
     
    Caleb grinned as he pulled out his iPad and gave a thumb up. They exchanged user names and started the conversation.
     
    With that settled, Caleb asked many of the questions Wendell expected, which Wendell answered as best he could. He even explained what he knew about chocolate. Caleb seemed very impressed with Wendell’s answers.
     
    Caleb smiled as he typed, ‘I’ve a last question to ask. When can you start?’
     
    Wendell’s eyes were wide open when he read the question. He stuttered, “I’m h—hired?” He couldn’t move his fingers to type what he just said, hoping Caleb would understand him.
     
    Caleb nodded and mouthed, “When?”
     
    Wendell tried to get his mind moving. His fingers were frozen on the keyboard. He was hired, just like that. At last, he typed, ‘Wow, sorry, how about tomorrow? If that’s okay with you?’
     
    ‘Absolutely! I need help badly and I think you’ll do just fine. I start at six in the morning. Will that be a problem for you?’
     
    ‘I’ll be here,’ he typed with excitement ready to burst out of his body. He stood up and shook Caleb’s hand and quickly spoke, “Thank you so much.” He gathered his stuff, putting it in his bag as he left Luscious Love.
     
    As soon as Wendell was away from the shop, he shouted at top of his lungs, “I got the job!” It had been a year since he actually worked. Being so excited, he ran the entire way to his small studio apartment. To make it all even better, his was only a couple miles away.
     
    #########
     
    It was five o’clock when Wendell woke up. Unbelievable, I’m working for real. He was thrilled as he got ready and rode his bike to Luscious Love.
     
    Caleb was already there. Wendell let himself in and greeted him.
     
    Caleb mouthed, “You’re here.” He gestured for Wendell to come into his office.
     
    There was a stack of papers on his desk for him. Apparently, Caleb spent time the night before writing the general information about Luscious Love, and the duties Wendell was expected to perform.
     
    Caleb wanted Wendell to start his day in the backroom where they could make the various chocolate candies. Wendell tried his best to follow the directions Caleb wrote for him. Caleb remained patient throughout the process, offering encouragement.
     
    The backroom was an organized flurry of machines and equipment, ranging from a huge machine that melted the chocolate, to a vast number of chocolate