Safe place, p.4
Safe Place, page 4
Carson grunted.
Thinking it was best to let him rest, Aydin didn't say anything more. He closed his eyes, wondering how many men came here after being beaten. When he'd thought of the homeless shelter before, he pictured guys down on their luck, people who lost or refused to keep jobs. He didn't expect to find men trying to escape abusive situations. He was pissed off that if he was a woman, he'd have so many other resources, but just because he was a man, there weren't resources for him. How did that happen in the day and age of gender equality?
One way or another, he had to get out of here, find a job, and get on his feet. The longer he stayed here, the harder it was going to be. He refused to feel like a victim, and staying here, that feeling would only get stronger.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Aydin glanced nervously at the building, taking in the large windows with the restaurant's name across the front of them. Trevor's was a well-known place to eat. He'd eaten there several times over the years. It was considered high-end dining, but it was fairly priced and laid-back inside.
The job counselor at the shelter had told him to drop by because they were hiring several positions and didn't mind hiring people who were down on their luck. Aydin didn't have many skills cooking or serving food, but he was willing to learn.
He made his way up the stairs to the main doors, feeling very underdressed compared to the men and women in business attire. He'd gotten a pair of slacks and a button-up shirt for interviews but had saved most of his clothing voucher for later when he knew better what he would need for work.
"Welcome to Trevor's. Just one?" The hostess smiled at him as he stepped inside.
"Actually, I'm here for an interview." He glanced around, hoping he didn't look as nervous and out of place as he felt.
"Ah, yes. Follow me." She led him to a table in the far corner and handed him a menu. "Trevor will be right out."
"Thanks." He took the menu, wondering if she'd given it to him out of habit. There was no way he could afford anything to eat. He didn't have a dime to his name right now. He set it aside hoping he didn't have to wait long. Already it felt as if everyone in the place was watching him and knew why he was there.
A few minutes later, a waiter walked over and filled his water glass. "Trevor is on a phone call that is taking longer than he'd expected. He said to go ahead and order and he'll be out in just a moment."
"Oh, I'm here for an interview, not to eat." Aydin glanced up at the young man.
"I know. Trevor likes to enjoy a meal while he conducts his interviews. You can get anything on the menu. It's on the house. I highly suggest the blue-cheese burger, but you can't go wrong with the teriyaki chicken either."
Aydin didn't know what to say. He hadn't come here expecting a meal. Was this some kind of test? Was he supposed to refuse?
"I know, I felt the same way when I was interviewed, but it's how Trevor works. Many of us come from the shelter downtown and haven't had a good meal in a while. Trevor likes to make sure we eat, whether we take the job or not." The man smiled. "If you don't order something now, he'll order for you and send it with you when you leave. You might as well get something you want and will enjoy. What can I get you to drink while you look at the menu?"
Confused, but starving, Aydin wasn't going to turn down the chance to eat. "Um, coffee, black, and I don't need to look. Can I get just a cheeseburger?" He knew that Trevor's served some of the best gourmet burgers in the area.
"Perfect. Trevor shouldn't be much longer. I'll be back with your coffee."
Aydin glanced around, wondering if this was normal or if Trevor was just feeding him because he came from the shelter. No matter, he was going to enjoy a good lunch. His tongue might hate him for salty French fries, but it would be worth the pain. It was amazing how quickly his tongue was healing, but he still had the damn stitches in it which made it feel strange.
The waiter returned with his coffee, then a few seconds later, a tall, dark-haired man set a glass of soda on the table and slid into the seat across from him. "Sorry about that. My brother called and I couldn't get him to hurry." He offered his hand. "I'm Trevor."
"Aydin." He shook Trevor's hand. "Thanks for the chance to interview."
"Did you order?"
"I did, thanks for that as well. I've had the pleasure of eating here in the past and always enjoy it."
"Glad to hear that. If you get the job, you'll be familiar with the food." Trevor took a drink of his soda. "Did you bring the application?"
Aydin had received it at the shelter from the counselor and had filled it out there. "Yes, here." He handed it to him.
Trevor read for a moment, then nodded. "You're an accountant?"
"I am or was. I quit awhile back because I'd thought my partner and I were going to start a family and we decided it was best if one of us were to stay home. Things didn't quite go as planned."
Trevor nodded. "I'm sorry about that. How long have you been at the shelter?"
"A little over a week. I had to get medical clearance to work."
"And you have that? No lasting injuries?"
"Cracked ribs will take time to heal, but I'm able to work. I also have stitches in my tongue, but they'll dissolve soon." He resisted the urge to stick out his tongue to show him. "There's nothing that will keep me from doing my job."
Trevor cringed. "I don't want to know what happened to make you get stitches in your tongue. That had to hurt."
Aydin smiled and shrugged.
"Okay, so you are very overqualified for any of the positions I have open, but I understand you just need to get back on your feet, and I'm happy to help you do that. I have three jobs open right now, host, cook, or dishwasher. I think you're perfect for the host position, but you're free to pick whatever job you think you'll enjoy the most."
"I don't have many clothes right now, so maybe something in the back?"
"Clothes aren't an issue. You will get uniforms from me for any of the jobs and you'll have access to washers and dryers here to do laundry. I can even work out an advance if you need to buy shoes or anything else." Trevor smiled. "Most of my staff has been down on their luck when I hired them. We've faced most challenges and prepared for them. There's even a shower upstairs you can use if you don't have access to one."
Aydin was shocked. "Seriously, you'd do all that for me?"
"If you work for me, you're part of the family. We do what we can to help each other out." Trevor sat back as the food was delivered.
"Thank you for the food too." Aydin hated the charity, but he would take it right now. He was trying so hard not to get depressed and little things like this helped him keep his mind in the right place.
"I need to eat lunch too, so I tend to schedule interviews around the lunch hour so we can enjoy a meal. Now, are you interested in a job?"
"Yes, of course. I think I'd like the host job if there is a uniform available. I like to keep moving and be around people, but I don't have any restaurant experience."
"Most who work here don't. You'll catch on quickly. Are you still staying at the shelter? I only ask because I know that effects the hours you're available. You have to be there by eight or nine, right?"
"Inside by ten. Right now, I have a reserved bed, but that will change soon, and I'd need to be there earlier to secure a cot." Again, he hated that he had to live by shelter rules that would hinder his chance to work any hours he wanted to. He felt like a child with a damn curfew.
Trevor bit into a fry, then took a drink. "It's none of my business and you can tell me to shut up if you want, but do you have plans? What's your story?"
Aydin smiled. "Yeah, I just needed a place to get back on my feet and save some money. I've got good credit. I can get an apartment as soon as I save enough." He hesitated, wondering how much to share about his situation. Would it hurt his chances of getting the job? "My ex attacked me, and I ended up in the hospital for a week recovering. I wasn't about to go back to him or the house, so I ended up at the shelter. He'd convinced me to quit work so we could look into adopting but started getting more and more controlling. The signs were there. I just ignored them. I never thought he'd get physical."
Trevor nodded. "I figured something had to have happened. You're not the usual homeless guy I see come in here for work. Not that there is a usual, but most are younger than you, a bit less experienced in the job world, and much more nervous at interviewing with me."
Aydin laughed. "Oh, I'm nervous. I've just been through enough interviews in my life to hide it. I'm more embarrassed that I'm in this situation at all. That I let this happen to me."
"Don't blame yourself for someone else's actions. The job is yours if you want it. I'll help you get back on your feet and get your life in order the best you can. Once you're ready to go back into the accounting world, I'll hire someone else who needs a hand up, unless of course, you love the job and stick around." Trevor took a bite of his burger.
He was so understanding and easy to talk to. There wasn't a bit of judgment in his eyes. Aydin had faced more condemnation from the counselors at the shelter than he did from Trevor. "I'd love the job, thank you."
"Wait, don't accept yet." A younger, thin man crowded onto the seat beside Trevor and stole one of his fries. "I need to hire someone new too. Come work for me." The guy kissed Trevor on the cheek, then smiled at Aydin. "I'm Prince." He offered his hand over the table.
"Aydin." He shook his hand, unsure what was going on.
"Aydin, meet my husband, Prince. He's very sorry for interrupting us." Trevor narrowed his eyes at Prince.
"He lies, I'm not sorry at all. I knew he was interviewing, and I just had a guy quit. I'm here to steal you from him." Prince stole another fry off Trevor's plate.
"Prince runs a bakery down the street." Trevor glanced at Prince. "Who quit?"
"Adam. He finished that class he was taking and got a job at some nursing home. I'm happy for him. It's what he's wanted, but it leaves me without a morning person." Prince waved to the waiter. "Hey, can I get a club sandwich, white bread, toasted, with extra fries and fry sauce?"
"Sure, Prince. Drink?"
"Coke." Prince stole another fry from Trevor's plate.
Aydin wasn't sure if he should get up and leave so these two could talk or what to do. He'd never had a more informal interview in his life. It was actually kind of nice not to have to act all professional and uptight. He liked Trevor and was fascinated with Prince and the guts he had to just sit down and jump into the conversation.
"You a morning person, Aydin?" Trevor asked.
"How early are we talking?" Aydin didn't do early well.
"Four or five in the morning. I open at six and need some help setting up before the morning rush hits." Prince smiled. "Comes with tasty benefits."
Aydin shook his head. "Sorry, but that's way too early for me. Besides, I like the idea of the uniform here and a place to do laundry."
"You get that with me too." Prince frowned. "Well, no uniform, but you wear whatever you want. My place is a lot more laid back than here."
Trevor elbowed Prince playfully. "I'm laid back."
"Sorry, but it's just too early. I need time to wake up. Also, being at the shelter, it's not easy for me to come and go at odd hours, especially once I'm out of the medical area."
"Oh, you're staying at the shelter?" Prince wrinkled his nose. "I hated it there."
Aydin raised a brow wondering how Trevor's husband had been at the shelter. Trevor was rumored to be one of the richest men in the state.
"Wait, why are you in the medical area?" Prince asked.
"Hush, mind your own business." Trevor elbowed Prince again, then looked at Aydin. "Sorry, he has no filter."
Aydin laughed. "It's okay. It's kind of refreshing."
"See." Prince lifted his chin and smirked.
"Don't encourage him. As I was saying, the job is yours if you want it. Hours would range between ten in the morning to seven in the evening. Later once you're out of the shelter if you still want to work here."
"Thank you." Relief rolled though Aydin.
"Now, as far as staying at the shelter, I own several apartment buildings that are low income. Some are through a program to help men and women get off the streets. Make sure you get on the waiting list for one of those. There are restrictions and mandated classes you have to take to get into one, but they'll work with you. Depending on availability, you might be able to get into one of those quicker than trying to save up enough to get one on your own," Trevor suggested.
Aydin sighed. "How is it I get more information from you than I do the shelter?"
Prince laughed. "The shelter's a joke. They just herd you in and out every day and think you'll figure the rest out. Other than the job board and some of the job counselors, they don't do much to help. If you're in the medical hall, you're getting more than most."
Aydin nodded. "I get that. At least I have a room with a door, but they should have told me about programs for housing and stuff. While I was at the hospital, they tried everything to find me a place to go besides the homeless shelter."
"Unless you're detoxing, there isn't much." Prince reached for Trevor's soda only to get his hand slapped.
"Yours will be here soon enough." Trevor grabbed his glass.
Prince pouted, then looked at Aydin. "See, I'm the nicer boss. You should come work for me."
Trevor rolled his eyes.
This had to be the oddest job interview Aydin had ever been to. "So, when do I start?"
"Tomorrow, if you want. Come in around nine and we'll get you set up with a uniform and you can shower if you need to. I'll have you train with Max. He's moving to Colorado in a week which is why I'm hiring someone to replace him. Do you need shoes or anything extra?"
"I have these black tennis shoes." Aydin moved his foot from under the table so Trevor could see.
"Those will be fine." Trevor glared at Prince as he took another fry. "After we've finished eating, I'll take you back and get you the paperwork you need to fill out. Until your ribs heal, don't do any heavy lifting."
"Oh, ribs suck." Prince held his chest. "Took months for mine to heal."
"Are there any other concerns we should be aware of?" Trevor asked.
"Not that I can think of. Just my ribs and tongue, but that's almost healed."
"Tongue?" Prince leaned forward. "What happened?"
"Prince," Trevor warned.
"It's okay. My ex hit me and caused me to nearly bite my tongue off. They had to put a few stitches in to make sure it healed."
"Shit. That had to hurt." Prince sat back quickly.
"Not as badly as the ribs or the burn on my arm." He showed them the still pink and healing skin on his arm where the sauce had burned him.
"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that." Trevor frowned.
"Did they arrest him?" Prince asked.
"Yeah, but I'm sure he got out quickly. He's Congressman William's son," Aydin admitted, enjoying the chance to smear the name a little.
"Oh, like your father." Prince gripped Trevor's arm.
Trevor narrowed his eyes at Prince, then looked to Aydin. "My father is a senator. I know all too well the way politicians work. I've got your back and won't be swayed by anything the media or the congressman might say if this becomes public."
"I'm praying it doesn't. Hopefully, it's over and I can just move on. At least until a court date is set. I'm sure I'll have to testify."
"You probably won't. He'll more than likely work a deal with the district attorney and plead out. Being who he is, he'll get hit with a fine or community service. I wish I could say they'd throw the book at him, but I've watched my father manipulate the system for years." Trevor leaned back as the waiter set Prince's food on the table.
"I honestly don't care as long as I never have to see him again. I just want to put it behind me and get my life back in order. I never dreamed it would come to me living in a shelter and praying I'd be able to find a job."
"Honestly, with the skills you've listed on the application, you won't have trouble finding work once you get on your feet. You worked for Robbins and Stackman which is one of the best accounting firms in the state. I don't expect you to hang on to this job once you're secure and able to go back to accounting." Trevor smiled. "And that's okay. I offer a steppingstone here. Most of my employees move on."
"And some he's stuck with." Prince grinned.
Aydin laughed. "Did you work for him?"
Prince put a hand over his heart and feigned horror. "God no. He had rules I couldn't adhere to."
Aydin raised a brow.
Trevor rolled his eyes.
Prince leaned in close and lowered his voice. "He won't sleep with his employees. That was unacceptable to me."
Aydin couldn't help but laugh.
"Seriously, Prince?" Trevor shook his head.
"Well, it's true, isn't it? You said it was the one rule you don't break. I wasn't going to give up the sex for a job." Prince kissed Trevor's cheek.
"Guess that worked out for you since you're married now." Aydin liked these two men. He hadn't had such an enjoyable meal in a very long time.
"Yep. Now he's all mine." Prince dipped a fry in sauce and bit into it.
"I had to have been crazy." Trevor smiled. "Anyway, back to the job, are you okay starting tomorrow?"
"Yeah, that's perfect. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity. I was so worried I'd have trouble finding something since I live at the shelter."
"Nah, there are a few of us around who hire from there. It's hit and miss with how long they stick around, but at least I'm giving people a chance. Some of the homeless I've hired are more dedicated than the others who take a job for granted." Trevor nodded to Aydin's half-eaten burger. "Finish eating and I'll get you that paperwork."
"Thanks." He picked up the burger and took a bite. It tasted amazing after eating at the soup kitchen every night.
