She got a job.

Joe went to the door. There was no knock. He just knew.

Hi Hope.

She had a suitcase with her.

Come on in.

The door opened to the living room. She set her case down and looked around. Nice place you got here.

He said, Thanks. It is modest but it gets me by. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. I was just about to make coffee. Do you want some?

I’d love some.

Joe went to the kitchen. He started the coffee. I’m making some eggs too. You in.

Sure

Scrambled?

My favorite.

Scrambled it is.

He set the kitchen table, made some toast, and brought some blackberry jam.

He motioned for Hope to join him.

She sat across from him. Cream or sugar for your coffee.

I like it black. She said. How did you know I like blackberry jam. It’s my favorite. We don’t get it at my house.

Did you tell them?

Yes.

How did they take it?

They said they hoped it would work out and that if it didn’t I was always welcome back home.

Great! So you ready to move in.

I hoped you were still open to that.

Open to it? I’ve been waiting for it. I don’t think I have ever wanted anything more.

I guess I’ll be calling this home now.

I think it has always been. I’ve been waiting for you to show up and now here you are. Someone to share my coffee and blackberry jam.

I think we will be sharing much more than that.

They finished breakfast. Hope started gathering the dishes for the sink. Do you mind if I take a little nap? It was a long bus ride and I’m exhausted.

Joe said. I’ll get the dishes. You rest up. I got something to show you later in town.

Hope nodded and went to lay down on the couch. She set down and removed her shoes. Before she could lay down Joe took her by the hand. He walked her to the bedroom. Pulled down the sheets and let her lay down. He covered her up, closed the curtains, and as he went out the door he said Rest well.

She thought how lucky she was to have found such a good man. Then she remembered he had been sent. Thanks, universe I needed this.

She turned over and relaxed. She was home.

It was mid-afternoon when Joe went to check on her. She stirred as the door opened.

Sleep well he said.

Better than I have in a long time. You said you had something to show me?

I’ll be ready to go in a minute. Get your shoes on.

They got in the car and headed to town. It wasn’t that far, they could have walked but Joe wanted to go somewhere afterward.

They pulled up to a storefront. The sign said coming soon. No other info. He took her to the door. It was unlocked and they went in. He walked her to the back room.

Glad you are here. Is this the girl?

Yes.

High I’m Roger. I hear you are searching for something.

Hope replied I found what I was looking for.

I know but you are looking for a little more. Something to make your life more meaningful. Somewhere you can learn some of the things you have been looking for.

Hope looked a little puzzled. How do you know this?

I asked The gods to send me someone who would help me get this store going. Someone who would benefit from being here. Someone who would learn and grow with their time here. Are you that person?

She replied I don’t know but I think I would like to try. What are we selling?

All kinds of stuff. Mostly related to meditation, religion, and Things to expand your mind. Eventually, classes in stuff related.

I think I could fit in here.

Great when can you start?

She looked at Joe. He said how about next Monday. That will give you some time to settle in.

Roger said It’s settled then. Monday it is. I got stuff coming then anyway. We open next Friday.

Hope was almost speechless. She looked at both of them and smiled. Do I get a say in this?

You have the final say. Joe continued. When I heard this place was coming I checked out what it was going to be. It seemed like universe was listening to us and put this in front of us. It is your choice to follow it. I’d like to go with you if you want.

What will you do?

I can learn what I’m supposed to be doing in this life.

Hope looked at Roger. If you are willing to give me a shot I would like to give it a try.

See you Monday.

They went back to the car. They got in.

Now what? Hope asked? as if Joe had planned this.

I don’t know but I thought you might want to do something. Something that would give meaning to all this. I don’t know what it could be but whatever it is we can do it.

I am a little overwhelmed she said.

Don’t be. I link it is our destiny. Speaking of Destiny, How is she doing?

I’m fine. We are fine. I want to go home and relax and let this settle in. It seems to be a little fast.

Home. It just hit her. She now has a home.

They headed back to Joe’s house. As they pulled up out front Joe said We are home.

They went in. Hope turned and looked at Joe.

I got a job.