Charity knew this was the place to begin to inquire if anyone needed any help. She hated having to work, but she used to cook for her parents as a pastime. She had always had servants to do the work if she didn't want to. A young woman approached her.

"Hello, can I help you?"

Charity looked at her with condescending eyes. "Yes, I was hoping you could tell me if there are any job openings in town?"

Melissa knew at once to be defensive in front of this woman, "As a matter of fact, the new restaurant owner is looking for a cook. I believe the job is still open."

"Thank you." Charity left without another word.

Charity entered the restaurant and looked around, most of the tables had occupants. Stopping one if the waitresses, she asked about the owner and was directed to the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen she saw a handsome man with his sleeves rolled up and an apron on, cooking like a mad man.

Clearing her throat, Charity caught the man's attention. "Excuse me? Are you the owner of this establishment?"

Charlie turned around, "Yes I am, can I help you?"

"Well it looks as if you could use my help. My name is Charity Stevens, and I'd like to apply for the cooks job."

"You can cook right?" He asked.

Charity raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, "Of course I can."

"Good, your hired. At least temporarily, lets see how everyone likes your cooking. Can you start now?" Charlie asked hopefully.

"Sure can." Charity said as she grabbed an apron. Soon Charlie saw that he wouldn't be needed to help her in the kitchen. She was like a well oiled machine. Soon the waitresses were relaying compliments to Charlie and his cooking.

After the afternoon rush, Charlie offered Charity the job, which she accepted. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"No I just got into town today. I can stay at the hotel or boarding house if this town has one."

Charlie thought for a moment. "Well there's a small apartment above the restaurant you can have. The old owner used to live there. It's not much, but you're welcome to it."

"Thank you, I'd appreciate it."

Charlie smiled, "Good. Do you have a horse? There's a livery just down the ways a bit where you can keep it."

"I really don't know how to thank you, you're very kind."

"It's no problem really, you just keep cooking like you do." He turned to leave the kitchen, "I'll tell Justin to set up a stall for your horse. I'm fairly new in town, too, everyone seems real nice. I think you're going to like it here."