Page 8 of Tuned To Break
“And the pay?”
Arden grins like he’s about to tell me I’ve won the lottery. “Forty-five dollars an hour.”
I nearly fall off my chair. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Forty-five an hour. I know it sounds like a lot, but I’m desperate, and I’m hoping the money will encourage you to stick around longer than the others.”
My brain is doing rapid calculations. Five hours three afternoons a week, plus two full days... that’s about thirty-five hours at forty-five dollars an hour. Holy shit, that’s over fifteen hundred dollars a week. I could have a new car within months.
“Is the work actually that difficult?”
His expression turns slightly sheepish. “Well, I won’t lie to you. The office is currently a disaster zone. The last girl apparently didn’t believe in filing systems or paying bills. There are invoices that haven’t been sent out, suppliers who haven’t been paid, and the appointment book looks like it was organised by a drunk toddler. It’s going to take some serious work to get things back on track.”
“But you think I can handle it?”
“After watching you handle Captain Cappuccino. I think you could handle anything.”
I consider it for about thirty seconds before my practical side wins out. “Alright. I’m in.”
“Seriously? Just like that?”
“Just like that. When do I start?”
“Monday afternoon? I know it’s short notice, but?—”
“Monday’s perfect.” I’m already mentally planning how to break this to Emily.
Arden looks like I’ve just told him Christmas has come early. “Stella, you have no idea how much stress you’ve just taken off my shoulders.”
He pulls out his wallet and hands me a business card. “Text me your email and I’ll send over all the contract details. When you get to the workshop on Monday, just ask for Chase. He’ll be expecting you.”
“Chase. Got it.”
“And Stella?” He pauses as he stands to leave. “Thank you. I have a feeling you’re exactly what that place needs.”
After he leaves, I practically float back to the counter where Emily is pretending not to eavesdrop.
“So,” she says, not bothering to hide her grin. “Good news or life-changing news?”
“Possibly life-changing news. I just got offered a second job.”
“What kind of job pays enough to make you look like you’ve won the lottery?”
I tell her everything, and her excitement is infectious.
“Stella, this is amazing! It sounds like the perfect opportunity.”
“You’re not worried about me cutting back my hours here?”
“Are you kidding? I’m thrilled for you. Besides, you know you can always come back if it doesn’t work out. This place will always be here for you.”
As I finish my shift and head home in my protesting Corolla, I can’t stop grinning. In two days, I’ll be walking into Doc’s workshop for the first time in six years. I’ll be managing a bunch of mechanics who apparently eat receptionists for breakfast.
Honestly? After this morning’s performance with the cappuccino catastrophe, I’m looking forward to it.
Bring on the challenge.
CHAPTER TWO
