8. Chapter Six
Chapter Six
Noah
It’s my first day at the mechanic’s shop. My mom is happy I’m starting a job working with cars. I’m so glad to be able to do something I’m passionate about. Pulling into the parking lot, I find an employee sign, so I park there. I’m wearing a T-shirt and jeans. I forgot to ask if there was a dress code. My steel-toe work boots crunch on the loose gravel around the back as I walk toward the front of the building. There’s only a truck here, and I'm not sure who it belongs to, worker or customer. I tried the door, and it was open.
“Hello?” I yell. There’s some rock music coming from the bay, and I head in that direction. I banged on the door, trying not to spook the person who was not paying attention. I hear toys drop, and someone say mother fucker. It's not a good start with the boss.
“Yeah?”
“Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know where to go.”
“Noah. I forgot you were coming in early. We got this car in last night at closing. I wanted to get a jumpstart on it.”
“No problem, man. If you need me to do something else while you finish the car, that’s fine.”
“I want you to get familiar with our computer system and how we do inventory and talk to customers so they can get to know you. Tomorrow, you will be working on vehicles coming in, and if I get too busy today, I will pull you in. I’m the only mechanic besides Ruby, but she hates it most of the time. I try to keep her out front as much as I can.” TJ wipes his hands before walking me through the basics of inventory. “We also call the local auto parts stores around town to get parts. Our customers know we don’t keep many parts on hand, so it takes longer than normal depending on what is in stock.”
“You have a great system set up. Looking at this computer, you will see that you have a lot of loyal customers. I can make payments, charge their accounts, or pay now. Is that right?”
“Yeah. This area went through a rough patch about almost ten years ago. The main plant went on strike, but their spouses still needed to work. I grew up with a lot of these people. I made notes in the section about whether they can make the payment. I got screwed over by a few people.” He tells me as he types in a name to show me how it’s written so I know. He also showed me how the inventory works. He pulls out his cell phone, “Ruby will be late. She has some club business to do.”
“Club business?” I tilt my head as I keep my eyes on the computer screen, clicking through things.
“She’s a part of my sister’s motorcycle club, The Valkyries. We do a lot of business with them.”
“A motorcycle club? Like a bunch of people riding bikes?” The only ones I know about are Sons of Anarchy, the Mayans, and what I read online about Hell’s Angels. TJ laughs.
“No. They own a few businesses around here, do toy drives twice a year, and tend to do things that are not so legal to protect others. They are a great bunch of girls. If you disrespect them in any way, I will boot your ass, and I don’t care if you’re good at your job.”
“I was raised to respect women. My mom would kick my ass. What people do in their own time is their business. Not mine to judge.”
“Good. We will get along just fine then.” He smiles at me. “Now I’m going to get back to work. Answer the phones and help people when they come in.” He walks away to head back into the bay. I get back to the computer when the phone rings.
“Tanner’s Auto Body, Noah speaking. How can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Ruby.” The gruff voice on the other end snaps.
“Ruby’s not here this morning. If there’s anything I can help with, I can try.” The line goes dead. I write down the number and leave it for Ruby. I don’t want to overstep anything. He may be a regular customer and only wants to talk to her. Since it’s slow right now, I begin cleaning the customer waiting room at only nine in the morning, making fresh coffee, and listening for any noises.
“Wow. You’ve been busy.” TJ comes to the main room, where the counter and computer are, as I finish mopping up the floor.
”It’s been pretty quiet, so I needed to do something. I hope that’s okay.” I stare at him.
“Yeah, this is great. Did you make coffee, too?” I nod. “Thanks, man. I was about to go get some or order one.”
“I found the stuff in the office and needed a pick me up.” I shrug. “Is it always this quiet?”
“Sometimes it can be slower than others, but it’s nonstop here. I’ve been the only person working for the last three months. I average about three hours asleep a night.”
“Why did you lose your employees, if you don’t mind me asking?” We’re standing behind the counter, and no one is here.
“There’s a new body shop in town. They offered my employees twice the wages. The work they do is not up to the standards I provide. They use cheap parts and work fast, so something is always overlooked. I’ve been fixing their messes for months. I wouldn't say I like it for the customer, but I don’t offer them a discount. I can’t cheapen my work because they’d rather get a deal first, which will ultimately cost them.” He takes a sip.
“How are they still in business?” I ask, staring out the door and seeing several cars pulling in.
“They don’t allow negative reviews. I know of good authority. They’ve threatened them.” He lets out a breath. “I need you to go into the bay. These guys are here to try to shake me down.”
“Do you want me to stand beside you, having your back?” I question him, watching the men step out.
“No. I don’t want you getting into this with them. I know how to handle them. You’re an employee, and they might try to steal you.” I nod and do as he tells me. TJ walks out, and I try to listen closely to the conversation.
"Who are these guys?” I mutter to myself.