The beta lifts his head, revealing a young, tired face with bleary green eyes. “That’s my dad.” He lowers his head to continue scanning the papers on the counter.
“The water stopped working in my apartment. Is there a way I can fix it myself?”
He points to the right side of the store without lifting his head. “Plumbing parts are over there.”
“But I?—”
“Look, I don’t have time for this,” he cuts in, voice curt.
My eyes dip. One paper looks like an invoice. If he has a stack of them and this store is always this quiet, he’s having a worseday than I am. I smile politely at him, not wanting to add to his workload—or his stress.
“Sorry for bothering you, and thanks for pointing the way. Have a nice day,” I say and walk to the right side of the store.
His pointing was much needed. It would be more helpful if I knew which part would help me fix what’s wrong with my pipes, but at least I’m not wandering the store trying to figure out what thing does what.
As I pick up a part, I feel eyes on me. Hoping he doesn’t think I’m here to steal from him, I quickly put it back. I won’t touch anything until I’m sure I intend to buy it. Or unless I know what it is. Something tells me I won’t be picking anything up.
Two minutes later, I hear paper rustling and footsteps heading my way.
It’s the man from the counter, smiling apologetically. “Sorry for being rude. I've not been having the best day."
"I understand. I found a roach the size of Texas,” I say, shuddering when I remember the sound of it running into the Tupperware container I used to carry it out of my apartment. "Ruined my day."
He makes a face. “Yeah, I can’t imagine that was fun. I’m Jack,” he says with a tired smile.
“June.”
“What’s the problem you’re having with your water? Nothing can improve my day, but maybe I can turn yours around.”
Jack listens patiently as I tell him about turning on my shower, the loud rattling, and no water coming out, then about Gia, who suggested hitting it with a wrench.
“I guess I could, but I don’t want to make the problem worse,” I say.
“You’re right. Hitting a pipe with a wrench won't solve a problem like that. There’s likely a blockage somewhere. Youwere looking for Hugh when you came in.” He scrunches his nose. “And before I was rude.”
“It’s okay. Gia said he helps the people in the building when things break because the super is useless.” I blush as the last word leaves my lips, and Jack laughs.
The teachers at Haven Academy taught me never to curse and always to be polite. Calling someone useless feels wrong, even if they are.
“Ah, I know the building you mean. Dad used to complain about it all the time.”
I back up. “Oh, I’m sorry for adding more work?—”
“Not about thepeoplewho live in the building needing help,” he cuts in, motioning for me to come back. “About thesuperneeding to be replaced. I’m not surprised you found a massive roach in your apartment. Bill does as little work as he can get away with. I know a plumber.”
He says plumber and dollar signs fill my mind. I’ve gotten my first paycheck. It’s enough to pay my rent, cover my bills, and buy food, butbarely. If the plumber costs one or two hundred dollars, I might not have enough money to last me until my next paycheck.
“Oh, it’s okay, I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”
Can I take showers at work, or will I get fired for that?
“I wasn’t suggestingyoupay for it. I know a plumber because he’s a family friend. It won’t be the first time he’s done work in the building, so he knows his way around. No fee. Call it an apology for taking out my bad day on you."
“Really?” I perk up.
“Really.” He steps around me. “Come to the counter, and I’ll call and see if he can’t stop by your place. He doesn’t live far.”
"Okay."
