“Look at us crybabies,” she says with a sob, her voice filled with empathy. “Tim was right. That reminds me…” She trails off, reaching for a water bottle beside the counter and taking a few sips.
“That’s my girl, looking out for our little shrimp,” Tally’s mom praises.
I can’t help but grin at Tally, and she refocuses on me. “Sorry, pregnancy brain. I’m so rude. You came here for a coffee, I guess?”
“Ah… tea, but, yes, I did,” I reply, regaining my composure. “And I wanted to ask if you maybe have Wi-Fi?”
She cringes slightly. “We do, but it’s not working right now. I need Tim to come in and fix it soon.”
Well, fuck.
“Shame. I wanted to see if there are other jobs available during the day. You don’t need any more help at the restaurant or here, perhaps?”
Tally chuckles and leans in closer, her voice conspiratorial. “Well, you see, the restaurant is only open from Wednesday to Sunday in the evenings. So, unless you can clone yourself and be there twice…”
I can’t help but let out a genuine laugh. “Guess I should’ve checked the schedule first.”
Tally sighs, her hand resting on her baby bump. “Unlike the restaurant, I’m happy if I can even get enough work for myself at the café these days.” I nod, understanding her predicament.
“Do you want to leave here sooner? Is that why you need a second job?” Tally asks, tilting her head to look at me. “I know it’s none of my business, but I like having you here.”
She does?
“No, it’s not that,” I explain, my lips forming into a half-smile. “I actually live in my van, and it’s been giving me some trouble. I need some parts to repair it, and they could cost more than I have right now.”
Tally sighs, a hint of frustration evident in her voice. “The parts aren’t the expensive part.” She shakes her head. “It’s the men who think they can take advantage of women because they have no idea how much something like this costs to repair. I swear the guys at the shop never take me seriously and are always trying to take advantage. I have to take Tim with me so they think he knows stuff about cars. Do you want to take him with you? I can lend him to you, it’s no problem. Maybe like this, the mechanical stuff won’t be that expensive.”
“You know, Tally, that is super nice of you, and I’ll keep your offer in mind if I ever need your husband to lend me a hand, but—” I start but stop talking with Tally shooting me a glare. “Oh my God, not like that! I thought about lifting heavy stuff or some shit.”
Tally cackles at my response. “I know, but this was just too good to let pass without teasing you.”
“Anyway,” I continue, wanting to clarify. “I can handle the mechanical stuff myself. I’m a mechanic.”
Tally’s eyes light up, and she lets out a relieved laugh. “That’s fantastic, Sloan! Oh my God, you’re so cool. You need to stay here so I can bring my car to you next time.”
I snort a laugh at her enthusiasm. “Are there any shops around here? Maybe I could work for the parts,” I suggest, considering another way to avoid spending the little money I have left.
“No, there isn’t,” Tally replies, her brow furrowing in thought. “I think the nearest one is a two-hour drive away. At least that’s the one we take our car to.”
She suddenly lights up with an idea. “Tim told me two days ago that their boat mechanic from the shipyard had an accident and hurt his hand badly. Now they’re looking for a replacement until he’s better. I could call him and arrange an interview if you’d like?”
“Boats?” I ask skeptically, scrunching up my nose. “I don’t know, Tally. I’m a car mechanic.”
“Nonsense, a motor is a motor,” she insists, waving me off with a dismissive gesture.
I let out a chuckle and start to say, “That’s not?—”
But Tally has already pulled out her phone and puts a finger to her lips, gesturing for me to stop talking.
“Hey, babe, about that accident William had…”
NINE
Jones& Sons is the largest shipyard in the area. Apparently, they’ve been a cornerstone of this town’s history. Tally told me the family helped build this community. Now in their fifth generation, they employ nearly every lobster fisherman in and around Lubec, providing livelihoods for many families. They’re well-known and well-liked.
Seems like everyone knows everyone in this small town.
“Please follow me,” the beautiful brunette instructs as she leads me through the shipyard.
