Page 24 of The Perfect Melody

“Hi, my car was brought in here yesterday afternoon?—”

“Shit, you’re the lady who crashed into Bowman’s?”

“Dude, don’t swear at my customers.” A tall woman in black overalls that hug her full curves says, stepping through a door at the opposite end of the reception.

I glance over her shoulder, but can’t see Liam’s car from here.

“Sorry,” the teen mumbles looking sheepish. “Nothing exciting’s happened around here for ages. Still, I shouldn’t have got carried away.”

“It’s OK.” I turn my attention back to the woman. “Are you Gem?”

“That’s me. Sorry about my cousin.” She shoots a pointed look at the lanky teen who, now she mentions it, I see shares her full, angular brows and mahogany locks. Embarrassed, the teen shrinks back as if he wants to disappear into his oversized hoodie, which has the shop’s logo stamped across the chest where Gem’s overalls have it embroidered in red thread above her heart. “You’re here about the car from Bowman’s?” Her golden skin is flushed as if she’s already been working hard for some time, even though it’s only nine in the morning.

She goes to brush a strand of dark hair from her eyes, then, glancing at her hands, thinks better of it and wipes them on the stained cloth hanging out of her pocket instead.

“Yeah. I know it wouldn’t start after the accident, but I’m hoping it’s going to be an easy fix?”

The sympathetic look she gives me tells me that’s not the case. “I’m afraid not. Most of the damage is cosmetic, but some of the debris managed to get underneath the car and do some real damage.”

Bracing myself, I ask the question I suspect I don’t want the honest answer to. “How much will it cost to fix all of it?”

“Ethan, go get a drink or something.”

“But I’m not thirsty.”

Gem rolls her eyes with a sigh. “We need to talk money, clear out.”

“Why didn’t you just say that?”

“It’s calledtact, kid. One of these days you’ll figure it out—now get lost.” The words are harsh, but her tone is one of loving exasperation.

“I’m nineteen, not a kid,” he grumbles, getting to his feet. He slips past, leaving through the door behind her.

“That bad, huh?” I ask.

Gem gives me a number that makes my jaw drop. It’s not that I think she’s overcharging me, but I know it will take me a while to save up that much. I looked up what the minimum wage is so that I know what to expect to earn from my job at Bowman’s. Even if Austin gives me full-time hours—which I doubt he will—it will take me weeks to save up enough to pay Gem. I could use one of my cards—I lied when I told Austin I was travelling without them—but that will make it easier for my mother to track me down.There has to be another option.

“What about getting it running again without making it look pretty?” The new number isn’t much lower, but a couple hundred off her original estimate is better than nothing. “Let’s go with that. Um, I’ll need a little time before I can afford it. I’ll be working at Bowman’s, but I’m not sure what my hours will be…” I trail off, embarrassed. For all the problems that come with my high-profile life, one thing I’ve never taken for granted is that I’ve never had to worry about money.

“Oh, you’ve moved here? I thought you were a tourist. Welcome to town, sorry you’re off to a rough start.”

“No, I am a tourist. Well, kind of? I’m staying at least a month. If my first week at Bowman’s goes OK, I’ll be here through the summer. After that, I’m not sure.” I bite my lip to keep myself from rambling more than I already have. This woman doesn’t want my life story, she wants to know when I’ll be able to pay her.

“OK,” Gem begins, unsure what to make of me.You and me both, girl. “I can’t keep your car here if I’m not working on it—I don’t have the room—but I can tow it to the parking behind Bowman’s if you want? Free of charge.”

I can just picture Austin’s face if I tell him my car will be taking up space in the bar’s limited parking area for the foreseeable future. He already hates me. This will only make it worse, but I don’t have any other options.Wait.

“I’m not sure the owner would like that, but I’m staying at The Dragonfly—they have parking, right?” I’m sure Esther mentioned something about that yesterday.

Gem nods. “Yeah, The Dragonfly has guest parking. You want me to leave the car there?”

“That would be amazing. You’re sure you don’t mind?”

She shrugs. “I wouldn’t have offered otherwise. I’ll bring your car by the B&B after I close today and leave the keys with Esther for you. Once you’ve got the cash to cover the repairs, call or swing by and I’ll bring it back here to work on it. Sound good?”

“That would be great. I really appreciate it.” I guess it’s true what they say about people from small towns being friendly. Everyone I’ve met so far has been incredibly helpful. Even Austin, who has every reason to dislike me, still gave me a job.

She waves off my gratitude with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. If there’s nothing else, I should get back to work.”