Trying To Figure It Out

*CHRIS*

It’s been two whole weeks since Jamira returned home, and with her, her annoying ass friend. Something has to give. I’ve been patient, trying to be understanding and do the right thing, but this situation is spiraling out of control.

I understood her nervousness on the first night. I was intoxicated and high, so I thought she might have been a bit anxious. However, I haven’t had a chance to talk to her or get her alone because Ayana’s constant presence has been a hindrance.

I decided to address this issue today. It’s my house, so I shouldn’t be avoiding it. The look Mira gave me last time made it clear how disgusted she was with me. I almost got her fired, but fuck that job. She’ll find another.

Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, Reggie, one of my workers, called out to me.

“Hey Chris! We’re a bit behind here. We could use your help. Two more cars pulled up, and the garage is full. We can’t forget the three cars in the back that we haven’t gotten to yet.”

“Have they been checked in yet?”

“Carlos is handling it now.”

“Alright, I’ll be out there in a minute. Let me finish this invoice quickly.”

“Got it, boss.”

I work with my dad at his mechanic shop. He made me the manager after graduation, saying he wanted me to help keep the family business afloat. I don’t even like cars, but I’m good at it, and coming here has kept me out of debt and scraping by.

I’m not rich or anything, but I do alright for myself. I’m certainly not struggling financially. So, I suppose everything worked out.

Ever since my dad has been away dealing with family matters and one of my best workers got hurt on the job, we’ve been facing a significant backlog. I’ve instructed them to always ensure the cars are stable if they’re using the hand jack instead of the machine. I don’t know how Thomas managed to mess that up.

I’m just glad the accident wasn’t as severe as it could have been. He only broke his foot, but honestly, he should have been out of here.

I went to the garage to help my boys out when I noticed that one of the checked cars looked familiar. It didn’t take long to figure out why. I peeked through the window into the waiting room and saw Keema.

Oh no! Of all the shops around, she comes here. Of course she does. Why won’t she give up already?

“Hey Carlos! What’s going on with this black corolla?”

“Just an oil change and a fluid check.”

That was easy. I went out to get the car and get her in and out because the last thing I wanted was to deal with her. I pulled the car in and got to work immediately. I was done in thirty minutes.

I went to the counter to tell Carlos to print out the invoice and send her on her way. Just knowing she was still here started to make my skin crawl.

While I was there, I grabbed the paperwork for the next car to get to that one as well. As soon as I turned to go back to the garage, I heard my name from behind. I kept going, hoping she’d get the message.

That didn’t seem to work because then Carlos started yelling for me too. I turned around only because it was him. I can’t ignore my workers.

“What do you need, Carlos?”

“Oh, nothing. She was trying to get your attention. I just thought I’d help.”

I looked at her, then back at him. Anger was starting to build.

“You got that invoice I asked you to print out?”

“It’s right here.”

“Go ahead and collect payment so she can be on her way. Thanks.”

Desperation on her face, she opened her mouth as if she was getting ready to say something, but closed it just as fast.

Something told me that wasn’t going to be my last time seeing her. She always showed up in places she wasn’t wanted. As she left, so did the tension in my shoulders.

The rest of the day went smoothly. We almost caught up on everything except one car needed parts that we had to order. Other than that, we got the customers in and out in no time.

That allowed me to go back to my office and figure out what I was going to do about Ayana and Jamira.

I really messed things up even more.