GB96 s2 - Working Girl Part 1

It doesn’t take long for Mr. Gibson to get back to work, but he looks rough. And he doesn’t get much of a welcome. You and Stef cleaned the shop, made sure coffee was ready, and got him donuts to celebrate him coming back, but there’s so much work to do that there’s no time to stand around.

You’re good enough at your job that even you can help out with small extra tasks, but the business doesn’t even make it through a full day before Mr. Gibson has to take a break and admit that he’s in trouble. He sits in a folding chair in the corner of the garage, a bottle of water in his hand as you and Stef stand over him worriedly. He’s pale and sweating. Mr. Gibson is a tough, hardworking guy. He must feel way worse than he looks.

“We’ll have to cut back,” he says finally, leaning back and shaking his head. The decision has implications. This shop looks humble, but it’s not a struggling business. Mr. Gibson isn’t rich, but he’s OK. Stef did not grow up broke. You can’t know her dad’s finances, but you never sensed that her household had less money than yours.

All the same, tightening up is never easy. Especially with Stef thinking about moving out. Well, you and her haven’t talked about those plans in a while. But you can’t live with your parents forever.

“Or,” you say.

Mr. Gibson raises an eyebrow.

“Or we expand,” you go on.

“You ready to become a mechanic?” he asks, sounding skeptical.

“I’m ready. But it’s not my first choice. I was thinking of someone else. Stef can work on her own and you can check it. While you train someone new. Should be easier on your body,” you say. It’s just a thought. The problem isn’t a shortage of business. Adding another pair of competent hands to hold a spanner would go a long way. People like Mr. Gibson, which is more than can be said for the owner of the town’s only other auto repair shop. If there wasn’t such a long wait for Mr. Gibson, even more people would bring their cars.

“But that’s a lot more phone calls. A lot more billing,” you say with a shrug. “You probably need me where I am. Are there any guys on your radar who need a job?” you ask him directly.

He makes a face.

“What about a girl?” Stef asks.

You both look at her. She wipes her hands on her rag, frowning.

“I mean, she needs a job,” Stef goes on. “She already tinkers a little. I mean, she’s not a moron,” she adds to you. That makes you want to laugh. Stef could only dream of having grades as good as Ellen’s.

But she has a point. This work does take some competence, but you don’t need to be a rocket scientist. Ellen should be able to turn a wrench and read a manual as well as anyone. With Mr. Gibson to show her the ropes, it’s an idea.