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Carlita jogged to the back to inspect the damage. A tiny dent was the only thing she could see. For all she knew, it could have already been there. “The food truck is no worse for the wear. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re ready to drive this beast.”
“I agree. It would be too dangerous. All of those people, not to mention the tight parking spots.” Paisley’s eyes filled with tears. “I could really use this job. Is there…do you think it would still be possible for me to work?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” Carlita motioned to Arnie. “I think we should have Melanie stay here and swap places with Mercedes, who is comfortable driving the food truck. She can also help train Paisley. Do you think Melanie would mind?”
“Not at all. What a great idea.” Arnie hurried inside and returned less than a minute later with Mercedes following close behind.
“Arnie said you need me to handle the food truck today.”
Carlita briefly explained the situation. “Paisley has graciously offered to help us today. She’s a little uncomfortable driving the food truck and Melanie, who was going to cover the shift, doesn’t have a driver’s license.”
“Gotcha. Sounds good to me. I wouldn’t mind checking out the music festival.”
“The keys are in it.” Paisley climbed into the passenger seat while Carlita followed her daughter around to the driver’s side door. She grabbed her arm and pulled her back. “Paisley needs the money,” she said in a low voice.
“No problem, Ma. Maybe she’ll like it so much she can start helping with deliveries.”
“As long as she doesn’t have to drive a big truck,” Carlita joked. “She rear-ended the dumpster and almost sideswiped Elvira’s work van.”
“I’ll make sure she doesn’t drive. Don’t worry. I’ll teach her everything I know about food truck service.”
“Thank you.” Carlita held the door for Mercedes. She lifted her hand and gave her a “v” for victory.
Arnie stepped in next to Carlita. “Never a dull moment around here.”
“Never,” Carlita sighed. “At least we don’t have to wonder if the food truck will come back in one piece.”
Chapter 27
“Thank you for driving the truck.” Paisley absentmindedly tugged on her seatbelt. “I have my license but have never driven anything bigger than a car.”
“You’re welcome. I don’t blame you for not wanting to take this on the road. It’s a tank.” Mercedes tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “Have you ever worked in food service before?”
“No, although I’ve helped Steve at the tattoo shop. I worked at an herb and tea shop about six months ago and then I had a seasonal job working at a garden center.”
“You’re drawn to natural things,” Mercedes said. “Cool.”
“I’m drawn to whatever pays the bills,” Paisley joked. “I also worked at an oil change place. The job only lasted a couple of months. I discovered having synthetic oil permeate my skin wasn’t good for my body, not to mention by the end of my workday I smelled like a tow truck with a major oil leak.”
Mercedes laughed. “I’m sorry to hear none of your jobs worked out. Maybe feeding hungry festivalgoers will be a better fit.”
“I hope so. Steve and I are kind of short on funds. A lot of the tattoo shop customers are like us, having trouble paying their bills. Tats are more of a luxury item, you know?”
“Either eat or look beautiful,” Mercedes quipped. “Have you tried applying at places that offer full-time employment—something with benefits that also brings in a steady paycheck?”
“Yeah.” Paisley pursed her lips. “I’ve had several phone interviews. They went off without a hitch, but then, when I show up for an in-person interview, I never get hired. I guess I don’t fit their company image.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“I dunno.” Paisley patted her thin as a rail arm. “I’m a little on the skinny side, but stronger than I look. I even showed the guy at the curbside delivery place I could carry large boxes, but he never called me back.”
“Do you think your tattoos could be a turnoff?” Mercedes blurted out.
“My tattoos?” She absentmindedly ran a light hand across the tattoo of flowers and the serpent dangling from her neck. “Tattoos are art and expression.”
“They also make a statement…about a person.”
“Yes, they do, which is why I love every single one of mine,” Paisley said.