A loan from a relative? He thought about Sarah barely making ends meet herself with two kids and a teacher's salary. No. Then I strongly suggest you speak with a financial advisor. There are options for businesses in your situation.
I'll figure it out. Thank you for calling. He hung up before she could say anything else and stood in the parking lot staring at the cracked asphalt trying to breathe through the tightness in his chest. 3 weeks. The oil change customer arrived right on time, which meant Ethan had to shove the panic down and act like everything was fine.
He finished the job, took payment in cash, and added it to the envelope in his desk drawer where he kept the running tally of how far behind he was. Not nearly far enough. Sophie appeared in the doorway as the customer drove away. Dad, you okay? Yeah, kiddo.
Just thinking about what boring adult stuff. She studied him with those two knowing eyes. Was it a bad phone call? It was fine. You're lying, Sophie.
You get this look when you're worried about money. Your face goes all tight and you stop smiling. She crossed her arms, looking way too much like her aunt. I'm not a baby. I know things are hard.
Ethan pulled her into a hug, feeling the familiar weight of failure press down on his shoulders. Things are fine. I promise. You're lying again. Yeah, I am.
They stood there in the doorway of the shop, and Ethan wondered when his daughter had gotten old enough to see through him so easily, when she'd stopped believing that parents had all the answers. The Jaguar pulled into the parking lot at 11:30. Ethan was under the Subaru, tracing a mysterious rattle that seemed to move every time he got close, when he heard the distinctive purr of the British engine. He rolled out from under the car, grabbed a rag to wipe his hands, and there she was. Vivien Hart, stepping out of her vintage car like she was arriving at a charity gala instead of a run-down repair shop in Georgetown.
She wore jeans today, actual jeans, and a simple white shirt, but she still looked like money. It was in the way she moved, the way she carried herself. Sophie appeared from the office like she'd been shot from a cannon. Is that her? Is that the date lady?
Sophie? Hi, I'm Sophie. Are you my dad's girlfriend? Viven's expression flickered through several emotions before landing on amused. I'm Vivien and we'll have to see about the girlfriend part.
That means yes, Sophie informed her father. That means nothing. Ethan shot his daughter a look that she completely ignored. Sorry, she's eight and has no filter. I have a filter.
I just choose not to use it. Vivian laughed and the sound was different than it had been at the diner. Lighter. I like her already. You say that now.
Ethan gestured toward the shop. You actually came. I said I would think about it. I thought about it. Here I am.
She walked into the bay and he watched her take in the cramped space, the ancient equipment, the oil stains that had probably been there since the 70s. To her credit, her expression didn't change. It's small, she said. That's a generous word for it. But it's yours for now.
Something shifted in her expression. What does that mean? Ethan glanced at Sophie, who was pretending not to listen while very obviously listening. Nothing. Just business stuff.
Dad's shop is closing, Sophie said matterofactly. The bank is taking it. Sophie, what? It's true. I heard you on the phone.