Chapter 26

"It's Paisley," Carlita whispered back, noticing she looked the same as she had the last time she'd seen her at Steve's shop, except for the addition of a new tattoo which now reached above her neckline. At least the new tat was a wreath of flowers.

As the woman drew closer, her gaze was drawn to the black snake with intense green eyes hissing at her through a cluster of pink azaleas.

"Hello, Carlita." Paisley smiled brightly.

"Hello, Paisley. Thank you for getting here so quickly."

"You're welcome."

Carlita introduced her to Arnie. "This is my restaurant manager, Arnie. As I mentioned on the phone, we need someone to serve food from our food truck during this afternoon's music festival."

"I love the local music festival. In fact, I was telling Steve we needed to get down there later today. Some of my favorite bands will be playing."

"I'm sure you'll have plenty to listen to." Carlita briefly explained the help needed. Basically you'll be serving a limited number of items to hungry festivalgoers. "To keep it easy, we have a few main dishes, a couple of sides and one dessert."

"Melanie will show you how to operate the cash register when you get there," Arnie added.

Paisley stared at the keys he held in his hand. "What are those?"

"The keys to the truck's ignition and the rear door."

"I…uh." Her eyes widened. "Am I driving the food truck?"

"Melanie doesn't have a driver's license." Arnie scratched his forehead. "You do have a driver's license, don't you?"

"Y-yes," she stammered.

Carlita and her manager exchanged an uneasy glance.

Paisley reached into her pocket, pulled out a pink wallet, and flipped it open.

Carlita studied the driver's license. It was Paisley, all right. She glanced at the issue date, which was only a couple of months ago. "This is a new license."

"I just got it."

"Got it renewed," Carlita clarified.

"No." Paisley shook her head. "I recently passed the tests and was issued my license."

"But you've practiced driving and are comfortable behind the wheel?"

Paisley's eyes slid to the side where the big box truck was parked. "I know how to drive a car. I've never driven a truck before." She hurried on. "I'm sure I can handle it."

Arnie cleared his throat. "Maybe we should practice driving around the block a time or two."

"Good idea," Carlita said. "It will give Paisley a feel for what it's like behind the wheel."

Paisley took the keys and climbed the side steps.

Arnie shot his boss a concerned look and reluctantly followed behind.

Carlita stood off to the side. Watching through the front windshield, she could see Arnie and the woman talking. She fired up the motor and shifted into drive.

The truck sat idling for several long moments. Carlita instinctively backed up when the engine revved up. So far, so good.

With Paisley behind the wheel, she and Arnie reached the end of the alley and disappeared around the corner. Less than a minute later, the food truck reappeared, coming at her from the opposite direction.

As they passed by, she noticed the young woman's expression appeared more relaxed. Paisley stopped at the end of the alley and shifted into park.

Carlita ran to the window. "You're doing great. I should warn you some of the assigned parking spots are tight. Maybe you should practice backing up."

"Okay." Paisley nervously licked her lips and shifted the truck in reverse. She tapped the gas. The truck lurched backward.

Carlita jumped out of the way, watching in horror as the vehicle careened left.

Crunch.

Someone yelled loudly. It was Arnie. Before Carlita could run over to see what had happened, she hit the gas. Gravel flew from the rear tires and pelted the side of the dumpster.

Through the windshield, Carlita locked eyes with Paisley's terror-filled ones. She gritted her teeth, watching helplessly as her food truck swerved toward Elvira's work van parked alongside her building.

Screech. Carlita looked away, praying a collision had miraculously been averted. Bracing herself, she shifted her gaze. The food truck sat at the end of the alley idling. Seconds later, Arnie and a shaking Paisley exited.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit your dumpster."

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."