Gainfully Employed

By Stacey and Elise

Dominic was nervous as he parked next to the building. He had an interview this morning then they were going to look for a house. Dom wasn’t sure which one made him more nervous. The interview that was what had him more nervous, he had never really given one before. And this garage was right here in the growing town. It would be great to have work so close to home, well when they find one.

With a soft smile Jessamine covered his hand with hers. "Honey, you’re going to do fine. Just relax and be your handsome charming self."

Squeezing her hand Dominic pulled her closer. "Then give me some luck, love. I’ll need it."

Laughing Jess shook her head before giving him a tender kiss. "You’re one of the best mechanics in Sydney, you don’t need luck. Now get in there before you’re late."

Dom got out of the car and walked inside the garage. He walked over to the bloke he saw standing at a bench working on a carburetor. Taking a breath and squelching his nerves. Jess was right he was good at what he did so he put on a smile and walked over. "Excuse me, I’m Dominic Maloney. I’m here for an interview with Colin."

Colin looked up, smiled, and wiped the grease from his hand on a rag. Extending his cleaned hand to the young man, he replied, "G’day, Dominic, I’m Colin O’Brian. Let’s just go into my office here so we can talk."

The friendly smile and shake helped ease the last of his nerves away. He could do this he thought as he followed the man into his office. Colin offered him a place to sit, Dom looked around as he did. "Looks like you’ve got a booming business in this little town."

Colin grinned, "Yeah, it’s off to a good start, which is why I’m lookin’ to hire a bit of help. Could use a day off now and then, ya know?" He shuffled some papers around on the desk, then picked up a folder and opened it – scanning Dom’s job application. "Says here you’ve worked in a garage before, is that right?" Colin asked, looking up at him.

Nods thinking back. "I have. I guess you could say that’s where I cut my teeth. I worked at a garage all though school then worked in the motor pool in the military. When I stepped back into civilian life it just seemed natural to continue what I do best."

Shifting a bit as he relaxed Dom grinned. "I don’t think there’s much I haven’t worked on from motor bikes to farm equipment."

"Well, that sure will come in handy around these parts," chuckled Colin. He liked the young man, thought he had an honest face. "I just hired a bloke to work the front office here for me, keep the books, and answer phones and such, so you’d only have to worry about the repair work. Community is small, but it’s growing, so business had been steadily increasing. Can’t promise you a fortune, but I’d give ya a fair wage if you’re willing to work for it." Colin paused, thought for a moment, then nodded, "So, what do ya think?"

Dom nodded with a smile. "I think that sounds fair. This will be close to home for me. Well that is if we find a house this afternoon. Getting in on the ground floor of a new business is a fantastic opportunity."

"Great. Well, if you want the job, it’s yours, Mate," Colin told him, returning his smile. "The sooner you’re ready to start the better. Just let me know when you’ve gotten the housing situation squared away and I’ll put ya to work." He stood and shook Dom’s hand, and walked him to the door.

Standing at the door Dom nodded. "Jess is determined to find something today. Everything in is in storage waiting to be brought on so we’ll settle in as we go." He grinned. "How does day after tomorrow sound?"

Seeing Jess outside he waves her over. "This is my wife, Jess."

"Sounds perfect," Colin replied, then smiled and nodded as Jess walked up. "G’day, nice to meet ya, Jess," he told her with a friendly smile, then added, "I’m Colin O’Brian...your husband’s new boss."

"Nice to meet you too, Colin." Smiling at him as she looked between them Jess took Dominic’s hand. "That’s good news. Being his boss that entitles you to dinner at our house….when we get one that is."

Dom gave her the proud grin of a newlywed, the kind where the honeymoon is still in gear. "Excellent idea, love." He turned to Colin and shook his hand. "Me and my tool box will be here Thursday. Thanks again, you won’t be disappointed."

"I’ll have take you two up on that, after you get settled in, of course," Colin said, smiling at the happy couple. "I look forward to working with you, Dom." Colin shook his hand again, then turned to Jess and said, "Jess, it was a pleasure meeting ya. good luck with the house-hunting today, you two. See ya on Tuesday, then, Mate."

Walking around he opened Jess’s car door and hugged her tight. "Well, love. I’m gainfully employed."

Jess grabbed the keys from his hand and slid into the driver’s seat. "Oh good you can take me shopping after we find a house. We’ll need curtains, a new rug if we get hard wood floors, and …….