Free Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) by Amy Stephens

start playing all over again, I figure it’s safe to stick around for the next showing. My friends and I used to do it all the time back home. New patrons start filling in the seats and the lights go dim as the movie starts playing again. This time, I manage to stay awake for the entire showing. 
    I walk out of the theater door and see the evening crowd is filling up the lobby. People are walking in and out of different theater doors and no one seems to be paying any attention. I know it’s wrong, but I walk into another door and wait for the next movie to start. 
    After that movie finishes, I get tired of sitting, and I walk outside. I notice the parking lot has emptied out tremendously. I crank up the car, and see from the clock on the dash it’s later than I thought it was. One thing is for certain, those movies surely helped to pass the time tonight. I start racking my brain, trying to figure out a spot to park tonight.
    I turn down a highway that looks to be leaving out of town. I don’t want to venture out of town too far this late at night, but I notice a sign indicating a hospital up ahead. Relief fills me, because this is the sort of place I need. People stay overnight at hospitals all the time, but most people stay inside. So I’m pretty sure I can park there and not be noticed. 

    The next morning, after having a couple hours of decent sleep, I walk into the hospital carrying my bag, with no one paying me any attention at all. I look no different from anyone else coming in to visit a sick patient. I take my time in the bathroom wiping down with warm water from the sink. I rinse my hair and use the hand dryer to get it mostly dried before walking out. I want to look somewhat presentable before I attempt to find a job today.
    I get back into my car and head in the direction of the oil lube shop the lady from McDonald’s told me about. Pulling into the parking lot, I find a spot off to the side and park.
    As I walk up to the door, I notice cars are lined up and all the attendants are busy assisting the customers. Finally, a guy dressed in blue uniform clothing approaches me. I can see his name is “Jared”, according to the patch attached to his shirt. “Can I help you with something? If you are needing any servicing, it’s going to be after lunch before I can get to ‘ya. We’ve got a slight rush right now.”
    “Actually, I was told you were looking to hire someone. The lady down at the McDonald’s said for me to see you,” I tell him.
    “Ahh, I see you met my mom. She’s such a sweetheart, always looking out for me.” He has a slight humor to his voice. “What kind of a job you looking for?”
    “Well, I’ve never done this kind of work before, but she said you were needing someone to wash cars. I’m new here in town and really needing to get a job. My cash flow is running low.”
    “I understand that.  I run a reputable business here and have lots of repeat customers. As an added service, I always like to provide a complimentary car wash to my customers, since so many of them refer me business. I do a basic wash and vacuum. Some customers like to tip, but tipping is not mandatory, nor expected of them. Since I don’t know you and really don’t have time to do much of a background check, if you are willing, I can put you to work at minimum wage, plus you’ll split the tips with the other guy, Clint.” 
    I extend my hand to him and thank him for the opportunity. “Man, I really appreciate it. Looks like you got yourself a new employee.”
    “Be here in the morning, promptly at eight. If you’ve got time to fill out some paperwork today, see the lady at the front counter to get you started, and pick up a uniform before you head out. Thanks, uh...I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
    “It’s Brian. Thanks a lot, Jared. I’ll see you first thing in the morning.” I nod my head to him as he turns and walks back into the building. 
    I spent an hour inside tending to paperwork.