Crashing into Fate (Maple Grove #25) - Lynn Hagen Page 0,2

had been a little after nine. He pulled his phone out and was shocked to see it was close to eleven.

Charles turned the truck off. “I’m paying for your first week.” He held up a hand. “Don’t even think about arguing with me.”

Arlan’s throat grew tight. Charles really was a good man, just like their father. He wanted to hug his brother and beg him to kick that bitch out but knew that was never going to happen.

A guy could dream, though.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Arlan nodded. “Fine, you can pay for the first week, but I’m reimbursing you when I get a job.”

“You can pay me back by getting on your feet.” Charles got out, and Arlan followed. There were five cars and a red truck in the parking lot, and everything seemed quiet.

As they walked down the walkway and passed rooms, Arlan heard conversations, televisions, and even a baby crying.

They entered the lobby, and Arlan was pleasantly surprised to find it so elegant. He’d never been there before and had heard the motel had done some extensive renovations. The place looked amazing.

Charles tapped the bell on the counter, and a moment later, a guy came out from the back. “Can I help you gentleman?”

“My brother needs a room. We’ll start with a week,” Charles said before he turned to Arlan. “How’re you going to get back and forth to town?”

“Maple Grove has a rideshare driver,” the guy said. “I’ll give your brother his number.”

Shouldn’t Arlan order a ride on the app? Maybe small towns did things differently. Besides, it shouldn’t cost that much since town wasn’t that far.

“Hey, look at that.” Charles chucked a thumb at a sign on the far end of the counter. “They’re hiring.”

Cleaning rooms was not Arlan’s ideal job, but right now he would take what he could get.

The guy behind the counter stuck out his hand. “Name’s Mike. I own the motel, and if you’re interested, I’d appreciate the help. Summer is over so all the young folks are back in school. The position even comes with a room.”

“I know who you are,” Arlan said as he shook Mike’s hand. “I’ve seen you around town. You’re dating some guy named Keller, right?”

“Yep.” Mike smiled. “So, the job is yours if you want it.”

“There you go.” Charles grinned. “Talk about good luck.”

That depended on how you looked at it. “Cleaning rooms?” Arlan asked.

“Yep.” Mike nodded. “I also have an opening at my tavern if cleaning isn’t up your alley.”

Arlan didn’t want to work at a bar. He had no experience and knew he would screw it up. “Housekeeping sounds good.”

Charles pulled out his wallet, but Mike shook his head. “He hasn’t filled out the paperwork, but the room is free with the job.”

Maybe this was good luck. Arlan had been worried about his finances and whether he would really make it on his own. Housekeeping wasn’t a hard job, and until he found something better, Arlan would take it. “Thanks.”

Mike handed Arlan a keycard. “You’ll have room eight. It’s the farthest from the office, but it’s spacious, with a kitchenette inside.”

Things were starting to look up. “I really appreciate you doing this for me.”

Mike eyed him. “I expect hard work from you. The last person I had cut too many corners when it came to cleaning.”

Arlan hadn’t asked how much the job paid, but if he got a free room out of the deal, he would wait until he filled out the paperwork.

“That’s not a problem,” Arlan said.

“It’s late, so we’ll take care of the formalities in the morning,” Mike said. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“See, things are already starting to look up,” Charles said when they exited the office. “I’ll grab the rest of your things from your room at my house and bring them by tomorrow.”

With a job and a place to stay, Arlan felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

“Thanks.” Arlan gave Charles a quick hug. He didn’t want to make things awkward.

“Make sure you call me in the morning.” Charles slipped into his truck but leaned out his open window. “And if your boss tries to make you wear a maid uniform, he better increase your pay.”

Arlan pursed his lips as Charles chuckled. His brother wasn’t as funny as he thought he was. Besides, Mike was dating Keller. Too bad. The owner was hot, and if he hadn’t been taken, Arlan would’ve worn whatever the guy had asked.

Charles didn’t need to know that.

With a sigh,