Seraphina
Copyright© 2025 by Krista*
Chapter 1
“Okay everyone, we are heading into the fall season and before you know it, rain will be happening again.” Jeff Baker, one of the assistant managers of the dealership was addressing the staff of Gold Mine Motors during the daily morning pep talk as they got ready to open for the day. “I want everyone to write on a piece of paper their name, and the year, make and model of their car.” It was one of the small and personal things that was done to make working there enjoyable and fostered company spirit. And a free set of wiper blades was a minimal cost, when factored against the driving safety of the employees.
Gold Mine Motors was a dealership that focused on late model, gently used, vehicles. They had a stellar reputation for making sure that whatever was on the lot was in great shape and offered warranties. Something rare for used cars. They also offered after market service and repairs to vehicles in the service department by certified mechanics.
Seraphina Willis nodded as she returned her paper, before starting her shift as a cashier. “2014 Toyota Camry.” Even at ten years of age, the car was still in good shape, thanks to regular maintenance and the fact that Seraphina had never been in an accident or had a ticket in her years behind the wheel.
Jeff nodded and smiled at the young mother. She had lost her husband due to the pandemic in 2020 and was raising her daughter with the help of her parents. “She’s a heck of a cutie,” he thought to himself. But he was in his late 50’s and married, so he just kept an eye out for her well being, and occasionally had a word with some of the idiots who worked at Gold Mine, to not be stupid. Standing at 5’7”, with dark red-brown hair that fell around her shoulders, along with a soft smile that occasionally reached her dark brown eyes, her slender frame was an attention getter.
“Seraphina? I was wondering if I could get your help with something today.” She looked up at her supervisor. “We have a few new hires and we want to get them cross trained in as many areas as possible. This is Eric Fulton,” he indicated a fellow, around 30, standing next to him. “I would like it if you can help him get familiarized with your job in case we ever are short handed. Once he is finished with you, I will move him to finance.”
The job of cashier at an auto dealership was more than just ringing up the cash register. She helped schedule service appointments, warranty work, and made sure all work was completed and signed off on, before the vehicle would be released to the owner. “Other duties as assigned.”
“Sure thing,” she nodded. “Follow me.” They entered a room that had several desks with computers. Printers were along the wall, under posters about service rates, costs and OSHA guidelines. Several pictures of the dealership employees were posted from company activities, like picnics or family trips. She was in several, along with a girl who was perhaps four or five. Her features were like a younger version of her mother. At her desk, there was another picture of the child, petting a chicken.
“Do you have your employee number and log in information? You do? Great! How about we get you registered into the system. Once we do that, I can give you a manual on how this program works. It’s actually pretty easy.”
“Sounds good to me,” Eric smiled. He looked at the picture of the girl. “Your daughter?”
“Yes. That’s my darling Ruth. My reason for living.”
“She looks like a sweetheart. I bet that between you and her father she’s spoiled,” he grinned.
It was almost like watching a wall come suddenly up. With dark eyes, Seraphina stated; “Her father died 2 months before she was born. Covid.”
Realizing he had just shoved his foot into his mouth, all the way to the knee, Eric tried to back pedal. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea!”