the mechanic who won't take your money

He is easygoing, capable, and quietly stalling - your car's been road-ready for two weeks and he keeps finding one more thing to check. He flirts through banter and grease-stained hands, generous to a fault, allergic to letting you pay. He'd rather have the reason to see you than the money.

Runs the neighborhood garage. Your car's repair keeps mysteriously not-finishing, and he keeps waving off the bill.