Taking a shot in the dark
Who: Vito, Becky, Nica, Katie, Zack, Sherry, Dot, Kyle, Juice, Valentine, Daniel, Hunter, Faith, Michael, Alan
Where: Sid's Diner / Streets of Sunnydale / Sunset Club
When: Sunday evening
Vito was hanging out at Sid's Diner, his back to a wall, his eyes on the street.
Becky was sitting with Vito, looking pretty excited, and a little bit nervous "Okay, so when we get the house back, I am really going to keep my room clean, and no more sneaking out. He'd like that, right? And I won't fight with Faith, we didn't fight much, but sometimes we did."
Nica was sitting apart from them, her back to another wall, watching the door. She had her sketch pad, but she was too nervous to draw; she just chewed the end of her pencil and tried to keep her breathing slow and measured.
Katie was on her way to the diner to get something to eat, because she was hungry.
Zack was bringing around the coffee pot again, and whistling some Beach Boys tune.
Sherry was in the diner, ordering many things from Zach. She waved to Katie, recognizing her
Katie waved and headed on over thataways. "Hi!"
Dot was not working, her shift having ended not too long ago. It had been busy, though, so she hadn't had a chance to eat until now. She was sitting in a booth, idly looking at the menu.
Becky waved to Dot. She was in a pretty good mood.
Dot waved to Becky. Now that she'd stopped moving, she'd suddenly remembered that she was tired.
Valentine headed in with Daniel, heading to hang out with Sherry.
"Hey girlfriend, what's going on?" Valentine waved and grinned.
"Doing a bit of work for my Dad, and watching my favorite waiter. How about you guys?" Sherry asked
Daniel smiled. "We're okay, I guess." He waved with his good arm.
"Pretty good," Valentine said, and pulled out a chair for Daniel, then settled in himself.
"How's the arm?" asked Sherry
"My Dads really like Daniel- it's kinda cool," Valentine said. "I think it's because he's good with books- he's been helping me out with helping them out at the book store."
Zack paused by Val and Daniel. "Anything here?"
"Oh, that's great." Sherry smiled "It's a really nice book store. Zack, can you turn a little to the left?"
"It's okay -- getting better, slowly," Daniel said. "Can I get a cherry coke?"
Katie settled into a table near Sherry and company.
"I'll take a ginger ale and hm - you hungry, Danny? We could get something to eat," Valentine suggested.
"Kinda hungry, but I'd like to check the menu first," Daniel said.
Valentine nodded. "Okay, give us a few on the food..."
Zack nodded and ran off to get sodas.
A black sedan drove past the diner.
Katie would have panicked at the sight of a black sedan, except for the fact that she had absolutely no good reason to. So instead she just smiled and waited for Zack.
Sherry noted the sedan, and yawned.
Zack returned with drinks. Vito followed the car with his eyes until it rounded a corner.
"Anything for you?" Zack asked Katie.
"Cocoa, please," Katie said, "and the breakfast platter - with scrambled eggs?"
"Hey, Vito." Becky asked "If my Dad finally lets me get my drivers license, can you teach me to ride a motorcycle? Ethan said he doesn't know how, and my Dad said no, but I'm sure he'd say yes if you taught me. If I get a motorcycle, I can be a biker chick, and nobody would mess with me. Ever."
"Chicken ceasar salad sounds good," Valentine said, perusing the menu
Dot drooped, and therefore missed the sedan completely.
"You got it," Zack smiled. "Cheese on the eggs, or plain?"
"Cheddar cheese, please," Katie said.
"Hmm... maybe I'll have that with a veggie burger," Daniel said.
"Sounds great. Coming right up," Zack said. He paused near Val and Daniel. "Still deciding?"
"I think I know what I want... Val?" Daniel asked.
"Me too- I'll take the chicken ceasar salad," Valentine said.
"The same, with a veggieburger," Daniel said.
A young woman in a cowboy hat and a duster walked into the diner and took a quick look around. Vito had already noticed her, and nodded. Becky, Nica and Katie all recognized her immediately.
Sherry's phone rang, and she hurried to answer it. She spoke very quietly, and hung up quickly.
BEcky jumped up, and gave the young woman a hug.
Katie noted the lady, and frowned slightly.
Bemused, Faith hugged Bex. "Hey ... you got quite a grip, little sister. Everything okay?"
"I missed you!" Becky said "And I'm so glad to see you."
Vito looked out the window again. He wished Faith would get the hell away from the window.
Dot blinked. This obviously was someone important.
"Well, let's have a seat and talk, okay?" Faith seemed to want to get out of view, as well. She settled in a table that wasn't clearly visible from the big plate glass windows.
Zack wrote tickets and put orders in at the window.
Vito glanced at Nica, who went into the bathroom.
Sherry stood up, and glanced towards Vito before sitting back Vito
Valentine nudged Daniel's good shoulder with his own, and smiled up at him.
Faith took off her hat and set it aside. "Place is mostly the same, but who the hell are all these people?" she said quietly, to Bex.
"What people?" asked Becky.
"The waiter, the two guys over there. The girl looks familiar," she added, glancing at Katie. Then at Sherrie. "But not her."
Nica returned from the restroom and sipped her coffee.
Daniel smiled cheerfully back.
"I dunno who the waiter is." Becky said "But I don't believe you don't recognize the guy. He was TImmy on All my Sons. He died on that show, but he lives in Sunnydale. Doesn't that rock? A real, live, TV star. The girl over there is Nica and Vito's aunt or something weird like that, and I don't know who the guy with the broken arm is."
A shadow passed the window. Vito looked up as the door opened.
The tall Native American man opened the door and took a step inside.
There was a flash of headlights as a car rounded the corner.
Becky looked up, and ran over to the guy, hugging him
"How's your arm feeling?" Valentine asked.
"Crap." Sherry said, quietly, looking at the scene
" ... aww, shit," Vito said, standing up.
As the car sped past, a single shot rang out, shattering the glass of the diner's door.
Katie ducked - breaking glass triggering her survival instincts.
Valentine ducked down, pulling Daniel under the table with him.
Valentine had lived in LA.
Hunter dropped, covering Becky.
Dot jumped, startled, then ducked under the table.
"... I thought drive-bys had more bullets," Daniel managed, after a moment.
Nica dove behind the counter.
"That was more like a drive-eh," Valentine said. "I still think we should maybe stay down here a while."
Zack was already crouched there. "Dude, not again," he grumbled.
Sherry slumped back in her seat, and fell over into the booth
Katie peered back up after a few moments of silence - in part, to make sure nothing was exploding, burning, or about to do either.
Faith blinked. "Uh ... hey. Guys? Chick's hit."
Sherry's phone rang.
Sherry wasn't answering.
Valentine reached up onto the seat, and collected the phone. If nothing else, he could tell the person on the other end to call 911.
Vito was still standing, looking out the window. "Okay, seriously, is that the best you ... Ah, crap, here they come again." He ducked.
Katie heard 'here they come again', and decided that ducking and heading for the back was slightly better than being right here.
"Hello?" Valentine said, into Sherry's phone. He was still under the table.
Glass flew everywhere. There were definitely more bullets this time. Fortunately, anybody with any sense had already taken cover, so the effects of driveby v2.0 were mostly lots of broken glass ruined furniture.
Daniel was staying where he was. Okay, so he wasn't exactly the better part of valor.
As Valentine answered the phone, the line went dead.
Dot stayed right where she was.
Katie tried to sneak out the back into the alleyway. Hell if she wanted to stick around to see if grenades were next.
"Crap," Valentine said, and tried to figure out if he could get it to dial 911.
The car screeched to a halt in front of the diner, and two men in dark fatigues got out and stomped towards the door.
The fact that he had his own phone didn't even register, becuase Valentine wasn't the best in these kind of situations.
Vito drew his pistol and motioned toward the back door.
Nica and Zack didn't see this, being behind the counter at the time. But Katie seemed to have a good idea, and they were following her lead.
"Daniel, c'mon... I think Italian mob guy is motioning for people to go out the back," Valentine said.
The cook was also absconding.
He didn't think being inside was such a good idea really, considering.
Katie, yes, was not about to see what happened next, and made with the fleeage.
Daniel started following Valentine, since that was as good as his idea.
"Go," Hunter said to Becky, rolling aside and reaching for his gun.
Dot, peeking up over the table, saw someone with a gun, and ducked back down again. She pondered the wisdom of trying to escape, but noticed people leaving, and made her way towards the back, too.
Faith hesitated. "Hunter -- "
"Let me help." Becky said "Gimme a gun."
Valentine kept low to the ground, and kept Daniel close to him - making his way back behind the counter and towards the back door.
"Go!" Hunter shouted at Becky, and got up to a crouch.
Faith grabbed Becky's arm and made for the back door.
Becky frowned at the shouting, and ran for the back door.
Katie started jogging the heck away from the diner, heading for a convenience store. "Mom really needs to get me a cell phone," she mumbled.
Valentine hurried for the back door once they were behind the counter. "C'mon, let's get the fuck out of here and call Alan."
Daniel scuttled after. "I'm coming, I'm coming..."
Nica was red-faced and bawling, but still running, dammit.
Dot made her way out through the back door and out into the alley, along with several other people she didn't recognize.
Valentine remembered about this time that he still had Sherry's phone, and dropped it in favor of his own , which had Alan's number in it on speed dial. He punched the number anxiously. "Pick up, pick up..."
There were several more gunshots back at the diner, some automatic, some single shots.
"Kingsley here," a voice on the other end answered. In the background, rap music was playing.
Valentine kept on moving with Daniel as he talked with the phone. "Alan - Daniel and I are in trouble. I need you to come pick us up -now-."
"What's going on? And for that matter, where are you?" Alan answered.
"Right now, we're running down an alley that's opening up onto 12th street," Valentine said, glancing up at a street sign as they passed it. "There was a shoot out down at the diner - oh crap, we left Sherry there. Call the police too, man."
Faith found Nica and handed off Bex to her. "Here. Get her inside somewhere. I'm going back." And she was off and running.
"Well, unless you want me to hang up on you..." Alan began. In the background, he added, "Ladies, I've gotta go. Business call. Keep the change."
"Christ, are you at the fucking bite club? Goddamnit, Alan... that's all the way cross town," Valentine said, a bit distressed by this.
Nica got a grip, and pulled out her cell phone, hitting sped dial number two.
Dot was also on the lookout for a convenience store, or another convenient payphone indors or somewhere well-lit.
Becky frowned "That wasn't supposed to happen."
MJ was already on the way there. "Where are you?" he asked
"No, I don't want you to hang up- don't hang up," Valentine said. He glanced to Daniel to make sure he was still okay, and then took a quick look around to make sure they were away from the commotion.
"Hey, we all have needs, Valleyboy," Alan answered. "Anyhow, you want me to call the feds, or you want me to find where you are?"
"The convenience store around the corner from Sid's," Nica said. "It's bad, send a bus."
MJ hung up, and made the calls while he was on his way.
Daniel was peering back every now and then, but mostly just following Valentine.
"Find us," Valentine said. He figured that one of the other people who had gone out the back would call the cops.
In a few minutes he was there, picking up anyone who needed a ride.
Katie, who'd been checking her pockets for change, noted people getting a ride, and quickly ducked in after. Seemed safer.
Dot skidded to a stop inside the convenience store, recognizing Nica.
Valentine and Daniel had perhaps unfortunately taken off in the oposite direction.
"Alright, I'm en route. Just keep giving street numbers, I'll be there as soon as possible," Alan assured.
"Ok, is this everyone?" asked MJ
She looked around for a minute, then sighed. That had been Nica, right? Where'd she go?
"Dot!" Becky said "Come on, we have a ride to safety!"
"Well, we just passed 1210... 1212..," Valentine said.
"Becky! Okay!" Dot ducked out of the store and into the car.
"Where to?" asked MJ "Anyone else we need to get?"
"I think they executed everyone who was still in the diner," Katie said, "so probably not."
"Vito and Hunter and Sherry are all back at the diner!" Nica shrilled.
"That's being taken care of." MJ said
Nica didn't look reassured. She covered her face with her hands.
"I gotta stop and catch my breath, I'm an actor not a runner..." Valentine paused when they got to the corner of 12th and Arch. "Christ..."
"Everything is fine." MJ said "Alright?"
"Try hauling a cast..." Daniel groused, wheezing.
"We're at 12th and Arch," Valentine said to Alan. "We're like.. going to duck behind this bus stop and hide. Becuase we're wusses and can't run any further."
"Where do you all want to go?" MJ asked "None of you are hurt, right?"
"Alright, I'm on Twelfth Street, turning in your direction - look out for my car," Alan said over the phone.
"No," Katie said, "but I think they killed the actress."
"I'm not hurt, no. Maybe, um..let's go to the Sunset, that's safe," said Dot.
Valentine ducked behind the bus stop where they had a bench and little shelter, and peered around it for Alan's car.
"Yesplease," Katie agreed with Dot.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Alan's sedan drove on up.
"Oh thank god, c'mon Danny..." Valentine hurried towards the car.
"Alright." MJ headed for the Sunset "I called people to the scene. Hopefully, no one has died."
"Katydid, eek, when did you get here?" Dot blinked.
"I left before everyone else did -- I didn't want to see what would happen if they had a rocket launcher," Katie said.
"...I hope they're okay." Becky said, quietly
MJ's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"You got an ambulance on the way to the diner?"
Dot shook her head. "I've been so tired lately, but that was a little too much."
"Yep." MJ said "Call Nica so she can stop bawling."
"Yeah, I'm all over it. Tell Bex that Hunter is ... Tell her he's okay. All right?"
MJ hung up. "Becky, your dad is fine. See? Everything is okay."
Nica's phone rang. She answered ... and promptly started crying again. So much for that plan.
MJ rolled his eyes, and stopped outside of The Sunset.
"Oh man..." Valentine made sure he and Daniel got settled in the back seat. "Drive," he said to Alan. "We're in."
Dot climbed out, then kept a watch until everyone was safely outside.
Katie scuttled inwards, rapidly. See, learning to jog everywhere WAS a useful thing to do.
Zack crept back into the diner. The mafia-looking guy was on a cell phone; he gave Zack a sharp look, then went on talking. Zack found Sherry and freakd out a little. "Oh, shit, I thought you were behind me ... "
Becky hurried in.
Dot waved, then made her way inside, too.
MJ sped off once everyone was out.
Alan drove off, shaking his head. "Man, you mind telling me why someone was taking potshots at you two? You ain't THAT popular."
Sherry didn't feel like answering Zack
Becky ran into the club, and sat at the counter rather unhappily
Dot lounged at the bar, suddenly even more tired than before.
Nica stayd close to Becky, uncharacteristically quiet for the rest of the night.
Katie looked around for Tina.
"It wasn't me I don't think... I don't know, it was some weird kind of driveby," Valentine said. "There was one shot... and these people came in, an italian guy pulled out a gun...and there were more shots..."
Kyle nodded to Becky. "Hi, guys!"
Tina was at her usual table, eating grapes.
"Heh. Fucking mobster wannabes. Ever since they got kicked out of the east half of the country, the only place those scummy Italian pricks can work is out here. Surprised a Mexican street gang hasn't cut their dicks off and shoved them up their nostrils by now," Alan opined.
Dot waved. "Hi, Kyle."
Katie scuttled thataway and hugged Tina tightly.
"Um..." Daniel didn't have anything to say to that.
Tina hugged. "Hey... How are you?"
"Yeah well," Valentine just shrugged helplessly. He couldnt' answer that either, and was too shaken to parse most of it. "And we didn't even get dinner."
"Not bad. But I think I'm going to have to start eating at the Ken Taco Hut," Katie answered.
"Why? That stuff is full of grease and stuff." asked Tina
"Where else is there to eat at this hour?" Valentine pondered. "I don't want to eat Doublemeat- that stuff is gross..."
"Yeah, but it hasn't exploded or been shot up this month that I know of," Katie said.
"Shot up?" asked Tina, looking concerend
"Yeah. Someone shot Sherry, and then they started shooting up the rest of the place, so I left. I'm kinda hungry," Katie added.
"That's..." Tina frowned "What do you want? I'll get it for you."
"Anything's good..." Katie said. "I didn't even get my drink."
"Ok, I'll be right back." Tina said, "Just relax, okay?"
"Well, there's convenience stores, and the Taco Hut," Alan opined.
"Maybe a convienince store run," Valentine said. "We could hurry in, grab some stuff, hurry back out. You mind driving us around a while? I just need some time to clear my head before we go home."
"Hey, Kyle? Can I get a Coke, please? And some wings? We, uh, we had a rough night and there was no food involved." Dot sighed.
"Sure, no problem," Alan said, and drove on.
"Sure," Kyle said, "just a sec. What happened?" He began serving things up.
"I'm relaxed," Katie said. "A little tired from jogging, but that's about it."
"Ok... well, I'm going to get you some food. I should have been there..." Tina frowned
"Someone shot up Sid's. I think Sherry was hurt, too." Dot frowned.
"I'm okay," Katie reassured. "Some other people got hurt, though..."
"Really? It wasn't Kit, was it?" Kyle asked, serving up drinks.
"I'm glad you're okay." TIna said "Who got hurt?"
"Kit? Why would he?" Dot tilted her head, puzzled.
Valentine patted Daniel's good hand. "You doing okay?"
"Sherry, I think, and maybe some other people," Katie said. "After the second barrage of gunfire I kinda fled out the back."
"Well..." Daniel contemplated.
"...no."
"Me either,"Valentine admitted. "Glad we're on the same page though."
"Well, I haven't seen him take over a shift for Michael in a while," Kyle said, "and business has been slow this month. I dunno, I wouldn't put it past him to shoot up the competition, though he'd probably just set it on fire."
"Oh.. that's bad." Tina said "I'm glad you're okay, though. I'll be right back with food for you."
"Eek, really? But...I work there! I know it's kinda awful, but ..having money is nice..." Dot trailed off.
"Hey Kyle, can I order a soda, burger and fries for Katie?" asked TIna
"Sure, no problem," Kyle said, and started serving things up. To Dot, he added, "Well, I dunno. Kit just creeps me out in general."
"I need a bodyguard or a gun or something," Valentine contemplated. The fact that he'd look utterly ridiculous with a gun and had no idea how to use one didn't occur.
"You're an actor, not a rapper," Alan reminded.
Dot nodded. "I can see where you'd think that. I'm kinda nervous around him too."
"Oh yeah, there is that," Valentine said. He laughed nervously. "It's just.. shit you know, I didn't have this much trouble living in LA even."
"Well, you lived in the good part of town in LA," Alan said.
"There's much less good part of town around here."
Kyle served up food from the kitchen. "He's pretty intense, worse than Ming. Don't tell either of them I said that, though."
Dot nodded, gratefully taking food. "Ming? I wouldn't cross her, but she always looks so sweet.."
"Yeah," Valentine said, rubbing his forhead. He suddenly remembered he'd been kind of rude to Alan on the phone eariler. "Sorry, man... sorry about what I said earlier, and about interupting your uh, personal time."
Tina listened queitly, then delivered food to Katie
"Tell you what. Someday, come here early and watch her yell at Juice," Kyle said.
"She's like ancient Chinese secret of bitter bitch."
Dot giggled. "Ooh, is it like that time she yelled at him after he nearly choked to death?"
Katie hugged Tina. "Thank you."
"Exactly," Kyle said. "Me, I stay on her good side. Better place to be."
"You're welcome" Tina smiled "I'm really glad you weren't hurt."
Dot nodded, soberly. "I'm sorry I haven't been to see you guys too much," she said, changing topics.
"Yeah, me too," Katie said. "But they weren't trying to kill me, so I'm fine."
"Yeah, well..." Kyle sighed. "Such is life. Happy holidays and all that."
"They better not be trying to kill you." Tina said
"I don't think I'm important enough to kill," Katie said, "so I'll be fine."
Dot sighed, then brightened. "Happy holidays! You're not mad at me, are you? I've been working a lot, and then splitting time between the hospital and home. I have presents for you, though!"
"You're important to me." Tina said
"Well, yes, but you don't want to kill me, right?" Katie asked.
Kyle shook his head. "No, I'm not mad. It just gets lonely here sometimes."
Juice emerged from the back. "Whew, took out all the garbage finally and- hey, Dot!"
"Never." Tina said "And I don't want anyone to try to kill you."
Becky waved to Juice, and went back to looking bummed.
"Hey Beck," Juice said, waving. "How's everyone?" He went behind the bar to kiss Kyle.
"Juice!" Dot nearly squeaked. To Kyle she said, "Even with the fluffyhead to keep you company?"
"Dot and I had a near death experience together." BEcky said "But we're okay... so things should be fine"
Kyle nodded. "We hang out all the time, sure, but we still like seeing our friends, especially since we're stuck here."
Juice nodded. "Yeah... and whoa, you guys near-deathed without us? What happened?"
"Gunfire," Kyle said.
"I don't think that's gonna happen," Katie said, and hugged. "It's the collateral damage I have to worry about."
"I was supposed to see my Dad and Faith, and people started shooting, and bullets went by our ears, and Dot and I had to run and dodge bullets." Becky explained
"Dot dodged like, five bullets." Yes, Becky tended to exaggerate
"Holy crap," Juice said. "And here I thought I was in mortal danger because the dumpster almost ate me again."
Dot nodded. "We did. Mostly I was hiding under the table, but I wasn't going to stick around."
"...The dumpster almost ate you?" asked Becky
"Totally! I swear it has it in for me," Juice said. "The garbage bags get stuck, then I have to lift up the lid and kind shove to get them in there, and then they don't go and I almost fall in and ugh- it's nasty."
"I can help you." Becky said "Since I won't get to see my Dad for a long time. I'll protect you from the dumpster."
Kyle grinned. "The dumpster is ominous."
Dot made an 'aw' noise. "Maybe ..you think Mike would hire me?"
"Maybe you can help, 'cause you're totally taller than me," Juice said. "And omg, yes! You must work here."
"I think I'm a giant."
Becky said "I grew a half inch so far this year."
Dot hmmed. "I didn't see him. Is he around? I'm tempted to go ask him right now."
"He's over there," Kyle said, pointing at the table.
Dot blinked. "Oh, so he is. I've been so tired, I didn't even notice him."
Michael, yes, was in his traditional spot, minding his club.
Dot nodded. "Okay, I'll go ask him. Don't you guys try eating anything. I've had a rough night and I need all the food i can get." She threw them a mock glare, then went over to talk to Michael.
"Yes ma'am," Juice said, saluting.
"I'm sorry we near deathed without you." Becky said "I thought I was just going to get to see my Dad."
Michael looked up. "Hey, Dot."
"HI Mike." Dot sat down, wearily. "So, Sid's was shot at tonight. I was wondering..do you guys need any more help?"
"Always," Michael said.
"Great. What do you need me to do?" Dot covered her mouth, and yawned.
"Dude, you mean you almost got to see your dad but got bullets instead? That totally blows!" Juice felt indignant for her.
"Bussing and waitress work is the biggest task -- I don't suppose you know anything about DJing?" Michael inquired.
Dot laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not much of a tech sort of girl. It kinda clashes with my earth-loving freespiritedness, you know?"
"I saw him, but then people started shooting." Becky said
"Fair enough. I keep looking," Michael said. "Also, do you have any strenuous objection to cleaning restrooms occasionally?"
"Where is he now?" Juice asked, heading around to hug Becky
Dot shook her head. "Nope! I might have once, but ..I'm a lot tougher for having worked at Sid's." She shuddered.
"I dunno..." Becky said, hugging "But MJ said he was alright."
"Well, it does get messy in there sometimes," Michael warned. "But someone's gotta do it, and the goths get pissy if Juice does it and has to close up the bathroom."
Dot grinned. "Maybe I'll just glare at them until they swish away to write poems about the tall dark goddess of death."
"That works," Michael said. "Anyhow, just let me know when you can start, and I'll add you to the payroll. We really could use some more staff around here."
Dot beamed. "..do you think they'll get mad if I quit tomorrow?"
"You might wanna pick up your check first," Michael suggested.
"Oh, well. Yes. Okay! Then, um..next week? I can start next week." Dot beamed again.
"Alright, then," Michael said. "I'll mark you down as joining up then. Pay's not too much better, but goths tend to tip well."
"I just don't want to get shot at! Besides, I barely knew anybody there, but I know lots of people here." Dot smiled. "Thank you so much! Is it inappropriate to hug your soon-to-be boss?"
"Nah, I don't mind," Michael said. "And while I can't promise nothing bad will ever happen here, I try to keep it to a minimum."
Dot nodded and leaned across the table to hug. "No, it's okay. I don't expect promises like that. I just ..I'd rather be here. I should have asked you ages ago."
Michael hugged and nodded. "Heh, s'okay, I'm still working on keeping a good balance between enough people to serve customers and not enough people to drive myself into brokeness and homelessness." He grinned.
"So you asked at a good time."
Dot smiled. "I guess it's a tradeoff for all the near-bad luck I've had lately. Thanks again!" She hurried away back to the bar and her food.
"How did it go?" asked BEcky
"I start next week!" Dot beamed.
"Cool!" Becky smiled "You're going to do so great at this job, and you'll be here, and not there."
"Awesome," JUice said, and high fived her.
"I know, I know!" Dot high-fived. "I'm gonna collect my check, and quit right then, and then sleep for DAYS!"
"They'll probably be closed for a while." Becky said
Dot frowned. "Oh, drat."
Where: Sid's Diner / Streets of Sunnydale / Sunset Club
When: Sunday evening
Vito was hanging out at Sid's Diner, his back to a wall, his eyes on the street.
Becky was sitting with Vito, looking pretty excited, and a little bit nervous "Okay, so when we get the house back, I am really going to keep my room clean, and no more sneaking out. He'd like that, right? And I won't fight with Faith, we didn't fight much, but sometimes we did."
Nica was sitting apart from them, her back to another wall, watching the door. She had her sketch pad, but she was too nervous to draw; she just chewed the end of her pencil and tried to keep her breathing slow and measured.
Katie was on her way to the diner to get something to eat, because she was hungry.
Zack was bringing around the coffee pot again, and whistling some Beach Boys tune.
Sherry was in the diner, ordering many things from Zach. She waved to Katie, recognizing her
Katie waved and headed on over thataways. "Hi!"
Dot was not working, her shift having ended not too long ago. It had been busy, though, so she hadn't had a chance to eat until now. She was sitting in a booth, idly looking at the menu.
Becky waved to Dot. She was in a pretty good mood.
Dot waved to Becky. Now that she'd stopped moving, she'd suddenly remembered that she was tired.
Valentine headed in with Daniel, heading to hang out with Sherry.
"Hey girlfriend, what's going on?" Valentine waved and grinned.
"Doing a bit of work for my Dad, and watching my favorite waiter. How about you guys?" Sherry asked
Daniel smiled. "We're okay, I guess." He waved with his good arm.
"Pretty good," Valentine said, and pulled out a chair for Daniel, then settled in himself.
"How's the arm?" asked Sherry
"My Dads really like Daniel- it's kinda cool," Valentine said. "I think it's because he's good with books- he's been helping me out with helping them out at the book store."
Zack paused by Val and Daniel. "Anything here?"
"Oh, that's great." Sherry smiled "It's a really nice book store. Zack, can you turn a little to the left?"
"It's okay -- getting better, slowly," Daniel said. "Can I get a cherry coke?"
Katie settled into a table near Sherry and company.
"I'll take a ginger ale and hm - you hungry, Danny? We could get something to eat," Valentine suggested.
"Kinda hungry, but I'd like to check the menu first," Daniel said.
Valentine nodded. "Okay, give us a few on the food..."
Zack nodded and ran off to get sodas.
A black sedan drove past the diner.
Katie would have panicked at the sight of a black sedan, except for the fact that she had absolutely no good reason to. So instead she just smiled and waited for Zack.
Sherry noted the sedan, and yawned.
Zack returned with drinks. Vito followed the car with his eyes until it rounded a corner.
"Anything for you?" Zack asked Katie.
"Cocoa, please," Katie said, "and the breakfast platter - with scrambled eggs?"
"Hey, Vito." Becky asked "If my Dad finally lets me get my drivers license, can you teach me to ride a motorcycle? Ethan said he doesn't know how, and my Dad said no, but I'm sure he'd say yes if you taught me. If I get a motorcycle, I can be a biker chick, and nobody would mess with me. Ever."
"Chicken ceasar salad sounds good," Valentine said, perusing the menu
Dot drooped, and therefore missed the sedan completely.
"You got it," Zack smiled. "Cheese on the eggs, or plain?"
"Cheddar cheese, please," Katie said.
"Hmm... maybe I'll have that with a veggie burger," Daniel said.
"Sounds great. Coming right up," Zack said. He paused near Val and Daniel. "Still deciding?"
"I think I know what I want... Val?" Daniel asked.
"Me too- I'll take the chicken ceasar salad," Valentine said.
"The same, with a veggieburger," Daniel said.
A young woman in a cowboy hat and a duster walked into the diner and took a quick look around. Vito had already noticed her, and nodded. Becky, Nica and Katie all recognized her immediately.
Sherry's phone rang, and she hurried to answer it. She spoke very quietly, and hung up quickly.
BEcky jumped up, and gave the young woman a hug.
Katie noted the lady, and frowned slightly.
Bemused, Faith hugged Bex. "Hey ... you got quite a grip, little sister. Everything okay?"
"I missed you!" Becky said "And I'm so glad to see you."
Vito looked out the window again. He wished Faith would get the hell away from the window.
Dot blinked. This obviously was someone important.
"Well, let's have a seat and talk, okay?" Faith seemed to want to get out of view, as well. She settled in a table that wasn't clearly visible from the big plate glass windows.
Zack wrote tickets and put orders in at the window.
Vito glanced at Nica, who went into the bathroom.
Sherry stood up, and glanced towards Vito before sitting back Vito
Valentine nudged Daniel's good shoulder with his own, and smiled up at him.
Faith took off her hat and set it aside. "Place is mostly the same, but who the hell are all these people?" she said quietly, to Bex.
"What people?" asked Becky.
"The waiter, the two guys over there. The girl looks familiar," she added, glancing at Katie. Then at Sherrie. "But not her."
Nica returned from the restroom and sipped her coffee.
Daniel smiled cheerfully back.
"I dunno who the waiter is." Becky said "But I don't believe you don't recognize the guy. He was TImmy on All my Sons. He died on that show, but he lives in Sunnydale. Doesn't that rock? A real, live, TV star. The girl over there is Nica and Vito's aunt or something weird like that, and I don't know who the guy with the broken arm is."
A shadow passed the window. Vito looked up as the door opened.
The tall Native American man opened the door and took a step inside.
There was a flash of headlights as a car rounded the corner.
Becky looked up, and ran over to the guy, hugging him
"How's your arm feeling?" Valentine asked.
"Crap." Sherry said, quietly, looking at the scene
" ... aww, shit," Vito said, standing up.
As the car sped past, a single shot rang out, shattering the glass of the diner's door.
Katie ducked - breaking glass triggering her survival instincts.
Valentine ducked down, pulling Daniel under the table with him.
Valentine had lived in LA.
Hunter dropped, covering Becky.
Dot jumped, startled, then ducked under the table.
"... I thought drive-bys had more bullets," Daniel managed, after a moment.
Nica dove behind the counter.
"That was more like a drive-eh," Valentine said. "I still think we should maybe stay down here a while."
Zack was already crouched there. "Dude, not again," he grumbled.
Sherry slumped back in her seat, and fell over into the booth
Katie peered back up after a few moments of silence - in part, to make sure nothing was exploding, burning, or about to do either.
Faith blinked. "Uh ... hey. Guys? Chick's hit."
Sherry's phone rang.
Sherry wasn't answering.
Valentine reached up onto the seat, and collected the phone. If nothing else, he could tell the person on the other end to call 911.
Vito was still standing, looking out the window. "Okay, seriously, is that the best you ... Ah, crap, here they come again." He ducked.
Katie heard 'here they come again', and decided that ducking and heading for the back was slightly better than being right here.
"Hello?" Valentine said, into Sherry's phone. He was still under the table.
Glass flew everywhere. There were definitely more bullets this time. Fortunately, anybody with any sense had already taken cover, so the effects of driveby v2.0 were mostly lots of broken glass ruined furniture.
Daniel was staying where he was. Okay, so he wasn't exactly the better part of valor.
As Valentine answered the phone, the line went dead.
Dot stayed right where she was.
Katie tried to sneak out the back into the alleyway. Hell if she wanted to stick around to see if grenades were next.
"Crap," Valentine said, and tried to figure out if he could get it to dial 911.
The car screeched to a halt in front of the diner, and two men in dark fatigues got out and stomped towards the door.
The fact that he had his own phone didn't even register, becuase Valentine wasn't the best in these kind of situations.
Vito drew his pistol and motioned toward the back door.
Nica and Zack didn't see this, being behind the counter at the time. But Katie seemed to have a good idea, and they were following her lead.
"Daniel, c'mon... I think Italian mob guy is motioning for people to go out the back," Valentine said.
The cook was also absconding.
He didn't think being inside was such a good idea really, considering.
Katie, yes, was not about to see what happened next, and made with the fleeage.
Daniel started following Valentine, since that was as good as his idea.
"Go," Hunter said to Becky, rolling aside and reaching for his gun.
Dot, peeking up over the table, saw someone with a gun, and ducked back down again. She pondered the wisdom of trying to escape, but noticed people leaving, and made her way towards the back, too.
Faith hesitated. "Hunter -- "
"Let me help." Becky said "Gimme a gun."
Valentine kept low to the ground, and kept Daniel close to him - making his way back behind the counter and towards the back door.
"Go!" Hunter shouted at Becky, and got up to a crouch.
Faith grabbed Becky's arm and made for the back door.
Becky frowned at the shouting, and ran for the back door.
Katie started jogging the heck away from the diner, heading for a convenience store. "Mom really needs to get me a cell phone," she mumbled.
Valentine hurried for the back door once they were behind the counter. "C'mon, let's get the fuck out of here and call Alan."
Daniel scuttled after. "I'm coming, I'm coming..."
Nica was red-faced and bawling, but still running, dammit.
Dot made her way out through the back door and out into the alley, along with several other people she didn't recognize.
Valentine remembered about this time that he still had Sherry's phone, and dropped it in favor of his own , which had Alan's number in it on speed dial. He punched the number anxiously. "Pick up, pick up..."
There were several more gunshots back at the diner, some automatic, some single shots.
"Kingsley here," a voice on the other end answered. In the background, rap music was playing.
Valentine kept on moving with Daniel as he talked with the phone. "Alan - Daniel and I are in trouble. I need you to come pick us up -now-."
"What's going on? And for that matter, where are you?" Alan answered.
"Right now, we're running down an alley that's opening up onto 12th street," Valentine said, glancing up at a street sign as they passed it. "There was a shoot out down at the diner - oh crap, we left Sherry there. Call the police too, man."
Faith found Nica and handed off Bex to her. "Here. Get her inside somewhere. I'm going back." And she was off and running.
"Well, unless you want me to hang up on you..." Alan began. In the background, he added, "Ladies, I've gotta go. Business call. Keep the change."
"Christ, are you at the fucking bite club? Goddamnit, Alan... that's all the way cross town," Valentine said, a bit distressed by this.
Nica got a grip, and pulled out her cell phone, hitting sped dial number two.
Dot was also on the lookout for a convenience store, or another convenient payphone indors or somewhere well-lit.
Becky frowned "That wasn't supposed to happen."
MJ was already on the way there. "Where are you?" he asked
"No, I don't want you to hang up- don't hang up," Valentine said. He glanced to Daniel to make sure he was still okay, and then took a quick look around to make sure they were away from the commotion.
"Hey, we all have needs, Valleyboy," Alan answered. "Anyhow, you want me to call the feds, or you want me to find where you are?"
"The convenience store around the corner from Sid's," Nica said. "It's bad, send a bus."
MJ hung up, and made the calls while he was on his way.
Daniel was peering back every now and then, but mostly just following Valentine.
"Find us," Valentine said. He figured that one of the other people who had gone out the back would call the cops.
In a few minutes he was there, picking up anyone who needed a ride.
Katie, who'd been checking her pockets for change, noted people getting a ride, and quickly ducked in after. Seemed safer.
Dot skidded to a stop inside the convenience store, recognizing Nica.
Valentine and Daniel had perhaps unfortunately taken off in the oposite direction.
"Alright, I'm en route. Just keep giving street numbers, I'll be there as soon as possible," Alan assured.
"Ok, is this everyone?" asked MJ
She looked around for a minute, then sighed. That had been Nica, right? Where'd she go?
"Dot!" Becky said "Come on, we have a ride to safety!"
"Well, we just passed 1210... 1212..," Valentine said.
"Becky! Okay!" Dot ducked out of the store and into the car.
"Where to?" asked MJ "Anyone else we need to get?"
"I think they executed everyone who was still in the diner," Katie said, "so probably not."
"Vito and Hunter and Sherry are all back at the diner!" Nica shrilled.
"That's being taken care of." MJ said
Nica didn't look reassured. She covered her face with her hands.
"I gotta stop and catch my breath, I'm an actor not a runner..." Valentine paused when they got to the corner of 12th and Arch. "Christ..."
"Everything is fine." MJ said "Alright?"
"Try hauling a cast..." Daniel groused, wheezing.
"We're at 12th and Arch," Valentine said to Alan. "We're like.. going to duck behind this bus stop and hide. Becuase we're wusses and can't run any further."
"Where do you all want to go?" MJ asked "None of you are hurt, right?"
"Alright, I'm on Twelfth Street, turning in your direction - look out for my car," Alan said over the phone.
"No," Katie said, "but I think they killed the actress."
"I'm not hurt, no. Maybe, um..let's go to the Sunset, that's safe," said Dot.
Valentine ducked behind the bus stop where they had a bench and little shelter, and peered around it for Alan's car.
"Yesplease," Katie agreed with Dot.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Alan's sedan drove on up.
"Oh thank god, c'mon Danny..." Valentine hurried towards the car.
"Alright." MJ headed for the Sunset "I called people to the scene. Hopefully, no one has died."
"Katydid, eek, when did you get here?" Dot blinked.
"I left before everyone else did -- I didn't want to see what would happen if they had a rocket launcher," Katie said.
"...I hope they're okay." Becky said, quietly
MJ's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"You got an ambulance on the way to the diner?"
Dot shook her head. "I've been so tired lately, but that was a little too much."
"Yep." MJ said "Call Nica so she can stop bawling."
"Yeah, I'm all over it. Tell Bex that Hunter is ... Tell her he's okay. All right?"
MJ hung up. "Becky, your dad is fine. See? Everything is okay."
Nica's phone rang. She answered ... and promptly started crying again. So much for that plan.
MJ rolled his eyes, and stopped outside of The Sunset.
"Oh man..." Valentine made sure he and Daniel got settled in the back seat. "Drive," he said to Alan. "We're in."
Dot climbed out, then kept a watch until everyone was safely outside.
Katie scuttled inwards, rapidly. See, learning to jog everywhere WAS a useful thing to do.
Zack crept back into the diner. The mafia-looking guy was on a cell phone; he gave Zack a sharp look, then went on talking. Zack found Sherry and freakd out a little. "Oh, shit, I thought you were behind me ... "
Becky hurried in.
Dot waved, then made her way inside, too.
MJ sped off once everyone was out.
Alan drove off, shaking his head. "Man, you mind telling me why someone was taking potshots at you two? You ain't THAT popular."
Sherry didn't feel like answering Zack
Becky ran into the club, and sat at the counter rather unhappily
Dot lounged at the bar, suddenly even more tired than before.
Nica stayd close to Becky, uncharacteristically quiet for the rest of the night.
Katie looked around for Tina.
"It wasn't me I don't think... I don't know, it was some weird kind of driveby," Valentine said. "There was one shot... and these people came in, an italian guy pulled out a gun...and there were more shots..."
Kyle nodded to Becky. "Hi, guys!"
Tina was at her usual table, eating grapes.
"Heh. Fucking mobster wannabes. Ever since they got kicked out of the east half of the country, the only place those scummy Italian pricks can work is out here. Surprised a Mexican street gang hasn't cut their dicks off and shoved them up their nostrils by now," Alan opined.
Dot waved. "Hi, Kyle."
Katie scuttled thataway and hugged Tina tightly.
"Um..." Daniel didn't have anything to say to that.
Tina hugged. "Hey... How are you?"
"Yeah well," Valentine just shrugged helplessly. He couldnt' answer that either, and was too shaken to parse most of it. "And we didn't even get dinner."
"Not bad. But I think I'm going to have to start eating at the Ken Taco Hut," Katie answered.
"Why? That stuff is full of grease and stuff." asked Tina
"Where else is there to eat at this hour?" Valentine pondered. "I don't want to eat Doublemeat- that stuff is gross..."
"Yeah, but it hasn't exploded or been shot up this month that I know of," Katie said.
"Shot up?" asked Tina, looking concerend
"Yeah. Someone shot Sherry, and then they started shooting up the rest of the place, so I left. I'm kinda hungry," Katie added.
"That's..." Tina frowned "What do you want? I'll get it for you."
"Anything's good..." Katie said. "I didn't even get my drink."
"Ok, I'll be right back." Tina said, "Just relax, okay?"
"Well, there's convenience stores, and the Taco Hut," Alan opined.
"Maybe a convienince store run," Valentine said. "We could hurry in, grab some stuff, hurry back out. You mind driving us around a while? I just need some time to clear my head before we go home."
"Hey, Kyle? Can I get a Coke, please? And some wings? We, uh, we had a rough night and there was no food involved." Dot sighed.
"Sure, no problem," Alan said, and drove on.
"Sure," Kyle said, "just a sec. What happened?" He began serving things up.
"I'm relaxed," Katie said. "A little tired from jogging, but that's about it."
"Ok... well, I'm going to get you some food. I should have been there..." Tina frowned
"Someone shot up Sid's. I think Sherry was hurt, too." Dot frowned.
"I'm okay," Katie reassured. "Some other people got hurt, though..."
"Really? It wasn't Kit, was it?" Kyle asked, serving up drinks.
"I'm glad you're okay." TIna said "Who got hurt?"
"Kit? Why would he?" Dot tilted her head, puzzled.
Valentine patted Daniel's good hand. "You doing okay?"
"Sherry, I think, and maybe some other people," Katie said. "After the second barrage of gunfire I kinda fled out the back."
"Well..." Daniel contemplated.
"...no."
"Me either,"Valentine admitted. "Glad we're on the same page though."
"Well, I haven't seen him take over a shift for Michael in a while," Kyle said, "and business has been slow this month. I dunno, I wouldn't put it past him to shoot up the competition, though he'd probably just set it on fire."
"Oh.. that's bad." Tina said "I'm glad you're okay, though. I'll be right back with food for you."
"Eek, really? But...I work there! I know it's kinda awful, but ..having money is nice..." Dot trailed off.
"Hey Kyle, can I order a soda, burger and fries for Katie?" asked TIna
"Sure, no problem," Kyle said, and started serving things up. To Dot, he added, "Well, I dunno. Kit just creeps me out in general."
"I need a bodyguard or a gun or something," Valentine contemplated. The fact that he'd look utterly ridiculous with a gun and had no idea how to use one didn't occur.
"You're an actor, not a rapper," Alan reminded.
Dot nodded. "I can see where you'd think that. I'm kinda nervous around him too."
"Oh yeah, there is that," Valentine said. He laughed nervously. "It's just.. shit you know, I didn't have this much trouble living in LA even."
"Well, you lived in the good part of town in LA," Alan said.
"There's much less good part of town around here."
Kyle served up food from the kitchen. "He's pretty intense, worse than Ming. Don't tell either of them I said that, though."
Dot nodded, gratefully taking food. "Ming? I wouldn't cross her, but she always looks so sweet.."
"Yeah," Valentine said, rubbing his forhead. He suddenly remembered he'd been kind of rude to Alan on the phone eariler. "Sorry, man... sorry about what I said earlier, and about interupting your uh, personal time."
Tina listened queitly, then delivered food to Katie
"Tell you what. Someday, come here early and watch her yell at Juice," Kyle said.
"She's like ancient Chinese secret of bitter bitch."
Dot giggled. "Ooh, is it like that time she yelled at him after he nearly choked to death?"
Katie hugged Tina. "Thank you."
"Exactly," Kyle said. "Me, I stay on her good side. Better place to be."
"You're welcome" Tina smiled "I'm really glad you weren't hurt."
Dot nodded, soberly. "I'm sorry I haven't been to see you guys too much," she said, changing topics.
"Yeah, me too," Katie said. "But they weren't trying to kill me, so I'm fine."
"Yeah, well..." Kyle sighed. "Such is life. Happy holidays and all that."
"They better not be trying to kill you." Tina said
"I don't think I'm important enough to kill," Katie said, "so I'll be fine."
Dot sighed, then brightened. "Happy holidays! You're not mad at me, are you? I've been working a lot, and then splitting time between the hospital and home. I have presents for you, though!"
"You're important to me." Tina said
"Well, yes, but you don't want to kill me, right?" Katie asked.
Kyle shook his head. "No, I'm not mad. It just gets lonely here sometimes."
Juice emerged from the back. "Whew, took out all the garbage finally and- hey, Dot!"
"Never." Tina said "And I don't want anyone to try to kill you."
Becky waved to Juice, and went back to looking bummed.
"Hey Beck," Juice said, waving. "How's everyone?" He went behind the bar to kiss Kyle.
"Juice!" Dot nearly squeaked. To Kyle she said, "Even with the fluffyhead to keep you company?"
"Dot and I had a near death experience together." BEcky said "But we're okay... so things should be fine"
Kyle nodded. "We hang out all the time, sure, but we still like seeing our friends, especially since we're stuck here."
Juice nodded. "Yeah... and whoa, you guys near-deathed without us? What happened?"
"Gunfire," Kyle said.
"I don't think that's gonna happen," Katie said, and hugged. "It's the collateral damage I have to worry about."
"I was supposed to see my Dad and Faith, and people started shooting, and bullets went by our ears, and Dot and I had to run and dodge bullets." Becky explained
"Dot dodged like, five bullets." Yes, Becky tended to exaggerate
"Holy crap," Juice said. "And here I thought I was in mortal danger because the dumpster almost ate me again."
Dot nodded. "We did. Mostly I was hiding under the table, but I wasn't going to stick around."
"...The dumpster almost ate you?" asked Becky
"Totally! I swear it has it in for me," Juice said. "The garbage bags get stuck, then I have to lift up the lid and kind shove to get them in there, and then they don't go and I almost fall in and ugh- it's nasty."
"I can help you." Becky said "Since I won't get to see my Dad for a long time. I'll protect you from the dumpster."
Kyle grinned. "The dumpster is ominous."
Dot made an 'aw' noise. "Maybe ..you think Mike would hire me?"
"Maybe you can help, 'cause you're totally taller than me," Juice said. "And omg, yes! You must work here."
"I think I'm a giant."
Becky said "I grew a half inch so far this year."
Dot hmmed. "I didn't see him. Is he around? I'm tempted to go ask him right now."
"He's over there," Kyle said, pointing at the table.
Dot blinked. "Oh, so he is. I've been so tired, I didn't even notice him."
Michael, yes, was in his traditional spot, minding his club.
Dot nodded. "Okay, I'll go ask him. Don't you guys try eating anything. I've had a rough night and I need all the food i can get." She threw them a mock glare, then went over to talk to Michael.
"Yes ma'am," Juice said, saluting.
"I'm sorry we near deathed without you." Becky said "I thought I was just going to get to see my Dad."
Michael looked up. "Hey, Dot."
"HI Mike." Dot sat down, wearily. "So, Sid's was shot at tonight. I was wondering..do you guys need any more help?"
"Always," Michael said.
"Great. What do you need me to do?" Dot covered her mouth, and yawned.
"Dude, you mean you almost got to see your dad but got bullets instead? That totally blows!" Juice felt indignant for her.
"Bussing and waitress work is the biggest task -- I don't suppose you know anything about DJing?" Michael inquired.
Dot laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not much of a tech sort of girl. It kinda clashes with my earth-loving freespiritedness, you know?"
"I saw him, but then people started shooting." Becky said
"Fair enough. I keep looking," Michael said. "Also, do you have any strenuous objection to cleaning restrooms occasionally?"
"Where is he now?" Juice asked, heading around to hug Becky
Dot shook her head. "Nope! I might have once, but ..I'm a lot tougher for having worked at Sid's." She shuddered.
"I dunno..." Becky said, hugging "But MJ said he was alright."
"Well, it does get messy in there sometimes," Michael warned. "But someone's gotta do it, and the goths get pissy if Juice does it and has to close up the bathroom."
Dot grinned. "Maybe I'll just glare at them until they swish away to write poems about the tall dark goddess of death."
"That works," Michael said. "Anyhow, just let me know when you can start, and I'll add you to the payroll. We really could use some more staff around here."
Dot beamed. "..do you think they'll get mad if I quit tomorrow?"
"You might wanna pick up your check first," Michael suggested.
"Oh, well. Yes. Okay! Then, um..next week? I can start next week." Dot beamed again.
"Alright, then," Michael said. "I'll mark you down as joining up then. Pay's not too much better, but goths tend to tip well."
"I just don't want to get shot at! Besides, I barely knew anybody there, but I know lots of people here." Dot smiled. "Thank you so much! Is it inappropriate to hug your soon-to-be boss?"
"Nah, I don't mind," Michael said. "And while I can't promise nothing bad will ever happen here, I try to keep it to a minimum."
Dot nodded and leaned across the table to hug. "No, it's okay. I don't expect promises like that. I just ..I'd rather be here. I should have asked you ages ago."
Michael hugged and nodded. "Heh, s'okay, I'm still working on keeping a good balance between enough people to serve customers and not enough people to drive myself into brokeness and homelessness." He grinned.
"So you asked at a good time."
Dot smiled. "I guess it's a tradeoff for all the near-bad luck I've had lately. Thanks again!" She hurried away back to the bar and her food.
"How did it go?" asked BEcky
"I start next week!" Dot beamed.
"Cool!" Becky smiled "You're going to do so great at this job, and you'll be here, and not there."
"Awesome," JUice said, and high fived her.
"I know, I know!" Dot high-fived. "I'm gonna collect my check, and quit right then, and then sleep for DAYS!"
"They'll probably be closed for a while." Becky said
Dot frowned. "Oh, drat."