For all of the women Alice has tried to set me up with it blows my mind that Gail was never one of them. Gail started working at the diner today and I was lucky enough to be her first costumer. I think it went well, it's been awhile since I've tried to get someone's attention, flirting was never really my thing, but Gail seemed to pick up on it. Or at least I hope. We didn't have much time together. Maybe there will be more tomorrow
Gail thought it was an amazing idea. To pretend to work at the diner, it would be the perfect preface to conversation and keep it going. The only snag in her plan was to convince the diner. Almost everyone in the town knew her by then, Holly's condition was something that had been spread throughout the tight knit community, so her effort to be a part of the brunette's life was bound to be known at one point or another. People would probably play along, it was just getting Alice to go a long. Holly's friend was still a little on edge about Gail's motives.
Gail strolled into the diner like she had been doing all week, but instead of going to her stool or her table she went straight to the kitchen. It didn't take long for her presence to be known.
"Gail. What're you doing back here?" Alice was the one to talk to her.
"I was wondering if I could work here for the morning." Gail got right to the point. "I'm running out of stupid pickup lines, and other ways to invite myself to her table."
Alice sighed and grabbed a few plates ready for serving. "Sounds like you're out of luck, maybe you should stop using my friend."
"I'm not using her." Gail practically growled before pushing her way out of the door. Looked like that plan was out the window. She grumpily watched as Alice served a table, and tried to calm herself, there would be no getting to talk to Holly if she was grumpy to begin with. Although the day they met she was in a horrendous mood to begin with. Gail doubted it'd work again, it was probably a fluke anyway.
She drank and entire coffee as she tried to come up with any way to see the brunette, but when nothing came to mind she decided to call it a day. Gail wasn't going to get to see her, it'd happen, and she'd just have to get used to it. What was she going to do when she had to go back to the city anyway? Gail pushed that thought to the furthest parts of her brain.
She slapped down enough money for her coffee and wallowed to the door with the plan of going to her studio to work on her project.
"Gail."
She spun around at the call of her name. Alice.
"Where are you going?" The shorter woman questioned as if Gail was being ridiculous.
"Does it matter?" Gail was indeed confused. Why would Alice care where she went?
Alice threw an apron at the blonde. "It does when your shift starts in two." She pulled out a pad of paper and a pencil from her apron and handed them to Gail with a halfhearted smile.
"Really?" She sounded more excited than she cared to admit. She was going to be working at a diner for goodness sake!
"Yup." Alice nodded once and spun on her heels, apparently they were going to the kitchen.
Gail hazardously put her apron on as she followed Holly's friend, she was nervous, she hadn't actually thought Alice would give her an actual shift. She's never worked as a waitress and she guessed it wasn't quite like it was in movies.
"I'll give you a couple of tables, you take their orders and write them down. You bring that paper over here." Alice pointed to a row of pad paper hung by clothes pins. "Then you see if anyone at any of your tables needs you. Fill drinks, take plates, ask if they need anything. When your number is called you come back and get the order from this table, take it to them. If you are not needed, have moments to yourself, that's when you can try and flirt with my best friend. Any questions?"
"Two. Which tables are mine, and when does my shift end?"
Alice bit the inside of her cheek it try and contain a smile. Gail was serious about it, about working her shift just so she could have a chance to tall to Holly, maybe the blonde wasn't so bad. "You get table eight, the one with Mr. Dasher. Six, the three hungover teens. Four, the gross couple. And three, Holly. Your shift ends when I tell you it does."
Gail gave a determined nod and set out her tables.
For the first half hour she didn't even get to get Holly anything, the brunette just read her book and slowly nibbled on her breakfast, not even needing a coffee refill. She did however learn what it was like to serve a picky old man. Mr. Dasher was the worst, never satisfied with anything the first time Gail brought it, and she had to bite her tongue multiple times. Alice had scolded her after the first spout of expletives she let loose, tips were what the shorter woman lived off of and Gail couldn't mess that weeks food up. But it did happen, Gail did get to talk to Holly, actually talk once she got the hang of waiting the other three tables. It didn't amount to anything, just friends and casual conversation that day, and Gail was happy with that. She didn't need to flirt or be flirted with everyday, didn't need the nerves and shyness that went with it, it was nice just to talk and get to know the brunette.
I was photographed today. By the most beautiful, and talented woman ever, Gail Peck. I'd been reading at the beach when the sun gleaming on the lens of her camera shot right into my eyes, blinding me momentarily. She came over immediately, apologizing for the shine in my eyes and for being a creep, apparently she couldn't help but take my picture. Long story short, I ended up taking her to the diner -earning myself a smirk and wink from Alice-, and I hope upon every hope that I'll get to see the blue eyed beauty again.
Gail really hadn't even tried to run into Holly, honest to god she hadn't, but when she saw the brunette reading she couldn't help but take her picture. She'd gone down to the beach to take some anyway, so why not take some of the most beautiful woman in the world?
She lined up the shot and snapped a few. A smile set widely across her face. God, she's so beautiful, even when her hair was wispy from the wind and she has no makeup on. Through the eye piece Gail watched as Holly squinted, looked up, and met here gaze. She quickly put her camera down in embarrassment for being caught. Great now you can't even go over and see her today, she thinks you're a creep. Gail berated herself as she gathered her stuff to leave.
"How'd they turn out?"
Gail's heart stopped. She knew that voice, that smooth voice was one she could pick out in a crowed. She slowly turned around and was face to face with the brunette. "Hmm?"
Holly smiled, a little crooked one that always sent a jolt of warmth through Gail. "I asked if the photos turned out any good."
"Oh." She looked to the camera that hung around her neck. "I haven't looked yet. I can delete them if you want, I can see how weird and creepy it looks, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
"While subjectively it is high on the creepy scale, I don't think that was your intention." Holly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile now hitting her eyes. "Can I see?" She pointed to the camera.
Finally! I've met a wonderful, amazing girl who loves TonDC as much as I do. I was on my way to the market for mom when I saw Gail's band shirt, the same one I have but only in a tee instead of a tank top, I was so excited I squealed and practically ran to her. God it was so embarrassing. But I did get to talk to a really pretty girl, got her number, and set a concert date. At least I hope it's a date, we didn't really sort that out. Even though most fans are gay, it's not a definite thing, besides why in the world would Gail go for someone like me? She could have anyone she wanted.
Gail was casually walking down the street for the third time, waiting for Holly. Andrew had texted her that he was going to get Holly to go to the market, just encase she wanted to try and talk to her, and so Gail had taken up on the opportunity and gone to the market. She met eyes with the woman in the flower shop, the florist had watched her walk by five minutes prior, and probably knew what was happening. Gail have her a small wave and continued walking down the street. Not a minute later she caught sight of Holly's hair in the crowed and she had to refrain from running over and wrapping her up in a hug. So she swallowed down the impulse and changed her route so she could bump into the brunette, a cheesy pickup line ready on the tip of her tongue.
Gail's stomach filled with billions of fire flies, all fluttering and warm, when Holly's face lit up at the sight of her. She was obviously excited as she practically bounced over to Gail. For a split second Gail thought she remembered, that she knew who she was and was just happy to see her as she was. All of that was crushed when Holly opened her mouth.
"TonDC!" She almost screamed, pointing to Gail's shirt. "I love them! Oh my god, I can't believe I'm not the only one in this town who knows who they are." Holly was giddy and her excitement brought a happiness to Gail that she hadn't known to exist.
"People here don't know what they're missing, TonDC is the best band ever." Gail played along with the brunette's excitement.
"Right?" She chuckled. "What's your favourite song?"
"All of them, but I'd have to say Skikrew and Love Is Weakness are my top two. What're yours?"
"Princess Commander, and May We Meet Again, but Love Is Weakness just misses the cut for second." Holly grinned from ear to ear, rolling from the tips of her toes back to her heal and over again. Gail loved the twinkle in her eye as she spoke about her favourite band.
"What others are in your top five?" Gail questioned just to continue the joy radiating off of the brunette.
"Polis is beautiful, and Blood Must Have Blood is... wow, so is Acid Fog. I can go on for days about them."
Holly was adorable when she was studying. Gail had seen her read, countless times, and the resulting feeling stayed the same, Holly was calming. But studying was different. It was scrunched brow, pen eating, messed hair, growls of frustration, and it couldn't be more adorable.
Gail watched from a few tables over, nose in a book, eyes not peaking at a word of it for a certain brunette was far more interesting. She felt creepy. Like really creepy, but she couldn't find it in her to stop. Holly was too amusing, too pretty, too on her mind for her to give up the opportunity to drink in the sight. So Gail watched and memorized because she wouldn't be able to see the former med student for a few days.
Holly slammed a book down, one so big it could be used as a step stool, and ran her hands through her hair pushing it all from her face and looking to the ceiling, giving Gail the perfect view of her neck. Gail licked her lips at the sight, she could think of a few ways to help release some of Holly's stress and all of them included her lips on gorgeously tan skin. Before she could think to look away, to try and look un-creepy, Holly caught her eyes and sent a weird look. Gail's cheeks set on fire as she stuttered in an attempt to flip the book and pretend to read. She could feel the burning gaze of brown eyes, it sent shivers up her spine and sent goose bumps crawling all over her skin.
In a desperate act Gail abruptly stood from her seat, sending it to the floor, and rushed to the long aisles of books. Once a good four shelves away she stopped and rest her head on the dark case and took a deep breath. She was Gail Peck, born and raised cop, rebel ice queen. She wasn't flustered by pretty girls, she wasn't the one to chase, she wasn't the one to be sappy and have nothing on her mind but a pretty girl. Gail Peck didn't run away from someone because they'd caught her staring.
Or so she'd thought.
Gail sighed which came out more as a groan, and metaphorically dusted herself off. She shook out her hands and began strolling down the seemingly endless halls of old, crackling spines books, ones she just knew Holly would love, and debated going home without attempting to talk to the brunette. At that point there was no cute way to approach her, no un-weird glances, no way for it to be okay. So why would she stay? Well, simply put, Holly. Holly was there, just knowing she was close by was enough to get Gail's heart to pump a little faster, to make her want to be on her best behaviour, knowing Holly was within reach was like a sedative.
In the end she decided to forgo Holly rejecting her and just went home. And the next three days were hell because of it.
First day Gail got caught up in work, she had an upcoming show and needed to prepare. The day was filled with running around, paper work, and stressing over which photos to use. The ac breaking didn't help either. The only solace she found was the odd time she stumbled upon a picture of Holly, and even then did help much, only serving as a reminder of the situation.
Second day was nothing but sulking. Her brother picked her up and took her to his place, their mother was having a party, to celebrate Steve and closing a really big case, and Gail needed to be there so Steve was sent to round her up just encase she tried to wiggle out of it. The excuse was that she had skipped the last three and people had started to talk. The Peck family couldn't look anything but prim, proper, and perfect.
The whole way to her brother's apartment Gail pouted, staring out the window and watched as the small town turned from forests and beaches to city lights and tall buildings. The fast pace of the streets, the muggy clouds, the ever bright lighting, it was all comforting in a way she would never quite understand. The heart of the city would always be her home, where she grew up, but it was always off. Always too awake, too loud, too stressful, they were the streets she was told would one day be hers to protect and Gail had never wanted that responsibility.
At the apartment Steve spoke up, noticing the lack of bite from his little sister. "What's got you so quiet?"
"I don't want to be here, I have a lot of work to do." Gail grumbled and opened herself one of the beers from the fridge.
Steve shook his head and grabbed a beer himself. "No this is different. You're usually more vocal about these things."
Gail shrugged and moved to the couch. Steve turned on his Xbox and flopped on the opposite side of the couch from the blonde, tossing her a controller. They played in relative silence, only yelling out victory and frustration, falling into old habits.
As Gail hunted down her brother and killed him for the umpteenth time her mind wondered to a certain brunette. She wondered if Holly played, if she would be a worthy opponent or if she flopped like a fish out of water. The thought made her smile.
Suddenly a controller was waved in her face and she scowled at the offending object, pushing it away roughly.
"You going to re-spawn so I can kill you again or?" He trailed off with a sly smirk on his lips.
"Lucky kill." Gail rolled her eyes and pressed A, coming back to life and ready to wipe the look of the redheads face.
Day three was the worst. It was party day, which meant fake smiles, old men copping a feel during unwanted conversations, and listening to her mother complain about every single thing about her.
It would start out slow with a greeting and a back handed compliment, a flippant complaint of how little she sees her only daughter, and how her father couldn't even remember what she looked like. Then it'd move into 'catching up' which was only a ploy to scrutinize Gail and all her choices, and further display her brother as the golden boy. Which would be cut short due to make sure the staff didn't mess up her party, giving Gail an escape for about an hour -just enough time to properly ease her sobriety into a nice buzz- before she was to be at the door greeting guests with the rest of the hosts.
And that's when it'd all go racing down hill. Disgusting men leering and touching, somehow under the impression that it was okay, her mother glaring when she promptly put an end to the unwanted attention. Her fathers underhanded pep talk about how great the force was, how important it was, how many Pecks before her had taken the honour of the job, and how she should stop fooling around and do the same. It was in her blood after all. There were her brother's fellow officers who tried to make conversation, not at all taking the hint. There was her mother slapping her hand away from the food when she'd decided Gail had had more than enough. And the thing that sent her over the edge, the thing that she thought she'd be able to handle -much like the rest of it-, was the hopeless set-ups. Gail's mother never gave up the opportunity to try and set her up with Toronto's finest bachelors.
Gail took a deep breath and downed the entire flute of champaign in preparation for her approaching mother. The small redhead had what Gail could only assume as her mothers next choice in son-in-law, in tow, on a mission to find her and the missile had its target locked.
"Gail, darling." Elaine fixed a fake smile in her cheeks, her eyes screaming at the blonde to play nice. She patted the all-American looking man on the shoulder, "this is Nicholas Collins. He's the newest member of 15, fresh from a tour in Afghanistan."
The pretty-boy at least rolled his at the way her mother spoke, seemingly just as uncomfortable at the situation as she was. He held out his hand for Gail, "please call me Nick."
"Gail." She had no choice but to shake his hand. Her mother looked pleased, happy that Gail hadn't turned away and was playing along.
"Nicholas was just telling me about a UC he just wrapped up." Elaine pushed conversation.
Nick scratched at the back of his, with a shy smile he looked up at Gail, eyes saying all she had to know. "It was nothing really."
"Six months undercover is quite some time, and dealing with drug deals none the less, it's quite impressive of someone of your stature." Elaine shut him down, trying to polish him off for her daughter. Gail hid a snicker, she enjoyed it when her mother gave compliment only to tear it all away with setting them down a peg, well she liked it when done to others.
"Six months as someone else sounds blissful to me." Gail added to the conversation, saving Nick from Elaine for just a moment. Her mother sent her a disapproving look. "Sorry, out of line." She muttered and looked around for the closest tray of champaign, it'd been too long since she had her last glass.
"Anyway, Nick is still new to the city and with the UC he hasn't gotten the chance to meet many people, you should show him around, Gail."
"There you are!" A familiar, and welcoming voice came from behind Gail, stopping only once he reached Elaine's side. "Jacobson has been looking for you all night."
"Oh." Elaine's smile faltered for a millisecond as she turned from her son to Nick. "My apologies for having to leave so suddenly. It was nice to meet you, Collins." And just like that she was lost in the crowed.
"And this is for you." Steve smiled and handed Gail a shot glass. Gail just about lunged for it, the need for alcohol at a level of life or death. With one quick flick of her wrist the drink burned down her throat. She sighed roughly and wiped her mouth, careful of her lipstick, and looked back at the men staring at her.
"What?" She spat. Both laughed in reply.
"How're you holding up, sis?" Steve caught a couple flutes off a passing tray and passed one to the blonde.
Gail grunted as if saying 'do you really need to ask'.
"That well huh?" He chuckled. "You know where the keys are whenever you choose to sneak out." Steve winked and made his exit back into the mass of well dressed members of Toronto's police force.
"I get the feeling these aren't your thing." Nick gave her a charming, amused, grin.
"It's a wonder you haven't made detective yet." Gail muttered into her glass and downed the last mouthful. She was more than ready to leave, to sneak into the night and crash on Steve's couch. Well if she was honest, what she really wanted was to go home and meet Holly at the diner for a hangover cure she just knew she was going need in the morning. Holly was what she wanted. Holly in any aspect, so long as she got to hear her voice and see her smile.
Just as Nick was about to open his mouth, his intent glowing in the way he held himself, Gail cut him off. "Look, this," she gestured between them,"not happening."
"Thank god." He let out a breath, his stiff posture and awkward body language deflated. And when he caught Gail's odd look he smiled, the first genuine smile she'd seen yet. "I didn't know how to turn down a Peck without it being career suicide."
"Well you're free." She set her glass on a passing tray and wiped her hands on the dress her mother picked out for her. She was done with the night, done with the family visit, done wearing a pinching dress, and done with pretending to be okay with people.
So without another word, another glance, she slipped into the foyer and grabbed her coat from the check in girl. Gail double checked she had the money for a cab and stepped out into the warm night. It was sticker in the city, with no breeze from the beaches the air was just gross and clung to her skin. It didn't take long to hail a cab and before she knew it she was buzzing Steve's neighbour to let her in.