Thanks everybody for reviewing and being patient while waiting for this chapter.

I've been without internet for a while and my laptop has also been a little screwy, so I can't ever write the chapter and update later. I've also gotten a new job and I'll be moving out with my boyfriend soon into our own house! When there I'll hopefully have internet and my laptop should be fixed by then. For now I can't give any definite time of when I'll be updating, but be sure I'm not giving up on this story no matter what!

Now, for the most important part...on with the chapter!

Chapter 3

"I told you he catches eyes!" Carrie gushed as she finished serving a customer. Gina had gone to Carrie at work and just spilled her new sprung feelings for Jake to her. Now she need opinions and answers.

"I know you kinda like him so if you don't want me to then I can back off you know." she suggested. "I'll do that. I'm probably not his type anyway." Gina let out a sigh from her place on a stool behind the counter. She took another candy from the bag she was eating, giving it a harsh bit as if it was her problem with Jake or lack there of.

Carrie whirled around to look at her friend. "Do worry about it! He's cute, but Jake is not my type. I like the bad boys." putting emphasis on bad. "And don't think you're not his type. You don't know that yet. I don't know that yet. I don't know anything to do with him and if he's available, but he's worth trying for. We both know that."

Gina knew she was right. Jake was a great guy and despite being in the dark about his availability he was worth any amount of trouble she would have to go through. "Yeah. You're right. I hate you for it, but you are." she smiled.

"Hello there." greeted a customer as he entered the store.

Gina stood, knowing the voice. "Hey Josh. Why are you here so late?" It was only 7:30, but by that time none of the captains or crews showed at the store.

"Oh hey Gina." He waved back from his spot at the Rockstar cooler as he took out some drinks. "I should be asking you the same thing."

Gina pulled a bag loose from the rest to bag his purchase as he now neared the cash. Carrie standing next to her with a big grin on her face. "I just came back to talk to Carrie about something."

"She's interested in a guy." Carrie blurted out.

"Really?" Josh smiled, putting down a few Coffee flavored Rockstar drinks. "Do I know him? Maybe I can put in a good word for you."

Carrie gave a little squeal and jumped excitedly. "You do!" she started scanning in his stuff, giving him the scoop. "It's Jake!"

"My little brother!?" Josh said surprised.

"NOOOOOOOO!" Carrie leaned in as if it was top secret information. "Jake from the Northwestern."

"Ohhhhhh!" Josh looked over at Gina who was bagging his drinks while looking embarrassed. "Good choice."

"I thought so too!." Carrie agreed. "So do you think you could help us out? We don't know if he's seeing someone or what."

Josh thought for a second. "I know he's not in a serious relationship, but I also know he's been calling some girl every night."

"Okay," Carrie started scheming."See if you can find anything out about this mystery girl. If it's anything but serious, put in a good word for our girl here."

"I hate you two so much." Gina had resumed her spot on the stool and was eating her candy again.

"Common! Josh can get us an inside advantage."

"Yeah, I can get you the goods without you doing the dirty work."

"So apparently asking a guy out is dirty work now, Josh?" Gina looked up at him.

"You know what I mean." Josh explained. He took the handles of the bag and headed for the door. "I better get going. Dad's gonna want these soon to try them out. I hope you have a few more cases of these because if he likes these he'll be wanting them."

"Don't worry I have a few cases left over from the Rollo order. Phil will get his share if he wants them."

"Thanks Gina! I'll see what I can find out the next time I see Jake." Josh waved. "See you later Carrie!" he gave a smile and a wink in her direction before exiting the store.

Carrie made sure Josh was out of ear shot of the store before busting with excitement once more. "Now he's my kinda guy!" followed by a small growl.

Gina laughed."Then go after him! I saw that look on his face before he left!." she stood up to face her friend. "I even saw that wink."

"Yeah, but I can't just go after him."

"Why?" Gina inquired, taking back the question a moment later. "Wait I don't even want to know your reasoning. It rarely makes sense."

"I'm going to play hard to get." she explained. "If I just give in right away then It'll ruin the fun of the chase for him."

"You're weird." Carrie stuck her tongue out at her.

"Just think about it. If you two just start going out now then you'll have at least a couple of days before he leaves to get to know each other better and you woun't waste time apart."

"I want his mind on that boat stirring with thoughts of me." Carrie said. "It's sweeter when you wait anyway. Everything seems more romantic."

"If you say so." Gina picked up her coat, putting it on as she headed for the door. "I'm leaving now or do you want me to wait a little longer so it'll be sweeter." Gina joked.

"You can go. You leaving is so much sweeter then you sticking around any day." Carrie stuck her tongue out as revenge.

Just as Gina was reaching for the door, it swung open to reveal none other then the man of the night, Jake Anderson.

"We meet again." he smiled, stepping inside from the cold dark night.

Gina smiled, noticing the little red crab sticking out of a coat pocket. "We do indeed. I see you got your surprise."

Jake gave a little laugh. "Edgar put it in a pot and yelled at me saying a left a crab in a pot to rot from last year. When he showed me the pot, it had your little crab in it."

"Thats Edgar for you."

"Yeah." he looked up to see Carrie with a huge grin on her face. "It's cute. Thanks."

"Oh, you're welcome. I ordered them for all the boats this year kinda as a thanks."

"It's a nice gesture." Jake took out his little crab and gave it a little squeeze before stuffing it back into his pocket. "Everyone loves them." He glanced over to see the excited look on Carrie's face. "What are you so happy about?"

Gina saw it as a way to get back at Carrie and spoke up quickly. "She has a crush." Gina confessed, knowing it was not the reason why Carri looked like the Cheshire Cat.

Carrie shot her a look before nodding.

"So who is the lucky guy?" Jake inquired, sticking his hands in his pocket.

"It's Josh Harris."

"I just saw him leaving here. That must be why shes so giddy." Jake commented.

"Yeah, shes not gonna calm down for a while now."

"He's a nice guy You should ask him out. I'm pretty sure he likes you."

"Yeah, I know." Carrie nodded. "I'm gonna let him wait it out a little. Give him a little chase if you know what I mean."

"No I don't" Jake laughed.

"I told her she was loony, but she never listens."

"Well, good luck with that plan." Jake gave a quick look around the store before pulling out a calling card. "Sorry, but I have a to make a quick call before it's too late. The pay phone is out at The Elbow Room."

"It's okay, it's right over there by the Gatorade cooler." Carrie directed.

She could see the sadness pour into Gina's eyes instantly at the mention of the phone call. She knew who he was calling. It was the girl.

She gave a vague smile to Jake before leaving. "Bye you two, I'm heading out." and without another word she was out the door.

"Is she okay?" Jake asked.

"Yeah, she just has a few things on her mind."

Jake nodded, understanding what it's like before heading to the phone to make his call. He lifted the reciever, punched in the card number. Carrie watched him for a minute as he shifted nervously, letting out a long sigh. He was staring down at his shoes when suddenly his eyes darted up with a sparkle in them. "Hey Natalie, it's Jake..."

I hope you enjoyed! Please review!