She really hated Penny. She was the typical bottle blonde who let the bleach seep through her skull and fry her brain. It wouldn't have been so bad but she was always making snide comments about Carol's unruly hair and looks. Carol knew she wasn't a looker like some girls but she wasn't a complete rat. Well at one point she'd been prettier but weight loss took that from her and not being able to really take care of herself hurt a lot. Though Carol never thought looks were the most important thing. If you had a good heart, could make someone laugh, and think then you were something special. She never was one to fall for a charming smile and sweet words that held no true value past the fall of panties. Maybe that's why most people found her to be a bitch or maybe she was- you could never really be so sure how others viewed you. Not that she cared about that either because why should she? They didn't care two licks for her so why value someones opinion when they'd rather spit on you than to offer a helping hand.

Still when she'd came in behind Daryl in his shadow she wanted to hit Penny. The girl was leaning over the counter pushing her breast out and panting at him. Carol sneered and shook her head. Her breast were never the size of Penny's when she'd been at a healthier weight but now it was pointless really to bother with a bra even. The only satisfaction she got was he ignored her. Completely ignored the hay haired mess that was Penny and instead sighed heavily like he'd rather be sleeping than to be out around people. She could understand that sentiment because lastnight hadn't been easy to sleep. It'd been over hundred degrees that day and she'd had to sleep with her windows almost all the way down to keep from having a heat stroke. That just made her feel unsafe even more and she'd been afraid some creeper was going to come through the window on her. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried after all. So that left her snapping awake every two seconds.

Penny's eyes finally landed on her and she rolled her eyes. "You're here early. Travis wants to see you."

Daryl stepped around the partition into the hall that would lead to the back office. Penny squawked and he looked over finally. He just stared before his eyes met Carol's. He disappeared down the hall and Carol growled at his retreating figure. She watched as Travis opened the door for him and then Daryl disappeared. Penny sighed dreamily and Carol barely resisted slinging hot grease on her as she walked by the fryers. The girl was a twit and had no brain. Carol wasn't sure she'd even read a book before. Likely not. She was looking to pop some man's kid out and be a trophy wife nothing more.

"Travis looked grim this morning Carol." Penny cooed. "Think he's finally tired of you causing trouble."

Carol snorted. "Maybe you shouldn't think then Penny."

Penny chewed her lip like she was confused by that and just shrugged. The office door opened and Travis was laughing at something Daryl said. He stepped out. Carol pursed her lips as she clocked in and tried to not think about the two men. It was hard though hearing Daryl's rough drawling voice as he spoke to Travis. Travis was smiling so wide Carol was sure it was painful and Daryl just looked serious as they spoke. Whatever they spoke about it hadn't taken long at all and she was sure that Travis was going to be mad at her. Carol looked away and swallowed. She had to go talk to Travis now. He was going to fire her. She hated that Penny was going to be so self satisfied. The thud of heavy boots told her Daryl was close by now that she'd come back to the front.

"Hey Daryl." Penny's voice was sugary sweet. Cavities here we come. He looked up at her suddenly and he made no move to talk to Penny. "I was meaning to ask I was having some...troubles with my under carriage and thought you could take a look for me."

Carol's eyes widened at the innuendo. Her eyes shot to Daryl and she realized he was restraining himself from laughing. It was obvious at the look on his face this wasn't Penny's first attempt to have him between her slimy thighs. She was sure they were riddled with a new strain of gonoherpasyphilaids that was sure to make any many who dared dip into that sterile.

"It's awfully wet looking down there." She purred. "Might have a leak."

Daryl stared at her and suddenly smiled. Carol felt sick. She hated them both. Men were such sleaze balls. She bet he got this all the time. Of course he did. He was gorgeous and was nice! He even was worried about his dog, he was sweet apparently. Plus it was obvious he had money. What girl wouldn't throw herself at his feet. Her. She wasn't going to slobber after him like a bitch in heat.

"They make doctors for that. Don't think I'd be much help."

A laugh startled out of Carol at that. He looked over at her and his eyes danced with amusement. He didn't laugh though and Carol looked at Penny. She looked so confused Carol honestly felt bad for her.

She rolled her lip up and bit her tongue. "No Daryl...like it's undercarriage. I don't think doctors would help. Like I meant a car doctor."

"A mechanic?" he questioned.

"YES!" She clapped. "See you're what I meant."

He shook his head. "I'll let my brother know you need help. I don't work on what you need help with."

He turned before Penny could say anything and Carol was having to hide her face from the girl. It was the most she'd heard him talk but then his words hit her. He didn't work on what Penny needed help with. It was clear Penny wanted to sleep with him. Did that mean Daryl was gay? Carol suddenly didn't feel so worried about taking a room with a complete stranger that was a man. If he wasn't interested in her sexually it was on less issue to deal with.

Daryl was gone before she could say anything to him. Penny looked put out at that but went about looking useless. The day was passing quick though so Carol said nothing. The rush of breakfast goers and then lunch goers kept her busy. She was ready to get off work. For once she was actually looking forward to something. Maybe she could get along with Daryl without hitting him. Not that he'd really provoked her before.

"Carol." Travis called.

Carol felt her stomach drop. It was five thirty by now and she knew it was too good to be true. She walked over to him and shifted on her feet. He smiled at her and she didn't feel reassured.

"I talked to my nephew this morning. He told me you were going to look at the room today."

Carol nodded slowly. "Yes."

"You think you'll be taking it?"

Carol shrugged. "It's the shelter or there."

He raised a brow. "Your an optimistic person."

"I haven't had much reason to be."

He nodded and looked at the clock. "Well good luck. Try to not hit him when you say hi." His eyes were amused.

Carol scowled, "I'll try."