Disclaimer: I only own the stuff that I make up.
I woke up early the next morning, my body still not used to getting more than two hours of sleep at a time. I checked on Mark, who was sleeping soundly as ever, before slipping into the kitchen for some coffee. Collins was sprawled on the couch, snoring, he wasn't going to be up any time soon either.
Sitting at the kitchen "table", I tapped my foot and a pen simultaneously trying to brainstorm a list of jobs I could handle. I finished half a pot of coffee before Mark woke up. I had three things on my list; bartender, club bouncer and back up singer/guitarist. Mark made himself a cup of tea and some toast before coming up behind me, slipping his arms around my shoulders and peering down at my list.
"You thinking about getting a job?" he yawned before kissing my cheek.
"Yeah, you got any ideas?" I said sighing; it wasn't like I was making any progress on my own.
"Could you two possibly shut up? I've got a hangover that could rival last New Year's Eve." Collins broke in before Mark could respond.
"Come on" I whispered, taking Mark back into my bedroom.
After I situated myself on the bed, notebook still in hand; Mark curled up between my legs.
"Are you serious about getting a job?" he asked, leaning back onto my chest.
"It's not like I have a choice Mark, who knows when you'll be able to go back."
His face darkened, jaw set in a scowl.
"I'm fine. I'll be back to work tomorrow!" he said stifling a cough.
I rolled my eyes. "I'll take the first job I find, it's my turn to take care of you."
"But Roger!" he started to protest.
"Mark, I'm not totally incompetent. I can work again, just give me the chance to prove it to you."
"Let me see that list again." He said in lieu of a real reply.
I handed him the notebook after turning it back to the right page.
He scanned the short list, while chewing the inside of his lip in thought.
"I don't want you going back into the whole club scene." He said finally.
"What? You don't trust me to stay clean and sober?" I said spitefully.
"No, it's not that. It's not you I don't trust. "
I covered my face with my hands, taking a deep breath to keep from lashing out. I had to keep my temper in check, especially now.
"The clubs are all I know, Mark. I didn't go to college like you. Shit, I barely graduated high school. The only classes I really passed were English, music theory, band and gym. What else can I possibly do?"
Mark thought for a second before mumbling something.
"Huh?"
He blushed before repeating himself a little louder. He was so cute when he was nervous, it bothered me a little bit that I still made him nervous though.
"You could teach private lessons, piano's always popular… or vocal."
It was ridiculous. Me teach someone how to sing? Where would I find someone who would hire me to teach anything?
I could tell Mark really didn't want me back in the clubs, and I didn't blame him but I just didn't see how I could do anything else.
"I could help you make some flyers, we can post 'em up all over. Between Maureen and Collins we could probably get some to just about every mailbox in New York."
I smiled. He was so sweet, at least he wasn't insisting that he go back to work instead. Definite progress, on both our parts.