Jill groaned.
"Mmm kill me now."
She was hopping on one foot as she massaged her knee. It had been a bad day at work. It so happened that while they were working a small fuse burned out causing the power in the shop to completely shut down. They weren't properly trained for such matters and with their manager on his way home, Jill and Nathan had to solve it alone. There were no available electricians. It seems they all head home at that time of day, so they were pretty much stuck in a rut. To make matters worse, with the power out there was nothing to keep the freezers cool causing the ice cream to slowly melt. The more it was heated the faster its melting rate. Jill and Nathan panicked for a bit but knew there was no use, action had to be taken, and fast. Quickly Nathan ran to the hardware store around the corner buying as many cooling agents he could find, preferably dry ice. While Jill searched the shop's manual for repairing broken fuses. It took two hours of trial and error, 10 large bags of dry ice, and four mops for them to completely restore the dessert shop to it's original state.
"What a day huh?"
She nodded.
"If I didn't love that job so much I would've quit just because of today."
"But you handled it well. You should be proud."
"Nathan I have ice cream in my hair and I panicked like a little girl. That doesn't sound much like handling it well."
"I panicked too. We didn't know we'd have to go through an ordeal like that. I'd say we were pretty good about it."
"Whatever. I'm just glad it's over and I can't wait to get home," she rested her head on his arm.
"Yeah I'm exhausted. Once I reach my bed I'm passing out on it."
"Not before you give me your copy of Brave New World remember?"
"I know I didn't forget see, going into my house now and grabbing the book for you."
"Good," she smiled.
Nathan was lending Jill his favourite novel. He spent so much time talking about it she had to see what all the fuss was about. She loved to read.
She decided to pick up the book from his place after work. It was going to be a quick in and out, and Nathan offered to drive her home. There was no way he was letting her go home alone, especially at night.
Right when they opened the door they were surprised to see Dan standing in front of them. It was as if he awaited their arrival.
"Nathan, Jill just in time."
"Just in time for what dad?"
"For dinner son. We were just about to eat. We're expecting company any minute. Jill won't you join us as well?"
Jill looked at the smirking Dan.
"That sounds tempting Mr. Scott but with all do respect I'm going to have to pass."
"Oh nonsense Jill. You're staying."
Jill looked at him oddly.
"Nathan?" Deb hearing Nathan's voice retreated into the foyer.
"Oh it is you, honey. How was work?" She came to kiss her baby boy on the forehead. Of course he had to lean down a bit for her to do that.
Nathan shrugged, "tiring."
Deb gave her son a little squeeze on the arm soon noticing Jill.
"You must be Jill. I'm so sorry please forgive my manners. I just get very motherly when Nathan comes home."
"Oh that's okay Mrs. Scott. I completely understand."
The two women smiled at each other.
"Oh please call me Deb. I'm so glad I finally get to meet you. Nathan talks a lot about y.."
"Mom," Nathan interrupted her.
"Oops sorry. It's very good to finally meet you. My you're a gorgeous young lady.
Jill blushed, "thank you Mrs. Scott I mean Deb."
"Don't worry Deb you'll get a chance to get to know her more. Jill's staying for dinner."
Jill looked at Dan. She clearly told him no.
"Oh umm I'd love to but I couldn't possibly."
"Pish posh Jill stay for dinner. I'm sure you'll be entertained by our guests."
Jill gave Dan a sheepish look. She didn't like his persuasive behaviour.
All dan could do was grin his Grinch like grin.
"Speaking of guests. Here they come now."