The reception I got on the last chapter was... guys. You all are too sweet. I love y'all so much :D
I couldn't not continue this! I've got a few plans for this story... hehehe. Hope y'all enjoy Chapter 2!
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The time all the clocks were reading was about 12:00 AM, and Nash Wells' bar was closing down for the night. Sure, it was a Friday night, and they could definitely suck all the money out of the town for a good night out if they wanted, but since all the employees had seemingly had a very long week, the bar owner decided an early closing was well deserved.
The employees and band members were up and cleaning everything for the night, either humming a tune or making a game out of their labor to make the experience more fun. Barry Allen had also offered to stay and help, much to everyone's delight... especially that of a certain tap dancer.
"This has been... truthfully, one of the best nights for our little shindig," Nash marveled, looking at all the gross income that the bar had generated for the night in both bills, tabs, and tips. "You all have done fantastic, as far as I'm concerned. Well done gang."
"Thanks Nash," smiled Kamilla.
"Though," Chester said, tossing a washcloth in the wash basket, "we do usually see a boost in revenue when we get a great new singer."
"And one humble like yourself, with your voice?" Ralph added on. "You'll be bringing in the big bucks my friend!"
Barry chuckled, waving off the wave of complements with a smile and gratitude, and took a seat at a table with Caitlin and Cisco sitting next to him. "You know... the hospitality here, it really took me off guard. You all are amazing people."
"She's a dear, isn't she?" Cisco smirked, lighting a cigar before standing up to go help Nash with something.
"Oh stop it, Cisco," Caitlin giggled, waving him off. "So, uhm... Barry, what do you do? For work, I mean."
"I'm actually a forensic scientist at the CCPD, which is basically at the same level as working for President Truman," he joked, letting out a small laugh. "But in reality, its nothing much. Keeps the lights on, yknow?"
"I get what you mean," Caitlin nodded. "But still, to me, it sounds like an interesting job!"
"Well, thank you," Barry smiled, genuinely feeling prouder of his job because of Caitlin's sweet words. "So, besides tap dancing and being a bartender, what other skills do you have underneath your belt?"
"I'm a doctor at Star-Central Hospital," Caitlin said with a smile. "It pays pretty well, but when I heard I could tap for a gig, I couldn't resist. I love tap dancing with all my heart, and I don't mean to brag, but I do know how to handle a bar."
"You're a woman of many talents, then, Dr. Snow!" Barry smiled. Caitlin blushed, waving off the complement. "I told you," she giggled, "its Caitlin! We're all friends here, right?"
Barry laughed. "That we are... and honestly, I'm shocked at how fast I was able to make friends here - especially with you, you're such a nice person."
"Aww... well, likewise!" Caitlin smiled. "And you do have a great singing voice too."
"Well, thank you," Barry said happily, looking down at his lap bashfully and smiling.
"Hey, Snow! Allen!" Ralph called out, helping Sue slip on her coat - it appeared that while they had been talking, most of the staff had already slipped out. "G'night y'all!" "See you tomorrow!" Sue said, waving goodnight. "Its back on stage for all of us then!"
"Later Ralph!" Barry waved. "Take care you all!" Caitlin smiled. "So, Barry... will you be back here often?"
"Well, Nash has offered me a gig here... I'd be a fool to say no to such a good offer," he smiled. "I look forward to seeing everyone here more and more often - not the least of which is you, Caitlin."
"You are an incredibly sweet guy, Barry," Caitlin smiled, standing up and grabbing her dancing shoes from the floor - she had long since traded them back for her flats. "I look forward to working around this little bar with you."
"Likewise," Barry said happily. "Well, I better be heading home. Goodnight, Caitlin!"
"Night!" she said, waving goodbye and watching as the singer-forensic scientist walked out of the bar and onto the night streets. She stood there for a few more seconds, smiling to herself, before beginning her own exit. "I'll be back around 4:30 tomorrow, Nash!"
"Alright Snow, you take care of yourself," Nash said, his semi-usual gravelly voice being the last to sound in the bar as Caitlin left for home. That just left Nash in the bar all by himself, as he cleaned up the final few not wiped-down tables and prepared to clock out for the night; it was a pretty mundane routine that he found himself in that night, nothing special really.
Or... at least, that's how it was for a while. Because three men walked in about fifteen minutes later, all in black suits and carrying very important cargo.
"Hello Nash," the central figure said, taking off his fedora to reveal a head full of dirty blonde hair. "Have a moment?"
Nash sighed. "Damn... Not like I got much of a choice, huh?"
"Not really," the central figure said, a devilish smirk on his features. "Come, sit with us for a while, and make yourself comfy. We've got quite a bit to discuss..."
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12:30 AM
Caitlin's Apartment
Caitlin sighed happily as she was able to trade her flapper dress for pajamas, and tap shoes or flats for her comfy slippers - it was a feeling that just didn't get old no matter how many times it was done. Fancy clothing may look the best, but comfy clothes just couldn't be beat.
As she tiredly made her way from the bathroom to her bedroom, her sore feet feeling the relief of laying down at last, her thoughts began to wander back to the earlier... specifically, one part of her night.
Barry.
Normally when a new singer came into the bar and started talking with her, she either didn't see them again or tried to avoid them because they were being weird (it had happened before, unfortunately). But... Barry felt different, for some reason.
She felt the inkling that she wanted to see him again tomorrow. And the next day. And the Friday-Sunday shift after that. You know that little thing that seems so insignificant yet could ruin your whole day if it doesn't happen? Like how losing even two minutes of sleep by waking up before your alarm could make you tired all day.
Caitlin knew that it was odd, especially considering they had just met, but she really did think Barry was a great guy. They had so much in common! And she hadn't met another guy that liked tap dancing since her bandmates, so that was an especially nice change of pace - one that knew the art nonetheless.
And... yes, he was pretty cute. Sue did have a point, but she could never know.
Rolling over onto her side and turning off her lamp, she just tried to think about other things as she drifted off to sleep.
And although she was able to, the thought of Barry still remained deep in her conscience all throughout the night.
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4:15 PM
Barry's Apartment
Barry felt a rush of adrenaline as he adjusted his black and red tie in the mirror - this was the first night he would actually be helping around the bar instead of just singing one song. He was gonna help Caitlin around the bar when they both weren't on stage, and they'd routinely switch out with one another.
He really liked the idea of working with Caitlin - she seemed like a really sweet person who he wouldn't mind becoming friends with at all. In fact, he found himself actually desiring to go to work just to see these people... how'd that happen so fast?
Sure, he had known Cisco and Ralph for a couple years (and was actually best friends with the former), but he already loved the environment and atmosphere at the bar. But one thing he just couldn't place his mind on was why he wanted to see Caitlin so much...
Yes, they had enjoyed a great few conversations yesterday night, but that was it... right?
Either way, he didn't find much more time to think on it, because the telephone was ringing - he bolted into the kitchen to grab it, and on the other side was his adoptive father Joe West. "Hey Bar! How are you, bud?" his gentle voice asked.
"Joe! Hey, I'm doing good, how bout you?" he asked.
"Well, you know, same old same old," Joe said, chuckling. "So, anyway - how's the new gig?"
"Oh... its great," Barry smiled, leaning against the counter. "Cisco and Ralph were there to help secure the job with Nash, so that went smooth. And everyone else is so nice and inviting, its honestly great."
"Well, I'm happy to hear that," Joe said.
"And also, I've made really good friends with their dancer and bartender, her name's Caitlin," Barry said, seeming a little more excited here than before. "She's probably like, the sweetest girl I've ever met - I can't wait to tell sis about her! Oh she'd love her-"
"Woah, slow down there, flash!" Joe laughed good-naturedly. "You seem pretty excited about this Caitlin girl, don't you?"
Barry paused, before chuckling nervously. "S-Sorry Joe, guess I just got a little excited... its been a while since I've had this many co-workers that have similar interests to my own, yknow?"
"Oh, I gotcha!" Joe said. "Don't worry about it, Bar. Just stick close to em, alright? Don't wanna lose em."
Barry took a deep breath to compose himself, and nodded. "Right, yeah. Thanks Joe. Talk to you again tonight?"
"Sounds good Bar," Joe said. "Love you bud."
"Love you too," Barry smiled, before hanging up the phone. He rubbed his face, and then went to go put his pants on before going to work. That was kind of important.
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4:30 PM
"So, why exactly does Nash want us here at the bar early today?" asked Sue.
"No idea," Ralph said, before briefly turning his attention to the cabbie to turn left. "Sometimes he just calls us in earlier than normal because he wants help getting things ready, which is understandable, and other times he just straight up dips when we all get there. When it's the latter - stop here please - he usually just leaves one of us in charge."
The private investigator would end up being right, as the moment the engaged couple walked in, Nash made an "ah!" sound, before clapping his hands to bring everyone together. Even the kitchen staff and waiters/waitresses were called to the central dining area, so this had to be important.
"Thank you all for coming," Nash said, "but it was your job, so not like there was much choice, haha."
There were a few forced chuckles that came out of their mouths - he was clearly transitioning into his "H.R. Wells" personality at the moment, but not all the way there.
"Right, everybody compose yourselves," he laughed, making finger guns for some reason. "Uh, listen up - I have some business matters to attend to, so I will likely not be here the rest of the night, possibly not even tomorrow."
"Wait, what?" Barry asked, probably the most confused, being the newest member of the team. "Why?"
"Business... was I not clear on that?" he asked, putting on his 'Harrison' face. "Now, while I'm doing business, I want Ramon to be in charge. Just keep tabs and make sure we don't have a brawl in here tonight, alright? Don't wanna have to deal with that when I get back."
"You got it, boss," Cisco said, giving two thumbs up.
"Super duper!" he said, getting his H.R. personality back on. "Alrighty, see all you crazy folks later. Band folks - remember to flip ya lids on stage, you hear?"
And with that, Nash was out of the bar as fast as anyone could leave.
The head chef, Gideon, just rolled her eyes at him. "He's always like that these days." "Its like he's a damn puppet," Mick, the assistant chef, said lowly. "I hate puppets."
"As long as he signs our checks, and doesn't give us the royal shaft, I think we should just let the funky little man do what he wants," Cisco said, trying to have an optimistic outlook to this unforeseen situation. "Alright people, let's get ready for tonight! We open in t-minus twenty-seven minutes!"
"Uhm... does this happen often?" Barry asked, whispering his question to Caitlin.
"Its been happening a lot more recently," Caitlin said, motioning for him to follow her behind the bar to set up shop - performing didn't start until 6:00, so she and Barry would be working the bar until then. "No one knows what he's up to... he's never acted like this before either."
"Should we be concerned?" he asked, grabbing a glass and wiping it down with a rag.
"I wouldn't think so," Caitlin shrugged, "but I'm not Nash, so I don't know the full story. He's always been a bit odd, but never... this odd."
"Hmm... I'll keep that in mind," Barry nodded. "Thanks, Caitlin!"
"You're welcome! Anytime," she smiled. "And hey, I'm not one for gossip at all - but if I find anything, I'll keep you posted."
Barry chuckled. "That would be lovely, thank you." She then gave him a wink before returning to polishing bottles, and Barry felt his heart flutter a little... what was going on with him?
What he didn't know was that there was a soft blush creeping onto Caitlin's cheeks as well.
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5:55 PM
Barry and Caitlin didn't realize how well they worked together until the customers started coming in. The bar was packed tonight, what with it being a Saturday and all, but neither found themselves under too much stress as they worked to serve drinks and hand food trays off to the waiters and waitresses. It was... surprisingly easy tonight!
They were communicating well with one another, and working well together too. The staff seemed to notice a raise in efficiency that night, as did the patrons, and no one was complaining at all.
"I almost don't want to tap dance tonight," Caitlin smiled, pouring a round of shots for a group of friends. "I think we work quite well together, Mr. Allen."
"I would have to agree, Dr. Snow," Barry smiled, passing one of the waiters a tray of food over the counter. "Truth be told, I was kinda dreading this - I knew it would be crowded, but never knew it could be so easy! I guess we both just needed the right co-worker."
"Guess so," Caitlin said happily. "And the entertainment tonight is on pique, if I do say so myself..."
On stage, Sue was singing her heart out to a song that sounded like "Rhum and Coca Cola" by the Andrew Sisters, with Kamilla helping her out. Most of the patrons tended to watch a lot of the earlier performances with a full gaze, so all eyes were on them - and they truly sounded amazing! Cisco and Ralph were two lucky dudes for sure.
"If you wanted to, you could dance around the restaurant and continue working," Barry laughed.
"Huh! Not a half bad idea!" Caitlin said, before laughing and serving what would probably be her last order before getting called up. "But you probably don't need to worry about handling this on your own. Its not that hard once you get a rhythm going, and I usually don't tap for too too long. Gotta keep my ankles intact, yknow?"
Barry laughed. "Well, you've been a pleasure to work with so far, Caitlin. Thanks for making me feel so welcome here."
"Hey, thank you for being such a nice guy," Caitlin smiled. "It really helps us when have a good partner here."
Barry was about to say something else, but Sue spoke up into the microphone. "And ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce-well, you all know her; you can hear her from a mile off! Please welcome our tap dancer extraordinaire to the stage, Miss Caitlin Snow!"
"See ya in a jiff," Caitlin whispered, patting Barry's shoulder as she click-clacked off to the stage.
And while Barry would do just fine managing the bar on his own (though he did sometimes steal a few seconds, even once a minute, to watch Caitlin dance - come on, who wouldn't?), he had to admit... it was a lot more fun when he was working with Caitlin.
Ah well, soon she'd be back, then he'd be on stage for a bit, and then they'd probably handle the bar together for the rest of the night.
For now though, he had to get back to work.
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8:00 PM
Nash finally pulled up to the harbor's edge, parking his car and stepping out. He adjusted his golden tie, and brushed off his dark green vest of any sort of dust that may have accumulated there during the drive. As he walked closer to the harbor, a man in a black trench coat was there to greet him.
"Notice you've hired a newbie, Nash," the man said. "...I thought we agreed you wouldn't."
"You should see the money this guy's gonna make both of us before you make any judgments," Nash said sharply. "Last night was one of our best performing nights."
"That spike in revenue could be because it was Friday, you know," the man reaffirmed, his tone oddly monotonous as he continued to stare out into the nighttime harbor.
"Yeah, but that wasn't a usual Friday spike," Nash continued. "Its gonna be worth it, trust me."
"That's getting harder and harder to do," the man sighed. "Make another mismanagement of funds like that little stunt you pulled back in August, and I may just have to put a stop to all of this myself."
The sweat on Nash's brow would be quite visible if it weren't for the poor lighting in this particular area of the harbor.
"Tell you what," the man said, removing his hand from his trench coat pocket. "Keep him around. See how he does. If this is all a success, all is forgiven. If not... well, you know how we operate."
"Right, got it," Nash nodded. "T-Thank you."
"Don't thank me until you get results," the man said firmly. And with that statement, Nash took it as his cue to make an exit. He made his way back to his car briskly, and got out of that harbor as quickly as he could without raising any eyebrows...
Truly, what had he gotten himself into?
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Oooh the plot thickens! Will we meet that dude Nash seems to be in hot water with again? Will Barry and Caitlin end up falling in love?! And most importantly... will they really be a perfect duet?!
(yes that is probably the most cliche ending A/N to a story that I could've done but I haven't genuinely been excited about something I'm writing in like, months. So please forgive me lollll)
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! PLEASE review if you did! It really keeps my motivation up, and any words at all mean the world to me. 3
Thanks again guys! See you next chapter! Love you all! And remember - stay safe, and wash your hands. :)