Thanks guys for your reviews!
Glad you're happy that CA are no more :P
JSCO81 you're in luck - I don't have any plans for Angelo to come back into this fic...for the time being. But you never know when he might rock up again. Though it doesn't mean I need Angelo back - there's other ways to create a lil drama :P
Enjoy guys!
"When It Comes"
"I study up my hollow
Piece of wood to follow
A day that doesn't come
To the lucky
And I realize there's tomorrow
But I would rather wallow
In the rain then moods that seem
So pot-lucky
Well I'm cruising El Paseo
In my off-white coup back '65
Or I'm cruisin down my own street
And my hooptie says to me
You better hang on to your bench seat
I'm gonna take you for a ride
And I'll let you know
When it comes, when it comes
I'll let you know
But don't stay up for me
Don't wait up for me
If I'm not home
So I wait for fate to find me
A ball of string unwind me
Uncomfortable as a centrefold
And I realize your behind me
To help and humankind me
To see my songs can be retold
Well I'll be gone tomorrow
Yes I'm on the road tomorrow
So next time that I see you in school
It won't be for too long
And I'll let you know
When it comes, when it comes
I'll let you know
But don't stay up for me
Don't wait up for me
If I'm not home
And I want a leather jacket
But only if I have the time
Well, I'll comb my hair like Elvis
And grab an old Gretsch 59
And you'd hardly recognize me if you
Saw me from behind
And I'll let you know
When it comes, when it comes
I'll let you know
And I'll let you know
When it comes
Just when it comes
I'll let you know
But don't stay up for me
Don't wait up for me
If I'm not home
And I'll let you know
I'll let you know
Well I'll let you know"
Charlie entered the Diner the following day, looking through the busy crowd of the new-look Diner she spotted Ruby at one of the tables. Taking a sharp breath Charlie walked over to join her, greeting her daughter anxiously, "Hey Rubes." "Hi," Ruby smiled weakly, "You gonna sit down?" Charlie nodded and sat down next to Ruby, "So...ah Joey's not here yet?" Ruby looked down at her phone in her hands, "Nope. She just texted to say she's running late and is leaving Aden's place now."
Charlie smiled, hopeful, that Joey had decided to be 'running late' on purpose to give Charlie and Ruby a few moments alone to talk. As Charlie had told Joey, her relationship with Ruby was still fragile. Although they were back to talking to one another, Charlie didn't know whether it was in Ruby's best interests to began acting like her mother or continue on in the sisterly fashion they always did, and she was too afraid to ask the younger girl what she expected of her.
Charlie nodded at Ruby, "Did Joey say if that's where she stayed last night at Aden's? She talked about staying at the Caravan Park is all." "Yeah she said in her text that she'll be staying with him for a couple days...so I guess that means she's not staying with you. So...ah what happened between you two yesterday? You said you were gonna call and...you never did," Ruby said sadly. "I'm sorry Rubes," Charlie apologised, "Things just got a little...crazy last night. I broke things off with Angelo...and he didn't take it too well...he kind of upset me with some of the things he said."
Ruby stared at Charlie surprised, "You really broke things off with him...? Oh thank God! I wasn't sure if it was ever appropriate of me to say something because I didn't want you to have to choose between him and me but you can do so much better than that tool! And that is so typical of him to make you feel bad for dumping him."
Charlie broke into a grin, "Good to have your support Rubes! I guess I kind of always picked up on your feelings about...'the tool.' Really wished I could've taken your silent advice and ended things with him sooner but...it is what it is. And I don't see a future with Angelo...I never did...especially when he's the type of guy who does act so childish when he doesn't get his own way."
Ruby smiled anxiously, "So...does this mean what I think it means...? You and Joey...back together?" Charlie stroked a few strands of hair behind her ear nervously, "No. No we're not back together." "Oh c'mon Charlz," Ruby groaned, "I know you probably want to do the respectful thing by Angelo and at least give it a couple days before you and Joey officially get back together but--"
Charlie held up her hands, ending Ruby's rant, then sighing gently, "Joey and I...we're just friends...she's seeing someone Rubes." "Oh...really...? Are you sure...?" Ruby asked confused. "Well it's not the kind of thing you make up Ruby," Charlie frowned. Ruby sighed, "I'm sorry...just yesterday when we had coffee together...you were all Joey talked about. Guess I kinda assumed...are you okay with it?"
Charlie shrugged, "Kinda have to be don't I? If I want to still be friends with her..." "I guess but..." Ruby raised her eyebrow, "You and Joey have hardly ever been...just friends. Do you really think you can manage it?" "We've been...just friends before..." Charlie claimed unconvincingly. "Oh...oh yeah of course...how could I forget? I mean with the Joey totally crushing on you the whole time...and you obviously secretly crushing on her...oh yeah you two...just good friends," Ruby teased.
Charlie blushed, "Well it's not like that this time. I mean yes I broke up with Angelo but I had to do it regardless of if Joey and I have a shot together. And Joey's happy now with this new girl so...I'm happy for her." "So you didn't...I dunno maybe spend all of last night working out ways to win her back?" Ruby grinned. "No...I...maybe. Doesn't matter anyway...like I said Joey's happy," Charlie told her, then spotting Joey walking into the restaurant, "And Joey's here now so you'll have to tell me your ideas for winning her back another time."
Ruby grinned at Charlie, glad that she wouldn't be opposed to hearing her ideas on how the two women could re-kindle their relationship. Ideas on winning her back...Charlie so isn't okay with the just friends thing! "Hey Jo, come sit down," Ruby motioned her over to their table. "Hey girls, sorry I'm late...hope you found something to talk about while waiting for me," Joey greeted as she sat down opposite Charlie.
"As a matter of fact we did," Ruby said slyly, but received a sharp kick in the shins under the table from Charlie, "Ow…duh Charlz here was just telling me that she broke up with Angelo last night." "Really? That's ah…interesting timing," Joey noted, trying not to break into a huge smile at the news. "Had to happen eventually so…figured now was as good a time as any," Charlie shrugged it off. Joey nodded, "Well good for you if that's the right thing to do."
Before Charlie could thank her the girls were interrupted by Leah, Irene, and Colleen who all took their time welcoming Joey back to the Bay. Leah took a moment, sitting down with the group, for Joey to tell her what she'd been up to since she left the Bay, before taking their orders and scurrying back to work. Charlie grinned at Joey's newfound confidence at having all these people standing around asking questions about her, but frowned gently when Joey mentioned to Leah she had a girlfriend back in the City and was only in town for several days. I shouldn't be getting jealous…should I?
Once Leah had left the girls alone, Ruby turned to Joey, "So…will we get to meet this new girlfriend of yours? You know…just make sure that she's as good as you say she is." Charlie rolled her eyes at Ruby's nosiness, then frowned again at the prospect of seeing Joey happy with another girlfriend. Joey glanced uneasily at Charlie, "I…don't think so Rubes. Gabby's busy with work so…I doubt she'd be able to make it up here while I'm here."
"But if…Charlie and I happened to come and visit you in the City…?" Ruby persevered. "Then you're welcome to stop by anytime and meet Gabby if she's there," Joey decided. "I'm just looking out for you, making sure you're not…dating a psycho or anything," Ruby teased. "Gabby's perfectly normal," Joey giggled, "Definitely not a psycho. She's a…really good person…really good friend too." "Mmm hmm," Ruby mouthed, "Friend huh? Are you sure you're actually dating her?"
Joey rolled her eyes, "I know it's probably not the answer you wanted but yes Gabby and I are dating." "And why wouldn't I want you to be dating her?" Ruby asked faking innocence. Joey gazed at Charlie nervously, noticing Charlie looked like she was about to throttle Ruby for being so intrusive, "Well I guess 'cause maybe…you thought Charlie and I…so anyway enough about my love life…how's things going between you two?"
"We're trying to get things back on track for us…aren't we Rubes?" Charlie answered, "I…ah told Joey everything yesterday." Ruby nodded, "Yeah…things are starting to get back to normal for us…which is good. So Charlie told you the truth? Glad to see you're being open and honest with people Charlie. So ah…Jo…you're okay with it?"
Joey smiled, "Course I am. It doesn't bother me at all that you're Charlie's daughter. I understand why she lied to me and…that's okay. It doesn't make me feel any different about you or Charlie." Ruby clasped her hands together, "Good, sorry it's still something I'm getting used to. Guess I wasn't sure if you were going to freak out. I'm sure most people would, finding out a huge secret like that about their girlfrie--girlf--duh…"
"Friend," Joey finished for her quietly, avoiding Charlie's disappointed gaze. "Right…of course…your friends. Sorry just when I think of the pair of you…'friend's is hardly the word I'd use," Ruby smirked, "So there really is no chance for the two of you?" Charlie swallowed hard, "I think that's enough Rubes…Joey's happy and that's all that matters to me."
"Thanks Charlie," Joey whispered, then without acknowledging her movements, Joey leaned across the table, entangling her hand with Charlie's. Charlie smiled back re-assuringly, and also without noticing she squeezed Joey's hand and began gently stroking Joey's palm with her fingers. Ruby shook her head at their action, noticing the pair were staring intently at one another, and had barely noticed their hand-holding interaction.
"Orders up," Colleen interrupted the pair, placing everyone's food in front of them. Smiling gently at the pair, Colleen quickly made herself scarce once the meals were served. Ruby stifled a huge laugh when she watched as Joey and Charlie picked up their forks with their free hands, then realized their other hand was too pre-occupied to be able to pick up their knives. Ruby giggled softly as she saw the two women blush deeply as they realized their interaction, but felt bad for them when they let go of each other, and Ruby watched the pained expression cross both their faces at the loss of contact. Ruby was almost about to suggest that the women just hold hands and eat their meals one-handed when Joey's phone started ringing.
Glancing at the caller ID, Joey smiled at Charlie uneasily before excusing herself from the table and walked outside. Taking a few steps down towards the beach, she flipped her phone open, "Hey Gabby." "Hey Jo, what's happening? How's the Bay?" Gabby asked cheerfully on the other end. Joey smiled, "Its good. I'm just kinda having lunch right now." "Ooh lunch with the ex. Should I be jealous?" Gabby teased playfully.
"Gabs," Joey warned softly. "Ah c'mon Jo you know I'm teasing," Gabby told her lightly, "So how goes the lunch with her?" "It's good catching up with Charlie. She's a good friend. I'm having lunch with her…duh…um Ruby as well. Kinda really missed her," Joey replied. "Good to hear things are going well. So how long you planning on staying there?" Gabby asked. Joey chewed on her lip, "Couple days…not like I got a job to get back to. I'm staying with one of my friends, Aden."
"Cute, bleach-blonde guy you mentioned a few times?" Gabby remembered. "That'd be the one…although I don't think I ever described him as cute," Joey chuckled. "I'm sure you did at some point," Gabby teased, "So what are your plans for tonight?" Joey walked down to the wooden fence in front of the beach, "Don't know yet. Might have a quite one with Aden or go have some drinks with him down at Noah's bar." "Would you like some company?" Gabby asked. Joey creased her eyebrows, "Depends who you're talking about."
Joey smiled as she felt two warm hands reach up behind her, then sneak around to place over her eyes, "Guess who?" Joey's grin grew wider, as she flicked her mobile off, "Hey you." Gabby removed her hands from over Joey's eyes and slipped them down behind her waist, "No fair you were supposed to play along and guess." Joey relaxed in the embrace, running her hands along Gabby's arms, "What are you doing here? I thought you had to work."
Gabby shrugged, "Had some holidays owing to me, figured it was time I used some. 'Sides I kinda missed having you around." "So this isn't…some kind of jealously thing?" Joey asked lightly. Gabby leaned up whispering in Joey's ear, "Jealous of you and the cop? Nah, not at all. Seriously this isn't a jealousy thing. You said she needs some help getting her life back on track and I trust you. Plus you told me all these great things…along with the bad things…about this town, and I was curious to see it all for myself. Are you mad that I came here?"
"Surprised, yes. Mad, no, of course not," Joey decided, "I'm glad you're here. It's been so weird coming back here. It feels like I was here a lifetime ago." "Yeah I figured you might need a little reminder of your new life if that's okay with you," Gabby smiled. "With all the memories of the past, it's good to have some new ones too," Joey grinned, "I still can't believe you followed me here all on your own…you are on your own right?"
Gabby chuckled, "Yes I'm here on my own. The BFF and I do spend time apart you know." "Yeah right, you're like attached at the hip. I'm lucky to get you alone for longer than a few minutes," Joey teased. "Hey if it wasn't for her we'd never have met right?" Gabby pointed out. "Very true," Joey agreed.
"Hate to ruin this lovely moment but did you say something about eating lunch, 'cause I'm staving after that bus ride here?" Gabby told her. Joey glanced uneasily back at the Diner. Gabby bit her lip, "Unless it's too…early for me to meet the cop and you'd prefer me to maybe just go get some food elsewhere while you finish your meal…"
"C'mon," Joey smiled as she began to lead them towards the Diner, entangling her hand with Gabby's, "I'm sure Charlie and Ruby would be happy to meet you…at the very least I can introduce you to them and if it's okay with…them we might stay for the rest of the meal. Besides if we stay for lunch and things get really awkward I could always send you into the kitchen to start talking about your love of food with the chef and good friend of mine, Leah." "Great…so now I know your escape plan if things aren't going well," Gabby teased. Joey chuckled nervously.
Later that evening, Charlie sat in front of Martha at Noah's bar. She was happily drowning a few of her sorrows in a glass of wine, after spending the afternoon watching Joey and her new girlfriend being so…Gah…in love?! Charlie hated to admit the fact that Gabby was gorgeous and she and Joey made an adorable couple.
Gabby was tall, tanned, hazel eyes with shoulder-length light brown hair. And when she was around Charlie noticed how much Joey was glowing. Charlie swigged the last mouthful of the liquid. Placing the empty wine glass on the counter, she was about to ask Martha for another round, when an unfamiliar voice behind her interrupted her, "You look like you could use another drink. Mind if I shout the next round?"
***
So what do you think of Joey's new girl? Is she bound to cause trouble or will Joey end up breaking her heart?
And who's the new mystery person at the end there with Charlie? And is she/he - ah the mystery :P - gonna shake things up?
Let me know what you think by clicking that cute lil 'Review' button below :P