Description: this is a story I have been working on for a while. This is my fifth Dawson's Creek story. I'll writing this as well as Conflicted Love, Love Unrequited, Unlikely Pair and Clueless Affection on here now.

Disclaimer: I may not own the characters but this story is original and from my imagination.

Author's note: this is my fifth try at a Dawson's creek story, be nice to me please. This is a Pacey/Joey fic, my version of how they got together and it is set in season one. Wanted to switch things up for a change and try something different. Enjoy and review thanks

Chapter #7

(Pacey's pov)

"You're telling me, I mixed up one order and Bess nearly took my head off.", complains Joey with a roll of her eyes. Yeah, Bessie definitely has her good days and then her bad days. Tonight I was fortunate enough to catch her on one of her rare cheerful moods thankfully. I love Bessie to death but that woman is just plain scary when she is in a bad mood.

"I thought that you only bussed tables Joe?", I ask with a look of confusion. I didn't know that Joey waited the tables as well. This would explain her attitude with me as of recently at least. Some of those customers can be downright rude when they want to be. I don't know how Joey fights the temptation of spitting in their food. If it were me, I'm not sure that I would be able to.

"Oh, I didn't tell you the best part? Our new waitress was caught stealing so she got fired. I have been upgraded to waitress against my will.", vents Joey with a sarcastic laugh. Damn what person would be so stupid as to try and steal from the Ice House? It's not like they're bringing in millions a day here. Any missing money is certain to go noticed around here.

"Ah, well congratulations. Want some help Joey?", I volunteer as I follow her around the dining room. I don't know what is wrong with me. Why do I feel this sudden urge to want to help Joey out? I'm never this nice to her. What could possibly make me want to start treating Joey so kindly now? Maybe I'm coming down with something. It's weird though, I don't feel sick one bit.

Handing me a broom, Joey fills the mop bucket with soap and hot water," You sweep and I'll mop? …..Thanks Pace, you're kind of a life saver."

Grabbing a nearby dust pan, I sweep the floors and under the tables," Sounds like a plan Joey. What else needs to be done?"

"After I mop and turn off all the lights? Nothing, I'm home free.", acknowledges Joey with a sigh of content. Huh, so she is done for the night? I wonder what the chances are of Potter coming out and grabbing a bite to eat with me. I don't know about her but I am starving over here. It sure would be nice to have someone to talk with when I go out to eat, even if it has to be Joey.

"Ah, well then would you want to come with me and get something to eat somewhere Potter?", I take a risk and inquire with a hopeful smile. I don't know what has come over me. Currently, I find myself praying that Joey will say yes. I find myself wanting to spend time with her. In all the years that I have known Joey, not once have I ever voluntarily wanted to spend time with Potter. What could have changed? More importantly why can't I seem to stop grinning like some kind of a goofball jackass? What the hell is wrong with me? ….(End Pacey's pov)