Vanity arrived at Kelly s the next morning full of nerves. It was one thing starting a new job but one in a different country! Then there was the possibility that Carly might come in! Yep she was a bag of nerves today and Mike was intrusting her with hot liquids in cup to give people.

She took a deep breath and opened the door and saw Mike ready at the counter with a spare apron draped on a chair for her

Ready for your first day? he smiled recognising the signs of day one waitress nerves. Boy is anyone going to start here without him having to spend the first day praying that his customers don t end up covered in their orders, he thought.

Umm sure she mumbled making a good start by dropping the apron she just picked up on the floor as her hands shook badly.
Mike walked over to her and put the apron on her and tying it tight.

You ll be fine just take some deep breaths ok. We all have to start somewhere

Vanity nodded and started taking some deep breaths when she heard the bell above the door chime for a customer coming in. No not yet I m not ready Vanity thought.
She turned round to see Ric standing there

Hey you, thought I would come and wish you luck on your first day

Thank you she smiled then looked at the nice suit he was wearing

You didn t want anything I hope she said causing Ric to raise an eyebrow

Mike laughed and gave Ric a coffee to go

I ll serve this one Vanity but you can t say that to all the customers

Ric thanked Mike then dug out a photo from his jacket pocket and handed it to Vanity

I thought this might help he whispered

Vanity took the photo and saw it was a smiling woman with two young boys. She was beautiful as were the boys.

Who are they?

That s Carly, Michael and Morgan who are her sons Ric said pointing to each one in turn.

Vanity felt as if her heart had stopped beating. Her sister and her nephews, looking all happy and perfect already. How would they look and feel when they knew who she was? The colour drained from her face as the magnitude of the situation dawned on her

Vanity? Ric was concerned now seeing the reaction he had caused.

What am I doing Ric? Look at them so happy and now I m going to turn their lives upside down! Vanity exclaimed

It will be OK for starters you don t have to tell anyone who you are till you are good and ready Ric pulled her into his arms Thank Goodness for Ric. She thought. For now only he knew who she was and that was OK. If she could get to know Carly and the boys a bit before making up her mind.
Vanity let go of Ric gradually. It was nice to have the attentions of a handsome man.

Thank you Ric she kissed his cheek

I better be going to work I ll come and see you when you finish Ric smiled and left Kelly s with his head full of Vanity s smell and the feel of her lips on his cheek.

Vanity s day got increasing better after Ric s visit. With Mike s watchful eye she didn t spill any food or drink on customers. The hours passed quickly and not long before she was due to finish and had her back to the door she heard a voice call to Mike

Hey Mike

Oh hey Carly

Vanity froze. She was here, her sister in the caf . Slowly she turned around to see the woman from the photo Ric gave her. She was even more beautiful in real life. Something about her seemed to dominate the room.

Then Carly noticed the redhead in the room too and turned to smile at her

You must be the new waitress I m Carly Corinthos

Vanity s heart felt like it was going to explode, it beat so fast.

Yes that s me the new girl. I m Vanity

Carly s eyes widened in surprise which Vanity had grown accustomed to that day. The combination of the accent and the unusual name caught Port Charles residents off guard.
Vanity grinned feeling she could actually enjoy her first interaction with Carly.
You having to recruit from England Mike? Worn out all the American waitresses? Carly teased as Mike came out from behind the counter to help Vanity finish clearing up after the day s rush.

For her first day she has done pretty good. What can I get you Carly?

Vanity moved to another table to clear it so she could observe her sister from a distance. She imagined one day Carly popping in to catch up with her. They d gossip and share sisterly advice.
The door chimed and in walked Ric, his eyes finding Vanity s across the room making him smile. He had been looking forward to this all day in court. Having decided to ask her out to dinner Ric booked a table already hoping that she would say yes.

Ric then heard Carly s laughter and turned to see her in a corner chatting to Mike. Vanity nodded at Ric telling him she had met her sister.
Vanity walked over to him

Hey you how was your day?

The usual courtroom dramas but more importantly how was your day? Ric glanced at Carly

Mike seems impressed with me and I didn t get fired so pretty good Vanity gave him a thumbs up

Mike do you need Vanity much longer? I d like to take her out to dinner Ric shouted, getting Carly s attention in the process too.

I wouldn t sweetheart he s nothing but trouble Carly growled at Ric

Carly now now she s new in town and deserves a treat after a great first day. Go ahead Vanity Mike smiled happy he had been right in hiring her Vanity and Ric left Kelly s. Vanity linked arms with him and giggled

So where you taking me?

I got us a table booked at a restaurant

Ric Lansing you smooth operator

Vanity turned to look at him properly, her heart beating fast again. This time it was from the possibilities of being with this man.
Ric felt a connection with her then and took a chance. He leaned in slowly and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Vanity pulled him closer and returned his kiss.