Tori closes the heavy door and steps into the alley. She takes off her visor and tugs her apron over her head, then does a quick stretch before sitting on the steps and taking out her phone. She dials Jades number and smiles fondly at her contact photo: A picture of Jade with her hair pulled back, showing off the necklace Tori had just given her for their 6 month anniversary a few weeks ago.
After a few rings it goes to voice mail. "Hey baby, I just wanted to let you know I'm gonna be home late. I just talked to Ray and he needs me all night. If you get this before you leave, can you stop by the shop on your way home? Make it easy on me? Okay well, I love you. Bye." Click.
She sighs and rubs the December chill from her arms.
...
When Jade enters the small, mom and pop restaurant, she's greeted by a mix of hearty Italian aromas. The bell above the door alerts Tori to her presence, and she smiles broadly as Jade approaches the counter. "Hey cutie." She greets, lifting herself over the cash register to peck Jades lips before dropping back down. "What'll it be?" She asks, taking a pen from above her ear and picking up an order sheet.
Jade tilts her head. "Guess." She deadpans. Tori chuckles and scribbles down Jades usual, then passes it to Ray through the window. His eyes scan the order for only a second. "Yeah yeah, its Jade." He tells the rest of the kitchen staff, then crumples the ticket and tosses it.
Jade sits in Toris section and waits for her food. When its ready Tori brings it out to her, along with another plate. She sits down opposite Jade and starts shoveling a good amount of her meal onto the empty plate. She hands Jade her food then starts to woof down her portion, and Jade just watches and shakes her head.
"So, new years is almost here." Jade says casually. Tori swallows a huge bite of pasta, then wipes the sauce off her face. "God, I can't even think about new years. I barely made it through Christmas." Jade eyes narrow and she doesn't speak right away. "So...no parties or anything?" Tori reaches across the table and squeezes her hand. "No, Jade. We can stay in if you want." She smiles, but Jade looks...disappointed?
"That's good news, right?" Jade shrugs. "Do you...wanna go out?" Tori asks. Jade shrugs again. After months of nonverbal hissy fits, Toris learned how to handle Jades delicate ego. "Jade, stop being a baby and say what you want." Jade exhales loudly but speaks. "I...would like to... have a... party." She says, unsure. "That face isn't making this any easier."
Toris shock eases into an amused grin. "Sorry, keep going." Jade nods. "I don't know. I figure you'll want to be with your friends." Tori rolls her eyes. "Jade, their your friends too."
"That's unfounded." She quips quickly. "But, I wouldn't mind celebrating with them" she leans closer "...and Beck...and you..." She spreads her fingers, and Toris hand on top of hers fills in the gaps "something bubbly..."
Tori's laugh banishes the last of her reserves and Jade smiles contentedly as Tori spends the rest of her brake spouting party ideas between mouthfuls of food.
...