Author: Kate
Rating: PG
Category: pj
Author's Notes: Since we were cheated out of a lot of PJ scenes this season, I thought I'd write in my own for each episode. They aren't romantic, more of friendship, but I hope you like them! Feedback is appreciated :)
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"Ever notice how this is the only place we ever eat now?" Jack asks as he opens the front door to "Civilization" for me.
I tuck my arm into his as we wait to be seated. "Hey, it pays to know Chef Pacey."
"Chef?" Jack asks.
"Didn't you hear? Our favorite little sailor is the newest chef here."
Jack sighs deeply. "They grow up so fast ..."
We're seated at a small table near the kitchen as we continue our conversation. "Isn't Audrey working here tonight?"
"Yep. It's her last night in training. Tomorrow night they set her loose."
"God help us all."
I laugh as I see a mass of long blonde hair walking through the throng of people who just walked into the restaurant. "Be nice, Jack. I think she's coming over."
"Joey! Jack!" Audrey says, running over to us. She wraps her arms around my shoulders in an awkward hug. I never thought I could be friends with someone as bubbly as Audrey ... but I just can't help but love her.
"Audrey." Jack grins. "How are you?"
Audrey's demeanor changes into one of annoyance as Pacey approaches us, looking equally as irritated. "I'd be much better if Mr. Shadow here would stop following me."
"Audrey," Pacey starts, exasperated, "You're the one that's supposed to be following me. I'm the one training you."
"Wait, why are you training her?" I ask. "You're a chef." I point out.
Pacey looks at me and says flatly, "And you got a 4.0 this semester, huh?"
"Are you ready for the Potter Eye Roll, Pace? Can you see it coming? Oh, she's trying to suppress it .... but she can't quite. Oh, and there it is!" Jack exclaims as I give in to my worst habit. Pacey and Audrey laugh.
"You're all just so funny ... " I say.
"It's one of Brecher's rules for the wait staff. They have three nights of training. One with the waiters, one with the hostesses, and one with the chefs." Pacey explains.
"It's supposed to make me understand everything that goes on better. I'll be a better waitress for it .... or something." Audrey says.
Pacey closes his eyes and sighs deeply. I have a feeling its been a long night for him. "Audrey, why don't you go get the water pitcher and fill their glasses?"
"Mother may I?" Audrey asks flippantly.
Pacey smiles fully. "Yes, you may."
We watch as Audrey walks off. "She really does come across as such a bright girl ..." Pacey says, almost sadly.
"Aww, go easy on her Pace. She's just .... " Jack trails off.
"Audrey." I finish with a slight smile.
"Exactly." Pacey says, sounding exhausted.
I laugh and pat Pacey's hand that rests on the back of my chair. "Pace, I've been living with the girl for the past 5 months. The past few hours you've spent with her ain't nothin' compared to the nights of trying to sleep over the sound of 'The Real World' reruns and the nauseating scent of her blue toenail polish."
Pacey looks at me, feigning awe. "You are such a saint."
I give him my best evil eye as I say, "I'm just saying that you get used to her."
"I think I see some guys from the frat. I'm gonna go say hi. I'll be right back." Jack says, quickly dismissing us.
"He's turned into a walking, talking teenage movie stereotype." I say, resting my chin in my hand.
"I can't argue with you there." Pacey says. He takes a quick look around, looking for Brecher I assume before he takes a seat next to me. "Then again, I think all of us are doing things we never thought we'd do this year .... " He trails off with a meaningful smirk on his face.
"You provoked me. I had to let her out." I say with a grin.
"Hey, I'm not complaining. I'm usually the one who reaps the benefits of the 'other' Joey."
"Really?" I say, amused. "And how do you figure that?"
"Well ... at the Miss Wind Jammer pageant we all got a nice view of what you'd been hiding under those big clothes throughout puberty ..."
"Pacey!" I exclaim, sure that my cheeks are colored in a nice magenta.
He grins at me and winks, continuing as if I hadn't said a thing, "Then there was that whole running away with me for the summer thing that actually meant very little to me ... " He says, looking away from me and feigning indifference, obviously sarcastic. "And last, but certainly not least, the ski trip. And I think that was the last time I saw your footloose and fancy free side." He says, smiling. "Until the other night that is."
"Yeah, well, don't expect a repeat performance for at least another 6 or so months. The 'other' Joey has to come out at least twice a year. I was simply filling a quota by singing the other night."
"Oh, right. Right. Of course." Pacey says, playing along. "Well," He says, standing, "You tell that girl I miss her and that I'll see her in another couple of months."
I return his smile, "Will do. And Pace?" He turns around, looking at me expectantly. "I have a pretty good feeling she misses you too."
He grins and walks away. Distantly, I hear him asking Audrey what happened to the water pitcher he asked her to get. A few tables over I can hear Jack laughing with all of his frat buddies.
I smile as I realize all of my people are happy. Audrey, Pacey, Jen, Dawson, Jack ... They're all happy.
And that makes me happy.
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