Angel was settled behind the desk again, but she looked tired and frayed
*
Daniel stifled a yawn as he walked through the door. He wasn't sure what he was dreading more, just being in work after yesterday, or having to work with Lucy - who he was sure would have a comment or three for him this morning.
"Morning, Angel," he called as he moved nearer the desk.
*
"Morning, you're early," she smiled
*
"Am I?" Daniel glanced at his watch. "I didn't realise. How are you? I'm really sorry about yesterday, I'll talk to Kelly and make sure it won't happen again."
*
"I don't mind at all, she's a lovely kid, and I'm just tired," Angel replied
*
Daniel smiled as she made the comment about Jessie, probably the most genuine smile he had produced since starting there. "Still, it was unfair. Busy?"
*
"I work a few jobs so, yeah."
*
"Ah. I didn't know that." He rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't want to add to her stress or tiredness levels.
*
"I like Jess, she's not work."
*
"You seemed to have made quite an impression," he said.
*
"Mmm?" Angel asked
*
"She wants to come in again today, when Dylan is here." He said with a sigh.
*
"Then bring her," Angel smiled
*
"Are you sure? You really don't have to say yes."
*
"Of course I am!"
*
"OK. I guess after Lucy's show, I'll let Kelly know she's not needed this afternoon," he said before his brow creased with worry again at the thought of Lucy. "I'm definitely going to need a coffee this morning," he muttered.
*
"And a cookie?"
*
"Maybe. We'll see how the coffee goes down first."
*
"You're cute when you're happy."
*
Daniel blinked. "I... I'm what?"
*
"Cute."
*
Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. "I... well... thank you."
*
"I'm very tired"
*
"Do you want me to get you a coffee too?"
*
"I'd love that!"
*
He chuckled. "I'll be right back with caffeine then."
*
"It's my job to do that,"
*
"Maybe. But I'm not doing anything at the moment and it's the least I can do."
*
"Thank you," her smile was wide and genuine
*
Daniel smiled back and walked away to get two coffees. It didn't take him long. He placed the cup on the desk in front of her. "I wasn't sure how you took it so I brought milk and sugar with me."
*
"Thank you so much," Shine covered a yawn.
*
"You're welcome. How much sleep have you actually had?"
*
"About three hours,"
*
Daniel winced in sympathy. "I can still Jessie it's not OK," he said.
*
"It is OK. I'm here anyway and I've not got to be at the club until 10 tonight, so I can nap."
*
He nodded, his guilt not easing though. "What's Lucy's mood like this morning? Or is she not in yet?"
*
"At least ten minutes yet, she'll have banking stuff to shuffle.
*
"What does that mean for her mood?" Daniel more muttered than asked as he sipped his coffee. He was still worried about the others' reactions.
*
"Foul, as per usual."
*
"Great." Daniel glanced at his watch. "I'm going to call Kelly. I'll be right back."
*
"OK," Angel took a pull on her coffee
*
Daniel gritted his teeth through the phone call. Yes, he knew it was late notice. No, he wouldn't be paying her the same amount. Yes, it was fair. God, he wished he could afford a better sitter but Kelly was local, available and, well, cheap.
He rubbed his temple as he walked back into the building.
*
"Heads up, it arrives," Angel pointed out a car
*
Daniel glanced through the window and grimaced. Lucy definitely didn't look happy. He really hoped she didn't know about yesterday.
*
"Just get out of her way, I'll handle it," Angel replied
*
"I have to do a whole show with her," Daniel pointed out.
*
"Mmm but you don't actually have to talk to her at that point,"
*
"Not much anyway." He raised his coffee in way of salute and stepped back as Lucy strode through the door.
*
"Into 2 please both."
*
Daniel nodded, taking a large gulp of coffee and turned to head in the direction.