I’ve been working the registers at K-Mart now for five years. It started out as a job just to pay Dawson back after lending me money for my college fees, but now it’s become kind of permanent, much to my dismay. Kathy, a co-worker has been working there for twenty years, so whenever I feel myself becoming discouraged with finding a new job, I take a look at her, at the 45 year old woman I don’t want to become. I certainly don’t look down on her or take my place at the store so for granted as to think I’m somehow better than it-but I need something more to get me out of bed in the morning. I can’t wake up everyday knowing that these registers are my entire existence, my future. I need to find something I love. Something more.

“You’re looking ravishing today Potter.” Pacey says, as I pour us both a coffee. I’m decked out in my usual K-Mart uniform.

“Well it’s the uniform Pace. It’s big, it’s blue, it’s nothing if not sexy.” I say sarcastically, causing Pacey to laugh.

“Tracey quit yesterday, so anytime you want to give the waitressing business another try…”

“Don’t go there Pacey. You know I want that job at the gallery.” I remind him sternly.

“But of course. However, until they snatch you up, working with Jen and I sounds a lot more appealing than being a check-out chic at K-Mart.”

“Hardly.” I utter, taking a sip of the steaming hot coffee.

“You wound me Josephine.” He says, placing his hand over his heart and feigning a very slow death. “Besides Potter, who else would I be able to find at such short notice with the fantastic experience you’ve had. I mean, you’ve got glowing reviews from both the Ice House and The yacht club.”

“Somehow I doubt my review from Mrs Valentine will be glowing. Besides, I’m not working with you Pacey so you’re going to have to go to the agency to find someone.”

“Ugh.” He grumbles. “Why do I get stuck with the employment duties when it’s not even my restaurant?”

“Don’t complain Pace, one day it will be.” This thought brings a huge smile to his face. “Of course, by the time that happens you’ll be making your way round the place with the use of a walking stick.” I laugh. He frowns and then hits me playfully on the arm.

“Just for that you can walk home tonight Potter.”

“You can’t make me walk home that late at night by myself! Something could happen!” I protest.

“I don’t think muggers strike twice.” He reminds me of another late night escapade.

“No, but as yet no attempts have been made on my life.”

“That’s what you think Potter.” He winks.

“Hmph, can’t even pull off a crime Pace? That just brings loser to a whole new level.” I smirk.

“What’s happening in here?” Jen interrupts, coming into the kitchen for her usual morning dose of strong black coffee.

“Pacey’s just admitting to a few felonies.” I reply.

“Not on record though! So don’t even think about going to the authorities with this Jo, because it’ll be your word against mine and who’s going to believe a lowly check out chic over a highly respected head chef?”

“You guys, it’s too early in the morning to keep up with your banter!” Jen grumbles, taking a seat at the counter.

“I second that.” Jack says, traipsing out of his room, looking extremely tired.

“What are you doing today Jack?” I ask, as he takes his usual seat beside Jen, the Grace to his Will.

“Absolutely nothing.” He smiles. “And what are you doing in uniform so early Joey? I thought you weren’t on til tonight.”

“They needed me to fill a shift, so I’m doing that as well as tonights.”

“Long day.” Jen says, taking a sip of her coffee.

This is how it always is, how it’s been for a very long time. The four of us, sitting around the kitchen, drinking coffee and discussing meaningless topics which, in a perfect world, would never be discussed.

“Gonna get laid tonight Pace?” Jack asks, making my point for me.

“Nah, I’m taking Joey home.”

“Giving up your weekly one night stand to take Miss Potter home? Joey, how privileged do you feel?” Jen asks, sarcastically.

“It warms my heart.”

“Speaking of casual sex, you remember my friend Tina, don’t you Pace? She came in to work last week…anyway, she wants me to set the two of you up.”

“That sounds more like a date Lindley.”

“What? You can’t feed them before you bring them home Pace?” I ask.

“I don’t date.”

“Alrighty then. I’m gonna go get dressed.” Jen says, leaving the room.

“Me too.” Jack follows.

“What don’t you date Pacey?” I ask curiously as I put the empty coffee mugs in the dishwasher.

“Because.” He shrugs.

“Because why?”

“None of your business.”

“Seriously Pacey, friend to friend, you’ve been on a casual sex rampage ever since we finished high school. You haven’t had a girlfriend since Andie.”

“And that concerns you how?”

“I was just wondering why. I mean, there’s plenty of great girls out there.”

“I’m just not interested in any of them.”

“You mean, not for any longer than 20 minutes.”

“20 minutes? What do you take me for Potter? I’ll have you know that…”

“Eww! I don’t want details Pacey!”

“You were the one who brought it up. So next time, keep your curiosity about my love life, or lack of, to yourself. After all, you’re not one to talk.”

“Low blow.” I sigh.

“You asked for it Potter.”

“At least I’ve tried to have relationships before they failed.”

“I’d rather skip the failing part Jo. The girls I like don’t give a damn about me. It’s self preservation really. Skip all the rejection.”

“Please Pace. Name one girl you’ve actually liked since Andie.”

He glares at me, clearly having an answer in mind but contemplating whether or not to share it.

“See ya Jo. I’m going to get the groceries. I’ll pick you up from work tonight.” And that finished that.