Joey pushed the heavy door open, shaking her winter coat off when she was hit with the warmth of Civilization.
Danny once owned Civilization, a guy that was so much like Pacey it was uncanny, but a few years before Riley was born, he had a heart attack that forced him to give up the restaurant and retire, so naturally Pacey took over, making it an even big success than it already was. Pacey use to love bringing Annabelle to the restaurant, because anything Pacey asked her to do, she would do and she would be fascinated for hours; until it became clear she had fall in love with the restaurants atmosphere, and it took ages for her to leave.
Andie one year even had to make her a waitress out fit for her to go trick or treating in. So it was only natural for her when the time came, to start working along side her father in the restaurant, much to Andie�s dislike.
Joey smiled at the thought, as she throws her coat over an arm and headed towards the front counter, seeing if she would get a glimpse of Pacey out the back.
�Can I help you?� a passing waitress asked with a bright smile.
�Strong black coffee,� Joey smiled, the waitress walked away as she looked around for Annabelle. A couple of minutes later the waitress returned with the coffee in hand, �Thanks, could you tell Pacey, Joey�s here!� The waitress nodded her head before walking away to help another customer. Joey sighed picking up her coffee and walking over to the booth in the back. Getting herself comfortable, she failed to notice Pacey approach, until he sat across from her.
�You called?� Pacey asked wiping his hands on his apron.
�Hey Pace how was your morning?� Joey signed glancing up from studying her coffee at him, trying to seem cheery, but Pacey so right through it.
�Busy, but by the looks of it a lot better than yours! What happened?�
�The next gallery opening is costing a lot more than we originally thought, and some of the artists might pull out, because our major sponsor just pulled out this morning, meaning we either cancel this months opening or find another sponsor fast, before we lose a lot of money!� Joey signed again before Pacey reached over the table and intertwined their finger, before giving a reassuring squeeze.
�You know my offer still stands?�
�I love it that you want to sponsor us, but I told you last time, we don�t need it!�
�Yeah but this time you need it!� Pacey said bringing their joined up to his lips, so he could place a small kiss on the back on her hand.
�It would just complicated things more!� Joey shrugged, knowing that she didn�t want to be financially attached to Pacey, for the fear of it they ever broke up that their problems would be ten times bigger than they need be.
�Would you at least think about it this time please?� Pacey begged, he wanted to help any way possible, and he had the money to do that, with the success of the restaurant.
�Ok,� Joey signed, giving in slightly, knowing that this time she probably have to do it.
�That�s all I ask!� Pacey grinned kissing her hand again.
�Do you guys ever leave each other alone, for more than five minutes?� Annabelle stern but joking voice brought them out of their little world, noticing she had appeared finally, �Now get out of my seat Dad!� Pacey laughed getting up and sliding in beside Joey and kissed her temple. Annabelle sat down in a huff, where Pacey had been.
�Nope!� Joey grinned back at Annabelle and reached to her shoulder, where Pacey had slumped his arm over it and intertwining her fingers again in his, squeezing it lovely.
�We will have to shorten that time frame, some how?� Pacey whispered in her ear.
�I think I can think of a few things!� Joey whispered back as Pacey raised an eyebrow at the suggestion and smirked before turning his attention towards Annabelle. Annabelle had witness the whole exchange, without hearing what was said she knew what they were talking about, she rolled her eyes.
�Hey, you shouldn�t roll your eyes!� Pacey scolded, which in turn made before women to roll their eyes at him. Joey elbowed Pacey and smiled sweetly towards Annabelle, �You do know where she picked that up right Jo?�
�Pacey shut up!�
�You guys finished?� Annabelle asked looking from one to the other. Pacey went to say something more, but Joey covered his mouth with her hand just in time.
�Yes,� Joey turned to Pacey and he nodded so she let her hand go.
�I was just going to ask where you were just now, and don�t say class because I know you only have a couple of morning classes this semester and your usually here if not there,� Pacey questioned.
�You feeling neglected Pace?� Joey smirked, trying to hold back her laughter for Annabelle�s sake. Pacey inturn shoved her lightly with his free hand, with a grin.
�I went to do some Christmas shopping, but as you can see it wasn�t very successful trip!� Annabelle gestured with her empty hands.
�Ok, well I better get back to work, I�ll let you eat before I kick you out!� Pacey said leaning over and giving Joey a kiss before getting up.
�How very generous of you Pace!� Joey grinned, as he waved her comment off with a flick of his wrist as he walked away.
�So where were you really?� Joey asked as soon as Pacey was out of hearing distance. Annabelle raised an eyebrow, as she tried to keep a smile from appearing, �You maybe able to fool your father, but you can�t tell me you actually went shopping and didn�t buy something?� Annabelle signed letting a grin spread across her face as she looked over at Joey.
