RadioStation
Part 3 - After Hours
Joey pulled her car up to the house, exhausted by the long workday. As she exited her car, she heard yelling and let out a long sigh. The negotiating never seemed to end.
Joey trudged into the house to find Pacey holding back Jen, who appeared ready to kill someone. She glanced around the room and was surprised not to see Dawson around.
"What's going on?"
Jen yelled, "That damn bird. I'm going to kill Dawson."
Back to normal. "Jen, calm down. Now, what happened?"
"I forgot how goddamn annoying that stupid parrot can be. Dawson is here less than a day and Lily's back to the pest she was when we first moved in."
"Where is Dawson now?"
"In the backyard with Lily teaching an old bird older tricks. Completely oblivious as usual. To think, it's possible that moron will be staying in Capeside. I don't think I could take it."
Pacey chimed in, "The same way you tolerated it for three years, I'd suppose."
Jen glared at Pacey, "In other words, spend three days a week seeing a shrink. Do you realize how small of a town this is? It's not like New York where you can find either a doctor or a patient on every block. I'm going to need a large raise when this is over."
Joey instructed, "Maybe you should let her go, Pace. Find out exactly what she'd do." Pacey gave her a confused look, then relented his grip on Jen. Jen charged out of the house, into the backyard.
"Are you sure about that Jo?"
"Do you really think Mitch would object? Besides, Jen probably wouldn't cause any damage," Joey reconsidered, " Permanent damage. It wouldn't be enough to ruin his reputation and that's the important thing." Pacey nodded in agreement.
A silence filled the air. Joey suddenly felt awkward around him. It was easy to forget just how much she loved him in the office, under the veneer of being professional. But here, in her house, it was proving to be quite difficult to convince herself that the relationship she had with Pacey was actually part of the past.
"So, um, has Mitch given you an offer yet?"
"Actually, no. I haven't seen him all day. Then again, I couldn't get rid of Dawson so there may be a correlation between the two."
"But of course." Another awkward gap in the conversation. Pacey's eyes wandered around the room until he identified a picture frame. Joey followed his gaze to see what got his attention. It wasn’t just any photo but the photo. The wedding ceremony from hell. Why the hell do I still have it? It shows how little time I spend in this room.
"You still have this?" Pacey asked cautiously, "I thought…"
"You're right. Jen's stupid idea. You know that, despite everything that happened between me and Drue, Jen still has a hopeless crush on the guy. Oh, don't get me wrong, she dates, but she kind of still lusts after him."
Pacey replied dryly, "I've been told he has that kind of effect on the ladies."
Joey stared at him. He's still hurt by that. Well, it serves him right. He should feel the same way that I feel right now. He deserves it after choosing the workplace over fixing the problems in our relationship. She felt his eyes completely fixed on her and no clever remark was coming to mind to divert his focus.
"I'm going to KILL YOU."
Pacey blinked and realized it was Jen's voice. He raced outside, followed closely by Joey. They were expecting bloodshed but instead found Dawson holding Lily's cage while Lily was speaking.
"Hello, Jennifer. Hello, Jennifer." Lily squawked over and over.
Jen had been furious but now it was a struggle to hold back a smile as she greeted, "Hello, Lily."
Joey was flabbergasted. "She hasn't spoken in months and the first words out of her mouth are 'Hello, Jennifer'?"
Dawson was genuinely pleased, "All she needed was someone who actually wanted to pay attention to her. See, Lily, these people really do like you." He gazed up at them, "She just missed her old friends and was waiting for them to reunite."
Joey groaned. You could've hit Pacey with a boulder, it would've been more subtle than the hint Dawson tried to give. On second thought, clobbering Dawson with the boulder would solve many of the headaches, period. Dammit, stop thinking homicidal thoughts. Pacey doesn't look very amused either, as he retreated back into the house.
Joey watched Pacey walk away. Jen glanced back at Dawson, who clearly had control over Lily. She gestured her head in the direction Pacey headed.
“I’ll be right back. Jen…”
“Just go, boss.” Jen reassured.
Joey entered the house and wandered through the rooms. She eventually found him in the guest room, unpacking as though nothing happened outside. She observed him as he tried and failed to remove his clothes from the suitcase neatly. After all, it’s a fine art, one that only seems to exist in people who used to work checkout counters. Joey tried to figure out exactly how to approach him. Then again, communicating has never been a strong point in our relationship. Sure, we “talk”, but not about the most important issues.
“I’m sorry about the wedding photo.” As good of a starting point as any.
Pacey straightened up, surprised that Joey must be standing at the door. Nonetheless, he refused to face her as he answered, “Why should I be concerned about that? Technically, he’s still your husband. You’re still Mrs. Joey Valentine. Or you would be if you hadn’t been so insistent to keep your maiden name for business reasons.”
“In name, that’s true. But I’m not attached to him really. It was just one, incredibly bad, judgment call.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Potter. If you don’t mind, I’m going to finish unpacking, then find out what passes for entertainment in this town.” He turned to her, adding snidely, “After all, if you are supposed to pretend you’re not convincing me to stay in Capeside, I should at least find some valid excuses.”
Joey had no reply since it wasn’t even clear what was actually happening between them. She exited the room, more confused than before. Was he playing the role of a jealous ex? It’s not as if Pacey thought he “owned” her, one of her many gripes regarding Drue. She walked back into the living room, searching for something to throw.
That was one of the most frustrating aspects about Pacey Witter. If he seriously thinks that he can just try to avoid the situation between them, then two can play at that game. Her eyes captured focus on the wedding photo, the catalyst of making a tolerable situation take a turn for the worse. She grabbed it from the shelf and stalked off to Jen’s bedroom.
“She wants it so badly, she can have him,” Joey exclaimed as she flung the frame onto her bed.
* * * * *
The next day in the office, Pacey entered to find Mitch Leery wandering back and forth.
"Is something wrong?"
"Are you and Dawson a package deal?"
"Meaning? Do you seriously think I want it to be this way?"
Mitch backed away, holding his hands up in the air, "I just meant that if you stay he stays. If you return to NY, he returns?"
"Sadly, that seems to be true."
"So there's zero chance of only him staying? Correct? Please tell me that's correct?"
Pacey grinned, "That would appear to be correct."
Mitch let out a sigh of relief, "You don't know how lousy of a night I had. I was so restless thinking of that happening. That could force me to return to New York's mile-a-minute pace."
Pacey noticed Dawson and Andie leaving the staff lounge.
"Here's your test. I see him coming."
Mitch did a complete 360 turn, then went back counterclockwise and recognized him. He raced back to the desk and snatched his suitcase. "I just remembered I have a staff meeting to watch over for the newspaper. I'll be back later, Witter."
Pacey waved as Mitch walked in the direction of Joey's office.
* * * * *
"Was that my dad?" Dawson asked Andie as they stood outside of the staff lounge.
Andie spotted Mitch walking away quickly, "I don't know. You know, he's a very busy guy. He's probably holding a revenue cycle meeting. You know how he is about money."
"Yes, I do. I remember asking him for a new laptop for Christmas and he said that he wasn't sure about that since the station was having budget problems."
Andie tried to hold back a laugh, realizing that Dawson must fall for that one every Christmas. After all, Mitch Leery was one of the wealthiest people in the country. "I didn't know you were into computers, Dawson."
"Oh yes. It's the easiest way to be connected. I have this great idea to create a website which would be a shrine to the Great One, Steven Speilberg. Besides, how else could I perfect home movies of my kitten?"
"You have a pet?"
"You remember Pacey's cat, JP? Well, she had kittens. Lucky me, I took one of them. Named him Yoda."
"Yoda? I was certain that if you ever had a pet, you'd name it ET."
Dawson grinned, "I can surprise you sometimes. Anyway, I hope Yoda won't mind if I move to Capeside."
Andie replied truthfully, "I don't think he'd mind getting out of a stuffy New York apartment and have the clean air in suburban life instead." She then mentally kicked herself for encouraging him.
"You're probably right, but I just don't want him to be jealous of Lily. You know how attached I can get when the two of us are playing."
She rolled her eyes, "You will just have to figure out a way to prioritize." She exclaimed way too happily, "Joey!"
Joey turned around and gave Andie a death scare, to which the secretary corrected herself, "Sorry, I mean, good morning Ms. Potter."
"Anyone in the lounge?" Joey asked, pointing to the door.
"Just Jen and Jack, having a coffee break."
"Tell Jack that I want to review the notes from the editing session yesterday."
"Won't you want to tell him after the revenue cycle meeting?"
"What, we wouldn't have one of those on a Sat.." Andie gestured behind Dawson's back to play along, "Oh, yes, the revenue cycle meeting. We have to deal with our budget crisis."
Andie grinned and opened the lounge door, shouting, "Hey, Jack Attack. Time to get your butt up and into Potter's office."
Joey sighed, "I'll be so glad when you return to college, McPhee."
* * * * *
Pacey looked around the office. He wasn’t exactly sure why he returned to here. After all, he certainly wasn't planning to stay in Capeside. So I'm really here for Mitch Leery's sake. And the staff's looking for their leader to return. And maybe the hope that Dawson will stay. Pretty useless dreams like that.
Jen raced out of the lounge over to him. She tried to catch her breath.
He was puzzled by her presence. Jen always put her foot down regarding weekend shifts because she enjoyed the social scene. Then again, there probably wasn’t even a scene to speak of in this town. "Lindley, what are you doing at the station on a Saturday?"
"The weekend DJ, Abby Morgan, is in the hospital. Apparently, the girl almost drowned in the creek."
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry to hear that. Is she okay?"
Jen sniped, "She's not dead or anything. But it means that I lose a couple of days off until the witch recovers." Remembering why she stopped him, she added, "You should probably get into the staff meeting in Ms. Potter's office. I know you're technically not staff but you still should be there."
"You mean because it's a good place to hide out?"
"Let's see, what would you prefer? On the one hand, you can listen to Andie's squealing and Dawson's stupid musings. On the other hand, there's a boring meeting with the sane people in this office. Frankly, I’d take the office and have a good nap. That's probably what Jack's doing in there."
Pacey replied, "I'll be in Potter's office if you need anyone to hold you back." Jen grinned and shoved him in that direction.
He entered the office to find Joey, Jack and Mitch sitting around a table.
"So, exactly what are we pretending to do in here?" Pacey glanced quickly at Joey, then focused on Mitch.
"I was just wondering if you've considered the offer to stay in Capeside." Mitch asked quickly. "I know what you just told me, but I thought this would involve Ms. Potter's input as well."
Trying to avoid Joey's gaze, he took a deep breath. "I don't see myself leaving New York."
"You don't miss your fellow co-workers?"
"I do. It's just that those people need me as well. It wouldn't be right to suddenly turn my back on them."
Joey muttered, "That's a funny sentiment, since just yesterday, you didn't care in the slightest. You thought they were more annoying than Dawson. A pretty cruel assessment."
"It's not the people in the office. I do have a life outside of work."
Joey bit her tongue to keep from replying to that dig at her. She forced herself to continue. "I don't believe that but I'll let you continue anyway. You know that you're wanted much more here."
Mitch added, "That is true. It's all anyone can talk about is how lousy a job Ms. Potter does. She's such a workaholic, they know she needs a life of her own.."
Joey interjected, "I think he got the point, Mr. Leery."
Jack chimed in, "I'm told that you were quite the manager." Pacey answered Jack with a cold and unamused glare. "Sorry, sir," as he cowered back in his seat.
"I don't think I could handle it."
Mitch replied, "That would be the codeword for he's not quite over someone in this office."
Joey stated sharply, "I understood perfectly what that meant. Is there any way we could deal with this alone?"
Mitch peered out the window, spotting Dawson and Andie still chatting, "No dice."
Jack interrupted, "Isn't it possible to check out where you want to place that Lifetime Achievement award from the Aviation council?"
Pacey looked on confused, "What? Did you make that up?"
The boss shook his head, "Nope. It's amazing what an insignificant organization strapped for cash will lavish on you to get a donation." To Jack, "You're absolutely right. We need to determine a suitable location." He rose from his chair. Jack followed behind, closing the door as he exits.
Joey threw her hands up in the air, "Come on, let's get it out. Get all your married-lady-Valentine crap out right now."
Pacey peered at her, confused, "This isn't about that."
"Come on, Pacey. You want to know why the hell I married him. Why don't you ask yourself why the hell you and I weren't still together? You dumped me, therefore, you have no reason to jealous. If you couldn't handle what other people in the office said about us, that was a problem you had to deal with. Don't lash those issues out on me." Joey's face was growing redder, as she finally let out the years of frustration known as working under her boss Pacey Witter.
Pacey was annoyed by that, "My god, woman, do you really think that's why we broke up? I couldn't care less what everyone thought about us dating. We could have dealt with those watchful eyes. As long as Mr. Leery saw no problem in interoffice romance, there was no reason for me to question it."
Joey bolted up from her seat, "I know perfectly well why we broke up. I know it wasn't just about the office. The truth is that you didn't love me enough to deal with any issues."
"That's not it either," Pacey let out a deep sigh, then snapped, "I can't believe you're accusing me of not loving you anymore."
Joey replied sarcastically, "Oh please, let us continue these stupid guessing games. So, tell me, oh wise one, why did we break up?"
Pacey paused, "You really don't know?" Joey shook her head, "I truly thought you knew. You didn't want to marry me."
She tried to hide her shock at the revelation, "Excuse me? When the hell did you ever ask me to marry you? I've only had one proposal in my life and it certainly wasn't yours!"
They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
Joey shouted out, "What do you want?"
Andie entered hesitantly, "I'm sorry to bother you two. The printing company is on the phone, insisting they never received payment for the past month."
Joey tried to collect her thoughts, remembering she still had business matters to deal with. "Fine. Put them through on the phone." To Pacey, "This could take awhile."
Andie glanced from Joey to Pacey, muttering as she exited, "You could feel the temperature in this room go down twenty degrees in the past ten minutes."
Pacey remarked, "I think I'm going to help Mitch with the display outside."
Joey grunted in agreement, then picked up the phone, "Hello, Mr. Reichart, I'm told there's a problem.."
Pacey took a deep sigh, then left out of the office.
* * * * *
With the office now empty and quiet, Joey banged her head against her desk.
"That won't exactly help relieve stress. Trust me, I've tried."
Joey glanced up to find Jen standing in the doorway. Jen walked in and sat in one of the now-unoccupied chairs.
"You were alone with Pacey?"
Joey nodded, then picked up a pencil and snapped it quickly against the table.
Distressed boss’ former lover leaving the room, ready to pick a fight to relieve stress. I hope he runs into Andie first. Girl really needs a nice, solid slap for interrupting them before they got to the good stuff. Oh, wait, that's how I feel about her, not him.
"Fury, I see. Normally, when I see both of you mad, I think that sex is inevitably involved. But the argument didn't last long enough for that. I doubt Pacey's like Minute Rice."
"Did you hear what the fight was about?"
Jen replied, "Well, I was kind of distracted. Andie kept insisting she had to interrupt your revenue cycle meeting. I heard something about Lady Marmalade and marriage proposals." She tilted her head, shaking out her curls. "Something tells me that my eavesdropping skills are a little shaky."
Joey scrunched her face, "Lady Marmalade?" Racking her head, trying to figure out what she misheard, she realized, "Oh, married-lady-Valentine. You heard the second part right, however. Pacey claims that he asked me to marry him."
"When was that?" Jen was equally puzzled. "Has he ever been under any medications that have hallucinogenic effects?"
"No, definitely not. There has been no time that…” Joey paused suddenly, "Oh my dear fucking God!" She snapped the pencil in her hand against the desk so quickly that it broke in two.
Jen looked on curiously. Has Joey finally lost her sanity? I don't think I could handle this. My shrink isn't around anymore… Calm down, Lindley.
Joey darted up from her chair, "How the hell could he claim that? That was a purely hypothetical situation." She finally remembers that Jen is standing there, "I think I should review these notes from the meeting."
Yeah, right, Joey. "Fine. You need time to prepare a statement. I have to get back on the air soon anyway."
"Good idea, Miss Lindley." Joey straightened her jacket as though the outburst never occurred.
Jen tried to hold back a remark as she left the office, closing the door quietly behind her.
She walked out to the hallway, where she overheard Mitch rambling on to Jack about a display case.
"So this is where everyone is gathered?" Dawson suddenly said. Why the hell did he have to follow me out here?
Mitch turned quickly around, surprised to see both of them standing there. Jen offered the boss an apologetic look.
"Why, hello, Dawson. Glad we finally ran into each other."
Dawson replied, suddenly not so certain he wanted to interrupt them, "Hey Dad. Long time no see."
"So, what have you been up to the last couple of months?"
"You know, the usual. Keeping up with my pen pals. Nothing new."
"That's.. excellent," Mitch mustered a little enthusiasm, "I'm sorry to cut this off, but this is very important discussion I'm having with .. I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
Jack muttered, "Jack McPhee."
"That's right, my esteemed associate Jack McPhee."
Jack gave Jen a pleading look to get him out of there. As much as I want to help him, I think my boss needs more assistance. Better positioning for the raise, anyway.
Jen took Mitch's lead, "That's right, Dawson. These two have very important issues to deal with. His, er, business meeting must take precedence." [When Dawson discovers that Jack's only Joey's assistant, he will be mad. Oh well. Deal with that one later.
Jen walked away from them, with Dawson following behind.
"Actually, Jen, if you don't mind, I think I will return to the house."
Jen spun around, shocked, "Are you sure?"
Dawson looked down at the ground, "Yeah, I have to think about whether I should stay in Capeside or not. After all, I shouldn't rely on Pacey to make that decision for me. Even if he and Joey settle their differences, I don't know, maybe New York is where I belong."
"Sure thing, Dawson." Jen tried to hide her enthusiasm, "There's a spare key hidden underneath one of Joey's flower pots. I'm sure Lily will enjoy having some company during the day."
Dawson muttered, "Yeah, whatever," as he exited the building.
Jen looked up toward the sky, "I know that I've said I don't believe in God, but.. thank you, thank you, thank you."
* * * * *
Pacey drove back to the house, not exactly sure what to do next. He pulled up to the driveway and was surprised to see the front door open.
Pacey crossed his fingers, praying that Joey came home. Maybe she wants to discuss it as well. I suppose I should have explained it to her sooner. Seeing her face when I mentioned the marriage thing was.. well, I should have kept quiet.
He walked into the house, holding his breath. His hopes were dashed when he saw Dawson sitting on the couch, absentmindedly watching television. He noticed Pacey enter and tore his eyes away from the screen.
"Pace? What brings you here?"
"Not the best of days." Pacey noticed the bottle of beer next to Dawson. "I guess I'm not the only one. Is there any more?"
"In the fridge. Jen really stocked up. I don't think she'll miss it."
Pacey nodded and headed into the kitchen to grab a beer. He then returned to the living room and plopped down on the couch next to Dawson. He finally looked at the screen to find a pig. Arnold, to be exact.
"You watch Green Acres?" Pacey questioned.
"Blame Joey's replacement. She has a weird fascination with this show. Says it reminds her of an old boyfriend or something. A couple of freaks, if you ask me."
"How would you know anything about Lisa Miller? I thought she couldn't stand talking to you."
"One day, in the lounge, the new gang had a discussion about some of their favorite shows in the past."
Pacey was flabbergasted, "You mean they allowed you in a discussion?"
He shrugged, "The power of television."
"Why are you here, anyway? I thought you would be at the station."
"I'd rather not talk about it. The better question is, why are you here?" Dawson grinned knowingly. "Oh, I get it. You and Joey are still having communication issues."
"When aren't we?" Pacey groaned. "I told her why we really broke up and she flipped."
Dawson raised an eyebrow, "Why did you?"
"This might sound really dumb but.. okay, Andie was talking about her desire to get married soon. Very lonely chick, I must say."
"I vaguely recall this."
"Someone asked Joey if she would ever be that desperate to get married. She said 'no, of course not. I don't need a man in my life to make me happy.'"
"Was this before or after everyone in the office knew about your relationship? I don't recall the timeframe of this conversation."
"Just before. I asked her if she could ever see herself getting married in the near future. Her answer was no."
Dawson shook his head, "You realize how stupid this reason sounds. So she had no interest in marriage. So what? She probably just said that because it was in front of everyone else, especially when you consider that she couldn't say anything about you two."
"I am aware of that. But there was not a moment's hesitation when she answered. Don't you think I asked her about it when we were in private? She just repeated that work came first and nobody would stand in the way of her career.."
"Including you." Dawson finished.
Pacey nodded in agreement. "Which is what makes her arrangement with Drue even worse. How dare she change her mind that quickly?"
"I think Drue specialized in telling the people what they wanted to hear. What Joey wanted to hear was that he was even more serious about his business affairs."
Pacey blinked in amazement, "Surprisingly accurate, my dear Dawson. I guess you should drink more often."
"I don't think so. Anyway, you know that you want to reunite with Joey. So just talk to her already. You know you have only one day to do that. Unless you want to forget about returning to the New York office on Monday, which I wouldn't mind.."
"You're right. I have to speak to her about this."
"She will only stay single for so long before someone else realizes what a wonderful-person-as-I've-been-told-by-you she could be. Given Joey's propensity to date men affiliated with the company, I'd gather the next person would probably be her assistant."
Pacey laughed, "I have it on good authority that she wouldn't date Jack." Seriously, he added, "You're right, I don't have much time. If I have any interest in staying in Capeside, she and I have to resolve this problem. Besides, I suppose you need to know where you'll be living as well." He took a sip from the beer bottle.
Dawson replied, "I suppose, even though I pretty much decided I'm not moving here."
Pacey choked on the liquid in his mouth, "Excuse me? Where did that come from?"
"Do you really think I need to have my dad as a boss again?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought him being the owner was the reason you were hired."
"Which is true. The problem is that he's doing it because he feels he owes it to me. As if I couldn't make it out in the world on my own."
"Well…"
Dawson's voice rose, "He wasn't there all those years. He was so concerned about making a buck and impressing his high-society friends that he didn't give a damn about me or my mother, the years they were together. I was lucky when he'd remember the holidays, even though I suspect it was because of his secretary. It looks bad for the company if he fires his son yet anything else that happens is fair game? Forget it. I don't need that."
"I think I'm not the only one who would feel better by clearing the air."
"Maybe so but can it wait until later?" Dawson asked.
"I wouldn't mind procrastinating myself." Pacey leans back on the couch, mindlessly watching the show.
* * * * *
Jack cleaned up his desk, ready to get back home.
Yet another long business day finally over. Joey had been especially stressed out today. To begin with, Saturdays were a bitch because the week’s edition of the Chronicle goes to press on Sunday morning. Her former boss’ arrival had provided the employees a brief glimpse of a relaxed Josephine Potter the previous day. But their subsequent fight this morning brought the boss we’d grown accustomed to back with a vengeance.
He was brought out of his thoughts by the phone ringing. Jack noticed it was Andie’s phone and that her coat was not on the chair anymore. She’d probably sneaked out ten minutes ago. How the hell has she not been fired yet?
Jack walked over to the phone, noticing the light for the newspaper extension is lighting up. He picked up the phone, “You have reached the offices of WCMX.”
An unfamiliar voice replied, “Is Joey Potter there?”
“Whom may I say is calling?” Jack searched Andie’s desk for a notepad. He eventually located a perfectly new pad and opened to the first page. He then found a pen among the hundred or so lined up in the drawer.
“I know she’s there, just put me through.”
Jack replied more forcibly, “Gladly, just as long as she knows who this is. We’re technically finished with business for the day…”
Joey walked out of her office with her briefcase in her hand. She noticed Jack on Andie’s phone.
She whispered, “Andie already ducked out?”
Jack nodded. Joey rolled her eyes then held out her hand. Jack passed the receiver over to her.
“You’ve reached Josephine Potter. Please make this quick, I have an important meeting and you’re making me late.”
Jack murmured, “Meeting?”
Joey placed her hand over the receiver, “Technically, yes. Have to talk to Pacey.”
She hadn’t covered the receiver well enough, “Pacey? Pacey Witter? He’s still around.”
Joey stated firmly, “How do you know Pacey Witter?”
“I should remember him. He was at our wedding after all.”
She growled, “What the hell do you want?” Jack looked up, surprised at the sudden change in her voice.
“My lawyer is on the other line.”
Another sound confirmed this, “Hello, Mrs. Valentine.”
Drue continued, “We just want to iron out the details in the settlement. Technically, I realize we weren’t married but my legal advisor felt we should discuss the particulars.”
Joey slumped down in the chair, “Fine. You’ve got my attention. Just hold on a second.” She turned to Jack, “I can handle this one. You’ll certainly have a better evening than I’m about to have. Just shut off the other phone lines for the newspaper on your way out.”
* * * * *
Pacey stalked around the house. Dawson watched him intently.
“She should have been here by now.”
“You forget the person we’re talking about. She could still be at work.”
“Good point.” He looked around the living room, “Between the two of them, there must have an office number somewhere.”
“You don’t have it?” Dawson questioned.
“I do, but it’s not committed to memory. Now, let’s think.”
Dawson thought aloud, “If Jen wanted to call in sick, where would she place Joey’s number?”
Pacey rolled his eyes, “Joey lives with Jen, remember?”
He focused his eyes on the ground, “I knew that.”
Pacey walked over to the fridge, noticing all the notes Jen has posted on it. He snatched one of them and skimmed the sheet, “Saved by Lindley hating work.” There scrawled on the sheet of paper were Joey’s work number and a reminder to use her reference for a new job.
He grabbed the phone and punched in the number, only to get a busy tone.
Pacey walked into the living room, sighing, “I suppose not. I’m not going to wait around for wondering if she’s avoiding me or not. Do you remember the bar that Jen said she was frequenting tonight?”
“Pat’s Ale in Province Town.”
Pacey grabbed his coat and heads out the door, “Then that’s where I’ll be.”
Part 4 - Some Chatting
Index