Barmaid on Duty!

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine comes downstairs, clad in her basic waitress uniform of t-shirt and jeans, her hair braided back, and goes to get her tray from the bar.


She's glad its her last shift for the week, though she does enjoy her job. She's beginning to see the appeal of being lazy. Though her idea of 'lazy' differs from most people's.

At any rate, Elaine's ready to take your orders.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

Ryan walks up behind her, his hand at her waist.

"Hey." He gives her a small kiss before sitting down at the bar.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Hello." Elaine stays standing but leans against him with an arm around his waist. "I saw Chris the other day. She looked very well, I was happy to see. And how are you?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"I'm all right. Just catching up with people."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Have you seen Tony yet?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Yes, I have. He told me about his and Michelle's engagement."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I think it's wonderful. I'm looking forward to seeing them get married." She grins.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Do you have a date for the wedding yet?" he asks with a small smile.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"No, I think they have things to arrange before then. I'm trying to decide on a wedding present. The only thing I can think of is to draw something for them."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"I'll probably give money and a card. Like I always do," Ryan says with a shrug.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Money is always helpful." People did the same thing in her time, after a fashion. She kisses his cheek. She's just happy to be with him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He smiles at her.

"And it's easier than picking out a gift."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She nods. "Bernard's fiancee is expecting a baby...I'm knitting things for him--or her. I guess I just like to make gifts for people."

She looks around then. No Ramon Salazar in the bar. She'd forgotten, earlier, to look. She lets out a sigh of relief.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Well that's because you have talent. The best I could do for them is ... balance their checkbooks."

He watches her as she gazes around the bar. "Looking for someone?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Making sure Salazar is nowhere in the vicinity. I don't feel like dealing with him just now." Her tone is one of annoyance--Ramon is a fly that desperately needs a good swatting.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

And Ryan is no longer in a light mood.

"Has he been bothering you?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Sometimes I wait on him when I'm barmaiding. I don't like him," she says bluntly. "He's an animal. I just don't want him to know who I am friends with."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Make certain he doesn't. If you can maybe you should avoid being seen around Jack and Tony much."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine nods. "I haven't seen either of them very much at all. I talked to Kim once, in her room. No one saw me enter or leave."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Good," Ryan says and relaxes a little.

"I don't think he'd do anything to you." You're not the one I have to worry about. "But still.."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine takes his hand and puts it at her waist so he can feel the small dagger she's hidden there. You can't see it beneath her clothes.

"I try to always be prepared for any circumstance. Do not worry." Elaine kisses him softly.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Elaine," he sighs. Ramon Salazar killed his lawyer in full view of prison guards and federal agents. He doesn't care. He's a sociopath.

"Just be careful."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I will, I promise." She leans her head back down on his shoulder. She wishes he wouldn't worry...but then he wouldn't be Ryan if he didn't. "I promise."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

This is true.

He kisses her lightly and touches her cheek. "I know you will."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She looks up at him. "Will you stay with me tonight?" she asks in a whisper.

Elaine doesn't show it, but she is truly bothered by Salazar's prescence in the bar, and he makes her feel better and more secure.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He wraps an arm around her.

"Of course. I spend most of my nights in your room anyway. I should just move in at this point." He smiles a little.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She smiles. "Maybe you should," she says softly.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Is that what you want?" He knows Elaine is independent, as is he. Living with someone in close quarters can take getting used to.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Yes, I do," she whispers. She has liked being on her own...but she is wanting this more. "I think it would be pleasant and I'd like it if you were there every day."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"All right."

He kisses her again and holds her close, one finger stroking her jawline.

"I could move in whenever you want."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She beams. "Tomorrow, then? I'll help, since I'm not working. Probably have to tell Bar to take the room off of your tab. And get you a key." Her voice is a little dazed, because she can barely believe this is happening.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Will do. Moving shouldn't take long. Just have my clothes and a few books, really."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She nods. She really should get back to work, but at this particular moment, she doesn't care very much. "I love you," she murmurs, her head upon his chest.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

His cheek rests at her temple and his lips almost her ear.

"I love you too."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

Elaine smiles, and just rests there for a while.

"I really should get back to work," she murmurs, with no real conviction. She could stay there all evening, really.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Probably."

Ryan doesn't move either.

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She laughs softly. They're a fine pair. "No, I really should." She lifts her head and looks at him. "I'll see you tonight?" she asks, kissing him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Definitely."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Then I think I can survive my shift away from you," she says lightly. "Though mind, not much longer than that." She laughs. He makes her happy.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

She makes him happy.

"Well, if you can then I can."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She laughs again. "Then I shall see you after, and not a moment later." She steps away from him, with some reluctance, and squeezes his hand before moving off slowly to do her job.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He squeezes her hand back before letting her go.

"Later."