(no subject)

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Bernard's in the bar, at Bar but not behind her, so don't ask him for a drink.

Coffee.

Washington Post.

Not a bad mood.

[ooc: Closed to new threads. Back late tonight. @_@]

Comments

[empath-wiggin.livejournal.com]

"Much better than I was, both physically and mentally." She pauses, perhaps re-arranging things in her mind. "A few things from the past few months have put life into a rather sharp perspective." Antar. Starlight.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"Good." Bernard leans on Bar, looking at the wood and thinking for a moment, chewing on his lip.

"Here's the thing. You may be better now, but the only way I can trust that this change is permanent is through a trial period. And it's not about you doing your job well, although I think you make a better waitress than Head Waitress, and we should talk about that soon."

A long breath.

"Let's say you're on a trial period of a month or two. Work a few shifts a week, deal with the management of the servers (and I expect you to report to me once a week, which wasn't happening before), just see how it goes."

He looks her in the eye, dead serious.

"I have no qualms about firing you to preserve your health, mental or physical. I realize that your miscarriage is none of my business, on a certain level. But the behavior leading up to it is my business. And I won't stand for it."

[empath-wiggin.livejournal.com]

Val catches Bernard's eyes, mirroring his manner and tone. "I understand, Bernard, and I thank you." No assertions that she'll do better, just understanding. "I'll do a few shifts a week, and talk to you on how things are going." She finally cracks a smile. "It will be good to get back to it."

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure."

He sighs, grinning finally. "I hired Elaine, and she does a great job, but I have to say I don't see anyone else serving. That can be in your first report. Who the hell is hired, and who is actually doing their job?"

[empath-wiggin.livejournal.com]

Val nods. "I'm going to talk to a few people who I had talked to before, and make sure about things, and I'll report back." She smiles faintly. She has a Plan of sorts now.

[the-woodpecker.livejournal.com]

Plans are Good Things.

"All right." Another grin. "I'm always here."

[empath-wiggin.livejournal.com]

She grins back. "And that's a good thing, Bernard. Really." A pause. "Thanks again for everything." With a wave, she wanders back to her booth and the pile of papers.