NOTE: I know this is a long chapter but please try and do the interactive part of the end!

It was a brand new day, and Jace was feeling very good.
He had an audition to dance in a music video.
The artist was born and bred in Moorside, but not much else was known about him. The job wouldn't pay much at all, but Jace wasn't in it for the money.
Dancing in a music video was the perfect way to gain exposure and experience. 

He had the perfect outfit sorted, and had even put it in the laundry to be washed last night.
Yes, Sutton didn't even have to remind him to do chores this time!
That's character growth for you. 

Jace practically skipped to the laundry room, a faint humming sound escaping his lips.
He headed over to washing machine number two.
Washer number fifteen—in use.
Washer number ten—Max Johnson's washing.
He was a boy that happened to be in one of Luka's classes.
He was nice enough, but he almost always had a different girl over every night.
There's no shame in that, but Sutton swore he mentioned having a girlfriend once.
Ah.
Washer number two–

Opened. 

Jace hurried over to the washer, kneeling on the ground so he was on its level.
He rummaged through all of the clothes in there, none of which were his own.
Panic started to set in.
He needed those clothes!
Frantically, he looked around at all of the other washing machines, peering into them with an almost crazed look in his eyes.
He turned around, his eyes widening when he saw the washing machine opposite his. The cycle had finished, so he pried the door open.
Sat in the drum, were his clothes.
They weren't the same colour though.
They were pink, and his top had a little tear in it. 

Jace shuffled closer, reaching his arm in and tossing some of the clothes out of the way. Jammed into the back of the drum, were three bright red socks.

Jace turned back to washer number two and picked up the first item of clothing he could find.
He pulled out a pair of boxer shorts, with a name scrawled out on the label. 

TYLER HILL

Back in the flat, Sutton was teaching KJ how to make poached eggs.

"Take it out now", said Sutton. 

"What?
But it's only been a couple minutes!
They'll be raw, won't they?"

"Poached eggs don't take long.
They're supposed to be runny."

KJ shook his head.
"I don't know man, that doesn't sound right."

Sutton exhaled sharply.
"This is coming from a guy that likes his eggs incinerated."

"Hey, that wasn't my fault!"

"You served us egg ashes last week, KJ", said Luka.
"Face it, your judgement on cooking is terrible."

KJ frowned.
"Fine.
You... might have a point.
I'll take the egg out now."

Jace burst through the door, his fists clenched. 

"Those arsehôles have really done it this time!", he exclaimed. 

"Woah, calm down", said Tabitha.
"What happened?"

"Our stupid neighbours sabotaged me.
They took my washing out when it finished and put red socks in with mine to ruin my clothes", he explained. 

"Wait, how does that mean they sabotaged you?", asked KJ. 

"My clothes are wet, but I put them in last night, so they should only be damp. Someone's started the wash cycle again.
And I looked in the washer I originally used. Guess what?
I found Tyler's boxers in there."

"What?
Are you sure?", asked Sutton. 

"Hold on, he labels his boxers?", questioned Tabitha. 

"Hey, that's a perfectly normal thing to do", defended Luka. 

"I still think it's a little far-fetched", said Sutton. 

"Oh come on, it's not like they aren't capable of doing it.
They've messed with our washing before, and they've heard me talk about how excited I was about this audition", said Jace. 

"Well even if we did have proof, it's not like we can do anything about it", said Luka. 

Jace frowned.
"So that's it then?
My chances of getting that job are ruined because of them and we can't do anything about it?"

"The clothes don't look that bad.
Plus, isn't it all about how you dance?", questioned Tabitha.

"No, it's about so much more than that. Looking the part will make them realise how serious I am about this, but... but it'll also help me.
This is the first audition in ages that I've felt like I can actually do.
The clothes were a big part of that", revealed Jace.

Sutton knew what he was talking about.
It's the way she felt whenever she was doing school theatre productions.
Without the proper costumes, it was harder to get into the mind of the character.

Sutton shook her head.
"No, your chances aren't ruined.
Anvi and I will look for a new outfit for you."

"What?"

"We were going to go to the shopping centre today anyway", she replied, before turning to Anvi.
"You're ok with helping Jace, right?"

Anvi nodded.
"Of course.
We'll send you pictures of what we find."

"I spent all my money on this outfit though", said Jace.

"Just ask mum and dad for more", said Sutton.

Jace shook his head.
"You know I can't."

"Why can't you?", asked Tabitha.

"He made a promise to himself that he'd pay for anything dance related.
He wants to feel like he earned his success", explained Sutton.

"I know it's stupid but–", started Jace.

"It's not stupid", interjected Anvi.
"How about this, Sutton and I will chip in and then you can just pay us back whenever you get the money?"

"That works for me", said Sutton.

"Are you guys sure?", asked Jace.
"I quit that job at the dance school, remember?
You could be waiting a while."

"Can't you ask for it back?", suggested KJ.

Jace shook his head.
"Rhian was really upset with me for quitting.
I can't go back there now."

"Then we know what we have to do", said Tabitha.
"Whilst Sutton and Anvi are shopping, we need to look for a job for Jace."

¤¤¤

At the Baked Potato, Venn was checking his phone.
Venn raised an eyebrow at Tabitha, who was approaching him.

"What's gone wrong?"

"What?
Nothing's gone wrong!", she exclaimed.

Venn folded his arms, shifting his weight onto one leg.
He raised both of his eyebrows.

Tabitha scoffed.
"Oh, ye of little faith."

"What did you want to talk about then?"

"Well, this fine establishment has been doing really well lately.
Exceptionally well, some might say.
In fact, I'd go as far as–"

"Get to the point, Tabitha."

Tabitha frowned.
Yeah.
Ok, she should've seen that coming.

"My friend really needs a job, and I mean, he'd be great here!
He's super friendly, super nice, he's really amazing—customers would love him!"

"We're not taking on anymore workers. Hiring you and Anvi was pushing it."

"Oh, come on Venn, please!
He needs this."

"I'm sorry, kid."

Before Tabitha could argue her point further, Venn pointed to someone coming through the door.

"Here, we got a customer", said Venn, before walking away.

Rolling her eyes, Tabitha turned around to see Luka.
He gave her a small wave as he walked towards her.

"Hey!
I'm meeting the Music Society group here. We're going over set lists for the upcoming music recital.
We were supposed to meet on campus but I suggested here instead so I could see how you were doing", said Luka.

"See how I was doing?"

Luka nodded.
"Yeah, with the whole Jace thing."

"Jace thing?"

"Yeah, I mean it must be hard to be doing all this work to get your ex a job", said Luka. "Risking Venn's wrath for Jace—you clearly still care about him."

Tabitha scoffed.
"What?
That makes no sense.
He's my friend.
I'm helping my friend."

Luka raised an eyebrow.
"Really? There are no lingering feelings involved?"

"No!
Anyway, you and KJ are supposed to be helping as well!"

"We are!", exclaimed Luka.
"I took Jace to all of the Fish and Chips shops in our area to look at the bulletin boards they have of job vacancies.
None of them suited Jace."

Tabitha frowned.
"And KJ?"

Luka shook his head.
"He asked his boss at the children's home but he's not hiring right now."

Tabitha groaned, throwing her head back and slapping a hand against her forehead.

"Well it's down to me then, isn't it?
I've got to somehow convince Venn to give Jace a chance."

"Maybe you could ask Bolin to help?", suggested Luka.
"Venn is more likely to listen to him.
Plus, Bolin would do anything to help Jace."

"Hmm.
You might be on to something, Luka?
Look at that—you're not just a pretty face!"

¤¤¤

The shopping centre wasn't as packed as Anvi thought.
They did get there quiet early though, so they avoided the rush.
Before Anvi could properly take everything in, she was pulled into a shop by Sutton.

"Oh my gosh Anvi, this is the perfect shop to get Jace's clothes!", she exclaimed.
"Look at that graphic t-shirt, it looks sick!"

Anvi stayed a few steps behind Sutton, occasionally picking up shirts and jeans she thought could work for Jace's audition outfit.
Admittedly, boy's fashion wasn't her strong suit.
It was ironic really, given the fact that she had two brothers.

"Anvi!
Anvi?
Oh no, where have you gone?", called out Sutton.

She ran out from behind a mannequin, frantically scanning the area for Anvi.
She grabbed the item she had planned on showing Anvi, before running through each aisle.

"Anvi, call out to me!"

"Sutton?", questioned a confused Anvi.

Sutton's eyes widened, and she exhaled sharply.
"Thank God!"

Anvi popped her head out from one of the aisles, and Sutton ran towards her.

"You scared me!
Why'd you run off like that?", asked Sutton.

"I mean, I've literally been walking at snail pace but sure", replied Anvi.
"I've been looking at some options for Jace's outfit.
There's this grey hoodie with
'ELECTRIFY'
on it, in a spray paint style", she added, pointing towards it.

"Ooh, that looks really nice!", she exclaimed.

Sutton looked at the hoodie for a few seconds longer, then looked back to her graphic t-shirt option.
Then back at the hoodie.
Then at the t-shirt.
Her smile fell.

"What's wrong?", asked Anvi.
"You don't like them?
We can keep looking–"

"No, it's... they're good options.
Just, well, they're not really like the ones Jace had.
I don't really know if this shopping centre has stuff like that outfit", explained Sutton.

"Well, ok, we won't find exact replicas, but we can still find something good", said Anvi.

Sutton frowned.
"Maybe.
But... Tyler sure messed things up, didn't he?"

"Hang on, we don't know that it was his fault.
Someone else from his flat could've done the washing that day.
Plus, his clothes weren't the ones that were red."

"I guess.
Still, he's not exactly hanging out with great people, is he?"

Anvi noticed the pained expression on Sutton's face, even when she tried to cover her face.

"Has that been playing on your mind then?"

Sutton shrugged.
"A bit."

"Do you think that a part of you still has feelings for him?", asked Anvi.

"Maybe?
I don't know.
We were in each other's lives for years. Sure, we didn't date for that long, but we were literally the couple that everyone thought would get married straight after uni."

"Well, I don't know what that's like, but it doesn't sound like the kind of bond you can get over easily", said Anvi.
"He probably feels the same."

"You think so?"

Anvi nodded.
"I do.
Try talking to him about it."

Sutton shook her head.
"No!
What if he doesn't feel the same?
It'll be so embarrassing living in the same building after that."

"Ok, ok, I see your point."

Sutton exhaled sharply.
"I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Ok, that's fine.
We can keep looking for clothes.
If you don't think we'll find anything for Jace here, why don't we just focus on our own shopping?
Then we can check out another shopping centre?"

Sutton nodded.
"Sounds like a plan."

Back at the Baked Potato, Tabitha had just received a message from Bolin.
Whilst she was on her break, Bolin managed to pop into the cafe and convince Venn to rethink hiring Jace.

Luka waved goodbye to his Music club friends.
He noticed Tabitha standing outside, grinning.
He walked the last group member out of the cafe, giving him one last wave before heading towards Tabitha.

"You look happy", said Luka.

"I am! Bolin managed to soften Venn up, loosen the jar—whatever the saying is. Anyway, I'm going to go in and try again. Come and watch if you want."

"Why do you want me to watch?"

"So you and KJ can see how I get sh*t done", she teased, making Luka playfully roll his eyes.

The pair walked into the Baked Potato, with Luka sitting down at a table that was within earshot of Tabitha and Venn.

"Venn!
Hello again", smiled Tabitha.

"Ah good, you're back from your break", said Venn.

"Indeed I am.
I thought that maybe, after giving you some time–"

"Save it, Tabitha.
I know you got Bolin to convince me to let your friend work here."

"Ah.
You do?
Well... did it work?"

Venn crossed his arms, sighing heavily.

"Look, I admire your persistence.
We're a small business though.
If I hire your friend, it's only going to end in me needing to cut costs somewhere else."

"Well why don't you dock my pay?
I'm doing alright with what I earn, and what my parents give me.
I'll still be able to afford my share of rent even if you take a bit of money from my wages."

Venn's eyes widened.
He couldn't quite believe Tabitha was actually suggesting this.

"You'd actually risk that?
You'd accept less money just for your friend to have a job here?"

"Like I keep saying, he needs this job."

After a long pause, in which Venn was staring down Tabitha, he sighed once again. He shrugged, throwing his arms in the air.

"You're an enigma, Tabitha.
I'll think about your suggestions, but I will not just give him a job because he is your friend."

"But you said–"

"I will allow for him to have a trial shift.
I've got some important business to attend to, so my brother will be coming over to help out whilst I'm gone.
He is more of a silent co-owner in the business, but his opinion matters to me.
If he thinks that your friend is good enough to work here, then he can."

Tabitha's face lit up.
"Really?
Oh wow, thank you, thank you, thank you–"

"Hey, hey, stop with this noise!
Are you trying to make the customers deaf?"

"Oh, right.
Sorry.
Sorry."

Tabitha practically skipped away.
As Venn watched her, his glare faded, and a quick smile appeared on his face.

"I told you I could do it", said Tabitha, to a smiling Luka.

"You did.
That was really impressive."

The goofy grin on Luka's face—one that suggested he was aware of something that she wasn't, piqued Tabitha's curiosity.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

Luka shook his head.
"No reason.
It's just... well, you went through an awful lot of trouble, even offering to take a pay cut, for someone you just see as a friend."

¤¤¤

Piper's Bouquet was a relatively new shop that had opened up at the shopping centre. It was originally created in Canada, but in the last two years they had set up shops in Marleyport and Moorside.

Sutton was looking in an area full of 'business casual' clothes.
The predominant colours were dark brown, grey, black and beige.
Anvi didn't think that any of them screamed 'Sutton'.

"Hey, I saw some really pretty dresses in another aisle.
They've got so many colours to choose from, do you want to look with me?", asked Anvi.

"Huh?
Oh.
No, I'm good here."

"Are you sure?"

"Why, you don't think I can pull these off?", snapped Sutton.

Anvi closed her mouth, stunned.
She wasn't sure where Sutton's anger was coming from.

"Did... I'm sorry.
I'm really sorry if I said something wrong.
I didn't mean–"

Sutton sighed, shaking her head.
"No, no it's not you.
I'm sorry.
I don't know what came over me."

"If something's wrong–"

"Nothing's wrong.
I'm just overreacting."

"Sutton if something's made you upset, you can tell me.
I bet you're not overreacting."

Sutton smiled softly.
"You're so sweet, Anvi."

Anvi gave her a small smile.
"Come on, let's find some seats and we can talk."

The pair walked to the shoe area, where most of the seats were available.
The seats were square and a beautiful turquoise colour.
Not wanting to take up seats for people that actually needed to try on shoes, the girls opted to share one seat.

"Ok, well... over the break, I planned out all of the things I wanted to achieve this term.
I wanted to work harder on my assignments, work on campaigns for the Black Youth society... but it's been really hard.
Everyone in my classes just want to party, and I was all for it last term, but not now.
I don't know, it's hard to explain.
I'm not making any sense."

"No, I think I get it", reassured Anvi.
"So are the clothes, like, part of that?
You want to dress up in a more formal way to get people to take you seriously?"

"Yeah, kind of.
Look, I love my style.
The gorgeous sparkly dresses make me feel great.
But... I can't wear them to lectures, can I?"

"Oh, I get it now!
You want to feel confident and ready for anything.
You want people to know that you're serious about your future, so you want to dress in a way that reflects that?"

"Exactly!
Wow, I thought I was going crazy trying to explain that.
I guess, I guess I just thought people would find my reason silly."

"Well it's not silly, at all.
Actually, it's kind of like Jace's outfit situation, in a way.
He wants to dress the part so he feels more prepared, and you want to do the same."

"Woah.
How did I not realise that before?"

Anvi chuckled.

"To be honest, it was your style I was trying to copy", admitted Sutton.

"My style?"

Sutton nodded.
"You always look so mature.
You look so clean and polished all the time. Like you have your whole life sorted.
And I know that's probably not always the case, but that's what it looks like."

Anvi was surprised to hear that Sutton thought that.
The more she thought about it, the more she could see her point.
Anvi always favoured turtlenecks, blazers, neutral colours.
That had always been her style.
Granted, she had been trying and succeeding in branching out since starting university, but those outfits were still in her wardrobe.

"Hmm.
That's kind of funny", chuckled Anvi.
"I've been trying to branch out and dress in a more adventurous way—like you."

Sutton laughed.
"What, really?
What are we like, hey?"

Anvi laughed, shaking her head at the irony.

"You know what?
Why don't we have some fun and style each other?"

"What, now?"

"Yeah!
We're in the perfect place for it."

Anvi smiled.
"That's true.
You know what?
Yeah, let's do it."

Sutton and Anvi rushed around the shop, picking up outfits for the other to try.
An excited Sutton chose more than she could physically carry, but after throwing some clothes over her shoulder, she freed up a lot more space.
Space that she filled with even more options.

Anvi waited in the queue to the changing rooms.
Luckily, it wasn't that busy, so she managed to get herself and Sutton booths opposite each other.
Sutton picked up the first outfit Anvi chose. It was a pair of maroon flared trousers and a coffee brown turtleneck.
She wasn't so sure about it, but decided to be open minded.
Sutton tucked the turtleneck into the trousers, before buckling the white belt she had found amongst the pile.

"Are you ready?", questioned Sutton.

"Yep, come out!"

She pushed the curtain to one side, before placing her hands on her hips and striking her best 'power pose'.
She had to admit, she wasn't sold on the look at first, but when she actually put it on, she felt like a different person.

"Wow, it really suits you!", smiled Anvi.
"You look like a lawyer or business woman. You know, the one's in movies."

"Really?
Do you think people would take me seriously in this?", asked Sutton.

"Take you seriously?
Sutton, I'm convinced you could talk to our landlord and get him to reduce our rent in that", replied Anvi, making Sutton laugh.

"Aww, thanks.
Now, you try one of the outfits on", said Sutton.

Anvi closed her curtain and took another look at the outfits.
They were a far cry from Anvi's usual clothes.
The dresses were, what's the phrase? Figure-hugging?
Anvi could've sworn she saw Sutton throw a dress with a plunging neckline in the pile. It's not that the dresses weren't pretty—they were beautiful, but in Anvi's mind, only beautiful people can pull of beautiful dresses.
Like Sutton.

"Anvi, you good in there?", called out Sutton.

"Uh... yeah.
I'm not sure about these clothes to be honest, Sutton."

"What, you don't like them?"

"No, I do.
They're nice."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I... yeah, true.
Forget I said anything. Just give me a minute and I'll be out."

Anvi picked up the first one that caught her eye.
It was a turquoise dress that stopped a few inches short of her ankles.
It clung to her hips, but wasn't overly restricting.
The sleeves were bishop sleeves—long and slightly puffy.
The vibrant turquoise colour of the dress paired perfectly with her dark complexion.

"Need some help, Anvi?"

"Uh, no, I'm good.
I'm coming out now."

Gingerly, Anvi pushed her curtain to the right.
As soon as Sutton saw Anvi, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.
Nervous, Anvi looked down, letting her hair cover her face.

"Oh my gosh, Anvi you look stunning!"

"Really?", questioned Anvi.
"You don't think it's a bit, weird on me?"

"Weird?
What, like uncomfortable?
Does it feel uncomfortable?"

"No, I meant looks-wise."

"Oh!
No.
Looks-wise, it looks great on you."

Anvi smiled shyly, but couldn't bring herself to make eye contact with Sutton, or even look at herself in the mirror again.

Sutton shook her head.
"Ok, nope.
This right here?", she said, gesturing to Anvi. "This is illegal.
You cannot be standing there, looking like a total snack, and not think you look nice."

Sutton marched over to Anvi, who was only two steps away.
She gently grabbed her shoulders, guiding her towards her mirror.
She moved the curls that were covering Anvi's face.
She straightened out the sleeves a little, before adjusting Anvi's posture so that she was standing up straight.

"Now do you see it?"

"See what?"

"How nice you look!
I mean, sure, the dress does a lot of the work, but it's how it makes you shine that matters.
That's what I love about fashion.
It's about finding the clothes that makes you feel confident enough to be yourself."

Sutton's philosophy on fashion was inspiring, and Anvi wasn't really sure why she didn't expect that.
This is Sutton we're talking about.
The more she looked at herself, the more she liked what she saw.
She liked the way the dress outlined her figure, and the sleeves felt really nice.
She smiled at her reflection, smoothing out the creases in the dress with her hands.

Sutton grinned.
"Hey, look at you!
You're totally feeling yourself, aren't you?", she asked, her smile brightening when Anvi's smile grew.
"You are!
I knew it!"

"Ok, ok!
I bow down to your superior fashion knowledge."

"As you should", said Sutton.

Sutton and Anvi spent the next half an hour trying on different clothes.
Anvi found a bright green feather boa, and draped it around Sutton's shoulders.
  She tugged on each side one after the other, with Sutton moving her body side to side.
Sutton grabbed a pair of glasses.
They had thick blue frames, with the lenses decorated to look like pineapples.
She put them on Anvi's face, giggling when Anvi pouted and struck several poses.

After paying for the clothes that she wanted, Sutton checked her phone.
Her eyes widened when she saw ten missed calls and five texts from Tabitha.

TABS: Hey, why aren't you answering your phone?

TABS: Can you pick up? I've got good news!

TABS: Ok I'm just gonna assume you're busy and not in grave danger so I'll tell you the news. Venn agreed to give Jace a trial run at the Baked Potato! He's got to impress Venn's brother though, and Bolin says he's even grumpier than Venn.

TABS: Ok I'm officially worried. Literally just text me anything so I know you're ok!

TABS: Right I feel like I overreacted before, my bad. But I'm really worried about this trial run thing. Please tell me you've got good news about a replacement outfit for Jace.

SUTTON: Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Tabitha! I forgot that I put my phone on silent earlier. The trial run sounds good! We've failed big time over here unfortunately. We just can't find anything that works.

TABS: Dàmn. Alright, well I'm glad you're both ok atleast. I think I might have an idea on how to help Jace with his trial run, but I'm gonna need everyone's help for it.

SUTTON: Of course, anything for Jace.

"Everything ok?", asked Anvi.

"We're needed back at the flat. Tabitha's got a plan to help Jace get a job."

¤¤¤

Back at the flat, Tabitha and Jace were in the kitchen.
Tabitha had placed different ingredients on the kitchen counter.
With folded arms, she stepped back and leaned against one of the counters, gesturing for Jace to step forward.

"So, we get quite a few orders that are long and complicated.
It's really easy to get flustered at first, but you get used to it.
Now, to help you with it, I've placed a bunch of different items on the counter.
I'm going to put them into smaller groups, and you need to memorise every item in each group", explained Tabitha.

"That doesn't sound too hard", said Jace.

"We'll see about that", said Tabitha.

Tabitha put the pepper grinder, kettle, bag of rice, and carton of eggs in one group.
She put a wooden spoon, fork, dying plant and bowl in another group. She pointed to one of the groups.

"Ok, you have ten seconds to look at this group and memorise every object in the correct order, from left to right", explained Tabitha.
"Your time starts... now!"

Jace quickly glanced at each item, before nodding his head and looking back up at Tabitha, indicating that he didn't need more time.

"Ok, tell me what items were in that group please", said Tabitha.

"Pepper grinder, kettle, rice and eggs", he responded, before grinning.
"Easy."

After a few more successful rounds, Jace felt smug.
Seeing this, Tabitha decided to move to the next phase of her plan.
After forcing Luka to part with his textbooks, Tabitha handed some items to Luka.

"Now, around the living room, I've hidden slips of paper containing different kinds of food.
You have to find each slip and remember what was written on them, in the order that you found them.
Luka will be handing you different objects throughout, which you need to carry with you at all times.
You got that?", explained Tabitha.

Jace smirked.
"You're gonna have to make it harder for me."

"Alright then, mate.
Let's see how far this cockiness can carry you", teased Tabitha.

Luka handed Jace his first object—oven gloves.
Jace looked at the dining table, smiling to himself when he saw paper stuck underneath the table.
He pulled it off, before opening it up to see what was written on it.

"Lemon scone with a large hot chocolate", he read.
"Easy!
Ok, on to the next one."

Before Jace could walk, Luka shoved two saucepans into his arms.
The oven gloves almost slipped out of his grasp, but he managed to tighten his grip just in time.

"Now, tell me all of the items that you saw in the first task, in order.
Starting from group one", ordered Tabitha.

"What?
You never said anything about that!", exclaimed Jace.

"It's called a surprise twist", replied Tabitha. "Now, tell me!"

"Uh, um, ok.
Pepper grinder, kettle, rice, eggs, wooden spoon, fork, um... cheese grater, and bottle!"

Jace jumped up triumphantly, another smirk appearing on his face.
"See, Tabitha?
Told you–ow!"

Tabitha had grabbed a pillow and whacked it across Jace's face.
His eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Tabitha hit him again before he could.

"What was that about?", he questioned.

"It was a dying plant and a bowl!
And I had to add some kind of punishment to make you feel the pressure that a busy shift can bring", answered Tabitha.

"Ok, I guess that makes sense, but did you have to hit me so hard?", questioned Jace.

Tabitha shook her head, a playful smile appearing on her face.
"No.
That was just to knock some of that cockiness out of you."

Jace chuckled.
"Oh really?"

He placed his items on the table, before making his way over to Tabitha.
A mischievous grin slowly crept on his face, and a spark flickered in his eyes.
Tabitha felt her words catch in her throat, but all she could focus on was Jace walking closer to her.
One of his hands reached out and grabbed Tabitha's wrist, the sudden touch sending shivers across her body.
With his other hand, he pulled the cushion from Tabitha's grasp.

"Two can play at that game!", exclaimed Jace.

Jace started whacking the cushion against Tabitha's arm, making her snap out of her daze.
She quickly grabbed another cushion and started fighting back.

Luka watched as the pair laughed and continued their cushion fight.
He raised an eyebrow at the scene.

¤¤¤

With the group back together, they all assembled by their usual table at the Baked Potato.
Venn's brother Eustace was talking to Bolin. He was the same height at Venn, and a lot slimmer.
His arms were covered in dark black hair, but the hair on his head was greying.

"Remind me of the plan again", said Sutton.

"We're going to make Jace seem like the perfect person for the job.
Eustace has never met Anvi and I, so we can pretend to be customers too.
We'll each ask for, or do something that will test Jace but also make him look really good", explained Tabitha.

"And what if Bolin blows our cover?
Has someone told him?", asked KJ.

"I filled him in earlier", replied Tabitha.
"Ok, so is everyone clear on the plan now?"

With everyone on the same page, the group dispersed so they didn't look suspicious. Luka, Anvi and Tabitha sat on one table, whilst KJ and Sutton went up to the main counter to get some menus.

"Mercer, go show me what you've got", said Eustace.
"And try not to fail spectacularly.
Or do, I don't really care.
It'll make this whole process much easier for me."

Eustace's less than positive attitude didn't fill Jace with much confidence.
He looked around the room, spotting his friends.
A jolt of confidence coursed through his body, making him stand up straighter.
He could do this.
He could totally do this.

He had his friends with him.

Jace approached one of the tables.
There were four people at the table, two of which were around Jace's age, whilst the other two were much older.

"Hey there, welcome to the Baked Potato. I'm Jace.
What can I get you?"

"Mercer!", called out Eustace.

Startling and confused, but mostly confused, Jace quickly walked over to Eustace.

"You're supposed to ask them if it's their first time here."

"Oh.
Sorry, I just assumed–"

"Only fools and lazy people assume", inerjected Eustace.
"Boy oh boy did my brother royally mess up by agreeing to this trial."

Tabitha couldn't believe what she was hearing.
When Bolin told her how strict Eustace was, she never imagined him being like this.
It made sense for Bolin to play it down though.
He had to keep the hope alive somehow.

"Stop standing here like a lost puppy and get back out there!", shouted Eustace.

Sutton leaned closer to KJ, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"I think I get why he's a silent partner."

After taking the previous table's order, he made his way over to Tabitha, Anvi and Luka's table.
He glanced down at the menus on the table, before looking back up at his friends.

"Hello there, my name's Jace.
Welcome to the Baked Potato!
Is this your first time here?"

"Why yes, indeed it is", replied Luka, unsure of how to respond naturally, although the small kick that Tabitha gave him showed him that that wasn't as natural as he thought it was.

"Everything looks great!", smiled Tabitha.
"I can't decide what to get.
What do you recommend?"

Anvi looked down to hide her smile.
She and Tabitha had learned just how important it was to suggest a good option when a customer asks you to essentially order for them.
Most of the items at the Baked Potato were delicious, but a lot of the customers there tended to be more critical of the meal once it was suggested to them.

Subtly, Tabitha placed her finger on a specific menu item, and Jace gave her a small nod, recognising this as part of the plan.

"Well, our lime and cherry donuts are quite good", he said.

Eustace tensed up.
He opened his mouth to shout, but the cafe had gotten quite busy now, and he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself. The lime and cherry donuts were notoriously controversial.
Every employee at the Baked Potato knew they were either liked or hated—mostly hated.

It even went as far as every new employee being given one to try.
When Bolin gave it to Anvi to try, she finished it to be polite and not waste food, but she declined another one.
Tabitha really liked it though, so much so that she'd take a couple of them home at the end of her shift.

KJ and Sutton had already been served by another worker, but Eustace didn't see. They  nodded to each other, aware of what they had to do.
They approached Jace, who was handing the order slips to an employee at the back. Sutton let out a deep cough, using so much force that her throat became sore after. Tabitha looked up, and the pair gave each other a knowing look.

"Hi, I'm so sorry to bother you, but you gave me cold coffee", said Sutton.

KJ shook his head, before slamming his hands down on the counter.

"I told you to be firm!
You can't let these people get away with poor service", he said, before looking at Jace. "My girlfriend's way too nice to complain, but this really isn't on.
What are we paying you for?"

"Babe, stop!", exclaimed Sutton, reaching out and putting her hands on KJ's arm.

"No, I've had enough!"

"I'm so sorry about your order", apologised Jace.
"How about I heat that up for you, and get you a free donut?"

"What kind of donut?"

"Whichever one you'd like."

"And you're going to bring the coffee back hot this time?"

Jace nodded.
"Of course.
And again, I'm really very sorry about your order."

KJ looked at Sutton, who did the best pleading expression she could. KJ sighed, before turning back to Jace.

"Alright then, fine."

Eustace nodded to himself as he watched Jace diffuse the situation.
Sutton and KJ turned around and walked away.

"That was so fun!", she beamed.
"I knew there was a budding performer in there somewhere."

"I hated every second of that", muttered KJ.

After a long shift, Eustace pulled Jace to the side.

"I'll admit, I thought you'd do terribly", said Eustace.
"I had absolutely no faith in you whatsoever."

"Oh", responded Jace.

"I'm still not one hundred percent sold.
I think the staff number is high enough as it is, but my brother really values his employees so I didn't say anything.
Me?
Well I value all-rounders.
Individuals who can do the job of a group of people.
And judging from the way you handled annoying customers and indecisive ones, I can tell that you are that kind of person."

"Th-thank you, Sir."

"Don't mention it."

"S-So, do I have the job?"

"It's not for me to decide.
Venn's decision is final.
But... rest assured I'll be putting in a good word for you."

Jace's face brightened when he heard the news.
Before Jace could thank Eustace, he went out of the room.
Bolin hurried in, looking over his shoulder to make sure Eustace wasn't there.

"Bolin!
He said he'd put in a good word!
That's good, innit?"

Bolin grinned.
"Yes, that's amazing!
If Eustace said he'd do that, then the job is basically yours."

Jace's eyes widened.
"Really?"

Bolin nodded.
Before Bolin could congratulate him, Jace rugby tackled him into a hug, whooping loudly.

¤¤¤

Later that evening, Luka and Tabitha were on washing up duty.
Luka watched as Tabitha dried the dishes. She was moving at a much quicker pace than she needed to, which made Luka think she didn't want to spend anymore time with him than she had to.

"Hey, Tabitha... are you ok?", he asked.

"Hm?
Yeah, of course.
Why wouldn't I be?"

"You tell me", replied Luka.
"Your plan was a total success.
I thought you'd be happier."

Tabitha frowned.
"Yeah... so did I."

Luka furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Well, why aren't you?"

Tabitha let her eyes meet Luka's—just for a split second.
She looked down at the cloth in her hands. After a long pause, she exhaled softly.

"I think... I think maybe you were right."

"I was?
Wait, about what?"

"About me not being completely over Jace."

Luka's expression softened.
He turned the tap off and turned to face Tabitha.
During this time, Tabitha had become shy. She didn't like when people could see through the walls she put up.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, Tabitha.
You obviously really liked Jace."

"Yeah but, he can act normal around me. Why can't I act the same around him?"

"Everyone processes things differently. Maybe it looks like he's over you, but there's no way we can actually prove that hypothesis."

"I just wish I didn't feel this way."

Luka gave her a sympathetic smile.

"How am I going to cope with all of us hanging out as a group?", questioned Tabitha.
"Seeing him around the flat is hard enough."

"Well... maybe I can help with that?
I can act as a sort of buffer or shield. Obviously I want you to get to a place where you can hang out with him like you used to, but until then, I'll happily step in to help."

Tabitha couldn't believe what Luka was saying.
All this time, she had refrained from telling anyone else about her feelings because she was worried she was overreacting.
That she was just being silly.
But Luka was offering to help her, like her feelings were the one of the most natural things in the world.

"Thank you, Luka.
Really, I... I appreciate the offer.
And I'll definitely take you up on that.
But... maybe it's time I actually faced up to my feelings.
I've been pretending like they weren't still there, but now that I've talked to you about them... maybe it's time I worked through them?"

Luka smiled.
"That sounds like a good idea."

"I don't want to lose Jace's friendship.
I think if I just throw myself in the deep end and, you know, hang out with him more, I'll get used to the idea that we're not going to be anything more than friends."

Hearing those words out loud made her feel like someone had tackled her to the ground. Luka could see the pain those words caused her too.

"Hey, how about this—whenever you need some space away from Jace, or if you just want to talk about what you're feeling, you come to me?
Any time.
No matter how early or late."

"That's really sweet, Luka.
But, no offence, you hate wandering the streets on your own during the day.
You'd hate it even more at night."

"Well, I'll have you with me to tackle any bad guys", said Luka, making Tabitha smile.

Tabitha knocked her shoulder against Luka's, her smile brightening.

"Thanks, Luka.
I'm lucky you're my friend."

___________

Hi!

This chapter was a very long one! I wanted to split it in two to make it easier to read, but I wanted to test out a longer chapter. If you prefer the usual way, let me know!

There were so many parts of this chapter that I enjoyed writing. I loved seeing the group come together to help Jace. It's one of the greatest things about these characters.

Tabitha is a true ride or dìe, and I think that really came across in this chapter. I've been trying to explore different dynamics this term, with Luka and Tabitha being one of them. Ever since the fair chapter, I've been thinking about their friendship. We really get to see it clearly here. What are your thoughts on this friendship?

Sutton and Anvi have my whole heart. I know I use that saying quite a bit, but it's so true. They bring out the best in each other, and that's something that should be appreciated in a friendship. They can be silly together, but they are also able to be serious and listen to each other. What do you think about their friendship?

Jace has a new job! Also, Jace's whole view on wanting to fund his own dreams feels very on brand for him given what we know about how much he wants to achieve his goals. It's definitely admirable, and having friends like the roommates is great for Jace. With Jace now working at the Baked Potato, what shenanigans will the Cafe Crew get up to?

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

LeMystical-Puffle

ruesbennett

ejsandfarkleslovebot