Black Books Thursday Afternoon

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige walks in to the shop yawning, she clearly didn't sleep much last night*

*She sees Bernard asleep behind the desk and decides against waking him*

Manny!

Comments

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

Manny emerges from the kitchen. He's holding a bottle in one hand and a glass in the other. He places both on the table in front of Bernard.

Paige! I was worried about you. You look tired. I've got a spare key for you somewhere, and Mr Phale wants to talk to you about some books you want him to order.

He gives her a big smile.

It's so good to see you. I haven't seen you for two days. *pout* How have things been?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige gives Manny a smile* Sorry Manny, I've had cute blond men to flirt with classes and stuff.I'll go see Mr Phale later.

And things have been great thanks *Paige grins thinking about last night with Draco*

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful. You're beautiful when you smile. Can I get you a sandwich... *thinks of the reaction from the ducks (http://www.livejournal.com/community/fandomtownies/28463.html)* a glass of wine?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige smiles* Oh you're so sweet Manny *She yawns* you don't have any coffee do you?

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

I've got decaffeinated ... are classes really that tiring? You're obviously working too hard, you need a rest. Here, let me get you a chair.

He brushes some books off a chair. They fall to the ground, where they knock over another leaning tower of books. These, in their turn, fall against the back of a free-standing bookcase which suddenly isn't standing any more. The bookcase falls over with painful slowness, shedding books in all directions as it topples, finally crashing to the ground bare inches from Bernard's chair. Manny watches the disruption develop in a stunned silence. When all is settled, he shakes his head and looks down. He's momentarily startled to discover he's holding a chair, and then suddenly realises why.

Ah! Oh, your chair.

He places the chair for her. Bernard slumbers on, oblivious.

He starts to pick up the books.

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige watches this scene trying not to laugh*

It's more the extracurricular stuff really and erm I'll pass on the coffee then. Would you like a hand with the books?

[mannybianco.livejournal.com]

OOC - Sorry, was offline for a bit

Manny isn't listening, he's too busy scurrying around on his hands and knees picking up books.

[grumpy-sod.livejournal.com]

ooc - replying to manny so you can both see the comment

Bernard cracks an eye open, looks suspiciously between Manny and Paige.

I've had the most AWFUL day. Ever since that *irritated hand-flap* creature in white came in I've been stone cold sober. Do you have ANY IDEA what it's like to deal with this place without the benefit of mind-altering substances?

he comes to an abrupt halt, as a horrible thought strikes him

Oh God, maybe I'm immune to alcohol....

Bernard grabs the bottle from the table and attempts to take a swig. When he realises it's unopened, he frantically beats it against the side of the desk until the neck breaks off, and takes several deep glugging swigs

*wipes mouth*

*catches breath*


to Paige

Who are you? what are you doing here? we're closed. Get out. *points with a quavering finger at the sign on the door, which, indeed, does say 'closed' on both sides*

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige looks at Manny a second*I'm Paige, didn't Manny tell you I'd be coming I was after some work experience. He have met

[grumpy-sod.livejournal.com]

Bernard stares at Paige in bewilderment

Crazy women....everywhere...

Without taking his eyes off her, he picks up the daily cash book, and holds it in front of him in a defensive manner.

Manny? MANNY?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige thinks a moment and reaches in her bag for her flask of wine handing it to Bernard* Erm this doesn't help you remember me any better does it?

[grumpy-sod.livejournal.com]

Bernard eyes her suspiciously, and, still keeping the book firmly in front of him, reaches out with one hand and grabs the flask. He sniffs it cautiously, and then takes a drink. He looks puzzled, then his expression brightens. He raises the flask again, this time for longer. The look on his face has gone from thunderous to his usual scowl.

He lowers the book. slowly.

Bernard places the flask on the desk, and curls a protective arm around it like he would a favourite pet.

hmmph. Iguessyoucanstay....

But I'm not paying you, you hear? This is valuable retail experience you're getting. worth a fortune.

And...and...there are rules.

points at the blackboard up on the wall.

Which is empty since Manny's last epidemic of housekeeping

Well, there were rules. There WILL BE rules. And you'll follow them to the letter. And bring me sandwiches. And...he trails off, unable to think of anything to top the sandwiches

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

*Paige looks worried* Erm I'm gonna need that back actually, but I could fill any bottles you have first, if that's ok
and I know it's a valuable experience I don't expect to be paid, I've applied for another job for that. Thank you

So erm what fillings do you like, for your sandwiches?

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

Oh and I can only come in when I'm not busy at school, if that's alright

[grumpy-sod.livejournal.com]

ooc - leaving work for the day - may or may not be able to log in at home, just to let you know

[the4thsister.livejournal.com]

ooc - no problem