Under control

Carson ties his apron behind his back and takes in the kitchen at a glance to get his bearings. "I'm on it." He gives Aerith a nod. "And don't thank me. I do work here, you know." He tosses her a wink, and sets to work, talking to himself.

"Chicken... salad... bread..." He moves to the oven, just to look up as he hears the front bell. "Heads up. Table five."

As Aerith goes back and forth, Carson finds himself alone in the kitchen, more often than not. It felt strange. He'd never been here without Herb. It felt like something was missing. But without even realizing it, he was slipping into his role more easily than ever, not even thinking twice about some of the things he was doing.

Working as quickly as possible, he settles into a routine, doing his best to keep up with the orders Aerith was taking. "Get some more bread at table six and tell them their food will be an extra minute," he calls to her. He grimaces as he tosses out a meal that had been overcooked as he'd tried to do too many things at once. "If they're not happy, tell them desert is on the house."

Finally getting a handle back on things again, the two work together, making it through the rush. And as things begin to settle down again, the kitchen was as in as good a shape as any time.

Carson wipes the sweat from his brow and slaps his ball cap back on his head. "How we looking out there, Aerith?" he asks loudly. He hadn't had any orders in a few minutes, and hoped the rush was over. So far, there had been no unhappy customers.


"Woo!" Kyle holds the bottle of pop over his head in victory. "Score one for sugar!"

"And caffeine." Hunter comes up behind him, slapping him upside the head. "I think it would be a fine idea for you to ride with Alice. The bus just can't handle you bouncing all over the place."

Kyle grins and takes a bow. "That is a compliment." Moving to a water fountain, he swallows a couple pills, then rejoins the group at the parking lot. But this time, he's with Alice. "Alright, Witty Whitt, hand over the keys. It's time you let the pro drive."


Luke's head shoots up as he feels Angel's hand in his, and hears her voice. "Oh, Angel," he whispers. Tears spring into his eyes. "You're awake."

He smiles, choking back the tears, and brings her hand to his lips to kiss it tenderly. "No, BJ wasn't playing train... but I thought I'd lost you for good."

He reaches up with his hand to brush her hair aside from her face. "Do you know where you are?"