It's Working Time 2.2

Lexie watched Nathan the rest of the night. He's wearing a plain black shirt that perfectly fits him, did he and Kaylee color coordinate today? You could see his toned body through the fabric, she could just imagine his abs. His hair, the same tousled mess. She wondered what it felt like to touch it, it looked soft, fluffy even. Lexie didn't realize how she was shamelessly staring at her co-worker. He was smiling as he made drinks and entertained the customers - it was the same smile he gave her the first time they met, he flirted with some of them and Lexie found herself a little jealous. She was developing a little crush on the bar tender. Well, on the nice bartender, not the jerk that always seems so angry at her for no apparent reason.

As if sensing her eyes on him, Nathan looked up at Lexie to catch her staring at him. Lexie's eyes widened and her cheeks burned red with being caught. Nathan just rolled his eyes then went back to talking with a customer, more like flirting actually. With that, Lexie's face burned even redder if that was possible. Okay, no longer developing that crush.

"Dear, you could pass as a tomato." Jana bumped Lexie lightly with her hip, looking at the same direction Lexie was facing.

"What?" Lexie asked trying to hide her face with her hair.

"You know what." Jana raised her eyebrows mischievously as she walked away, leaving a trail of laughter.

Lexie shook her head to gather her thoughts, mentally she scolded herself. 'Only your first day here and already getting distracted.'

==

By 3 am they all sat around the bar, resting, relaxing.

The bar is empty aside from the staff and they all just finished cleaning up. It was Sunday so they closed pretty early today.

They were all rewarding themselves with a cold beer.

"Dear, where do you live?" Jen asked Lexie. They were sitting at the edge of the bar. Everybody turned to look at them.

"Uhh.. Uhmm.. Just over… by the corner." Lexie mumbled.

"Where?" Brit asked.

"Just down the street." Lexie answered, a bit clearer. She prayed they would let the topic go. She didn't know where she would be sleeping tonight, she haven't even thought about that yet. The money she got today wasn't even enough to get her a motel yet. Lexie could not believe just how much her salary is. It isn't even enough to get her nails done!

"Really. Do you have a place to stay, dear? I noticed you've been carrying that bag of yours around. Even yesterday." Jen placed her hands on top of Lexie's. She sounded sweet, like she was genuinely concerned.

A little tear started to pool in the corner of Lexie's eyes. She shrugged and looked at the back of the bar like it was the most interesting thing she saw all day. She didn't want to talk about it, she didn't want to cry. She didn't want these people to know about her just yet.

"She can stay with me." Brit suddenly said brightly, sitting up then suddenly slouching back down. "Oh. But Angelo will be there." She looked at Lexie, apologetic.

"She can stay with Nate." Jana suggested.

Lexie looked at her in horror. She was grinning widely, like she was planning something.

"What?" Nathan asked. Looking as shocked as Lexie.

"Good idea." Jen added.

"What about Kaylee. She can stay there." Nathan suggested, tilting his head towards Kaylee.

Lexie felt like she was being passed around. She didn't want to burden anyone, they were already nice enough to give her a job. Maybe she could just stay at the diner they went to yesterday, she could order a coffee or something, make it last for a couple of hours. She promised to herself she would never wallow in self-pity, there was no point to it.

"No guys, it's okay. I have… somewhere else." Lexie answered trying to look as lively as she could, she was thankful her voice didn't break.

"You know I can't. I have Leila and Cody. Come on Nathan." Kaylee answered.

Lexie looked up at Kaylee, that was the first time she ever heard her sound nice tonight. Earlier she was cold, firm, now the nice Kaylee is back.

"No. f*cking. Way." Nathan answered seriously, clearly getting furious. Lexie refused to look at him, it's not like it was her idea.

With that, the teasing stopped. They were silent for a while until Kaylee broke the silence. "Fine. You can stay here tonight. If you want to." Kaylee looked at Lexie.

"Can't really afford to be choosy." Nathan mocked. He is seriously getting on Lexie's nerve. She has to do something about him. No one ever crosses her.