Summary: Money's tight at home and Ellie offers to get a job to help pay off the bills. When she makes the cut as the Dot's new bus boy, she begins an unlikely friendship with Spinner, and a jealous Craig isn't exactly pleased.

Author's Note: Fic takes place in an AU Season 5. Ellie still has a crush on Craig, and Craig is secretly crushing back. Spinner is still being alienated by his friends and Ellie seems to be the only person that doesn't hate his guts.

"Sweetie, this…this doesn't look good." Mrs. Nash said, laying out the bills on the kitchen table. She and her daughter sat across from each other in the dimly-lit dinning room.

"Mom, what are we gonna do? If we can't pay these bills, we loose the house." Ellie said.

"I know, I know." Mrs. Nash massaged her temples.

"What happened? How is it we owe this much?"

"Well, let's see…between my sessions at the clinic and your drumming lessons over the summer…I'd say we racked up a bundle."

"Mom I'm sorry."

"Oh, sweetie don't apologize. If anyone's to blame it's me."

"You needed help,"

"That's no excuse, I should've-"

"No, don't beat yourself up. We'll figure it out. We'll get things straight. We'll get the money."

"Well they sure as hell aren't paying me enough at the office, and with the schedule I have now I don't think I can manage another job." Mrs. Nash brushed through her messy brunette hair.

"I'll get a job." Elllie said.

"Oh no, honey I don't want you to feel responsible."

"I'm a senior, isn't that kinda my job?"

"Exactly, which is why I don't want you to be faced with something like this so soon. Focus on your studies, get into a good college."

"Mom, my grades are fine. I'll find something that won't be as time consuming. Promise."

"Eleanor, I just want you to be the kid and me the grown-up. I'm supposed to fix things, not you."

"I understand, but I think part of being a grown-up is asking for help when it's needed."

"Hmm, when did you get so wise?"

"When I grew up," Ellie smirked, her mother smiled back. The redhead took the woman's hand. "I'll get a job. I'll help."

…

The Next Day

"Oh, here's something. Dog sitter needed, pays 15 dollars a week." Marco read from the newspaper. He and Ellie shared a table at the Dot.

"Marco, I'm allergic to dogs, and besides…ew." Ellie took a sip of her cola.

"Right…uh, let's see." Marco scrolled down the newspaper once more. "Ooh, Dipstick Girl wanted at Mall food court, pays 10 dollars every two weeks."

"Okay, I don't know what a Dipstick Girl is, but it sounds disgusting. Please look again."

The bell above the diner door rang as it opened. Craig walked in and immediately spotted the two.

"Hey guys!" he pulled up a chair to the table. "What's up?"

"Just looking for a job here for Miss. Nash." Marco said after taking a sip from his coffee.

"You're getting a job?" Craig asked.

"Yeah, money's tight at home and we just need…more of it."

"Oh, well I could pay you for being our drummer. You wouldn't get paid much, and you probably wouldn't get it on time…but its still money."

"Um, thanks Craig, but I'll stick to this."

"Suit yourself," Craig shrugged. "I'm gonna check out a menu, I'm starving." Craig left the table and headed to the bar. Ellie stared at his back side as he walked off.

"Here's a job, 20 dollars an hour to be Craig Manning's mistress."

"What?" Ellie snapped out of her trance and turned to Marco.

"You're so in love with him." Marco giggled.

"Shut up, and keep looking." Ellie laughed.

"Here are your fries," came Spinner, setting the plate of fries in the center of the table.

"Thanks Spinner," Marco said plainly, his eyes remained glued to the newspaper. Though he thought that Spinner's harsh alienation from the gang was wrong, he still couldn't completely forgive him for what happened with Jimmy.

"Hmm, looking for jobs, eh?" Spinner asked, peeking over Marco's shoulder. "School doesn't provide enough social time?"

"Ellie's looking for the job, I'm just here for support." Marco said.

"Oh. Need the extra bucks?" Spinner looked to Ellie.

"Something like that," Ellie said.

"Well, we're short a bus boy and my manager cold definitely use the help."

"Really?" Ellie said.

"Yeah, might even raise your pay if you're hired."

"Well, how much does the job pay now?"

"Five dollars a table."

"Hmm," Ellie looked at Marco for his approval on the job. He shrugged. "When can I audition?"

"Tomorrow morning at nine would be good." Spinner said.

"Okay, I guess I'll be in tomorrow then. Thanks Spinner." Ellie smiled.

"No problem," Spinner smiled back. He left the table, passing by Craig in the process. They exchanged hateful glances as they walked by each other.

"What was that about? Craig said, rejoining Marco and Ellie at the table.

"I think I've found something."

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