With Broken being such a heavy story, I thought I'd write something lighter alongside it. The first chapter is more of a prologue and very short but there will be more on its way...

Chapter One

"What can I get you?" the barmaid said pleasantly.

Charlie looked up and was about to order a round of beers but her words caught in her throat.

"Charlie?" the barmaid said.

Charlie tensed and glanced back at her colleagues nervously and then back to the barmaid.

"Joey," she managed. "What are you doing here?"

"Serving drinks," Joey replied with a cheeky grin.

Charlie felt suddenly speechless and breathless. She leant against the bar, nervously clasping her hands together.

"I mean, I mean, here," Charlie explained. "What are you doing here?"

"I got bored," Joey said. "Picked a place on the map. I swear I'm not stalking you."

She grinned. Charlie blushed and grinned back. She glanced over at her colleagues who were still waiting for their round of drinks. She felt awkward. Seeing Joey in front of her was the last thing she expected and she didn't know how she felt about it.

"Um…" she started.

"Don't worry, Charlie. I'm not here to make trouble for you," Joey promised. "I'll stay out of your way if you like."

"Thank you," Charlie said. "It's just…"

Joey nodded and smiled but this time, it didn't quite meet her eyes. She almost looked sad. Charlie placed her order. Joey served the drinks and Charlie took them back to the table.

"You took your time!" Jack commented.

"I thought I was going to die of thirst!" Angelo laughed.