Jerry peeked around the kitchen door to peer into the Sub Station. He grimaced, he needed help and fast. Patrons were looking at the counter expectantly. Their heads rotated towards him and back to the table. His brow furrowed. The food wasn't going to serve itself, that was for sure. His children were certainly avoiding that task.

Justin was attempting to flirt with a blonde girl in one of the booths. It involved rapid eyebrow movement and a lot of fake laughter. Alex was slouched on the wall chewing gum, focused on her phone. Max was crouched near the door stealing pineapples.

Teresa crept up behind Jerry and followed his sightline. She sighed loudly. Jerry jumped, clutched his chest and rounded on her to receive an equally vexed look.

"Jerry, I need those sandwiches." she walked casually to the counter and slapped her hand on the bell to reiterate her request.

"Here." Jerry handed her two full trays. "Get the kids." Jerry huffed and Teresa nodded, before busying herself.

She returned with empty trays and he reloaded them with speed.

"Jerry, I'm thinking..." she said and searched his blotchy face for a sign that he was listening.

"We need need an extra hand." they both spoke in union. Teresa gave him a hopeful smile.

"We could do with someone new." she scooted off before he could respond. Jerry slapped a dishcloth onto the countertop and rubbed his forehead. They needed a fresh face and fast.

Jerry gathered everyone around when the Sub closed. They settled in a booth and started the meeting off by giving each member of his family a stern look.

"Hey Dad, I have to go and do homework, can I-" Justin started and Teresa shook her head at him, tutting.

Jerry gave a thankful look to Teresa before speaking.

"Guys, we're thinking about getting a new staff member-"

"Can they take my shift?" Alex yawned out the sentence and popped a bubble of gum with a short snap.

"No, they're going to be on your shifts, Alex." Teresa said sharply and Jerry tried to speak again, but was cut off.

"Great." Alex folded her arms across her chest and flicked her focus between her parents.

Jerry looked at the three of them with a grin on his face, Teresa patted his hand and gave them the same look. Max held up his hand and spoke without lowering it.

"Are they going to be hot? I think it would distract me if they were hot."

Jerry contorted his face. It was a mixture of disgust and confusion.

"Yeah," Alex laughed. "They might have a relative they need Justin to babysit."

Justin scowled with his nostrils flared, he flicked his index finger up. It was poised ready to assist his retort but nothing came to mind. Justin tucked his finger back into his palm and turned to his Dad.

"I'm cool with it, now if you excuse me I have work to do."

"Have fun with you're dolls." Alex shouted after him. He shuffled out of the booth in an awkward flop of limbs. He flipped Alex off as he ascended the stairs.

A bout of silence passed before Jerry slapped his hands together and rubbed them.

"Better get that wanted sign hung up then, huh?" he said and received unenthusiastic grunt from Alex and a shrug from Max. It was an improvement from no response at all.

The day had been a slow one, not many people had come in. Jerry was left to stare at the door in hope of a customer or better someone applying for the job.

Alex walked past her Dad and quirked an eyebrow. With his head perched on his hands, he looked like a balding cherub. She felt for the marker she had stolen from biology and flipped the cap.

"I'm not asleep Alex" his voice was monotone.

"Any luck?" Alex clipped it back on instantly and sat on one of the stools and swivelled on it. It squeaked obnoxiously, making Jerry pull his head up.

"Why are you interested all of a sudden?"

"I'm not, I just wanna see the looser."

As she spoke the door chimed and the pair of them rounded towards the sound. A girl swayed in and Alex bit her tongue.

"Bingo." Jerry wagged a finger in her direction and waddled over with his hand outstretched. Alex pulled out her phone and peered over it to examine the visitor.

The girl was as slender as a dancer. Her hair was tussled and had blonde bangs that fell down accentuating her cheekbones. Her eyes were smoky and her lips were curved into a knowledgeable smirk. She was dressed in a baggy grey v-neck and leggings. Alex narrowed her eyes at her, as if she was looking into the sun.

The girls strut announced to the world, more importantly to Jerry and Alex 'I can take care of myself'.

"I'm here to apply for the job in the window." Her voice was smooth. Alex felt her heartbeat double.

"Sure." Jerry smiled and watched as she pulled out a sheet of paper from her back pocket.

Jerry took it and read it, humming. His eyes roamed over the scrawl then at the girl. "You're attending Tribeca Prep?"

"Yeah." the girl took the paper back and Jerry stuck out his bottom lip, mulling the information over.

"I'm Stevie... Stevie Nichols"

"Well Stevie... you got the job." Jerry took her hand in firm shake. Stevie pulled her hand out of his grasp quickly and cleared her throat.

"This is Alex." Jerry introduced her with a swoop of his arm. "You'll meet the rest of the team on your first shift."

Alex's stomach twisted when Stevie looked over. She studied the other girl, with her bottom lip between her teeth.

"Hi." Stevie arched her eyebrow and shoved her hands into her back pockets then rocked on her heels.

"Hi." Alex huffed and avoided her gaze. Under thick lashes, Stevie's eyes burned and she could feel it trained on her.

"You start tomorrow, after school the same shift as Alex."

"Sure. Are you sure you don't want any more credentials?" Stevie gave Jerry a brief smile. He shook his head and slapped a meaty hand on her shoulder.

"We need all the help we can get and you seem perfect."

"Only because we're desperate." Alex added and slunk off the stool to retreat upstairs. Stevie let out a light chuckle.

Jerry muttered an apology, but Stevie dismissed it with a waft of her hand.

"I can't wait to start here ." she shook is hand once more and left, grinning all the while. She was going to enjoy this.