The Suffering Of Fools (IJ Fanfic, Sal Vulcano X Brian Quinn)

Part 12

It was 12 o'clock - midday - and Sal was already an hour late to filming when he pulled up outside the restaurant.
"the prodigal son returns!" cried Joe, as Sal lumbered through to the back room where everyone was all ready and waiting. "How ya doin', buddy?"

He grumbled a reply, sliding his bag from his back and onto the floor beneath the table of monitors and humming screens.

Joe approached as the crew went back to their conversations, creating a dull chatter around them. "How ya holdin' up? I know it must be tough for you" he said in hushed tones, resting his hand gently on his shoulder. Sal straightened up after fiddling with his bag, and looked Joe in the eyes; becoming saddened at how their blue much resembled hers on a bright summers day.

"I'm fine, y'know. I'm coping."
"betcha miss her though" he said with a generous grin of subtle sympathy.
"of course I do. But life goes on, dunnit?" Sal replied coolly, shrugging his broad and weighted shoulders with a weak, yet convincing smile.

Clapping his hands together and rubbing them slightly drew the attention of the crew. "Right! We gon' do this then or what?"