Lydia wasn't often left speechless, but what Beth had to say left her eyes slightly wide and her mouth silent for some very long moments. The look in her eye was one of confusion - who did she believe? She'd heard everything from Jared, and now this young woman was challenging all of that. Who was telling the truth?
Looking down at the number on the napkin, Lydia just stares at it before looking back up at Beth. "Thank you. I... don't get out much, but I appreciate the offer."
Furrowing her brow, she thinks. "I don't know who is right... or who is telling the truth... or why you even really came here today. But maybe... maybe it's time for a change." She smiles a little. "You seem like a very nice young lady. And I always enjoy seeing another face. Thank you for coming."
Reese nods and stands from his chair. "Agreed. I'm going to go give Brown a call and try to get him to postpone anything he can. And... I'm going to call Justin to do the talking to Alec - he hasn't gotten very far, but he's gotten farther than anyone else around here. I can't think of anything else we can do at this point."
He aims for the door, but then stops, turns around and cocks his head at Angelica. A little grin appears. "I can't remember what it was like before I had you to brainstorm with." Taking a step closer to her, he leans in and gives her lips a tender kiss. "Dinner. Tonight. Just you and me. No matter how late we work. Deal?"
Rocky was surprised Michaela took him up on his offer, but he was glad she did. How else was he supposed to get to know her? He was even more surprised, though, when she offered to help out.
"Um... yeah. Yeah, sure." He leans over and tugs at a cord that had been duct taped to the stage to keep anyone from tripping over it. "You can pull up this tape if you want and we can get these cords put away."
With as many hands as the band had working, it really didn't take long to have everything packed up and ready to go. Rocky made sure to introduce Michaela to the others, simply saying she was a friend he'd met recently and that she'd decided to come check out the band tonight. Everyone was as nice as always - any friend of Rocky's was a friend of theirs. And soon, Mom and Pop's was filled with chatter and laughter.
Pushing tables together and making more room, it's a bit chaotic but no one really cares. Carson let them figure out where they all wanted to sit and at one point, Logan and Phil played tug-o-war with one of the tables, but eventually an order for pizza was hollered out and the soda pop arrived.
Rocky glances in Michaela's direction and gestures to two chairs at the end of one of the tables, inviting her to sit next to him. "You can sit with me," he offers.
3/23/11
Lunch
As Jared comes around to her and lays a hand on her shoulder Beth gives a little shake as a cold chill ran down her spine. His words seemed to cut like ice though they didn't make her feel like backing down even if it make her nervous just a little bit. Watching as Jared leaves Beth turns her attachen back to Lydia and smile sweetly with a thanks.
"Now you get to share your baking with loved ones, and spread your gifts in other ways. I think thats wonderful and maybe your food tastes even better because its made with love. My mother all ways told me that was the main ingredient."
Taking another but of the cookie and a sip of the tea Beth was quiet again for a moment. Just listing to Lydia talk again. Hearing her talk about Justin and seeing the glint of sadness in her eyes that told Beth she really did miss Justin. Leaning on the counter to be a little closer Beth folds her hands and thinks for a moment before talking. She had to choose her words wisely.
" Lydia, you were never a burden to your son. He talked about helping you all the time and about how much he loved it. Justin like helping you, shopping for you and most of all coming here to spend time with you. Where ever you heard that Justin said this they are mistaken because he didn't."
Beth search's her face for a long moment. She new it was Jared who had said that about Justin but she wasnt about to call him a lier in front of Lydia. Specialty when ears could be listing.
"As far as Justin punching his brother..something must have provoked him. Justin is one of the most gentiles people I know. He knows he was wrong still though and feels horrible about it. He really does, and he really does miss you alot."
Looking over her shoulder for a moment at a sound and than back to Lydia she wondered if she could feel that maybe Jared was using or at least manipulating what she though. Beth couldn't help but think things might be a little different talking if they were away from Jared.
Pulling out a pen from her purse and taking a napkin Beth jots down her number with her name. Sliding it across the table to Lydia she smiles.
"In case you'd every like to get out and do something. Maybe go to lunch just you and me. You remind me of my mother in a way, and thats something...I haven't felt in a while."
"Now you get to share your baking with loved ones, and spread your gifts in other ways. I think thats wonderful and maybe your food tastes even better because its made with love. My mother all ways told me that was the main ingredient."
Taking another but of the cookie and a sip of the tea Beth was quiet again for a moment. Just listing to Lydia talk again. Hearing her talk about Justin and seeing the glint of sadness in her eyes that told Beth she really did miss Justin. Leaning on the counter to be a little closer Beth folds her hands and thinks for a moment before talking. She had to choose her words wisely.
" Lydia, you were never a burden to your son. He talked about helping you all the time and about how much he loved it. Justin like helping you, shopping for you and most of all coming here to spend time with you. Where ever you heard that Justin said this they are mistaken because he didn't."
Beth search's her face for a long moment. She new it was Jared who had said that about Justin but she wasnt about to call him a lier in front of Lydia. Specialty when ears could be listing.
"As far as Justin punching his brother..something must have provoked him. Justin is one of the most gentiles people I know. He knows he was wrong still though and feels horrible about it. He really does, and he really does miss you alot."
Looking over her shoulder for a moment at a sound and than back to Lydia she wondered if she could feel that maybe Jared was using or at least manipulating what she though. Beth couldn't help but think things might be a little different talking if they were away from Jared.
Pulling out a pen from her purse and taking a napkin Beth jots down her number with her name. Sliding it across the table to Lydia she smiles.
"In case you'd every like to get out and do something. Maybe go to lunch just you and me. You remind me of my mother in a way, and thats something...I haven't felt in a while."
Better this way
Told to hush, Jared's one eyebrow rises and his head tilts, able to say, "Excuse me?" without verbalizing it. His shoulders square more as he looks at Beth, a grin of amusement creasing his lips.
Lydia is a little surprised as well, but no offense was taken on her part. Instead, she almost seems glad that Beth had the guts to tell Jared to be quiet. Happy that she took the offer for something to eat and drink, she hurries to the refrigerator for the tea and quickly gathers some cookies on a plate to offer to her guest. All the while, Jared just watches, remaining silent and analyzing the situation. Beth was speaking pretty highly of Justin - which wasn't unusual... people usually liked Justin, even if he did have some strange quirks.
Before Lydia is quite finished getting the little snack, Jared walks past the counter where Beth was sitting, and puts a hand on her shoulder. He leans down closer to her ear to speak quietly enough that Lydia couldn't hear him. "Justin won't win. I'm too good at these games." Without giving her time to respond, he slips away into the adjoining room. He couldn't be seen, but that didn't mean he wasn't listening.
Once Beth was given the tea and cookies and Lydia takes her own high seat across from her, Beth's compliment brings a new smile to her face as she beams. "I have cooked all my life - ever since I was a little girl. I always dreamed of opening my own bakery or restaurant but..." She shrugs and still smiles. "God wanted me to be a mother and stay at home with my boys. So I did. Then when I was on my own after my husband died, I didn't have many choices."
She had gotten her own tea and takes a sip before cocking her head at Beth. She bites her lip, unsure how to revert back to the other topic. "So... so Justin, he's... he's okay then? I was so used to seeing him or talking to him almost every day. I miss him but... but when he hit Jared... it changed things. And... and I found out he really didn't want to be so responsible for me anymore. So... maybe things are better this way. I never meant to be a burden to him."
Lydia is a little surprised as well, but no offense was taken on her part. Instead, she almost seems glad that Beth had the guts to tell Jared to be quiet. Happy that she took the offer for something to eat and drink, she hurries to the refrigerator for the tea and quickly gathers some cookies on a plate to offer to her guest. All the while, Jared just watches, remaining silent and analyzing the situation. Beth was speaking pretty highly of Justin - which wasn't unusual... people usually liked Justin, even if he did have some strange quirks.
Before Lydia is quite finished getting the little snack, Jared walks past the counter where Beth was sitting, and puts a hand on her shoulder. He leans down closer to her ear to speak quietly enough that Lydia couldn't hear him. "Justin won't win. I'm too good at these games." Without giving her time to respond, he slips away into the adjoining room. He couldn't be seen, but that didn't mean he wasn't listening.
Once Beth was given the tea and cookies and Lydia takes her own high seat across from her, Beth's compliment brings a new smile to her face as she beams. "I have cooked all my life - ever since I was a little girl. I always dreamed of opening my own bakery or restaurant but..." She shrugs and still smiles. "God wanted me to be a mother and stay at home with my boys. So I did. Then when I was on my own after my husband died, I didn't have many choices."
She had gotten her own tea and takes a sip before cocking her head at Beth. She bites her lip, unsure how to revert back to the other topic. "So... so Justin, he's... he's okay then? I was so used to seeing him or talking to him almost every day. I miss him but... but when he hit Jared... it changed things. And... and I found out he really didn't want to be so responsible for me anymore. So... maybe things are better this way. I never meant to be a burden to him."
Please Hush
Beth looks to Lydia and than to Jared as she searches his face. There was something there, something she could see but putting her finger on it was hard and finding the words to describe it were even harder. Beth could feel a small burst of courage inside her where it came from she herself couldn't even figure it out. Maybe it was the acusations that Jared threw at her about Justin. No matter though she kept calm.
"Maybe Lydia should make the desition if she is ready or not herself. I hear you saying tell Justin this and that for your mother but she's not saying it. So if you don't mind please hush so I can talk with your mother and not you."
Looking back to Lydia Beth gives another smile her eyes were calm, even a little timid. It took alot for her to come here and she had to put alot of feelings aside to do so. She didn't want to leave with out at lease having Justin's mom understand. She new a little bit about what Justin had told her about Jared and Beth couldn't help but feel as though he was doing all the desition making for Lydia and not her herself.
Hearing the offer of tea and some cookies Beth wasn't all that hungry but this was a good opportunity to stay and not be forced to leave yet. She couldn't turn up the opportunity. Giving a smile and a small nod Beth sits a little straighter.
"Some ice tea sounds great, and I'd love to try your cookies. Justin always told me about how good of a cook you are. Now I can tell for myself but I have no doubt that what he says it true and you are. Even if you are his mother I doubt he would lie at all about you."
Looking around the kitchen and taking everything in again Beth could always pin point everything that she could see the same here that was in Justin's house too. He got his sense of style from he mother that was for sure. Everything was so neat though, and organized well.
"Justin's really a good guy. I think you raised a really good son Lydia. If it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be standing here today. He helped me break out of my shell and show me there is so much in life, and I had everything to live for. Before that I just moved through my days like a zombie. He's really good at his job and he loves to help people, even if he does have some faults, we all do that seem to come out more when taunted or prompted."
Taking the cookie that was placed in front of her Beth gives another smile and takes a bit of the cookie. It almost seemed to melt in her mouth it was so soft, and lots of flavor. Now she new what Justin had said was the truth and where he got his ability to cook.
"Oh wow, this is really good. I think its even better than the cookies my mom use to make."
Leaning forward again at her desk Angelica thinks for another moment about what Reese had said. Maybe if they could get Alec to think about the others that he cared about and how this might jeopardize them as well.
"I think...there is still part of him who cares very much for those he loves or else he wouldn't have told Dalton to make sure they were safe. I think we could use any of them Gage, Misty, Ryan, or anyone else he named he would definitely go along with it."
Looking down at her desk and the paper work along with the notes she had gotten from Reese, Justin, and Dalton on what Alec told them it was clear that he was messed up, and maybe wanted to be where he was but the good Alec was not gone.
"Alec might have going to the bad side again, but that doesn't mean the good doesn't exists in the dark corner. We just need to pull it out...kicking and screaming if we have too."
Giving a little laugh Michaela looks around the strage for a moment as everyone was working. They all looked content still even if cleaning up might not be the best thing but they were having fun.
Looking back at Rocky she cocks her head for a moment searching his face. It might have been silly to come here but she was happy she had. There was a light about him, a peace in his eyes something she had been searching in a friend for a long time.
"How can someone ever turn down pizza? I might not know everyone but I am pretty good at just fitting in. I'd like to go to pizza with you."
Setting her bag down on the stage and hopping up on the edge before standing again Michaela brings her hands to her side and taps a little bit. Maybe she could help? With what she wasn't sure but maybe she could do something.
"Need help with anything?"
"Maybe Lydia should make the desition if she is ready or not herself. I hear you saying tell Justin this and that for your mother but she's not saying it. So if you don't mind please hush so I can talk with your mother and not you."
Looking back to Lydia Beth gives another smile her eyes were calm, even a little timid. It took alot for her to come here and she had to put alot of feelings aside to do so. She didn't want to leave with out at lease having Justin's mom understand. She new a little bit about what Justin had told her about Jared and Beth couldn't help but feel as though he was doing all the desition making for Lydia and not her herself.
Hearing the offer of tea and some cookies Beth wasn't all that hungry but this was a good opportunity to stay and not be forced to leave yet. She couldn't turn up the opportunity. Giving a smile and a small nod Beth sits a little straighter.
"Some ice tea sounds great, and I'd love to try your cookies. Justin always told me about how good of a cook you are. Now I can tell for myself but I have no doubt that what he says it true and you are. Even if you are his mother I doubt he would lie at all about you."
Looking around the kitchen and taking everything in again Beth could always pin point everything that she could see the same here that was in Justin's house too. He got his sense of style from he mother that was for sure. Everything was so neat though, and organized well.
"Justin's really a good guy. I think you raised a really good son Lydia. If it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be standing here today. He helped me break out of my shell and show me there is so much in life, and I had everything to live for. Before that I just moved through my days like a zombie. He's really good at his job and he loves to help people, even if he does have some faults, we all do that seem to come out more when taunted or prompted."
Taking the cookie that was placed in front of her Beth gives another smile and takes a bit of the cookie. It almost seemed to melt in her mouth it was so soft, and lots of flavor. Now she new what Justin had said was the truth and where he got his ability to cook.
"Oh wow, this is really good. I think its even better than the cookies my mom use to make."
Leaning forward again at her desk Angelica thinks for another moment about what Reese had said. Maybe if they could get Alec to think about the others that he cared about and how this might jeopardize them as well.
"I think...there is still part of him who cares very much for those he loves or else he wouldn't have told Dalton to make sure they were safe. I think we could use any of them Gage, Misty, Ryan, or anyone else he named he would definitely go along with it."
Looking down at her desk and the paper work along with the notes she had gotten from Reese, Justin, and Dalton on what Alec told them it was clear that he was messed up, and maybe wanted to be where he was but the good Alec was not gone.
"Alec might have going to the bad side again, but that doesn't mean the good doesn't exists in the dark corner. We just need to pull it out...kicking and screaming if we have too."
Giving a little laugh Michaela looks around the strage for a moment as everyone was working. They all looked content still even if cleaning up might not be the best thing but they were having fun.
Looking back at Rocky she cocks her head for a moment searching his face. It might have been silly to come here but she was happy she had. There was a light about him, a peace in his eyes something she had been searching in a friend for a long time.
"How can someone ever turn down pizza? I might not know everyone but I am pretty good at just fitting in. I'd like to go to pizza with you."
Setting her bag down on the stage and hopping up on the edge before standing again Michaela brings her hands to her side and taps a little bit. Maybe she could help? With what she wasn't sure but maybe she could do something.
"Need help with anything?"
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