Stunning

A smile of relief and pleasure crosses Justin's lips, finally hearing Beth's choice. He had another chance. He hadn't been robbed of it, despite his fears and lack of telling her he cared. And he felt oh so fortunate. 

Squeezing Beth's hand, he chuckles and shakes his head. "It's not too late for you as long as it's not too late for me."

All of a sudden, reality strikes, and Justin realizes that they weren't alone. They were standing in the middle of the coffee house, in public, being stared at by the other customers. Heat comes to his cheeks and he gives Beth a little wide-eyed look. "I think we better sit down before they throw us out," he suggests. 

Pulling her to a nearby table for two, he sits across from her, taking both of her hands in his. Smiling, his eyes twinkle. It felt good to finally not have a barrier between him and Beth. It was still a bit scary and he was still risking his heart all over again but... maybe this time it would turn out right. 

"By the way... you look absolutely stunning tonight."

...For the next couple days, Jeff remains in bed, trying to recover. He'd overdone it worse than he'd thought, and it didn't take just one short nap to get over it. He didn't see Angel and didn't ask for her, but he did see Katie and a few others who would stop by to say hi or bring him a meal. Eventually though, he was able to get himself up and going again... 

...Entering Angel's office, Jeff knocks softly, not wanting to startle her. He hadn't spoken to her since she'd walked out on him and... he didn't like feeling as though they were at odds. 

Clearing his throat, he slowly approaches her desk, tucking his hands in his pockets. "Hi. I um.... well... do you have a minute to talk?"