Options

Jared quirks one eyebrow, just glad for the short reprieve as they talked. "Okay with me? It never matters what's okay with me. I'm just the invalid being told what to do, ya know." 

Catching Grace's hand before she can reach his other leg, he stops her. "Can we at least sit in the grass?" His tone had softened as his request was genuine. "I promise not to knock you over this time." 

Jay returns Rosetta's hug warmly, closing his eyes for a moment. He was relieved to have all of that off his chest, and even more relieved at the acceptance offered. Pulling back, he smiles at his sister. "Thanks... I've missed you too." 

He turns to the others again. "And the rest of you, I guess."

Eric smirks and throws a wadded-up napkin at him. "I suppose we've missed you too. Sort of."

Jay rolls his eyes. "Well, thanks a lot." 

Grinning, Mick stands up, offering Jay a handshake then a hug too. "You know you're welcome here anytime and all the time, right?"

"Yeah... I know."

"Gonna stick around?" Sparky questions. 

"Um... for few days. Then I want to get my family out here real soon." 

Justin doesn't mind when Beth lies down next to him or takes his hand. With his other hand, he strokes her hair gently. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about," he chides softly. "Besides, I was the one who suggested it, remember?" 

Sighing, he leans his head back and closes his eyes, his fingers still running through her hair. "Who knows why tonight... things just... happen sometimes and we just happened to get caught in the middle." 

His hand gives hers a squeeze. "But we're safe now and it's all over." 

Falling silent for a few more minutes he eventually opens his eyes again and looks down at her, feeling rather helpless. He knew what to do in many situations, but there were always so many variables that even he didn't have all the answers. "You wanna come home with me tonight?" He'd never suggest that on a normal night, but he couldn't stay here and if she didn't want to be alone, he wouldn't leave her without options.