Jay walked up the stairs slowly, trying to get his now jumbled thoughts in some kind of order. When he saw Emma with her back to him in the kitchen, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her back tightly against his chest. Sensing something wrong, Emma turned around to look at Jay.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Jay sighed, “I need to talk to you about something, but not right now. Tonight, we’ll go out.”

“What about Jack?” Emma asked, now slightly worried about what Jay wanted to discuss with her.

“Manny’ll watch him for us.”

Emma nodded; a small smile on her face, “Alright. I’ll call her and ask.”

Jay leaned forward and kissed her sweetly, “I love you,” he said when he pulled away.

Emma’s smile grew, “I love you too,” she replied.

Jay kissed her forehead and looked down at her, “Listen, I gotta run by the garage for a little bit; talk to my uncle about taking time off, are you okay by yourself for a bit?”

Emma’s smile faded slightly, she hadn’t really been left alone since her relapse. Seeing her reaction Jay quickly cupped her face in his hands, looking into her scared gaze.

“Hey, hey,” he said, “It’s just for a little bit. And Jack’ll be here with you. Or if you want, call Manny and ask her to keep you company. I won’t leave until she gets here, okay?”

Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath, taking in the spicy scent that was uniquely Jay. When she looked up into his eyes again, she felt steadier and her smile came back.

“No, I’ll be okay. Go do what you need to do. I need to learn to be alone once in a while. I’ll be fine.”

Jay was worried as he watched Emma carefully.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

Her smile softening, Emma leaned up and gave him a kiss, “I’m sure.”

Jay leaned down and kissed her again. Emma’s eyes were bright when he pulled away.

“Okay,” he said, “I’ll be back in a little bit, an hour at most okay?”

Emma nodded and jokingly pushed him towards the door, “I’ll be fine Jay. I promise.”

“Okay, okay, I’m going,” he said as they got to the door.

He opened the door and paused, turning to pull Emma to him and kiss her again. Emma laughed as they pulled away from each other and stood with one hand on the door as Jay walked through and stood on the stoop.

“See you in a little while,” he called as he walked to his car.

“Love you!” Emma called out from the doorway.

Jay looked back at her after opening his door and grinned.

“Love you too Blondie!” he called back.