#S.S. Clownery plsss i'm crying

[overnightheartbeats]

He felt hesitant. There was a hesitant feeling in his chest, and yet he couldn't help walk towards to Jazz. Like it didn't matter. It was the usual, entrancing feeling that got the better of him. Her touch was sending a slight shiver down his spine, it almost felt like everything was okay here. His previous actions weren't getting him killed tonight, so long as Jazz didn't find out and Nettie didn't confirm anything. Isaac didn't believe her entirely, it sounded way too intense for Texas heat. Even Eli had pointed it out. "You sure?" But, no one was saying anything. Nettie looked...sick, or unwell and Jazz was assuring him it was nothing. "Dinner, no not yet but I think in a few minutes. I just wanted to come check on y'all."

Coming face to face with Nettie almost knocked the breath out of him, but he had never been slapped in the face by words. This had to be an embarrassing first. Match made in hell, what did he do now? Still, nothing that she said hurt as much as her wishing he never walked into the bar. That cut deep, more than he wanted to admit right now. "Nettie, wait—no." He needed to talk to her, more than anything. But, he needed to get some context before he ran off. Jazz had to tell him what happened. "That doesn't sound like just Texas heat. What happened here Jazz, why is she so upset?"

They knew that organizing this dinner was risky, especially on the off-chance that Isaac decided to invite his girlfriend. Which is exactly what he did, but at that point, they couldn't refuse her. So, their initial plan to bring Nettie and Isaac together for a conversation become a very complicated triple date of sorts. It all seemed to begin crashing when everyone slowly stepped out of the room, leaving her with Nettie's friend..date - something. She had just set down the salad bowl, looking over at Eli when Nettie walked back in excusing herself from the dinner. This was not going the way they hoped. She offered a smile to the man at the mention of Tupperware. "Of course, we can pack some things. But, Nettie don't go. Let me get you some aspirin and water, and you can rest in the guest room in the meantime." She handed off the plates to Eli, and walked over to her. "You should have some dinner, and you can sit away from him. Please stay though."

"Hi honey, c'mere." She made grabby hands for Issac and played it up knowing how it hurt Nettie to see it. Issac was back and that meant no more fire could be given but that didn't mean she wasn't going to cause some pain. Her left hand went up to rub his back in that sweet manner she'd perfected years ago. "Oh, nothing tense here. You know how women get when there's heat. Texas is a pit. Dinner ready?"

Nettie wanted to throw up watching the interaction and couldn't feel bad for Issac not when he was willingly playing into her hands. Avoiding eye contact she pushed herself off the chair she was sitting on and wiped her hands on her jeans. "Looks like I just lost my appetite." Nettie started as she pushed past Jazz and came face to face with Issac. "You know, you once said you weren't sure if you two were compatible but let me tell you. Match made in hell. You're perfect for each other. I wish you never walked into bar." Her words were venom as she spewed them out and went back inside trying to find Laurel.

Instead running into her boyfriend who people thought was actually hers. "Hey. The heat is getting to me. I want to leave." Looking over at Laurel and Eli she smiled and apologized. "Guys, I'm sorry. I have a headache. Thanks for the invite and I'll take you guys up on the moving help. Just do me one favor don't tell Issac where I'm living now please." Eli shared a look with his girl and sighed. This was going to need a more delicate hand.

He immediately wrapped his arms around her and kept her close to his side. Smiling after having a lovely conversation with the couple. He noticed Eli hovering over Laurel as he helped her with the food. "Couldn't we at least get a to go Tupperware?"