Spicy

Carson shifts his weight to sit on the floor and lean back against the chair, enveloping Misty in his arms. Letting her bury herself in his chest, he holds her close, his shirt smelling of laundry detergent and cigarette smoke.

His fingers comb through her hair, knowing that she wants to cry, but she's too tough. "Hey...I'm not gonna let this happen again... You're not going to stay alone while Frankie's on the loose, as long as I have anything to say about it."


Jason can feel the sweat on his forehead, his eyes stinging with tears as the burning persists. He stares at Camryn across the table, neither going for the water glass. By now they have a handful of onlookers to cheer them on, but they're so engrossed in the effects of the hot sauces that it's hard to enjoy the spotlight.

As Jason finds a bottle they haven't opened yet, he stops for just a moment, raising an eyebrow.

Camryn looks at him with question. "What? Chickening out?"

"Nope." Jason unscrews the cap. "I just remembered someone I have to apologize to."

"Apologize? For what?"

"Accidental torture." Jason takes his spoon and puts a couple drops of lethal sauce on it. "This one is for you." The spicy substance hits his tongue like a lit match and he drops the spoon, wincing and slamming his hand on the table. "Ohhh man! Just shoot me now so I can die with dignity!"

Camryn can't help her laughter. "Please tell me you're going to give now."

Jason shakes his head, despite his reddened face. "Nuh-uh..." He swallows hard, squinting as the burning persists, spreading down his throat and threatening to upset the food he'd eaten.

Camryn cringes and takes the same sauce and her own spoon. Several onlookers start to chuckle, egging her on. She hesitates before sticking the spoon in her mouth, then just about keels over, her hand going to her face. "Oh my word!" Unable to stand it any longer, she goes for the water.

"Good grief, someone get me some milk before I pass out." Jason doesn't even enjoy his victory as he glances at the waiter, who is more than happy to bring him the cooling drink.

Camryn wipes her face with a napkin, laughter coming through again. "You turkey."

Jason doesn't answer until he's had something to drink, even the milk having a hard time subsiding the burn. "Holy cow...don't ever do that to me again."

"Me?!" Camryn throws her napkin at him. "You're the one that wouldn't stop!"


...Jason ambles back into TJY, knowing he was going to have to work late now to make up for the extra time he'd taken at lunch. He aims down the hall, but then stops and swivels around. Instead, he heads for Katie's cubicle, a bit of sheepishness on his face. Stopping and leaning over the wall, he looks at her for a moment. "Sorry?"