Seeing Simon’s reaction to the martial arts talk, Jake offered, “I could teach you some Tae Kwon Do sometime, if you like”, he shrugged, “I’m a qualified instructor.” He looked at the tough guy across from him and winked, “…and before you ask , no payment necessary…no money, no dick, no anything.”

Jake was glad that Simon was laughing about the whole thing. He really was a cool guy. That Ciaran must be some major asshole to get on his bad side.

Oh, shit!, Jake worried. Simon looked upset. Maybe he shouldn’t have gone so far; the guy obviously cared a lot about Emilie and her actions with that psycho had been a sort of betrayal to him. “Hey, man”, Jake soothed, squeezing Simon’s shoulder, “I’m sorry. Look, she was probably just drunk and wasn’t thinking straight, y’know?” He gave Simon the sad puppy look, “I’m an ass for bringing it up, okay? Haven’t we all done things we regret when we were drunk?”