09-27-2024, 11:24 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-28-2024, 07:11 AM by Jared Vanders.)
Jared took the young man's outstretched hand. He had really met Cruz, but knew of him and knew his face. He spoke to Emily and slurred some words in his direction. Emily showed concern, but Jared was sure she hadn't caught it. Jared had. He'd brought in enough people with similar symptoms to recognize what was going on. He'd even had enough practice to decipher what the young man was saying. At least the gist of it. Cruz was high as a kite. He couldn't smell any weed on him, so it was likely ingested or injected. Hopefully it wasn't anything unregulated.
Rachel didn't know. Of that Jared was certain. He had known Rachel long enough and well enough to know she wouldn't approve of this. Jared knew the two hadn't really seen each other a lot, but Rachel still talked of him with fondness. No - she didn't know about this.
Emily moved on, starting to speak with woman that Jared recognized but didn't know. Jared watched as Emily got down to talk to the young girl, maybe five or six, and it brought a quick smile to his face before he spoke to Cruz quietly.
"You know, I find that when I'm...tired," he emphasized the word with a pause, hoping Cruz was coherent enough to catch his drift. There was no threat or judgement in his voice. "I find that a really strong black coffee helps."
Jared put a hand reassuringly on Cruz's shoulder. "No judgement here. I don't know if it's for experimentation, or if something is going on, but I would suggest talking to Rachel about it. If she finds out and you've been hiding it - well - it's going to hurt. And I don't think you want that - for yourself or for her. She cares about you - a lot - and Emily and I do too. If there is something going on though - something you're trying to hide from - my door is always open - and I'm sure hers is too. It's really good to meet you in person Cruz - and I mean that. Thank you for coming today!"
Jared gave Cruz's shoulder a squeeze and a pat on the shoulder, turning to join his wife.
Rachel didn't know. Of that Jared was certain. He had known Rachel long enough and well enough to know she wouldn't approve of this. Jared knew the two hadn't really seen each other a lot, but Rachel still talked of him with fondness. No - she didn't know about this.
Emily moved on, starting to speak with woman that Jared recognized but didn't know. Jared watched as Emily got down to talk to the young girl, maybe five or six, and it brought a quick smile to his face before he spoke to Cruz quietly.
"You know, I find that when I'm...tired," he emphasized the word with a pause, hoping Cruz was coherent enough to catch his drift. There was no threat or judgement in his voice. "I find that a really strong black coffee helps."
Jared put a hand reassuringly on Cruz's shoulder. "No judgement here. I don't know if it's for experimentation, or if something is going on, but I would suggest talking to Rachel about it. If she finds out and you've been hiding it - well - it's going to hurt. And I don't think you want that - for yourself or for her. She cares about you - a lot - and Emily and I do too. If there is something going on though - something you're trying to hide from - my door is always open - and I'm sure hers is too. It's really good to meet you in person Cruz - and I mean that. Thank you for coming today!"
Jared gave Cruz's shoulder a squeeze and a pat on the shoulder, turning to join his wife.