"Consider your time with Jake payment," Jade corrected, reaching out and patting Dirk gently on the head. She didn't want to mess up his 'do. Standing, then, she moved away from the bed and watched them both for a moment. "I'll be downstairs if either of you need anything."

"Sorry, gram," Jake rasped idly, and Jade just tsked again.

"Don't be sorry, just rest and feel better. Come get some soup when you're up for it."