[center][color=teal][h2]Jessamyn "Jess" Bailey[/h2][/color][/center]

The smile Jess put on came a little more easily to her. This time, Roxy was less resigned, more accepting of the offer. At least for now, she wasn't making things worse for the anchor. [color=teal]"Alright then."[/color] She glanced from Roxy to her mom, who nodded and stood up.

[color=aqua]"Carbonara Corner it is,"[/color] the older woman said, picking up her handbag and gesturing for the two to follow.

The familiar surroundings outside were just as jarring as the ones inside. More so, in fact. Not just because Jess couldn't feel like she fit in, but because there would certainly be people around who fit even less. She kept her eyes cast down, forcing herself not to look around like a frightened animal.

The walk only took about ten minutes. She followed the other two into the building, greeted by sensations that should have been soothing. The flickering glow of a stone oven. Chatter over mellow classical music. Food smells she knew and usually loved. This place hadn't changed, hadn't lost any of its inviting atmosphere. The empath reminded herself what Roxy had said. She should drop her guard, let herself relax. They weren't in any danger... not yet, anyway. Not as long as she could act normal. Which was the problem.

Once a waiter had led the group to a table, Jess sat down, making a conscious effort not to hunch her shoulders as she picked up the menu. She tried to focus on the list of meals, not on the people who could be around to watch.