The tension around all of them was thick. Valerie was trying not to hurt Raymond more than she already had but she wasn't entirely too sure what to say to him. She had no amount of words or apologies, that could fix what happened 10 years ago. But at the same time, she could not fix her own insecurities and fears back then. The guilt was present across her features. Especially seeing how bitter Ryleigh was, despite trying to act otherwise. But Ray didn't have to deal with that bitterness for the last 10 years. If anything, she took the brunt of it for them both. [Color=Teal] "That's good. I always knew you'd make it far." [/Color] She said truthfully. At least he was living out his dream. She was proud of him for that. Not knowing how he'd take the news, if she'd tell him so. Val noticed the slight tremble. Knowing him too well, to know that he was feeling the same as she was. Confused, and unsure of what to do or say.

Seeing the look in his eyes, was enough for tears to start prickling her eyes. But she didn't want him to see her like this. Not even sure, whom she was keeping herself composed for. Having missed him too; more than he knew. But would he even believe her, if she said so? But before she could really speak, the smoke caught everyone's attention. Letting out a slight cough. [Color=Teal] "Sheesh, Jimmy. You need to take better care of the kitchen. Or do you want to burn this place down?" [/color] tutting at him. Luckily disaster was averted. But hopefully it'd be a reminder for their friend, to take care of the kitchen greaser better, than this. Or one could hope at least. It was Jimmy after all.

[Color=Teal] "It's Jimmy. He's always been the same." [/Color] Val nodded at Ray's question about Jimmy. As Ray helped himself to a drink behind the bar, it felt like old times. Helping herself to another helping of Coke and Rum, she took a sip of her freshly made drink. Smiling lightly at the memory, he brought up. [Color=Teal] "That was a fun night. I remember Leigh challenged all of us to a dance off, whilst drunk. Till the cute guy distracted her." [/Color] Remembering the fun they all had, that particular evening. Doing the typical teenager things. Things back then, felt much simpler. Now they were all adults. Having to deal with consequences of past actions, and how it affected everyone. Thanking Jimmy as he brought out the food. Biting into her burger to try and quench her hunger. Drinking on an empty stomach beforehand, hadn't exactly helped. 

[Color=Crimson]"You chased him off. I don't call that a favor." [/Color] Ryleigh huffed at Jimmy. It seemed like reminiscing about past times, was getting everyone in a better mood. [Color=Crimson] "Oh god, Your signature dance move. What did you call it again?" [/Color] She teased Val, trying to remember what Valerie called a few of her supposedly 'hip and cool' dance moves, back in those days. Munching on her own food. At the mention of Austin, Ryleigh too felt the pain once again of his loss. Knowing he wasn't here, to reminisce with them. At least, not in person. [Color=Crimson] "To Austin." [/Color] Toasting to him, with the rest of them. Unable to keep her voice from cracking either. 

As Jimmy toasted to Austin, Val smiled sadly. [Color=Teal] "To Austin." [/Color] Her voice too breaking, as tears prickled her eyes. Quickly glancing away from everyone, to wipe them away. If she carried on like this, with her emotions bouncing all over the place. She might break down, sometime soon.
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As Jimmy asked Ray the one question, she herself had been wondering. Valerie took another bite of her food. Unsure of what answer to expect from Ray. She wouldn't blame him, if he didn't want to stick around long after the funeral. Knowing, he was probably too hurt and angry at her still, for how things turned out all those years ago. The mention of the lake house, caused Val to stop herself. [Color=Teal] "Jimmy....."[/Color] She slightly shook her head. Austin wasn't here to go with them to the lake house. It wouldn't be the same. Unsure of whether this was a good idea or not. It might have been Austin's wish. But there'd be a lot of can of opened worms, if they went back to the lake house. 

[Color=Teal] "Ray's right, Jimmy. There's a lot of....memories there. Lots of unresolved things." [/Color] She sighed when he spoke of the bittersweet memories. Too not having the strength to go there, without Austin. Without Austin around, it'd probably take a while to convince her to go. Val wasn't so sure, that going there would fix anyone's issues. Looking down at her hands, when Jimmy spoke. Almost flat out telling Ray that he pretty much been forgotten in his drunkenness. It wasn't entirely true. Val never forgot about him. But part of her wanted to. To forget the hurt, of him leaving. The hurt she caused him, by leaving first.

Of course it was like Jimmy to hold a vote. Meaning, if one said no, then Austin's plan on getting them together again was down the drain. It seemed like Ray was the first one to get the courage to agree to this plan. Leigh was the next one to agree. [Color=Crimson] "It'd be nice to see the Lakehouse again. [/Color] Ryleigh said. Before all eyes seemed to land on Valerie, whom was sitting there, lost in thought.

Val remained silent. Not sure what to do or say in that particular moment. Did she even have the courage to go? Maybe this was the closure they all needed? Or would going back, just cause more issues, than it'd solve? Swallowing, Val looked towards Ray. She hadn't expected him to agree to it, if she was being honest. But if he could be brave about it, than so could she right? [Color=Teal] "Alright then." [/Color] She said weakly, eventually adding in her agreement, despite the gazillion worries running through her mind.