Later that night, Paige, Johnny, Charlie and Jakes were sitting around the coffee table eating Thai takeout when Paul came downstairs. "Hey my man, good to see you up and about," Johnny greeted him.

Paul gave a half-smile. "It's good to be up. Thai night huh?"

"Plenty of food Paul. Come join us," Paige invited pushing Johnny aside and patting the cushion next to her for Briggs to sit

"Sheesh," Johnny grumbled ungraciously moving over. "It's not like he is some returning war hero. Its' just a few little scratches."

Briggs winced as he sat on the couch, something that was not missed by the roommates but Briggs underplayed it. "Another day or two and I'll be good as new." Grabbing a pair of chopsticks and a carton, he picked at the food, stirring it around more than eating it.

"You need help changing those bandages?" Jakes inquired.

"Nah," Paul replied in a bored tone. "Got it under control."

"Still taking the antibiotics?" Mike questioned.

Briggs set the carton down on the table giving Mike a curious look before turning to Paige. "That I am, after all the trouble the ladies went thru."

"Damn straight," Charlie confirmed. "And you better take every last dose or Paige and I are going to come into your room make you."

"And things will be different next time. We underestimated your once Paul, never again," Paige finished in a mock-serious tone. "Next time, handcuffs first."

Paul smirked. "Works for me. I hear and obey."

Johnny nearly spit out his mouth full of food laughing. "You may hear Bro, but I have never seen you obey and I'm not sure you even really listen."

Briggs got up from the sofa swatting Johnny on the side of the head as he walked to the fridge. "You'd be surprised what I hear Johnny." He pulled a cold beer out, took off the cap and cupped it in his palm. "Ladies and whatever you guys are, I'm out of here. I plan to hit the surf bright and early."

"You sure you're up to that Paul?" Charlie asked concerned.

"Never fear. Johnny here," he said throwing the beer cap at the forenamed and bouncing it off his head, "is gonna be right there beside me as my personal lifeguard, aren't you JT?"

"That's messed up," Johnny said digging the bottle cap out of his hoodie. "Take Mikey."

"Would if I could, but until he can figure how to stay on his board, I'll just be spending all my time rescuing him. But hey Michael, join us. Practice makes perfect. 0700, on the beach. Don't be late." With that, he took his beer and disappeared upstairs.

"Unreal," Johnny said reclaiming his place on the couch.

"Briggs," said Charlie.