Jimmy: Marissa, is something wrong?

Marissa: umm no Daddy, why?

Jimmy: Well, you have been staring into that glass of orange juice for about ten minutes.

He touched her arm and smiled hopefully.

Jimmy: Are you sure there isn't anything wrong, kiddo?

Tears had been threatening to over flow all morning and now with the care and concern her father was showing there was no stopping them.

Marissa: Oh Daddy... I have been so stupid! How could I have been this stupid twice?

She moved over and sat in Jimmy's lap, snuggling close like she did as a little girl.

Jimmy: Sweetie, what's wrong... tell me

Marissa: It's Ryan. First it was Oliver and I didn't believe him. Now it was all of this business with the pictures and Emily and again I didn't believe him. I'm afraid this time I have lost him for good. And to be honest I couldn't blame him.

Jimmy: Sweetie, you are under a lot of pressure right now... you're not yourself. I'm sure Ryan will take that into consideration. His feelings are probably hurt but I'm sure you kids will work it out. Just give him some time.

He dried her tears and held her until her sobs subsided. Their talk was cut short when her phone started to ring.

Jimmy: Better get that honey. That's probably Ryan now.

She picked up the phone to check the caller id.

Marissa: No I'm supposed to call him when I want him to come over. It's Summer.

Hey Sum.

Summer: Coop.. what's up for today?

Marissa: Actually I have no definite plans. Do you have any suggestions?

Summer: I know you need to spend time with Chino and all but I was hoping you and I could do some girl stuff today. I miss having you around so much. Do you think he could spare you for a while?

Marissa: That is an excellent idea. Do you think it's too late to get appointments at any of the spas?

Summer: Yes! I was hoping you would say that so I made us appointments for the works. We need to be there by 11:00.

Marissa: Great, just let me call Ryan and tell him he is off the hook for today and I'll be over to pick you up. See you soon.

Marissa dialed Ryan's cell. At the prompt she left her message.

Marissa: Ryan, Summer and I are going to spend the day together so you are off the hook unless you'd like to get waxed and ex foliated. I'll try and get in touch with you later. Love you, bye

Marissa knew the reaction he would have to her message and she couldn't help but laugh to herself.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Ryan came out of the shower to find Seth draped across his bed.

Seth: Ryan, I think you have dug yourself a mighty big hole.

Ryan: Think so?

Seth : Any idea what you are going to do?

Ryan sat down on the side of the bed.

Ryan: Any suggestions?

Seth: Yep, but you won't like it.

Ryan: Tell me anyway.

Seth: Emily

Ryan: Would you care to elaborate on that idea just a little.

Seth: I think you should pursue this thing with Emily and see where it goes. In my humble opinion you have castigated yourself on the tree of Marissa enough for two life times. You don't have to run out and fall in love or anything but how about a little kick back chill time? Quit being a martyr.

At those last words Ryan looked directly into Seth's eyes with such intensity that Seth thought he was about to get punched.

Ryan: Is that what you think I am being? A martyr?

Seth: Ryan, it's not your responsibility to save all of your friends. Superman has the blue leotards with the big red S, let him do it.

As Seth talked he played with Ryan's phone.

Seth:Did you know you've a missed call?

Ryan: Probably Marissa... she was supposed to call when she wanted me to come over.

As Ryan listened to the message relief flooded through him, then he felt guilty because he was relieved.

Maybe Seth was right... what exactly was it he was feeling?

Ryan: Hey, Summer and Marissa are waxing today. Wanna hang together?

Seth: Sorry dude. I have some really serious plans. Maybe you could call Emily?

Seth's eyebrows raised to emphasis his suggestion. Ryan looked at him with a wry smile.

Ryan: I guess I could put my leotards in the cleaners and just be a normal guy for today, huh?

As Seth headed toward the door he called back over his shoulder.

Seth: Be sure and tell them "no starch". That could give you one hell of a chaffed.....

His words were lost as he quickly exited, dodging the shoe Ryan had launched in his direction.

Ryan debated on whether to call Emily or not. He decided not to call for fear she would think of some reason he shouldn't come over. He'd just show up. What was she going to do, throw him out?