The afternoon flew by quickly. By 2:30pm Joey, Dawson and Lily were heading back out to the parking lot. Dawson was carrying a now asleep Lily. Her head lie on his shoulder.

As they reached the Explorer Joey quickly opened the door and helped Dawson lower Lily into her car seat. She softly belted her in and gently closed the door, being careful to not wake Lily. Joey and Dawson each made their way into the car quietly. Joey started the car. She turned the radio on, making sure it wasn't too loud she peeked back at Lily. Her and Dawson exchanged smiles. For a while the car remained silent, with the exception of the radio.

Dawson was incredibly thankful for the adventure today. He felt a bit of gratitude for Joey including him. He knew she could've easily just gone to the zoo with just Lily, but she let him join in. She had filled him in on every one of Lily's likes and dislikes. She unknowingly revealed a small glimpse into who Joey Potter was now. Dawson was particularly careful to keep the subject focused on Lily. Lily was neutral territory. Asking Joey what she was up too, that would open to doors, doors that he might not be ready to open. Dawson had fully planned on opening those doors, maybe not today, but by the end of the summer he knew he would. Today though he was just thankful to spend the day with Lily and Joey.

"Thank you." Dawson's voice broke the silence in the car. "Today was a lot of fun." Joey smiled and nodded. She focused on the heavy traffic surrounding them.

"No problem." She replied without looking at him, the traffic was intense. "This traffic is terrible. Typical Friday." That's when Dawson started to laugh quietly. He could see the same frustrated look on her face that she had mastered at the age of 15, when a nearby car cut her off she silently cursed under her breathe.

"Joey you know you could trademark the term 'if looks could kill', because I would definitely be afraid to be on the other end of that glare you are giving that guy."

Her expression softened as she started to relax.

"Sorry, I just can't stand stupid drivers, they irritate me on levels that you couldn't begin to comprehend."

"Good thing you don't live in LA. Traffic is one of many things I am glad to be escaping from this summer." He said as he looked out the window.

Joey quickly pulled on to the off ramp. She stopped at the red light, she glanced over to Dawson, the light turned green and she once again was focused on getting home.

"So you are actually spending the entire summer in Capeside?" she asked carefully.

"Yeah, I really need the change of pace. I have to go out to LA a few times, make sure everything is all set, run a few errands, but for the most part, I am Capeside bound for the entire summer."

They pulled into the drive. As soon as the started to unload Dawson's cell phone started to ring. He quickly stepped away to quiet the ringing phone. Joey motioned to Dawson that she had Lily as she gingerly carried her out of the car.

"Hello." Dawson answered.

"Why I do believe that would be my one and only son." Gail teased.

"Gee mom, I was beginning to wonder if you were going to ever call me back, I did leave you three voice mails this morning."

"I know, I know. I just had a few errands to run early this morning."

"So have you already finished your interview?"

"Yes, hours ago. In fact it ended after about my third question. Unfortunately the chef thought he had to keep going on and on." She paused for a moment. " I don't think I'm ever going to find a decent chef."

"Hey you know there's this guy down at McDonalds..." Dawson laughed.

"Oh you are so funny." She said sarcastically. "So how are you? Did I hear you right, did your message say you were in Boston?"

"I'm actually quite exhausted at the moment. I took a trip to the zoo with someone you might know." He chuckled.

"Well I see that you have found out that your sister is there with Joey, good. I bet she was excited to see you. Sorry I didn't think you'd be home this early."

"I didn't think I would get back yet either, but the fact that I did is in itself a miracle. I can't tell you how incredibly amazing it feels to be thousands of miles away from LA." Dawson started walking towards the door. "The question now is when will you be back?"

"Actually I was thinking of catching a flight out later tonight. But that is a secret between you and me. I have a couple of errands to run before the party tomorrow afternoon."

"Really, sounds like someone is up to something. Hey, I have a room at the Hyatt it's right there at the airport. I'll leave a message with the concierge to give you the second key."

"Well that sounds like a plan to me. Dawson, is Lily able to talk to me?" Gail asked

"Sorry mom, she is out cold, Joey just carried her in the house. I'll have her call you when she gets up. I am still trying to figure out where she gets all that energy. Right now a nap sounds good."

Gail chuckled. "Yes, she is a little fireball isn't she. Well honey I'm going to get going. I love you and give Lily a kiss for me."

"I love you too mom, I'll see you soon then. Bye." Dawson pressed the end button. Joey was waiting for him at the door.

"Everything ok?" She asked with a soft concerned voice.

"Yes, it was just mom." He looked around noticing the lack of a small child. "Where's Lily?"

"Oh I put here down upstairs, she'll be out for a couple of hours. Why don't you come in and I'll grab you something to drink." She pulled him by the arm into the house. "Anyways, they should be home pretty soon." She sat down him down on a nearby chair and took his coat. "So what would you like to drink?"