On the ride home, Dawson volunteered to drive. Lily quietly played with her toys in the backseat. Joey had been unusually quiet the entire trip. When they arrived at the house. Dawson carried Lily into the house and quietly walked behind Joey as she opened the door. The answering machine was flashing. Joey walked over the machine. She pulled out the chair sat down and pressed the play button. Lily had found her way over to the television, which held her attention while Joey listened to the message.
"Joey got your message. Sorry I was out shopping, again. Imagine that. Give me a call when you get back in." Audrey 's voice sounded chipper as usual. Dawson had walked up behind Joey.
"Well she sure will be surprised, or have you told her already?" Dawson asked.
Joey shook her head, "No, no one knew." She answered quietly.
"Well, I'm going to get going. I think I have imposed on you enough today." Dawson said, looking at Joey.
Joey stood up and gently put her hand on his, "You haven't imposed at all. Actually if you want to you could stay and watch one of Lily's movies with her." She said softly, making sure Lily couldn't overhear, in case Dawson didn't feel up to it.
"Are you sure, I wouldn't want to interfere with any plans you had made."
"Dawson, I'll tell you what, I'm going to make some popcorn. I'll leave it in your hands to get your sister changed into her pajama's."
Joey leaned against the counter, waiting for the second bag of popcorn to start popping. The phone rang and startled her. She walked across the kitchen to pick it up.
"Hello." She answered as she put the receiver to her ear.
"Well hello to you to, it's about time you get home. I was beginning to think you had enrolled in some witness protection program. You know where you are never to be seen or heard from again."
"Funny Audrey, I was beginning to think you had gotten lost in some mall and couldn't find an exit." Joey couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "So how much damage have you done today?"
"Honestly I think I may need a bigger hotel room. Don't worry though, I've only just begun, you can't imagine how much I have missed Boston! Well anyways, where in the world have you been? Isn't past your bed time?" Audrey teased.
Joey smirked as she looked down at her watch, "Actually it is getting pretty late, maybe I should go soak my dentures, come on Audrey it's 8:30."
"And how any times have I called at this time, just to find out that you're already asleep."
"Ok, you've got me there. So what are you up to?" Joey asked.
"Recuperating, gosh it has been a long day. So where were you earlier?"
"Um, a little dinner party, I'll explain tomorrow. I'm just popping some popcorn, Lily's waiting to watch her movie."
"Oh, well I won't keep you. So I was thinking of heading over around nine or so tomorrow morning."
"Sounds like a game plan, and Audrey thanks for coming. I'm sorry I didn't get much of a chance to see you today."
"Don't worry about it, you're stuck with me for the next four days. We still have plenty of time to catch up. I'll talk to you later Joey. Goodnight honey."
"Goodnight Audrey, I'll see you in the morning." Joey said and she set the phone back on the receiver. She walked across the kitchen and poured the other bag of popcorn into the bowl. She headed out of the kitchen, wondering how successful Dawson was at his pajama adventure. She smiled at the thought.