"Can I talk to him, now?" Jess whispered to Nick.
They were sitting in their favorite little cafe, triumphantly celebrating the return of all of Jess's stuff...but mostly, the TV.
"Yeah," Nick smiled, "I think it might be ok." But then as she opened her mouth and eagerly turned in Winston's direction, Nick stopped her with a hand on her forearm, "BUT...just...you know...pace yourself!" Still, he couldn't help winking and nodding encouragingly.
She smiled back and turned towards Winston again, this time a little more sedately. "Winston, thank you for coming along tonight. You didn't have to...I know you barely know me."
Winston grinned as easily as Nick had seen him do, since his return. "My pleasure Jess. It was worth it to see you come out the door, carrying that TV, and dressed like Helena Bonham Carter."
The whole table erupted in laughter, and Nick noticed that even Cece seemed to have let down her guard, as she said, "You were awesome Jess. We were a little worried for a minute there when you let him hug you...but then the look on your face when you saw that plant..."
The guys dissolved into laughter again, as Jess protested, "I TOLD HIM TO WATER THEM!"
"I'm just glad we're not still circling that block," Schmidt added, to more laughter.
Winston finally spoke up. "Jess, you probably don't realize this, but you inspired me with your little speech today. You're right, sometimes bad things happen to us for good reasons. I needed to hear that today. Thank you."
"You're welcome Winston! And thanks again for the use of your pre-game mix. I don't think I could have done it without it!"
At that the group burst into a raucous rendition of "Save the Best For Last", and Nick reflected that he didn't ever remember laughing as hard and as often as he had since Jess came on the scene.
And now we're standing face to face
Isn't this world a crazy place?
Just when I thought a chance had passed
You go and save the best for last...