"I do," he nodded, grinning and adopting an air of finality on the matter, "and that's that." Some of his good cheer dropped away when she mentioned the fact that their friends were still missing. "I'm worried about them too," he admitted quietly, keeping his gaze on the rolling surf. "I keep hopin' they'll just come back one day and have a plan."
He leaned into her as she shifted her weight towards him, the two of them settling against each other like two of the large stones scattered along the beach. He squeezed her shoulder again. "Y'never know, Lav. I think you're right about it not bein' ideal timin', but if the right one comes along, you'll know, no matter what the 'datin' territory' is like."
He looked down at her, surprised at her last comment. "Of course, Lav. You're not gettin' rid of me that easy."