"You mix good drinks," he replied with a teasing grin. "That's all I really need to know." It also helped that he could feel that she was being sincere, and that she wasn't just putting on a show. The girl was genuinely torn up about her situation.
"Facin' things helps it go away more often than not," he agreed, nodding. "Can only run so long 'fore it catches up to you one way or the other." Not that that was advice he usually followed himself... he was a fan of running and running until you flat ran out of steam. But some things... some things you really couldn't run from for very long before it caught up to you, overtook you, and kicked your behind clear into next week. "'Specially when it comes to things like this. 'Til you own it, it's gonna own you."
At least if she did head back, no matter what the outcome was, she'd have a safe place to be while she figured it all out. He could offer to be there for her all he wanted in New Orleans, but there was no way it could replace having that kind of environment. He'd reached to rub his contact (the chilly wind and the lenses did not seem to be getting along), and when he lowered his hand, she was holding hers out and apologizing.
"I forgive you in advance," he replied, smile drifting back onto his face. "Just in case." Giving her another reassuring smile, he reached out and gently took her hand, bracing himself just a little bit in case what she said might happen actually happened.