Ariel nodded in relief but offered Steve a sheepish look at mention of James being unsettled by her discreet departure. "Im sorry. I didn't want to bother him and I didn't plan on being away for so long. I'll make it up to him." She would find some way to apologize for worrying him, and to make sure she communicated better.
She wound her arm around Steve's offered one and nodded, "I'm ready to go back." Her stomach growled, as if on cue, and Ariel blushed. "I guess I forgot about how close it was to lunch time." She was glad James was making them food. Whatever it was, she was sure that it would suit her tastes.