Sweet nothings

 Jory knew he couldn't talk about this with Rachel. Still, it felt like he needed to come clean about something. Yeah, that guy Poppy was seeing.

"I think he's good for her," he told Dan as they were hoping to get out on the basketball court, but it was just too cold so they went for coffee. 

"Well, that's the mature thing to say, bro." Dan nodded as he smirked back at him warming his hands, and cradling the coffee cup. 

"No, I mean it. I honestly do. He's got a kid already and well-"

"Are you saying having a kid, makes you a better person?" There went Dan again with a smile.

"Maybe, I dunno. I'm just glad she's through with that Alfie," Jory sighed.

"You know, it's like she's a sister you never had." Dan looked at him.

"Well, the one I had I never got to know," Jory shot him a look. "Anyway, I think he's serious about Poppy and she looks like she really likes being with him."

"Good." Dan was a little somber with a nod. He spoke of his own sister then. "I think Matty is really taking good care of her. I mean, he might not have all the money in the world, but it's like he's her best friend."

"That's the way it should be," Jory nodded and took a sip of his creamed coffee.

Dan nodded back, but Jory could tell Dan didn't believe it was like that with him and Ivy.

"Hey, having a baby is tough. You can get through this. I know you will." Jory shot him a look as if he wanted his friend to snap out of it. "Do you want Rachel to talk to Ivy?"

"No." Dan winced as if that would be totally wrong. As if this was something a good talking to would not do. "Ivy's got a lot of issues with her mom. Well, with her parents. I guess." Dan was even-lipped as if he looked quite sad about it.

"Well, what good does that do you now? What you need to do is just focus on making each other happy, right now. I'm not talking about money. It's the little things. Just showing you care about each other. And the more you care about each other then you make a really good role model for your kids, too." Jory told him.

"What are you? A preacher or something?" Dan practically gave him a scowl.

"No. I'm the worst at being happy. I'm a very sullen person, which you probably know already." Jory was dead serious. "And I know you can't just jump in, to being happy. You really have to go searching for it, even if it's right under your nose. Yeah, it's easy to get depressed and it's harder to find what will make you happy. Some can write it down. Some can suddenly have that, "Oh Yeah!" moment, but even a little smile helps. And if you really spend time together without looking for a big deal..it all adds up, after a while. If anybody deserves to be happy it's you and Ivy. You've been through a lot. If you guys need some time alone, we can watch the baby. We're right here."

Dan only nodded.

"We aren't giving Christmas gifts to anyone this year, but we can babysit for you," Jory said.

Dan smiled. 

"Well, you know Rachel," he then shrugged. "She'll have to at least make cookies and fudge too. You'll get something from us."

Dan chuckled. "Let's just have Christmas eve dinner together and call it even."

"Sounds good to me," Jory said they'd have it at their place.