There’s a nod of his head, a small smile in response before one hand shifts to her elbow and the other gathers more of the salve. “Thank you for helping with that.” And whether the tone means it was only a politeness that she asked, it doesn’t bother him much. She was still there, still helped, and the gratitude he offers in response is sincere.
The next words don’t necessarily surprise him, because he assumed she knew by now, likely the first one Eileen told. But his hands hesitate for a moment, uncertain how to answer her. If it’s a simple statement of fact, a subtle prying, a distaste for the man or his presence. For once he doesn’t know the answer, and he doesn’t want to make any assumptions when it comes to her.
But he won’t apologize either, because it had seemed the best solution at the time. That there were few who could stand up to Eli Gray on a good day, let alone one where he’s ready to rip through his friends and himself just for a fix. Eileen was more than capable. Probably Jane too, though he didn’t like the thought that she’d have to. But he can’t promise himself as a constant presence, and right now he’s aware that’s what the man needs.
It’s the answer he settles on, quieter than he means for it to be. “He needs help.” Though whether that’s good enough motivation to bring a junkie to a house full of children, he doesn’t know. It has him shaking his head in the next moment, fingers grasping her elbow to hold her arm steady while he gets his hands moving again. “I know it’s not ideal. It just seemed like a good idea at the time.”
Jay's hand are soft, almost surprisingly so. And there's a certain warmth radiating through his palms that she thinks has less to do with body heat and more to do with compassion. He's a good man. Not a dumb man. Just a good one. And she won't argue with his help anymore. Her palms still sting, a violent shade of red marring her skin and any relief she can find is eagerly accepted.
"It's not ideal," Jane agrees with a confidence to her tone as though she knows exactly what she's talking about, "But that doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. Where else would he go?" She sounds flabbergasted at the notion they could house Eli somewhere else that would be more helpful. And that has to do with Eileen, a strong mama bear that would set Eli right, whether he wanted her to or not. And while she'd threaten him with punishments if he relapses, she'd spend time sitting on the floor with him and calmly telling him everyone makes mistakes. She always provides tough love, but she knows how to be soft too.
