*Obligatory how-does-Jane-get-out-of-that-cliffhanger intro* Oh good, now I'm free to move forward. Stay tuned for a Jane by Design fanfic that might actually stay up and running.

"Jane?"

After the whirlwind she'd been forced through the past few days, that was the last voice Jane wanted to hear. Especially at a place like this.

"What on earth are you doing here?" Jane's boss Gray Chandler Murray asked impatiently.

Jane couldn't speak. She couldn't hear anything other than Gray.

"Jane, answer me!"

"Those costumes were great," Eli chimed in, pleading with his eyes for Jane to wake up. "They were really the highlight of the whole show, Jane."

"Thank you!" Jane said, finally coming to. "I'm really glad you liked them."

"They were fantastic Jane," Gray said, crossing her arms, "But that still doesn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"

"My brother," Jane said, quickly trying to formulate some connection with the school other than her attendance. "He works here, the director is one of his friends. She had mentioned that they didn't have anyone to do costumes and she wanted something really spectacular instead of ratty old costume closet junk, and he asked me to give her a hand."

Eli and Jane both held their breath as Gray gave Jane one of her terrifying blank looks. Neither of them had noticed how strong the silence had gotten until Gray tore sharply through it.

"Well lucky for them they knew someone with your talent. It was some of the only talent out there. Come on Eli, I don't want to be here anymore. Jane, I'll see you Monday." Gray turned to leave. Eli and Jane exchanged a look of relief when Gray suddenly turned around. "Oh and Jane?"

"Yes, Gray?"

"Great work."

"Thank you," Jane said in a feeble version of her voice as Gray walked away.

That left only her and Eli.

"So hey," Eli said, "Do you maybe want to grab coffee tomorrow and you can tell me what really pulled you here?"

Jane looked up at him. His dark eyes welcomed her in like they always did, and she felt the edge being taken off of the sting of Billy's confession. Then she remembered the even harsher sting of Eli telling her he slept with someone else.

"I know I did something awful, and honestly, I don't think I deserve someone as wonderful as you, but I'd still like to try if you could find it in your heart to give me the chance. I think we probably have a lot to talk about."

"All right," She said. "Sure"

"Really?" He asked, surprise and sincerity filing his face.

"Yes. I know a great place we can go. I'll text you the address."

"Cool. I'll see you tomorrow then," He said as he started after his aunt. "Oh, and Jane? Thank you."