the grudge.

"Sounds like maybe you dodged a bullet then. Nice or not, if being a good kisser is a dealbreaker for you then he wasn't the one," Elena replied. "As for dating... please, I'm stressed. I used to love going out and meeting people but it seems like nowadays everyone's so attached to using apps to date. I don't think that's the life for me."

"I feel like I'm more picky using the apps," Cleo said. "Like if a man is holding a fish? Red flag. Posing in front of a gym mirror? Red Flag. Don't even get me started on their political views. Like dude, if you're saying you're not political, you're already telling me your views."

"Well, you're good at your job. I am sure that you'll sort that out in no time. Try not to let yourself get too stressed out about it though." Rowan requested, knowing that Cleo put a lot of herself into her work. Maybe too much sometimes.

"The holidays are always stressful, between work and just our families, I don't think I'll sleep until after New Year's is over."

"Not currently, no. But we have been communicating on a more regular basis," Jesse replied. He'd felt pretty disconnected from the guys when he'd first come back from rehab. But now he could easily say he felt closest to Rowan all over again, almost like no time had passed. "I could ask him if he's got anything on the shelf. I've had a hard time trying to be inspired. I did do a little messing around here and there, nothing really came of it though. Maybe if Rowan and I put our heads together and create something new."

"Definitely," Cleo said. "If you want, I have some lyrics myself I've been working on that you two could mess with? Although they all kind of have to do with Anthony." It was part of the only way she could try and get over what her ex did to her. Even with her bad hearing, Cleo felt connected with music, a way to express herself, and often flew out through poetry and lyrics. "I'm sure you'll get through this funk soon."

"I guess the only way I'll truly know is if I try, right?" she considered with a shrug of her shoulders. "Even if they think that... I hope they can still detect that it's a genuine offer, you know?"

"I can't say I know them but I can't imagine them being all as impressive as you seem to make them out to be. Maybe you just see them that way because they clearly mean so much to you." Cooper pointed out with a little smile. "But you're welcome, though it's not a line if you are thinking that. I say it genuinely."

"They mean the world to me," Cleo replied with a nod. She then let out a laugh at his later comments. "Don't worry, I didn't think it was a line."

"I suppose you're right. It could be worth reminding them," Elena considered with a nod. "I just didn't want to come on too strong or anything, you get me?"

"Yeah, I totally get you, I think sometimes people need that, especially from a professor. They might seem like they don't like it at first, but in the end they'll come to you over others. Sometimes the students might think you have to say that."

"Oh? And who is this best friend of yours exactly?" He said with a little laugh, the woman's words suggesting that maybe she viewed herself as less impressive in some way. "As I said, It's all subjective really though, so I wouldn't worry too much. A good personality is more important after all."

"His name is Jesse, those our other best friend, Rowan, he tends to have some game himself too," she replied. "Well thanks to building up my ego, I guess I needed it."

"No, I couldn't tell that at all." He spoke warmly, his good nature making it so that Cooper tried to at least soothe some of the concerns the woman felt. "Besides, I think that it's very much a subjective thing. Some people are flattered and others may not be so don't put yourself down and stop now."

“I’m convinced that my best friend took all the smooth flirting skills growing up,” she commented with a laugh. "Instead of learning from him, I was just stuck with none."

"As tempting as that sounds, I think I've had enough candy for one night," she replied. "I ate literally so much. I don't even know how I did it."

"Alright touché," Jesse snorted after her point. "I mean like... when am I ever okay, you know? I'm about as good as I have been for the past few years. I hope working on this new album will help me find my footing again."

"Touché," Cleo responded. She too has been skirting on the edge of okay and not okay. She was honestly just trying to get through life unscathed. "Have you been working with Rowan more on music? Maybe he can help you with some inspiration too, in order to get back in the groove."

"I like to think my students know my door is always open to them, but I suppose I can be the first to engage and see how it goes. I just hope they don't take it the wrong way is all," Elena considered with a soft sigh.

"Perhaps maybe just let them all know again, or even just them, that your door is open. The reassurance might help."

"Either you have have too much to drink or this is going to be the most impressive dedication to the start of a pick up line I've seen in a long while." Cooper grinned. "Or maybe I am overreaching but whatever the reason, I'm thoroughly entertained so thank you for that."

Cleo took another swig of her drink. "Well, I'm glad me being embarrassing is entertaining," she replied, covering her blushing face lightly. "I'm not very good at flirting, if you couldn't tell." She had been trying to put herself out there more, and it was slightly becoming a mess.

"Of course I've taken that into consideration however... I just don't think I'm someone they trust like that. And that's okay." Elena knew she couldn't win everyone over. It was also their right to choose who they wanted to trust with things like that or not. She'd been a teacher for a while now and she was good at picking up on it, but knew better than to press too much too. "But I just hope they have someone to talk to all the same. Whatever it is, I just hope they're not bottling it up inside, you know?"

"As someone who's always had a slight issue with opening up, sometimes it helps when another is the one to try and pave the way. I think it might help to open some dialogue, but make it apparent that you're not pushing so they know if they want, they can take it."