"On purpose," Leo says.
"Deliberately," Jon says. "Front row."
Leo looks at Dalton. "He's fun."
"This is new," Dalton says.
"I like this version better," Leo says. He leans forward. "We’re coming to visit when you’re set up. Right?"
“Sure,” Torres says.
Leo doesn’t look at him. “That didn’t include you.”
Torres makes a sound.
Jim’s mouth pulls.
Jake watches Jon with the attention he gives things that matter.
RJ is still watching Jon. Not threat-reading. The way he watched Cal that first morning — working out what something is and where it belongs.
Jon meets his eyes. Just present.
"I know what you're deciding," Jon says. Quiet. Not unkind. "Take your time."
RJ looks at him for another second.
Then he looks back at his food and reaches for more bread.
The corner of Jon's mouth moves.
***
Jon leaves after coffee.
He goes around the table. Real handshakes — the kind that mean something. When he gets to RJ he doesn't extend his hand. He stops and holds RJ's gaze and nods once.
RJ nods back.
When Jon gets to me he takes my hand and holds it a beat longer.
"I came here not believing any of it was real," he says. Quiet. Just for me. "I'm going back to build something because it is. Because you exist and this exists and there are people who need what you have and don't know how to find it." He holds my gaze. "I wanted you to know that."
"Thank you," I say.
He nods. Picks up his jacket. Looks at Dalton.
"Walk me out," he says.
Dalton stands. They go.
At the door Jon stops. He turns back to Dalton and puts his hand briefly on his shoulder.
"You opened my eyes," Jon says. "To all of it. I won't waste it."
Dalton's jaw works slightly.
Jon goes.
