Being home for fifteen minutes, Tara gets CJ cleaned up for bed and lets him watch a movie in his room. With her son distracted, Tara retreats to the steps of the garage to cry over what she saw in Cory's eyes. The thousand-yard stare Tara stared at continues to take her back to when she was controlled by her ex-boyfriend, Bobby from Little Rock. Tara sits there with her face in her hands until she hears her phone go off.

I'm back at Rick's, and I am sorry that I scared you – Hard Core

Tara reads the message but doesn't text back. She continues to sit there until her mother's name appears on the screen, "Hey. How was your weekend to yourself?"

Surprised to hear Tara sniffle, Olivia immediately digs to uncover what's wrong, "Tara. What's happened? Is everything with CJ okay?"

"Yes."

"Did Cory do something wrong?"

After Tara hears his name, she stutters as she tries to control her breathing, "I was at a bar with some of my coworkers. That creep I told you about, Donald Kinzer, who liked to hit on me took a couple of cop-a-feels. So, then I shoved him outside, and I didn't know Cory and CJ was there, and Cory beat the living shit out of him."

"Yes, I remember you were telling me about that asshat, but Cory went after him. Good for him to protect you," Olivia says with a rise in her voice level.

"When I looked into Cory's eyes, I could see Bobby from back home. All of those fights and his control swept back over me. It scared the hell out of me, and I told Cory to go back home for a while. How can I handle seeing that look from the man I love?" Tara says, still seeing Bobby in her imagination.

It takes Olivia a moment to think of a response, but it's her way of reminding Tara of Cory and Bobby's differences when she does.

"Tara, he's not Bobby, and Cory will never be him. But, I can understand being upset, and memories have this funny way of creeping back into our minds to take us back to a bad place. There's a vast difference between them that you need to remember. Cory loves you for you. He's supported your dream, and he's been there for CJ; plus, Cory always listens to you."

Olivia pauses, then finishes her comparison, "On the other hand, Bobby only wanted to control you and have babies to collect a check every month. I'm sorry your dad and I didn't protect you better from that low-life piece of shit. You couldn't have done better than Cory, and I love my grandson and you more than anything else on this Earth, but if you're going to be afraid of Cory, you two need to come to a custody agreement and child support for CJ. Don't punish each other for the past, and don't force a future if it's not possible."

Silence fills the air, and Tara closes her eyes. She can see Cory hitting Donald and his confrontation the day they found Rick after Kayla was killed. Then the flashback from the night her life was cut from her best friend from Little Rock returns.

"Hello?"

"You bitch. How could you get Bobby arrested? He's your damn soulmate, and you have him set up by the cops as a favor for your old man. That's messed up; now he's going to jail for driving with an open container and charged with intent to deliver!"

Tara remembers laughing with a hint of uncaringness.

"Good, he deserves it the way he talked to me. I told you I was done with his dumb broke ass."

"You've changed, and I don't like it! Up there being all Yankee uppity and shit, now thinking you're better than us. Well, newsflash, Tara—you ain't a damn thing and ain't gonna amount to a damn thing either. Next thing you know, you'll be sleeping with colored guys."

Recalling the disrespect sends Tara into a frenzy, "Hey, Cory's best friend is black, and yes, he has a white girlfriend who happens to be my bestie up here. Don't you dare insult them, either? At least being here, I'm not judged for what I want to do with my life. You wanna go make babies, then do it, but yes, I am better than that, and if you don't like it, then kiss my fucking ass, and don't call me again!" Tara remembers it all almost as clear as the day it happened.

"Tara, hello. Are you still there?" Olivia asks.

Snapping out of the trance, Tara replies to her mother, "Yes, momma, I was remembering the night when I had that falling out with Janet."

"That was a rough night. Your father was furious over the way your best friend treated you. I know you loved it there, but we've had it so much better up here. At one point in my life, I wanted nothing more than to escape RiverCreek, but I missed this place after being gone and coming back. Also, I no longer worry about tornados."

Still sitting on the steps, Tara thinks of the perks of moving away from Arkansas, and she's been thankful for the opportunities from friending Rick and Lloyd to staying close with Lorraine despite the issues with Cory from what Tara refers to as 'the missing era.'

"RiverCreek was good to us. As I've said for the last year, if something would open up there that pays me what I make now, I'd move back. I hate the drive back and forth from here to your house, and I feel bad for you driving here."

Olivia does her best to console Tara, "You're my daughter, and I'd do anything for you and CJ. However, you need time to think about what you want rather than what you need in your life. There's no doubt that you and Cory love each other, but sweetheart, love doesn't solve anything."

"I know, mom, and I will think it over. But I'm going to get off of here and try to relax. I love you, bye," Tara says.

"I love you too, bye," Olivia replies.

On her feet, Tara enters the house and makes herself a cup of green tea. She sits there sipping on it while she gets a notepad and pencil to weigh out the pros and cons of what to do about Cory.

At Rick's, Cory sits there with his best friend while they play a hockey game on Playstation, "I can't believe how bad I screwed up. Rick, I'm telling you that I could've killed that guy if I hadn't accidentally hit Tara. But, instead, I lost my mind," Cory says just before scoring another goal.

"Dammit! How are you still this good at games? Dang! Anyway, listen, I know you didn't mean to strike Tara. I didn't need to be there to know that. You're not a woman beater, Core," Rick stops to concentrate on playing the game for a moment, "Ah, come on! Geez!"

The game goes on, and Cory easily destroys him before the second period ends. However, the game remains on pause after a knock comes from the door.

"Domino's Pizza!"

"Sweet! Food is here finally!" Rick states getting up quickly and paying for the food.

On the coffee table sits three pizza boxes with an order of breadsticks. Cory gets up and brings back a two-liter of Wild Cherry Pepsi with two plastic cups.

"That smells amazing! There's nothing like a late-night meal to kill the munchies," Rick mentions and licks his lips.

"Dude, the munchies, really?" Cory asks with a concerned look on his face, "You're not getting high, are you?"

"Nah. Not today anyway, but it can't be ruled out that I don't use it to control stress. The drinking I do doesn't cut it, and I mean, I own my business; who's going to drug test me?"

Cory shakes his head and then opens the first pizza box, "Yuck! Pineapple and BBQ sauce on a pizza. Now I know you're high."

Rick laughs as he picks up two slices, "Not a chance. Your girl turned me onto it when I got out. It's better than it looks."

Waving away the suggestion, Cory picks up the middle pizza box. It's black with white writing, the signature for a pan crust pizza. To his delight, Cory sees this pizza is loaded with his favorite toppings: pepperoni, ham, sausage, and bacon.

"Now that is a pizza! Thanks, Rick. I could use some comfort food."

"I figured this might hit the spot. When things weren't vibing for us, this was always the way to go back in the day. That old saying is true; some things never change!" Rick mentions and takes a big bite of his pineapple and BBQ pizza.

The sensation of going back in time gives them a chance to unwind. Cory gives Rick a rundown of what's going on with his group at the VA, "One thing I am looking to is getting to take part in group therapy. I've been part of some sessions, but my therapist wants me to meet on Green Team's support group twice a month. They're all veterans coming home from other regions of Afghanistan."

"That's fantastic, Cory. You know, I'll always be here to listen to anything you need to get off your chest. Prison isn't like the military, but bruh let me tell you, it's rough. I've had a lot of nights where I'd lay there and think about what I did. Even ol' girl told me about the day you and I got into it. Funny thing about those days from that drinking binge, I don't remember a damn thing even now," Rick mentions with a hint of sadness.

After they get full, Cory and Rick return to the game, where Cory manages a shutout by a score of nine to zero, but he's unwilling to take part in an immediate rematch. So instead, Rick calls it a night while Cory sits up binge-watching movies all night on Netflix.

The next morning, a report on the news brings up the upcoming anniversary of when Franklin Ford was murdered in front of the courthouse. Rick sits there, stirring in his seat. Cory watches the file footage up until the first gunshot rings out, "You okay?" Cory asks.

"I'm fine."

Not long after watching the report, Rick leaves for work, and Cory gets his clothes for a shower. Inside the cramped bathroom, Cory sets his clothes on the back of the toilet and then turns on the water to a comfortable temperature. Under the water, Cory flashes back to the day the verdict came in on Frank's case of killing Kayla.

Cory recalls seeing Frank's lawyer walk to the podium, "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, of the press, for waiting. The verdict in this case, and before we read it, a young man would like to make a statement."

"Thank you, everyone, for coming." Cory remembers Frank's voice being shaky when he begins, "I am so thankful for everyone involved being honest and truthful over this matter. Like so many others, I am more than ready to put this tragedy behind me and move forward with my life. It saddens me deeply to have caused such pain to Kayla's family and my own. RiverCreek will never be the same. With a heavy heart, we lost such a bright, beautiful life. She will forever be remembered in our hearts and memories. I will always honor her name and spirit. Thank you."

"Did your lawyer prepare that phony statement?" Cory remembers a reporter asking.

"Actually, yes, he did. But, listen, I wish I could take it back, but I can't."

Cory remembers Frankie seeing Rick approaching him in tears.

"Frankie, I just wanted to say I forgive you!"

"Hey, young man, are you friends with my client?" Frankie's lawyer calls out from the podium.

"Yes, we know each other."

The lawyer seeing a chance for a photo opportunity; motions for Rick to be brought up to them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we await the young man to join us, it is my pleasure to announce that other than probation until my client turns twenty-one. Along with the suspension of his driver's license, he has been found not guilty on the charge of second-degree murder. Thank you."

Recollecting Rick joining them at the podium, the crowd overhears Frankie say, "I'm sorry about Kayla. I know you loved her, and she was a beautiful soul."

"Bring it in, man. I forgive you,"

The sounds of Rick unloading every bullet into Frank's body leaves Cory shaking under the water. Every bang from the Glock Rick used sends chills down Cory's spine, "Ugh! Stop it!" Cory screams and pounds the palms of his hands against his temple a couple of times.

Finished with the shower, Cory grabs a towel and dries off. After he's dressed, Cory goes to the kitchen, grabbing a beer from the refrigerator, then back to the living room, taking part in a cold slice of pizza with a couple of breadsticks. After that, his day is spent vegging out on the couch, catching a nap around ten o'clock, and sleeping until right after one in the afternoon.

For lunch that day, Rick meets with Olivia and Lorraine.

"Good afternoon, ladies. What do I owe the pleasure of this surprise lunch?" Rick begins after they're seated at their favorite booth at Applebee's.

"We watched that morning report about the anniversary coming on that day that ruined your life. So I called Olivia and agreed that you might need a break from your life. Is there anything you need to get off your chest?"

Rick shakes his head before he responds, "For me, no. Cory, though, I could see it in his eyes. He has a ton of pain still left untapped in those baby blues of his, and what happened with that fight over Tara has him guilt-tripping at like a level twenty. Now throw in what's coming up, and that's a lot of heavy shit on his soul. Cory's knuckles are shredded, and his left eye has a nice shiner too."

Olivia and Lorraine gasp at the description of Cory's injuries, but Lorraine doesn't waste time contacting an old friend, "Hey, Troy, it's Lorraine Dubois. I need a favor," she's interrupted when Troy speaks up.

"I thought that guy yesterday had a familiar last name. But, don't worry, he's in the clear. The guy he assaulted has a history of arrests. So, how are things back there in that small town of yours?"

"Well, you know, retirement is difficult, but I manage to stay busy with errands. It's great having my son home and seeing him spending time with his son like the wonderful father I knew he would be when he came home."

There's a pause when typing can be heard on Lorraine's end, "Your son bloodied him pretty damn good. I'm glad he came home, but get him help for his PTSD. But, listen, I hate to cut this short, but I have to go. I have a deposition to appear at in a little while. So call me someday, and we'll do lunch, my treat. Talk to you soon, old friend."

"Thanks, Troy; I'll take you up on that offer. Keep in touch so we can make it a date," Lorraine says in a teasing way and hangs up the phone.

The looks on Rick's and Olivia's faces say it all, "What? Troy's a good-looking guy, and I'm widowed. Don't judge me!" Rick can't help but laugh at Lorraine, seeing her turn bright red in her cheeks.

"Hot dang girl, look at you! You still got game! Land that hunk and get you some!" Olivia teases as they crack up laughing.

Away from RiverCreek, Tara is called into work. Helen pulls her into the office to discuss what happened at Pasty's Pub, "I heard that Donald groped you and had the hell beaten out of him."

"Yes, ma'am. He's made several passes, and I've politely rejected them, but he went too far yesterday. First, he made it seem like he was going to leave, but then he suddenly grabbed my ass and put his hands up my shirt. Then, for lack of a better term, my, um, my boyfriend watched me push him out the door. Cory jumped to confront him, but Donald hit him in the back of his head. Cory's an ex-hockey player and ex-Army, so he can fight," Tara explains, worried about losing her career.

Listening to the facts and comparing them to what the others said, Helen sits in Tara's chair, making her sweat. It isn't until Helen notices Tara gives a hard gulp to break the tension in the office, "Don't worry, he's fired, not you. Since I hired you, things have improved here greatly. The staff adores and respects you, and our customer complaints and meal comps have taken a turn for the best numbers I haven't seen since we opened this place. Honestly, there are some things in development, and if they pan out, I'm going to send you there to run that restaurant. That being said, I want you to take Tisha under your wing and make her ready to take this place over in case things work out."

Tara sits there speechless for several minutes. Her chance to be there to open a potential new restaurant and train the staff from scratch sends goosebumps all over her body. Although she realizes that this opportunity may force her to move further away from her mother, Cory may elect not to follow. From happy to sad, every emotion pulses through her veins, "It sounds promising, and please keep me informed."

"I will. Now get out of here and enjoy your day off."

With the seat pushed back to the desk, Tara exits her office. She doesn't stop to talk to anyone and drives to the store, where she picks up some groceries for dinner. While she strolls around the store, Tara's curiosity gets her when she searches for the guy Cory said helped save his life.

"Jordan, Jordan -," Tara says in a whisper, trying to remember the last name, "What was his last name!" Again, she tries to remember, but it's not until she reaches for a bag of peas that the name hits her like a rock, "Mitchell!"

Instantly she stops to search Facebook and finds a Jordan Mitchell, a former Sergeant US Army from Georgia. But, rather than send him a friend request, Tara musters up a message and hits the send button before she chickens out. After the message is sent, Tara returns shopping for the final few items, checks out, and returns home.

Doing some light cleaning around the house, Tara finishes up when the bus drops CJ at the end of the driveway. He hurries inside and hugs his mom. Then he goes into his bedroom to play until dinner is ready. Tara gets dinner going around four o'clock, cooking fried chicken, peas, boiling sweet corn, rolls, and a new pitcher of sweet tea.

After dinner and putting everything in the dishwasher, Tara walks downstairs to her office and begins texting with Lloyd.

So, a little birdy told me you are engaged. I am so happy for you! – Tara Rose

Yes! Simon is planning the wedding. It's going to take place in Canada. I need you there, so plan your vacation for the wonderland up North. – Mayor Trippet

Is Cory going to be there? – Tara Rose

Uh, yeah. He's been my best friend since forever. – Mayor Trippet

That makes me feel uneasy, but I will be there – Tara Rose

Girl, don't be tripping! You love that man like I love Simon. I heard it has been rough, but you know Cory's heart, and he's your other half to your soul. – Mayor Trippet

What Cory did was crazy, and the wide-eyed look in his eyes made me remember how bad things were with my ex before Cory. I'm afraid he'll hurt me or CJ – Tara Rose

It is Cory Dubois you're talking about! He's sorry, and he loves you. I can't blame you for being scared. Any rational human being would be, and that's okay. If he was a danger to anyone, you need to remember this he would remove himself like he did when he left us for the Army. – Mayor Trippet

You got a point, I guess. He is the greatest guy I've met outside of you and Rick. I'm confused, and I've cried so much over him it's unfair. I'll text him in a day or two and go from there. Anyway, I have a movie to watch, and then it's off to bed. Congrats on the engagement. I'm happy for you! – Tara Rose

Sounds like a step forward. Night Tara and thank you – Mayor Trippet

Tara's unaware that Cory is sitting right beside Lloyd at Rick's apartment. The three of them took turns trying to think of what to say without alerting Tara. Finally, Lloyd smiles and slaps Cory on the knee, "You owe me! I know she'd take you back, but nothing wrong with a bit of deception to speed it up. Don't muck it this time! You only get so many chances, and you're running out of luck," Lloyd says.

"Yeah, I get it! I'm skating on thin ice, but who knows how to improve better than me? I don't mean to sound cocky, but I can do this. Before you get married, I'm thinking of taking a road trip. Maybe I need to get away for a bit to see some new places. Maybe it's what I need to get away for a short time and recharge on my own," Cory suggests with his eyes locked on the TV screen.

"Then do it and hit the road. Cory, we've all made peace with things from back in the day. You're still running from it and doing a lousy job in the process. I don't mean to preach, but it's my opinion that you need to breathe. After your next VA appointment, be packed up and hit the road. You have money put back. Use it and visit some gnarly places. I would if I could," Rick tosses in his view on the subject.

Cory comes back with a smart remark that catches Lloyd and Rick off guard, "You don't mean to preach. Oh please, your daddy is a pastor and a damn good one to boot. That comes naturally to you, but you're both right. I'll think about it and discuss it with my group in therapy. Honestly, I wouldn't know what to do without you two. You're both brothers, and you always will be that to me."

The rest of the evening, they sit around going back and forth between watching movies and playing hockey, trying to get a win against Cory. Then, the tension begins to dwindle as Rick and Lloyd talk about things with Cory and slowly draw out some hidden issues buried inside his mind.