Things begin to settle down after Rick, Janet, and the kids arrive and move into her apartment not far from Rick. In the five weeks since settling into her new life, Janet spends her early morning at the bakery inside of Foodland International, and Rick makes sure the kids are up and ready for school and drops them off. After she's home and gets a nap, Janet spends her afternoons getting more familiar with the area. Still, one of the things she notices when she's out cruising around are the signs and construction crews all around RiverCreek as the city begins to grow and new industries build.

"Wow! All of this is happenin' so fast! Oh, there's something you wouldn't expect to see here," Janet says to herself when she comes across a sign for a new restaurant.

In the middle of a collection of buildings, workers come in and carry items such as stoves and industrial ovens. She's blown away at the sight of a southern-themed restaurant making its way to the area, "Now, that should be a place Tara should run. Who else knows about soul food and the comforts of the soul? I'll have to call her."

Parked along the curb, Janet reaches for her phone but stops when she sees Tara's Kia Sportage pull up with the owners parked in front of her. Shocked, Janet turns off her car and then jogs over to her best friend, "Hey chickadee, is this your new place?"

Stunned for a second, Tara looks over her shoulder, "Hey! Yeah, this is the new restaurant. Hopefully, it'll be up and running before winter sets in," Tara says when she sees her boss staring at her, "Oh! Where are my manners? Cheryl, Harry, this is my best friend, Janet Elkins. Janet, these are the owners of Rocco's Little Italy and now Southern Soul Café, Harry and Cheryl Rocco."

"It's a pleasure to meet y'all," Janet says with a handshake to both Harry and Cheryl.

"No, the pleasure is ours, and any friend of Tara's is a friend of ours. She's been such a Godsend," Harry says, embarrassing Tara.

They move aside so the delivery of booths and tables can be carried inside. However, Janet can tell they need to get inside to start setting things up more and excuses herself.

"So, I wanted to stop and say hi. I was out and about learning my way around. But, when I saw the banner here, I wanted to stop and call you, and low and behold, here ya are. So, I won't hold y'all up any longer. Call me later, okay, Tara?"

"I will; we need to discuss some stuff and get the kids together again soon. I love ya, girl; I'll holler at you later," Tara tells Janet with a quick hug, then turns her attention to her bosses as they make their way inside.

With the sun shining bright, Janet takes her time walking back to her car, enjoying the brisk autumn winds. She feels at home with how welcoming everyone has been since her initial visit. After a couple of deep breaths, Janet begins to think about Rick and how patient he's been. They've avoided the mistake of rushing into having sex, but the urges exist. The kids are happier than they've ever been, and Janet feels the rush of living on cloud nine for the first time in her life. However, the rush ends when she finally sits in the car, turns the key over, and realizes a pile of smoke billowing from under the hood.

"NO!" She screams and rushes from the car, taking her phone, "Rick! Honey, my car blew up. I'm on Delta Street off Bellvue Drive," she waits and listens to Rick, "Okay, I'll sit tight, but I'm not getting back in my car. God, I was having such a good day. I can't afford not to have a car! What am I going to do?"

"Give me a few minutes; I'll get one of the wreckers there and tow your car here. I'll take a look at it, and we'll go from there. Be patient; it won't take me long, I promise," Rick says before he hangs up the phone.

Rick arrives in his truck in a rush, and one of his employees is driving the tow truck. They get out and pop the hood to assess the damage, but when they lift the hood and see that coolant has soaked everything, Rick frowns at Janet.

"I think it's time to scrap it. The block is cracked, which most likely wrapped the heads, and a car this old, it's going to be damn near impossible to get replacement parts," Rick advises, seeing Janet close to tears.

Rick goes to Janet with his arms around her for comfort out of instinct. Then, he begins thinking of things he could do, "I can convert my van back into a proper ride. I mean, it is kind of childish to keep it as a party vehicle. I keep it at Mrs. Dubois' house in the garage for safekeeping as a backup. I'll take you over there now, and Rodney can take your car to scrap, and I'll get you the money from it. Come on, let's go, beautiful."

It takes everything inside of Janet not to cry. The car was the one thing her mother got her when she got a driver's license. So she goes along for the ride to Lorraine's, but after Rick explains what happened, Lorraine pulls a fast surprise from the garage.

"Janet!" Lorraine calls out and motions for her to come to the garage, "Come here. I have something for you until you can save up for another car."

Once the garage door is lifted, Lorraine places her hand on the small of Janet's back and gently pushes her to the decommissioned police cruiser that Lorraine got to keep when she retired. The brown Crown Victoria door is opened, and Janet gets a hint of muskiness from the inside.

"It's lovely, thank you, but you don't need to do this for me," Janet says.

"Young lady, come with me. Rick, thank you for bringing her here, but I have it from here. She'll be here when you get the kids, and on your way back over, could you pick up some pizzas from Pizza Hut, please."

Rick makes himself scarce with a nod when he recognizes the look in Lorraine's eyes. Janet's heart begins to pound harder and faster being left behind. Nearly dragged into the living room, Lorraine sits Janet on the couch before she starts talking. In a way, Janet's pulse slows down when Lorraine looks at her the way a mother does when she's talking to someone they love.

"Look, I'm not handing you my old cruiser to keep. Rick is like a second son to me because he and Cory have known each other for longer than I can remember. Cory used to attend church with Rick and his parents. I've watched that boy grow up. It's not easy being one of the only black families in this place, but they've never had anyone disrespect them because of that. But, on another note, after what Rick did, his parents basically disowned him, and all he has left is a handful of friends that have worked to keep him out of trouble," Lorraine begins with Janet hanging onto every word.

"You know, after what happened, it changed everyone. First, Tara had her heartbroken by Cory. Then, Cory and Rick got into a hell of a brawl, and Lloyd lost his first love, but I lost my sons when Rick went to prison and Cory left for the Army. I lost the love of my life, and it felt like everything was falling apart until the first time I held CJ. I cried about as much as he did. It's taken nearly six-plus years to put my family back together, but there's one new addition, and that's you."

Her words bring Janet to a place where she's never felt this much love in her life. Her mother would have never sat her down for a conversation like Lorraine is doing.

"I look at Rick, and I see how happy you make him. Not only you but your kids too. As big as that boy is, and I use that term loosely, Rick is nothing but a big lovable teddy bear who would go to the ends of the world for his family. So, that being said, I am loaning you this car because you are a working mother and the woman who is making my other son happier than I've seen in years. Don't look at this as a handout, but rather as a means to keep yourself afloat. I know hard times. It's big enough for you and your children, and it's decent on gas since you're already in town. All I ask in return is a hug and the promise that you won't use Rick as a means to a better life. If you don't have feelings for him, don't drag him along to shatter his heart," Lorraine says as she finishes her lecture.

"That's a worry you can take off your plate, ma'am. I do like Rick, and I like him a lot. While I was finishing up unpacking, he went to the grocery store and used his credit card to make sure we had food in the fridge. I knew then what sort of guy he was, and that made me like him that much more. That's also like when it comes to sleeping together; we ain't done nothing yet. I mean, it's not like we don't wanna 'cause we do. Rick is so respectful and patient. He is my gentle giant."

What Janet says touches Lorraine the way it would as if Rick were her son. She gently takes Janet's hand with hers as nothing else is sid between them for a couple of minutes.

"Would you like anything to drink? Soda? Tea? Water?" Lorraine asks.

"Oh, a glass of tea would be delightful, thank you, ma'am."

In a playful huff, Lorraine gets to her feet with Janet standing up at the same time, "You can call me mom if you'd like or Lorraine. I know I'm old and ugly, but I didn't think I was 'ma'am' old yet," she teases as Janet blushes, "I get it though, it's a southern sign of respect. Tara was the same way when she met me."

Janet watches Lorraine take a glass pitcher from the refrigerator with lemon slices floating, "Is that southern sweet tea?"

"Yes and no," Lorraine begins, "Tara made sweet sun tea one time, and I fell in love with it. So, that's the only kind of tea I make now. I will apologize in advance if it's not sweet enough."

Sampling the tea, Janet enjoys sipping on the delectable sweetened beverage, "It's damn good," she informs Lorraine.

"Thank you," Lorraine takes a seat at the table, "So, being part of this family means we protect each other. Now, with that being said, welcome to the family."

Touched by the sentimental statement, Janet hugs Lorraine, "Thank you."

"You are more than welcome. Come on, let's get that car aired out with some smell goods and start it up."

A few hours later, Rick, Dawson, and Charlotte arrive with four pizzas and a couple of two liters of soda. Walking into the house, they see Janet and Lorraine on the couch enjoying more tea with a romantic-comedy movie. Rick makes his way to the kitchen table and gets some plates and plastic cups from the cabinet.

The adults help the kids get what they want before digging into dinner and sitting at the table. Lorraine enjoys the feel of the house being full of laughter and people she loves there with her.

Things for Cory are going better than expected. His test results have come in, and he passed with flying colors. However, his head is in the clouds all day at work, looking for jobs closer to RiverCreek. He's been so distracted that Sierra is getting pissy with him.

"Earth to Cory! Um, hello, did you forget, us on duty, so get back to getting things ready for surgeries."

"Oh yeah, my bad, Sierra. I got my results in, and I passed! As a result, I'm an RN now! That means more money and hopefully a job in an office rather than a hospital or outpatient center."

Impressed, Sierra sees dollar signs looking at Cory. Over the last few weeks she's taken her time trying to dig her claws into him. Now that she knows time is of the essence, Sierra looks around to make sure the coast is clear, "Hey. C'mere, I have something to tell you," she says in a low tone.

Unaware of anything, Cory walks over to the corner. He stops beside Sierra and turns his head. That's the instant Sierra makes her move shoving Cory into the wall, kissing him, and moaning, trying to break through his defenses.

Caught off guard, it takes Cory a few seconds to realize what's happening and pull away. Cory is unable to form words, with his mouth slightly dipped open.

"Those lips taste oh so good. So tell me, what does that girl you're dating got that I don't," Sierra says, staring at Cory, still silent, "Well, if the kiss doesn't do it for you, how about this?" Sierra lifts her scrub top and bra to expose her breasts to Cory, but he still stands there stunned.

"Touch them!" She demands, using one hand to take Cory's and place it on her naked chest. Cory moves his hand around until Sierra lets go and close her eyes, "God, I fucking want you! What can I do to get you to sleep with me?"

Quickly jerking his hand away, Cory steps away while Sierra adjusts her uniform, "Am I not attractive enough?" Sierra wonders out loud, beginning to feel annoyed.

"Sierra, you are very beautiful, and your boyfriend is lucky to have someone like you, but I'm in love with someone else just like you are."

"Oh, get a fucking clue, Cory. It's not about love, and it's never about love. It's about attraction and money. If you can provide me a decent lifestyle, then I'll fuck your brains out until something, or someone, better comes along. I'm all about living at a point that provides me with a life I want and deserve."

Blown away at her words, Cory shakes his head and walks away.

"Get back here! I want you, you fucking idiot! No one would ever know, and I wouldn't even file for child support. Cory! Cory! CORY!"

Not willing to go back, Cory makes his way down to the locker room to grab his clothes and exit without changing. He's unaware that behind him, a determined Sierra isn't going to accept rejection. She walks into the men's changing room and confronts Cory after slapping him as hard as possible.

"Listen here, Bucco, I get everything I want, when I want it, and that includes you. Even if it means I do whatever I can to keep you in here and knock you out to get a piece, I will," Sierra takes out a syringe readying to plunge it into Cory's body, "So, what's your choice? Is it the easy way or the drugged way?"

Cory dips his head to draw her in, making it appear he's going to submit, but right before Sierra goes for another kiss, Cory snatches the syringe, smashing it against the wall, "Listen to me, you selfish, self-absorbed bitch. I left to keep you from seeing this side of me, and now you're trying to get me to cheat on the love of my life. Get lost, or I will rat out what you did to Human Resources. I won't be back, so enjoy being in the sterile room longer."

Afraid of Cory, Sierra moves aside so he can leave. Then, without hesitation, he marches out of the VA to his car and speeds home. Parked in the garage, Cory gets out of his car running inside to the bedroom. Startled to see him home early, Tara follows behind and is surprised when the shower is turned on.

"Cory, is everything okay, sweetie?"

"I need to wash the dirt off me! I quit my job today and had one of the best days of my life ruined," He calls out with his voice rattled under the water.

Suddenly the pit of her stomach curls into a ball as her hands begin to tremble, "What did she do?"

"She kissed me, showed me her tits, and tried to drug me to rape me. I am so sorry; I would never ever be with someone else in a million years. But, please, Tara, don't be mad at me."

Feeling like she's about to lose her food, Tara stumbles back to the toilet seat and slowly lowers herself down. She takes out from phone from her pocket and texts Janet.

OMG, I think I'm about to kill a bitch – Tara Rose

Frightened by the way it sounds, Janet excuses herself from the movie, "Rick, Mrs. Dubois, could you give me a minute. Tara needs me, you know, girl talk," after they nod, Janet walks out to the porch.

What's wrong?

That slut I told you Cory had a nightmare about made a serious move on him today. She kissed him and tried to have sex with him. I need you here with CJ and Cory so I can go confront her and send her to the hospital – Tara Rose

Oh hell nah, that bitch is gonna get a southern beatdown. What's her name? I'm going with you.

Sierra Walters. She's dead when I get my hands on her! She fucked with the wrong guy! – Tara Rose

You stay home and let me handle this. I'm the jailbird while you've never had so much as a parking ticket. Mrs. Dubois said I was family earlier, and girl, you know how I am when it comes to my family being disrespected

No! He's my man, and you're getting a whole new life here. I can sneak to the VA and wait for that bitch. I know what she drives. It's a Chevy Cobalt four-door – Tara Rose

Then wait for me, and I'll tag along. Give me, say, thirty-five minutes. I have a ride no one would expect. Mine blew up, and Mrs. Dubois loaned me her old car. Be ready. That way, we can jump and thump her ass.

I'll be waiting, and thanks, girl, I owe you! – Tara Rose

Janet has a death grip on her phone, and when she walks back inside, she motions for Rick to come over to her.

"Hey, Tara needs me, and I mean she needs me. Would you be so kind as to take the kids back to your place until I get back?" Janet whispers, then plants a kiss on Rick's cheek.

"Yeah, no doubt, I can if you need to go with. Is everything cool with Cory?" Rick offers and asks with concern.

"No. I need to handle something for them. So don't wait up for me. Thanks, handsome."

Janet waves farewell to Lorraine and then makes walks out to the Crown Vic. The supercharged V8 comes to life, leaving Janet feeling gitty being a big block fan. Soon she's on the way to Tara's, and when she pulls up, Tara doesn't waste time running out to the car. The door slams shut, and Tara fastens her seatbelt.

"Thank you for picking me up. I don't think I could've driven there without doing something stupid or getting a massive speeding ticket."

"You're my best friend and like a sister. This chick is about to find out what's it like to get an ass-whoopin' from someone below the Mason Dixon line. Now let's go fuck someone's face up!" Janet yells while slapping her fist against the steering wheel.

She follows Tara's directions to the VA, and they slowly crawl through the parking lot, looking for Sierra's car.

"How do you know what she drives?"

"Cory told me about it. He's still looking for another car and said she has a nice Cobalt SS. 'It's sporty, but yet a family car,' Cory keeps saying."

They nearly passed by the car, but Janet stomps on the brakes and quickly finds a parking spot. Once the engine is shut off, Janet and Tara wait for nearly an hour and a half before Sierra walks out of the building, unlocking her car.

"Oh right, here we go! Time to beat a bitches ass," Janet says, about to open the driver's side door.

"No! Wait! There might be cameras around here. Give her until she pulls out, keep some space until we're on the road, and then cut her off. We'll leave that skank on the side of the road beaten like the trick she is, you feel me."

After a fist bump, Janet gets the car running again as she pulls out about a hundred feet behind Sierra. Nothing happens for about a mile. It's not until Sierra turns down a gravel road that Janet steps on the gas and speeds in front of her, blocking the road ahead, "Get down and stay out of sight!" Janet screams as the dust from the gravel.

Tara does what Janet demands then she vanishes into the dust. She charges over to the Cobalt and opens the door, ripping Sierra from her seat after the seatbelt is unfastened.

"Bitch you made the wrong decision today! You gonna fuck with my brother and try ta break up his family? I got issues with that," Janet screams in her face with a fist drawn back.

"Get out of my face, you uneducated hick! I'll have him before it's all said and done. Like I told Cory, I get what I want when I want," Sierra yells right before she spits in Janet's face.

No longer able to control her actions, Janet slams her fist into Sierra's jaw. She punches her three more times, then kicks her in the ribs twice with a knee resting on Sierra's chest, "You don't ever disrespect me. You wanna spit on me, trick; you're about to get hurt!" Janet continues to throw punches until the dust settles.

"I'm going to stop, but if you run to the cops, remember this, I don't have any problem going back to jail to protect my family, and next time you will wind up face down in a puddle of mud with your head stomped in and your brain sticking out. I ain't got nothin' to lose, so fuck with my family one more goddamn time, and I'll send you to meet ya maker."

Janet gets to her feet and walks back to her car. The door slams shut, and she drops it into Reverse, tossing gravel everywhere, and whips the Crown Victoria around, speeding away back to Tara's. Along the way, Tara sees Janet's knuckles have turned red with some abrasions.

"Oh damn, sis, did you kill the slut?"

"Nah, I whipped her ass and put a thumpin' on her face. But, I warned her if she ran to the po-po that next time, she wouldn't be walking away. God, I haven't this alive in a long damn time!" Janet lets out and whistles excitedly.

Tara feels somewhat disappointed that she didn't get to assault Sierra, but at the same time, she knows that if things go wrong, Janet is the one to go to jail, and that says a lot about their rekindled sisterhood. She says nothing else until they park in the driveway, and Cory sees Tara getting out of the car.

"Please tell me you didn't do what I think you did," Cory pleads, walking down to the car.

"I think you're familiar with the phrase, 'don't ask, don't tell,' so don't ask, so I don't have to tell."

Cory looks at Janet and vaguely sees her red knuckles, "Hey, Janet, turn the car off and come inside. Let me patch up your knuckles as payment for settling the score for me."

Without an ounce of regret, Janet kills the engine and walks inside, where Cory takes her to the kitchen while Tara gets a bag of Epsom salt and triple antibiotic ointment. Cory fills one side of the sink with warm water, mixing in the Epsom salt.

"Let your hand soak for about five minutes; then, I'll apply the ointment. It should help ease the scabbing over, and if Rick gives you any guff, have him call me," Cory says and gulps, unsure of how to react.

"I can handle that big teddy bear, but I do appreciate it. By the way, your momma is one of the most sweetest ladies I've ever met. I'll be fine; just be good to my bestie and y'alls son. Now, let me soak my hand in peace."

After finished bandaging Janet's knuckles, Cory and Tara walk her out to the car and exchange hugs with her. She gets in the car and drives back to Rick's apartment, where she explains everything to Rick, and he shows his appreciation with a passionate kiss that nearly sends Janet over the edge.

That night Janet invites Rick to her apartment, where they put the kids to bed, and they end up snuggled up in bed. Rick battles his body's urge to take Janet but instead whispers something soft and sweet in her ear.

"I hope this isn't rushing it, but I wanted to tell you something. I love you, Janet."

"Rick, I love you too! I want you so bad, but it's still too soon."

Placing his finger against her lips, Rick shushes Janet and then pulls her in tight, "I want to go to that next level too, but we can't yet. So I'll hold you, and that's just as good for me."

Slowly they fall asleep in each other's arms. It's a night that solidifies a decent amount of the repair between everyone. The new bonds of trust created a sense of coming together that none of them had felt in several years.

After the altercation with Sierra, nothing happens, but Tara does see a report on the news that an employee from the VA Medical Center was mugged and assaulted after leaving work. Afraid of Janet's threat, Sierra told her boyfriend a lie to cover for her injuries. Tara texts Janet with the pressure off, letting her know they have nothing to fear.