Ray had known who Joel was talking about, and he had felt a spark of happiness to know how Joel felt about him. "Uh... Jontron?", Ray had faked not knowing who Joel was really describing, trying to relieve the embarrassment. The answer had obviously been wrong, and Jon uncomfortably said, "Sorry Ray, the correct answer was you. But -um- you still earned 70 points bringing the point score to 90-70 In favor of Gavin and Michael.". Joel then proceeded to sit back down in his chair, awkwardly moving around in place and growing red in the face.
Everyone sat there, not knowing what to do. Not only did the crew witness what happened, but the sponsors who were watching the live stream saw as well. Uncomfortable silence sat over everyone and all eyes were on Joel, who was looking at the beer-stained ground not wanting to face the bewildered eyes. Jon finally ended the never ending quietness and said, "Ok, so on to the next round! Both teams will..."
About 30 minutes later, Gavin and Michael finally ended up winning the golden Gus. Everyone started to file out of the building, and head home. Joel stopped at his desk to retrieve his phone and jacket, saying goodbye to those who had said it to him, and started to head to his car. On his way though, he could hear a faint yelling of someone in an argument, and Joel decided to check it out. "Tina, leave it be!", it was Ray, standing by his girlfriend's car with his hands in the air, "Fine Ray, we can talk about it later, just get in the car so we can head home-" "No Tina, I'll walk. I can't stand you right now." "Ray please, I'm sorry. Let's just go home a forget this even happened!". At this point, Ray was furious, and Joel could tell. "Forget about it!? Just go Tina, I'll find my own way home." And then Ray hastily walk away from Tina, who slowly got into her car, and drove away.
Joel knew that Ray didn't have any other way of getting home, since he couldn't drive, and started to walk up to him. Ray sat up against the wall, with his face in his hands. Slowly, Joel approached him and put his hand on his shoulder, "Hey man, are you ok? I heard what had happened-" "Everything?!" Ray shot his head up in worry, "Well, just the last part, so I came to ask if you wanted a ride?" Ray had a wave of relief, knowing that Joel hadn't heard the whole thing, and replied "I wouldn't want to trouble you..." "It'll be no problem", Joel said warmly and helped Ray stand up.
As Joel started his car, he asked Ray for the directions to his apartment with Tina. Ray had told Joel and they started their ride to his house. "If you don't mind me asking, what got you so angry at Tina?", Ray looked at Joel and said, "It's really nothing Joel, I just- I don't think I have feelings for her like I did. I don't want to talk about it." As Joel stopped at a red light, he looked at Ray and said, "You don't have to tell me, I don't want to push you or anything..." Ray had a slight smile on his face, "It's ok, and thank you for driving me. Actually, can you drop me off at a motel or something, I don't want to be there with her tonite."
Joel felt sad for Ray, and felt a bit of courage build up inside of him. "You know Ray, you can always stay at my house, if you want." Joel soon regretted saying that, but before he could say anything else, Ray said, "I'd love to stay at your house for the night."
