Jess was content to leave the topic of his mother and her upcoming assignment by the wayside for tonight. He highly suspected one or both could be sensitive subjects and he'd rather not ruin the mood of the evening.

"Funny you would describe her like that," Jesse's interactions with Miss Skovgaard were few and far between, but she did not strike him as shy. "Soft-spoken certainly, but quite assured of herself." He admired that about her, the ability to be quietly in charge. He'd seen it in the hospital during his last stay, that was for sure. It was easy to see why the pair were such close friends and from what Jess knew about their histories, good for one another.

Leaning back against the pillows more comfortably, he eyed her carefully. She had yet to ask about the tiny wrapped box amidst the food and he wondered if it was too hidden. He took a pensive sip of his wine, watching her carefully over the rim of the glass.